To increase security measures in Queen Elizabeth national, Uganda Wildlife Authority introduces drones just like Malawi. Due to the terrible incident that happened in Queen Elizabeth nation park of suspected ADF rebels killing the tourists who were honeymooners alongside their guide two weeks ago.
The suspected ADF rebels not only killed them but also set their tourist vehicle on fire that was branded Gorilla and Wildlife Safaris.
During a tour of the park with UWA, military deployment was visible in isolated areas within the park. A joint team of crime experts from Uganda, Britain, and South Africa were also seen reconstructing the crime scene.
“The comprehensive security measures have been put in place. These include a permanent military presence in the park, increased police and military patrols on park roads, the use of drone surveillance cameras for aerial monitoring, community sensitization, and mobilization of locals as the first line of defense.” the Chief Warden of Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area Pontius Ezuma said.
Ezuma also notes that the attack did not have a noticeable impact on visitor numbers in the park, which he said have remained steady.
He continues to explain that in the 11 days following the incident, there were 957 visitors, with 632 being foreign non-residents. He notes that in the week of the incident, 932 visitors entered the park, including 604 foreign non-residents.
‘The introduction of drone surveillance systems will enhance park security and protect the integrity of wildlife habitats. He added that the drones also provide real-time information of what is happening in the different parts of the park, to determine suitable responses.” the UWA Manager for Communication, Bashir Hangi explained.
He continuously said that a dedicated team of game rangers with specialized knowledge operates these self-driven surveillance cameras, particularly in hot spot areas where they must ensure that they occasionally fly these self-driven cameras. They also use them for animal management, because animals sometimes go out of the park and they are unable to tell their whereabouts until they receive reports of them having destroyed people’s property
The UWA Manager for Communication Bashir said that drones have been deployed in five other conservation areas. He added that they plan to equip each of the 22 conservation areas with at least four surveillance drones.
A tourist from Switzerland Csillar Saxer admitted feeling worried about visiting the park, but with the vigilance of their guides and the visible military presence, she was confident of adequate security during her visit.
About Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Queen Elizabeth national park is the second largest park in Uganda from Murchison falls national park. Queen Elizabeth national park is located in western part of Uganda covering an area of 1978sqkm spanning the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, Rukungiri and Kihihi.
Queen Elizabeth supports at least 95 species of mammals, it boasts of 20 carnivores like the Lion, Leopards, side stripped jackal and spotted hyena among others. The Park is understandably Uganda’s most popular tourist destination. The park’s diverse ecosystems, which include sprawling savanna, shady, humid forests, sparkling lakes, and fertile wetlands, make it the ideal habitat for a classic big game, ten primate species including chimpanzees, and over 600 species of birds.
The park is the best destination for lion climbing trees in Ishasha sector and primate destination for chimpanzees in kalinzu forest and kyambura gorge.
