The government of Uganda plans to construct a hydroelectric dam at the Murchison Falls, one of the country’s key tourism attractions.

Uganda’s Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) published a note in local media on June 7, inviting public views on the planned feasibility study of the area by a South African firm, Bonang Power and Energy, which would eventually construct the dam. 

The notice has since sparked outrage from private tourism operators, nature enthusiasts and the government’s own tourism agencies.

The Uganda Tourism Board is to file a response to ERA objecting the proposal. The response is expected to be filed on Monday, June 17, according Sandarah Natukunda, UTB's spokesperson.

Murchison Falls is in the Murchison Falls National Park in the northern part of the Albertine Rift Valley, one of Uganda’s ancient conservation areas.