The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) will not take consideration for an application to set up a golf course at Queen Elizabeth National Park until a broad environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is submitted by the promoters.

UWA executive director Moses Mapesa yesterday said the Madhvani-owned Marasa holdings was advised in 2003 to carry out an independent and comprehensive EIA that takes into account all interests in the park, but has to date not submitted any report.

The EIA will be used as a tool for decision making, but not to rationalize an application, a wish or any prior decision. No decision has therefore been made and no permission can be granted to Marasa to construct the golf course in the park. Mapesa said that if they are interested; let them first do the EIA. That will be the basis on which a decision will be made,”

This is not the first time that Masara Holdings is bidding to develop recreational facilities in the park. In 1997, a proposal to develop not just a golf course, but also a swimming pool, tennis courts, and other leisure facilities was submitted.

Mapesa said a committee set up at the time rejected the idea, citing the need to minimise commotion to the local ecological systems, other visitors to the park and the bad publicity which would inevitably come if accidents on what he called “these high risk” activities occurred.

The 22-member committee consisted of experts from relevant fields such as tourism, ecology and conservation, representation of the Government and the business world.

Mapesa added that Golfers are rich people and given an airfield in Kasese, they can charter planes and go play there.

By NAMISI

Uganda Safari News