30 More Years: UWA Renews Marasa Deal For Three Flagship Safari Lodges

By Frank Kamuntu

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has renewed concession agreements with Marasa Africa for the management of Paraa, Mweya and Chobe Safari Lodges, extending the partnership by another 30 years.

The agreements were signed on Sunday at a ceremony attended by officials from both organizations. UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi signed on behalf of the wildlife authority, while Marasa Africa was represented by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. KP Eswar.

The renewed concessions cover Paraa and Chobe Safari Lodges in Murchison Falls National Park and Mweya Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, three of Uganda’s most visited protected areas.

The long-term agreements are expected to provide stability for continued investment in tourism infrastructure and hospitality services, while supporting conservation efforts within the national parks. UWA said the renewal reflects a shared commitment to sustainable tourism, environmental stewardship and improving visitor experiences.

Officials also said the partnership is expected to contribute to employment, strengthen Uganda’s tourism industry and support economic development in communities surrounding the protected areas.

Speaking after the signing, Marasa Director of Tourism Mike Rourke welcomed the renewal, describing it as an opportunity to continue investing in Uganda’s tourism sector.

“We are delighted to renew our partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority for another 30 years,” Rourke said. “This renewal allows us to keep investing in world-class visitor experiences while supporting conservation and the communities around the parks.”

Marasa Africa, a subsidiary of the Madhvani Group, operates several luxury safari lodges across Uganda and Kenya, including Silverback Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge and Chobe Safari Lodge.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority is responsible for conserving and managing the country’s wildlife and protected areas. Long-term concession agreements with private operators form part of its strategy to promote sustainable tourism while maintaining conservation standards across Uganda’s national parks.