Uganda Announces Major Changes to Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permit Process
Planning a trek to see the mountain gorillas of Bwindi or the chimpanzees of Kibale? The way you receive your official permits just got a digital makeover.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has officially announced a revised process for the issuance of all gorilla and chimpanzee permits, effective immediately (as of January 23, 2026). In an effort to enhance transparency and streamline operations, the UWA is moving away from physical, hand-issued permits in favor of a secure electronic system.
What is changing?
Previously, tour operators or agents could often collect physical permits directly from UWA reservation officers upon payment. Under the new directive:
- Receipts First: Reservation Officers will now only issue official receipts at the time of payment.
- Digital Delivery: The physical printing of permits by front-line staff has been discontinued. Instead, the Head of Reservations will process and transmit permits electronically.
- Official Channels: Permits will be sent directly to the tour operator’s officially registered email address.
Why the change?
According to the official statement signed by UWA Executive Director, Dr. James Musinguzi, these measures have been instituted to “strengthen internal controls” and “protect the integrity of UWA systems.” By centralizing the issuance of the permits through the Head of Reservations, the UWA aims to improve accountability and reduce the risk of clerical errors or fraudulent activity.
What does this mean for travelers?
If you are booking your trek through a licensed tour operator, you likely won’t notice a change in the booking process itself. However, you should expect to receive a digital copy or a printout of an electronic permit rather than a traditional manual document.
This move is a positive step toward the modernization of Uganda’s tourism sector. Digital permits are harder to lose, easier to verify at park gates, and provide a more reliable paper trail for travelers who want to ensure their permit fees are going directly toward the conservation of these endangered primates.
Traveler Tip: Always ensure you are booking through an authorized tour operator registered with the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) to ensure your digital permits are processed correctly under these new guidelines.
