The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is celebrating two major milestones this month: the birth of a baby gorilla in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the upcoming Open Park Days 2025, which will allow East African citizens and foreign residents in Uganda free access to selected savannah parks.
On September 12, UWA announced the arrival of a baby gorilla born to Tulambule, an adult female of the Nyakagezi group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Tulambule, whose name means “Let’s tour” in Luganda, was herself born on December 1, 2016, during Uganda’s Tulambule tourism campaign and is known for her distinctive two folds on the nose.
“We’re thrilled to welcome another baby to the family,” UWA said in a statement. This new birth not only adds to the growing gorilla population but also signals the success of conservation efforts.
Open Park Days 2025
Meanwhile, preparations for Open Park Days 2025 are in high gear.
On Monday, UWA’s Tourism and Business Development Director Stephen Sanyi Masaba flagged off a team of 11 influencers and five journalists for a six-day pre-visit tour to Murchison Falls National Park, Pian Upe Game Reserve, and Kidepo Valley National Park.
The team will assess conservation efforts and showcase the attractions available in Uganda’s protected areas ahead of the September 25–27 event, when East African Community (EAC) citizens and foreign residents in Uganda will enjoy free access to five savannah parks.
They are: Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Pian Upe Game Reserve.
The initiative aims to boost domestic tourism while giving residents a chance to appreciate Uganda’s wildlife and conservation achievements firsthand.