In a recent development, it has been reported that 14 employees of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) have been suspended over allegations related to the issuance of counterfeit gorilla permits. The names of these staff members have not been disclosed as of now.
The suspension comes as a measure to facilitate a thorough investigation into a significant financial scandal involving an estimated 60 billion Ugandan shillings. The revelation was made by Tourism State Minister Martin Mugarra during a plenary session on Thursday, October 5, 2023.
Sources indicate that the accused individuals, who are employed in the booking department, are facing accusations of providing fraudulent gorilla permits to unsuspecting tourists over a period spanning three years.
Minister Mugarra stated, “Based on our findings, approximately 500 million shillings may have been lost over the course of three months. We have identified around 14 of our staff as suspects, and there are indications that some tour companies may have also been involved in this fraud. Further investigations are underway to determine their roles in this illicit activity.”
Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism has formally requested the Office of the Auditor General to conduct an extensive forensic audit, covering the period from July 2020 to September 2023. This audit will encompass gorilla bookings at Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks, as well as Kyambura Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has urged Auditor General John Muwanga and his team to swiftly conclude the investigation within one month and implement a new booking and revenue collection system to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
Debate on the matter has been temporarily suspended, with concerns that discussing it openly could jeopardize ongoing investigations. This decision was made following a procedural point raised by Mary Begumisa (Sembabule District Woman, NRM), who emphasized the importance of protecting Uganda’s tourism image.
Minister Mugarra’s comments were prompted by a directive from Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who expressed the need for transparency regarding the matter while ensuring it does not hinder ongoing investigations.
A gorilla tracking permit is an official document that grants permission to visit a sanctuary housing these unique creatures. In 2023/24, the cost of a gorilla tracking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents, and 250,000 shillings for East African residents.
For travelers desiring an extended experience with mountain gorillas, a habituation permit is available at a cost of $1,500 for foreign non-residents, $1,000 for foreign residents, and 750,000 shillings for East African citizens.
It’s worth noting that in 2018/2019, UWA generated over $25 million in revenue from issuing permits for approximately 40,000 gorilla tours. This marked a substantial 40% increase compared to previous years, according to official documents.