The MPs from west Nile region have demanded the Government to open the Murchison park to all passengers and remove park fees for the three months Karuma Bridge will be under construction to facilitate smoother travel for people and goods from the area.
Addressing a news conference at Parliament, the Mps led by the chairperson of West Nile parliamentary caucus Geoffrey Feta said that the current route through Kafu, Masindi, and down to Murchison Falls National Park has significantly increased transportation costs, leading to a rise in commodity prices.
Travelers using the Murchison Falls National Park to Masindi have been subjected to pay a fee of Shs25,000 shillings.
He has also asked UWA to immediately address bureaucratic processes that are stifling smooth travel and reconsider restrictions on time to allow buses and private cars to travel between 6;00am and 8;00pm.
He said that this will save travelers from incurring accommodation costs.
Apparently, the park gates are open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm and this compels many Kampala bound passengers to brave nights in lodges along those routes.
This has led to an increased cost of transport for people and goods by about thirty-five percent.
Feta says commercial and private vehicles have been diverted to long and insecure road with non motorable sections and this has increased cost of transport for goods which has led to an increase in the price commodities like sugar, rice, cooking oil, construction and general merchandise.
Obongi county Mp George Didi Boka asked the Government to reach an understanding with bus companies that have hiked fares,warning that failure to do this will cripple trade and movement of people and goods.
