Uganda Reopens Park After Tourist Killings

Uganda reopened Bwindi National Park to visitors a month after eight tourists were hacked to death by Rwandan rebels who crossed the border near the park, known for its mountain gorillas.

The Ugandan Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry said it had stepped up security patrols and deployed troops to round up Rwandan rebels at the border. Mantana African Safaris of Kensington, Md., which outfitted several hundred tourists in Uganda last year, said about 15 people have rebooked since the murders, with the first group of four Americans scheduled to depart May 19.

However, as of last week, the U.S. State Department was still citing “threats to [Americans’] safety from insurgent groups” and advising Americans who visit Uganda to “maintain a high degree of vigilance.” Illinois-based outfitter Abercrombie & Kent said it has not reopened its Bwindi lodge, which was looted in the March attack.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Kenya, police stepped up security last week at the Masai Mara game park after Masai tribesmen attacked and wounded four workers from the rival Kipsigi group at several tourist lodges and camps, Reuters reported.