LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK TRAVEL GUIDE, UGANDA

LOCATION OF LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA

Lake Mburo National Park is located in the Western Region of Uganda, specifically in Nyabushozi County, Kiruhura District. This tourist attraction is situated about 30 kilometers (19 miles) East of Mbarara and approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles) West of Kampala.

HISTORY OF LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA

Lake Mburo National Park, located in Nyabushozi County, Kiruhura District, Uganda, has a rich and complex history.

EARLY HISTORY AND ESTABLISHMENT OF LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA

Gazettement as a Controlled Hunting Area:

• The area that is now Lake Mburo National Park was first gazetted as a controlled hunting area in 1933. This designation aimed to regulate hunting activities and protect the wildlife in the region.

Upgrade to Game Reserve:

• In 1963, the area was upgraded to a game reserve. This change provided greater protection for the wildlife and habitats within the reserve.

CULTURAL AND POLITICAL CONTEXT OF LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA

Banyankole Bahima Pastoralists:

• The region was traditionally inhabited by the Banyankole Bahima pastoralists, who herded Ankole cattle. These pastoralists continued to graze their cattle in the reserve even after it was designated as a game reserve.

National Park Status:

• In 1983, the Obote government upgraded the game reserve to national park status. This decision was partly influenced by political motives, as the Banyankole were believed to support anti-Obote rebels. The upgrade led to the eviction of the pastoralists, who were not compensated for their lost grazing land.

CONFLICT AND RECLAMATION OF LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA

Operation Bonanza:

• The upgrade to national park status coincided with the Operation Bonanza massacre during the Ugandan Bush War, which resulted in significant loss of life and displacement.

Reoccupation and Destruction:

• After the fall of the second Obote regime in 1985, the former residents reoccupied the park's land. They expelled park staff, destroyed infrastructure, and killed wildlife. This period of chaos significantly impacted the park.

RESTORATION AND CONSERVATION OF LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA

Re-gazettement:

• In 1986, the National Resistance Movement government re-gazetted less than half of the original park's land area. Despite the reduction in size, the park continued to be a vital conservation area.

Cultural Significance:

• Within the park, there are culturally significant locations such as Rubanga, where sacrifices were once made to the gods, and Ruroko, believed to be the dwelling place of the semi-mythical Bachwezi.

MODERN-DAY LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK, UGANDA

Biodiversity:

• Today, Lake Mburo National Park is known for its diverse habitats, including forests, acacia tree valleys, grasslands, and swamps. It is home to 68 mammal species, including zebras, hippos, impalas, and over 300 bird species.

Tourism and Conservation:

• The park is a popular destination for tourists, offering activities such as game drives, boat trips, and bird watching. Conservation efforts continue to focus on protecting the park's unique ecosystems and wildlife.

Lake Mburo National Park's history reflects its importance as a conservation area and its complex interactions with local communities and political events. The park remains a vital part of Uganda's natural heritage.

LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE FEE, UGANDA