Kisoro Security Committee Warns Hotels to Tighten Tourist Safety

The district security committee has directed hotel and lodge operators to improve security, complete legal registration and strengthen cooperation with security agencies amid concerns over tourist access and infrastructure challenges.

The Kisoro District Security Committee has tasked hotel and lodge owners and managers with strengthening security measures to protect tourists and safeguard tourism businesses across the district.

The directive was issued during a stakeholders’ meeting at Kisoro District Hall chaired by Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Mr. Dan Ndikumwami on 16.10.2026

Operators were instructed to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, deploy armed security personnel, erect security fences and complete all required legal registration procedures.

Police Emphasise Prevention and Cooperation

The District Police Commander SP Cosmos Edatu urged hotel managers to maintain timely communication with security agencies, report incidents promptly and cooperate with security personnel during initial inquiries.

The meeting also emphasised stronger coordination between tourism businesses and security agencies, alongside continuous sensitisation of managers on their responsibility to protect visitors.

The Commanding Officer of the UPDF battalion, Lt. Col. Sabiti, reaffirmed the army’s commitment to ensuring tourists enjoy their planned activities without security interruptions.

Mucho Bridge and Poor Network Coverage Raise Concerns

The discussions also highlighted challenges affecting tourism operations, including the condition of Mucho Bridge, other tourist access roads and unreliable mobile network coverage in remote areas.

The concerns follow the collapse of River Mucha Bridge on October 10, 2026, which disrupted direct access to the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The Ministry of Works and Transport advised travellers to use an alternative route through Karengyere, Nyanamo and Rubuguri, adding approximately 30–45 minutes to journeys under normal conditions.

Mr. Ndikumwami assured meeting participants that road and bridge concerns were being addressed, noting that the Ministry of Works had taken measurements and contractors for most affected roads had been identified.

On communication challenges, hotel operators were advised to consider signal boosters while awaiting government plans to install network signal antennas in affected areas.

District Leaders Call for Compliance

The district chairperson, represented by Vice Chairperson Hon. Joseph Erukema, commended the security committee for organising the meeting and appreciated tourism operators for their contribution to the district.

However, he reminded hotel and lodge owners to complete all legal registration requirements.

What This Means for Kisoro Tourism

The meeting places responsibility on tourism operators to strengthen security while highlighting the need for government agencies to address infrastructure and communication gaps.

For visitors, reliable security, accessible roads and dependable communication are important to planning trips and reaching tourism destinations. For local businesses, cooperation with security agencies and compliance with registration requirements are essential to building visitor confidence.

The effectiveness of these measures will depend on sustained cooperation among tourism operators, district leaders and security agencies, alongside progress on the infrastructure challenges raised during the meeting.