The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has announced a two day free entry to all Savannah parks in the country. This initiative, part of the national tourism strategy to encourage domestic tourism, was revealed by Stephen Masaba, the Director for Tourism and Business Development, during a press briefing on September 30, 2024.
UWA, the government agency responsible for protecting and conserving wildlife in Uganda, aims to attract more visitors to these protected areas. Masaba emphasized the significance of tourism, stating that it currently contributes 52% of the visitations to these areas. He highlighted the importance of consistent marketing strategies, pointing to the ongoing “Explore Uganda” campaign by the Ministry of Tourism. “We therefore have to continue pushing for such campaigns not only as a way of attracting tourists but also appreciating the communities around these protected areas,” he expressed.
The free entrance days are scheduled for October 17 and 18. To facilitate access, UWA buses and trucks will be stationed in towns adjacent to the designated national parks to offer game drives for community members.
The Savannah parks included in this initiative are Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, and the neighboring Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve. Starting this year, the open-day park program will be held annually, according to Vanice Mirembe, the UWA manager in charge of awareness and community conservation.
In addition to free entry, chief wardens and staff in the aforementioned parks have been instructed to organize conservation awareness talks with local communities. These discussions will address human-wildlife conflicts and other security concerns, ensuring the safety of tourists and maintaining the hygiene of the protected areas.
Muhereza Kyamutetera, the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA), welcomed the initiative, noting that every consumption decision begins with awareness. He stated, “Tourists, whether domestic or international, can only decide to travel to a destination they are aware of.” Kyamutetera added that sampling experiences significantly influence consumer decision-making, often encouraging actual visits to the protected areas and boosting repeat visits and referrals.
Bashir Hangi, the UWA Public Relations Manager, pointed out that domestic tourism is a vital driver for economic growth. He stated, “Opening park gates to communities offers a sense of ownership to the locals, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of wildlife conservation efforts.”
According to the annual tourism performance report for the financial year 2023/2024, Uganda welcomed over 387,914 tourists to its national parks, contributing $2.8 billion, or 5.5%, to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). The report highlights that the tourism sector directly employs approximately 610,000 people. With these domestic campaigns, UWA anticipates a significant increase in tourism numbers, which could lead to higher hotel occupancy rates and greater spending in local communities.
| Savannah Parks Included |
|---|
| Kidepo Valley National Park |
| Murchison Falls National Park |
| Queen Elizabeth National Park |
| Lake Mburo National Park |
| Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve |
