By: Boy Fidel Leon
The long-term health of Uganda’s national parks depends on a new generation of local champions.
Recognising this strategic shift, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is taking a major step to foster domestic tourism and a deeper culture of conservation.
For the first time, UWA will hold an “Open Park Day” from September 25th to 27th, waiving entry fees for five of its savanna parks.
The three-day initiative is a calculated investment in public awareness, designed to give all Ugandans the opportunity to experience the wildlife and landscapes they are being asked to protect.
The “Open Park Day” initiative has been curated to showcase the stunning diversity of Uganda’s natural heritage. Free access will be granted to five key locations:Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.
By waiving entrance fees, UWA hopes to attract thousands of Ugandans to explore the landscapes and wildlife that have long-drawn international visitors.
The initiative is expected to increase visitor numbers, raise awareness about wildlife protection, and highlight the economic potential of ecotourism.
Uganda’s network of national parks dates back to the colonial era, with Murchison Falls designated as a game reserve in 1926 before becoming the country’s first national park in 1952.
Over the decades, these parks have evolved from exclusive hunting grounds into sanctuaries for biodiversity and centres of tourism. Yet for much of this history, access remained skewed toward international visitors who could afford park fees, leaving many Ugandans with little exposure to their own natural heritage.
The introduction of Open Park Day signals a deliberate shift in this narrative, putting local citizens at the centre of conservation.
Tourism is one of Uganda’s leading economic sectors, generating significant foreign exchange and employment. UWA’s strategy is to encourage Ugandans to experience and invest in the sector.
Tourism contributes nearly 8 percent to Uganda’s GDP, with wildlife-based tourism being the backbone of the sector. Yet domestic visitors account for less than a quarter of park traffic, according to UWA records, largely due to the cost of entry fees and transport.
By scrapping entry fees for three days, UWA expects a surge in local participation, potentially introducing thousands of first-time visitors to Uganda’s parks. If successful, this could mark a turning point in cultivating a loyal domestic tourism base, diversifying revenue streams beyond foreign arrivals that often fluctuate with global travel trends.
In tandem with the Open Park Day announcement, UWA crowned Queen Karungi Bridget from South Western Uganda as the new UWA Ambassador during the Miss Tourism Uganda Finale at the Kampala Serena Hotel.
The title was formally presented by Mr. Stephen Masaba, UWA’s Director of Tourism.
“This milestone not only celebrates Queen Karungi’s achievement but also reaffirms Uganda’s commitment to empowering young leaders to champion conservation, tourism, and the beauty of the Pearl of Africa,” UWA stated.
As the new ambassador, Karungi Bridget will be tasked with promoting conservation initiatives, showcasing Uganda’s tourism potential, and engaging communities in environmental stewardship.
The crowning of Queen Karungi Bridget as UWA Ambassador illustrates a growing strategy of placing young people at the forefront of conservation advocacy. Through platforms like Miss Tourism Uganda, UWA channels the energy, creativity, and influence of youth leaders to champion environmental stewardship.
Past ambassadors have worked on campaigns in schools, digital awareness drives, and community outreach, bridging the gap between policy-level conservation and everyday practice. Karungi’s new role ties directly into the spirit of Open Park Day, reminding young Ugandans that they are not only visitors in these parks but custodians of their future.
By opening the gates of its savanna parks for free, UWA is signalling that conservation is a shared responsibility. The initiative not only strengthens domestic tourism but also deepens Ugandans’ appreciation of the country’s natural treasures.
In a region where wildlife faces growing threats from climate change, poaching, and land pressure, Open Park Day is both a celebration and a call to action, reminding citizens that Uganda’s parks are not just destinations, but legacies to protect for generations to come.