The bodies of the two tourists who were tragically killed by suspected terrorists on Wednesday still remain at the Mulago City Mortuary, awaiting clear plans for their repatriation by either the government or their respective home countries.
The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has stated that there are no established provisions for the government to offer compensation or facilitate the repatriation of tourists or visitors who pass away during their stay in the country.
Mr. Gessa Simlicious, the spokesperson for UTB, explained that there is no specific contractual agreement between the government and visitors because the terms and conditions of their visits are often voluntary and not well-documented. The only form of compensation they might receive is compassionate compensation, if applicable.
These remarks by Mr. Gessa come in response to recent revelations made by Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris, the company responsible for organizing the tour and travel itinerary of the deceased tourists. The company mentioned that, apart from transporting the bodies from Kasese to Kampala, the government has not taken responsibility for burial arrangements.
Regarding the fate of the British couple’s bodies, Mr. Ivan Paul Wassaaka, the CEO of the company, stated that an official from the British High Commission had inquired about the travel insurance tickets of the deceased couple. However, these documents were lost in the vehicle.
The British High Commission has stated that they are providing consular assistance to the family of the British national involved in the incident and are in close contact with local authorities. The Commission is still in the process of determining whether they will handle the repatriation of the bodies.
Ms. Tina Wamala, the spokesperson for the British High Commission, advised British nationals in the area to follow the travel advisory issued on the Commission’s social media pages.
The burial expenses for Eric Alyai, the driver, have been entirely covered by Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris and the Uganda Registration Services Bureau, where the late driver’s father is employed. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has also offered a bus to transport mourners for the burial, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday.