The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has renewed concession agreements with Marasa Africa, allowing the hospitality company to continue operating three of Uganda’s best-known safari lodges for another 30 years in a move aimed at supporting long-term tourism investment and wildlife conservation.
The agreements, signed on July 6, cover Paraa Safari Lodge and Chobe Safari Lodge in Murchison Falls national park, as well as Mweya Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth national park. Together, the lodges are among Uganda’s most established accommodation facilities for visitors to two of the country’s flagship national parks.
According to an official statement issued by UWA and Marasa Africa, the renewed concessions extend a partnership that has existed for decades and provide greater certainty for future investment in Uganda’s tourism industry.
Long-term concession agreements allow private operators to manage tourism facilities within protected areas while working under terms set by UWA, the government agency responsible for conserving and managing the country’s wildlife and national parks.
The agreements were signed by Dr James Musinguzi, executive director of UWA, on behalf of the Authority, and KP Eswar, director of corporate affairs, representing Marasa Africa.
Although the signing was primarily a contractual exercise, both organisations said the renewal is intended to support continued investment in tourism infrastructure, improve visitor experiences and maintain conservation standards within the protected areas where the lodges operate.
The decision also carries wider economic significance. Tourism remains one of Uganda’s major sources of employment and foreign exchange earnings, with national parks attracting visitors from across the world. Hotels, lodges, tour operators, transport providers, guides and surrounding communities all depend on the steady flow of tourists.
By extending the concession period to three decades, UWA is giving the operator a longer planning horizon, making it easier to invest in property improvements and long-term maintenance that would be difficult under shorter contracts. Such investments can help keep Uganda’s tourism facilities competitive in a regional market where neighbouring countries continue to expand their own wildlife tourism offerings.
The three lodges occupy strategic locations within two of Uganda’s most visited protected areas. Paraa and Chobe serve visitors exploring Murchison Falls national park, while Mweya provides access to Queen Elizabeth national park, both internationally recognised for their diverse wildlife and safari experiences.
In the official statement, Marasa described the renewal as an opportunity to continue investing in Uganda’s tourism sector while supporting conservation efforts and neighbouring communities.
“We are delighted to renew our partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority for another 30 years. For decades, Paraa, Mweya, and Chobe have welcomed guests from around the world to Uganda’s most spectacular landscapes, and this renewal allows us to keep investing in world-class visitor experiences while supporting conservation and the communities around the parks. We look forward to working with UWA to showcase the very best of Uganda,” said Mike Rourke, Marasa’s director of tourism.
Marasa Africa, a subsidiary of the Madhvani Group, operates safari lodges in Uganda and Kenya, including Silverback Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge and Chobe Safari Lodge.
UWA, meanwhile, is the statutory body responsible for conserving Uganda’s wildlife and ensuring that tourism within protected areas supports both conservation objectives and national development.