Uganda to name road after tourists killed in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Uganda has confirmed its intention to dedicate a road in honor of two foreign tourists who tragically lost their lives in Queen Elizabeth National Park due to an attack by suspected ADF rebels. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, announced that the cabinet has approved this decision, which will name a road in Uganda after David Jim Barlow, a British citizen, and his South African wife, Emmaretia Celia Geyer, along with their Ugandan driver, Eric Alyai, who were all victims of the incident.

Baryomunsi stated, "As cabinet, we took a decision that for these tourists killed in Queen Elizabeth, we are going to name one of the roads in Uganda after them." He also mentioned that the Ugandan government is in contact with the families of the deceased, who will receive support, as well as their Ugandan driver from Kaberamaido.

The tragic incident occurred when suspected ADF rebels attacked their vehicle inside Queen Elizabeth National Park, resulting in the deaths of the tourists and the destruction of their vehicle. Currently, the bodies of the two tourists are at Mulago hospital in Kampala, awaiting the arrival of forensic teams from the UK and South Africa, who will collaborate with Ugandan pathological experts to conduct autopsies.

While Minister Baryomunsi did not elaborate on the reasoning behind naming a road after the two tourists, it is understood that the gesture is intended to pay tribute to their memory and to emphasize their significance in the public consciousness.

Situated in the southwestern part of the country, approximately 400 kilometers from Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's second-largest and most renowned conservation area, covering 1,978 square kilometers. Originally known as Kazinga National Park when gazetted in 1952, it was renamed in honor of a visit by the British monarch two years later.

The park is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, including the rare tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, making it the second area in Africa known for this unique species. The park, located in the Albertine Rift Valley, features savannas, acacia woodlands, tropical forests, fertile wetlands, and lakes, offering sanctuary to over 600 bird species and 95 mammal species, including elephants, hippos, African leopards, and 10 species of primates. Birding International has recognized the park as an International Birding Area.

Additionally, tourists can enjoy a two-hour boat ride along the Kazinga Channel, providing a unique and memorable experience in Uganda.