Call for expressions of Interest (EOI) -Co-Management Concession for the Operation of the Murchison Student Center Nwoya District, Uganda
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CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (EOI)

Co-Management Concession for the Operation of the Murchison Student Center

Nwoya District, Uganda

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and on behalf of the Community Conservancy in Nwoya District, invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified hospitality operators to manage and operate the Murchison Student Center under a co-management concession arrangement.

Background

AWF is an international conservation organization working to ensure wildlife and wild lands thrive in modern Africa. In Uganda, AWF supports community-based conservation initiatives that integrate conservation with sustainable livelihoods.

The Murchison Student Center was developed as part of efforts to strengthen conservation outcomes while creating income-generating opportunities for local communities north of Murchison Falls National Park.

The Opportunity

AWF and UWA seek an experienced and entrepreneurial operator to:

  • Manage and operate the Facility;
  • Market it as a student-oriented tourism and learning accommodation hub;
  • Maintain high hospitality and financial management standards;
  • Implement conservation-compatible practices; and
  • Operate under a mutually agreed revenue-sharing model benefiting the Community Conservancy.

The concession term and detailed conditions will be provided to shortlisted applicants at the Request for Proposals (RFP) stage.

Facility Overview

Located in Balyech Parish, Got Apwoyo Sub-county, Nwoya District, just north of Murchison Falls National Park, the Facility comprises:

  • Two accommodation blocks (male and female);
  • Six accommodation units;
  • Dining, storage, and office facilities;
  • Estimated total capacity of 76 guests;
  • Solar power system with generator backup;
  • Solar-powered water supply;
  • Secured with chain-link fence and on-site guardhouse.

The Facility is complete and ready for operationalization.

Eligibility Requirements

Interested applicants must demonstrate:

  • Legal registration as a business entity;

  • Proven hospitality management experience;

  • Financial capacity to operate the Facility;

  • Strong governance and reporting capability;

  • Commitment to community engagement and conservation principles.

Experience in conservation or community-based tourism ventures will be an advantage.

Joint ventures are permitted, with a clearly identified lead entity.

EOI Submission Requirements

Expressions of Interest must include:

  1. Company profile and registration documents;

  2. Summary of relevant experience (with references);

  3. Financial capability statement;

  4. Brief concept note (maximum 3 pages) outlining proposed operational approach and market positioning.

 

Process and Timeline

This is a two-stage process:

Stage 1 – EOI: Shortlisting based on demonstrated capacity and experience.
Stage 2 – RFP: Shortlisted applicants will attend a pre-proposal meeting and site visit and submit detailed technical and financial proposals.

 

Submission Instructions

EOIs must:

  • Be submitted in English;

  • Be clearly marked: “EOI – Murchison Student Center Concession”;

  • Be submitted electronically in PDF format to: [email protected] with a copy to [email protected]

  • Be received no later than 13th March 2026 at 17:00 EAT (East Africa Time) 

  • Late submissions will not be considered.

Clarification requests must be submitted in writing no later than 6th March 2026

Reservation of Rights

AWF reserves the right to accept or reject any EOI, cancel or amend the process at any stage, and request additional information. Submission of an EOI does not constitute a binding commitment to award a concession. All costs associated with preparing an EOI are the responsibility of the applicant.