Hundreds of tourists are currently visiting Kibale National Park despite the recent attack by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in the surrounding areas.

According to the Ministry of Tourism Wild Life and Antiquities, Kibale National Park has been overwhelmed by guest arrivals since Thursday, December 28, 2023, and has assured tourists of their safety.

“Kibale NP has had a busy morning with overwhelming guest arrivals. Uganda is a very safe country, and our visitors’ security is a top priority. Welcome to the Pearl of Africa,” the Tourism Ministry stated.

The main activity in the park is chimpanzee trekking, and many reported the experience on Thursday morning. According to reports, 99% of visitors have a chance to see them (chimpanzees) on any given day.

Amos Wekesa, the Managing Director of Great Lakes Safaris Limited, a tour operating company in the African Great Lakes, has noted that Uganda needs consistency throughout the year.

“This is what we need consistently throughout the year as a country, and it can be achieved. We need to handle information better, we need real marketing happening, and we need to engage those writing negative advisories. We need numbers in Murchison, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo, Lake Victoria, and Kampala,” Wekesa noted.

On Wednesday, December 27, 2023, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) put out of action an ADF commander identified as Musa Kamusi, who was the mastermind behind the recent attacks in Kamwenge, Western Uganda.

Following President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s directive, the UPDF has started the recruitment of Local Defence Unit (LDU) personnel in Western Uganda to ensure the safety of locals in villages across the country.

According to security forces, the mobilisation is being conducted by the Resident District Commissioners, the Deputy Resident District Commissioners, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, the Uganda Police Force, the Internal Security Organisation, LCI Chairpersons, and Secretaries for Defence.