Uganda will waive entrance fees at selected national parks and wildlife reserves from September 25 to 27 as part of efforts to promote domestic tourism and mark World Tourism Day.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Open Park Days will precede the national World Tourism Day celebrations scheduled for September 27 in Mbale City.
The participating destinations include Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo and Kidepo Valley national parks, as well as Pian Upe, Katonga, Toro-Semliki and Ajai wildlife reserves.
The initiative is intended to give Ugandans and other visitors an opportunity to experience the country’s wildlife and protected areas while encouraging greater public appreciation of conservation.
Dorcus Rukundo, UWA’s Acting Commissioner for Tourism and Business Development, said visitors need to experience Uganda’s attractions firsthand to become advocates for tourism and conservation.
“You cannot promote what you have never experienced. Let us explore Uganda, experience our wildlife, and share our story with the world,” Rukundo said during the launch of the World Tourism Day activities.
The waiver applies to park entrance fees, while visitors remain responsible for transport, accommodation and other separately charged services and activities. These may include game drives, boat cruises and guided walks, depending on the destination.
The free-entry programme is part of a wider September tourism campaign leading to the World Tourism Day celebrations in Mbale.
The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities said this year’s national celebrations will be held at Mbale Secondary School Grounds under the theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.”
The choice of Mbale is intended to showcase tourism opportunities in Eastern Uganda, including Mount Elgon, Sipi Falls, coffee tourism, cultural heritage and community-based tourism.
Uganda Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa said the campaign seeks to broaden tourism beyond the country’s traditional wildlife destinations and highlight the people, culture, heritage and agricultural products of Eastern Uganda.
The Ministry said the World Tourism Day celebrations will serve as the climax of a month-long programme aimed at encouraging domestic travel, promoting tourism businesses and strengthening links between communities and the tourism economy.
UWA has encouraged members of the public planning to take advantage of the free-entry period to confirm the specific services and charges applicable at their chosen destination before travelling.