President Museveni has indefinitely suspended the collection of fees imposed on public and private vehicles passing through Murchison Falls National Park.
The decision comes after a petition by Members of Parliament from Northern Uganda and West Nile, who raised concerns about the charges introduced by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) following the closure of the Karuma Bridge.
The legislators argued that the fees, combined with the detour through Murchison Falls National Park, have led to increased transportation costs, causing delays in the movement of goods and services.
They further highlighted that the additional costs have contributed to a rise in commodity prices, affecting traders and consumers alike.
Before this suspension, travellers passing through the park were required to pay a fee of Shs25,000.
Last week, UWA exempted buses from paying the fees but maintained the charges on other vehicles.
The MPs sought President Museveni’s intervention to address these escalating costs, which have placed a burden on businesses and individuals in the region.
The president's directive is expected to alleviate the financial strain on travellers and ease the transportation of goods between Northern Uganda and West Nile.
The closure of the Karuma Bridge has forced many to take longer routes, such as through Kafu, Masindi, and down to Murchison Falls National Park, further adding to transportation challenges in the area.