UWA Overhauls Permit System and Infrastructure to Drive Tourism Growth
KAMPALA – In a strategic move to streamline Uganda’s premier tourism offerings and solidify conservation partnerships, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) convened a high-level consultative meeting with industry leaders on Thursday 29 January 2026. In a press statement last month, UWA had announced a revised process for the issuance of all gorilla and chimpanzee permits, effective immediately (as of January 23, 2026).
The engagement, held at the Protea Hotel Kampala, brought together dozens of tour operators to address transformative changes in gorilla permit acquisition, critical infrastructure upgrades, and the long-term sustainability of the sector.
Modernizing the Gorilla Trekking Experience
The dialogue centered on the implementation of recent adjustments to the gorilla trekking permit system—a vital revenue driver for Uganda’s economy. UWA officials detailed procedural updates aimed at boosting transparency and efficiency in the booking process. These reforms are designed to eliminate bottlenecks, ensuring a more equitable and reliable experience for both local operators and international travelers.
Infrastructure: A Call for Strategic Investment
A significant portion of the forum focused on the urgent need to modernize tourism infrastructure within and around national parks. UWA tabled comprehensive plans to improve road networks, signage, and visitor facilities. In a move toward inclusive planning, the Authority sought direct feedback from operators to identify high-priority areas that will enhance the visitor experience and support sustainable growth.
A United Front Against Malpractice
Presiding over the meeting, UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi issued a firm call to action, urging tour operators to form a united front with the Authority to combat financial irregularities that threaten the sector’s reputation.
“Collaboration is no longer an option; it is a necessity,” Dr. Musinguzi stated. “We must work hand-in-hand to fight malpractices, strengthen accountability at every level, and focus on generating more revenue. Every shilling ethically earned and accounted for is critical to supporting our conservation efforts and improving service delivery for the benefit of our wildlife, our communities, and our visitors.”
Dr. Musinguzi underscored a dual-purpose strategy: safeguarding Uganda’s natural heritage while simultaneously accelerating the tourism economy. He emphasized that well-managed revenue from Gorilla Permits is directly reinvested into habitat protection, anti-poaching initiatives, and community benefit schemes.
Industry Response
Stakeholders welcomed the transparent forum, noting that such synergy is vital for the sector’s post-pandemic resilience.
“This direct engagement is a positive step,” remarked one leading tour operator. “Understanding these changes clearly helps us better market Uganda and assures our clients of a quality product. Dr. Musinguzi’s call for integrity aligns with our shared goal of a sustainable industry.”
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to establish regular consultation channels, signaling a more cooperative era for the management of Uganda’s Wildlife Resources.
