In a landmark move, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has announced that all national parks across the country will offer free entry to Ugandans on October 17 and 18, 2024, to mark the World Tourism Day celebrations
Steven Masaba, UWA’s Director for Tourism Development said the move is aimed at encouraging Ugandans to visit national parks as one of the ways of promoting tourism.
“Domestic tourism is a key driver of our economy and every visit to the national parks not only contributes to local economies but also drives a sense of ownership and responsibility towards our natural resources,” Masaba said.
The UWA Director for Tourism Development said by opening national parks to Ugandans, they hope to see more citizens appreciate what the country has to offer and in turn these could become loyal customers.
“Each visit to our parks plays a crucial role in conservation and enhances social cohesion, promoting understanding and appreciation across diverse cultures.”
The parks open to the public during this initiative include Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, and Kidepo National Park.
Visitors will also enjoy free game drives, offering a rare opportunity to explore Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife.
“This initiative is more than just a promotional event; it is a call to action for all Ugandans to rediscover the beauty and wonder of our natural heritage. Domestic tourism is a key driver of our economy, and every visit to a national park not only contributes to local economies but also builds a sense of ownership and responsibility towards our natural resources,” Masaba said.
The UWA official said stressed that domestic tourism is critical for Uganda’s economic recovery, particularly following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ebola outbreak, and negative travel advisories, which led to a sharp decline in tourism revenues.
The open park days initiative therefore seeks to reverse these trends by encouraging Ugandans to appreciate and explore their country’s rich biodiversity.
“Each visit to our parks plays a crucial role in conservation and enhances social cohesion, promoting understanding and appreciation across diverse cultures,” Masaba added.
He also noted the positive impact that tourism has on local communities, supporting conservation efforts, protecting wildlife, and driving sustainable development through job creation.
“Tourism serves as a powerful bridge, and by inviting all Ugandans to explore our parks, we aim to create opportunities for cultural exchange and a deeper appreciation of our heritage.”
Muhereza Kyamuteetera, the CEO of the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA), welcomed the initiative as being significant in increasing tourism numbers to the country’s national parks.
“As you know, in marketing and real life, every consumption decision begins with awareness. Awareness is a critical component of product consumption. When Ugandans are made aware of the incredible treasures within their own country, it creates a desire to explore and appreciate them. As the private sector, we are proud to stand with UWA in encouraging more Ugandans to discover our national parks and contribute to the growth of domestic tourism,” Kyamutetera said.
Last year, Uganda’s national parks saw 387,914 visitors, a 5.4% increase from 2022.
UWA hopes that this new initiative will further boost visitor numbers and strengthen the sector’s recovery.
