Roads of Neglect: How Poor Infrastructure is Eating Up Tourism Revenue

Uganda’s flagship tourism attraction—gorilla trekking—is facing a crisis. But the threat doesn’t come from poachers or climate change.

It stems from the very roads that are meant to lead visitors to this globally renowned experience.

Private sector players are raising alarms about the deplorable state of roads to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a situation that endangers the survival of Uganda’s most lucrative tourism product.

“Tourists complain about the terrible conditions and tell tour operators not to take them back,” says Herbert Byaruhanga, former president of the Uganda Tourism Association.

“Many have given up on gorilla trekking, especially during the rainy season, despite repeated government promises to upgrade these roads.”

A Safety and Economic Risk

The challenges go beyond mere inconvenience. Geoffrey Baluku, a prominent tourism stakeholder, paints a dire picture of the dangers posed by poor infrastructure.

“When it rains, some tourists are too scared to continue, while others find themselves in accidents. The roads are in a pathetic state. The government must act now and allocate road funds directly to the Ministry of Tourism,” Baluku urges.

He highlights specific routes in dire need of improvement, including those from Kisoro to Nkuringo, Rushaga, Buhizya, and Buhoma—the heart of Uganda’s gorilla trekking activities.

Baluku also alleges that funds earmarked for tourism roads are being misdirected, leaving private players and local communities to bear the burden of deteriorating infrastructure.

A National Treasure at Risk

Gorillas are more than a wildlife attraction; they are Uganda’s crown jewel, contributing an astonishing 70% of the nation’s total tourism revenue.

Gorilla trekking permits, which cost up to $800 each, not only bolster Uganda’s GDP—tourism accounts for 7.7%—but also support conservation and community development.

In 2019, before the pandemic, over 50,000 visitors came to Uganda for gorilla trekking, generating $34 million in revenue.

Local communities around Bwindi and Mgahinga benefit directly from this income, which funds education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods.

Yet, the poor state of infrastructure threatens this entire ecosystem. Tourists who spend significant sums on permits, accommodation, and local crafts are increasingly frustrated by inaccessible and hazardous roads, particularly in southern Bwindi.

Beyond the economic impact, gorillas play a crucial role in maintaining forest ecosystems as seed dispersers. Neglecting the roads that lead to their habitats jeopardizes not only tourism but also Uganda’s environmental conservation efforts.

Tourism stakeholders argue that improving road networks would transform visitor experiences and make the sector more resilient.

“It’s about priorities,” Baluku asserts. “If the government allocated funds directly to the Ministry of Tourism and worked with the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), these issues could be resolved. Right now, we’re reaping where we didn’t sow, and it’s unsustainable.”

Uganda prides itself as a premier gorilla trekking destination, but the neglect of critical infrastructure risks tarnishing its reputation.

For a sector that sustains thousands of livelihoods and fuels conservation initiatives, poor roads are more than just a nuisance—they are a betrayal of Uganda’s immense potential.