Tourism landmarks in Uganda
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I As a counter measure to address the falling number of tourists following the recent Ebola outbreak, the Uganda Government has announced a nationwide initiative to boost local tourism by offering free entry to all national parks for three days in September.
The campaign is intended to encourage more Ugandans and international visitors to explore the country’s renowned wildlife destinations while helping restore confidence in Uganda as a safe and attractive tourism destination.
The announcement was made by State Minister for Tourism Susan Nsambu Nakawuki during a familiarisation tour of Murchison Falls National Park and Ajai Wildlife Reserve organised by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The tour formed part of government efforts to showcase some of the country’s leading tourism attractions while assessing the sector’s readiness to receive more visitors.
According to the minister, all visitors will enjoy free access to Uganda’s national parks from September 25 to 27. She encouraged both Ugandans and foreign tourists to take advantage of the offer, saying the initiative was aimed at giving everyone an opportunity to experience the country’s unique wildlife and natural beauty.
“September 25, 26, and 27, we are opening up all game parks in the country. Come have fun. It will be free entry for everyone. Just come with some change to eat some fish,” Ms Nakawuki said. She emphasized that the promotion applies equally to local and international tourists, adding that the parks are open to everyone during the three-day campaign.
During the familiarisation visit, the minister toured several attractions in north-western Uganda, including a boat cruise along the River Nile where she viewed wildlife and the spectacular Murchison Falls. She also inspected conservation projects at Ajai Wildlife Reserve, highlighting government’s commitment to promoting domestic tourism while strengthening conservation efforts across protected areas.
The free-entry campaign comes at a time when Uganda is working to revive its tourism sector after the Ebola outbreak led several countries to issue travel advisories against the country. Although the outbreak was successfully contained, officials say the restrictions have negatively affected tourist arrivals, trade and investment.
Uganda recently discharged its last confirmed Ebola patient, marking the beginning of the mandatory 42-day observation period required by the World Health Organization before the country can officially be declared Ebola-free, provided no new cases are recorded. The outbreak infected 20 people and claimed two lives, making it one of the smallest Ebola outbreaks experienced in the region.
Despite the positive progress in controlling the disease, at least 15 countries continue to maintain partial or full travel restrictions on Uganda. The United States remains among the countries advising its citizens against travel to Uganda because of the outbreak.
Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi recently said government had begun engaging countries that imposed the restrictions, urging them to review and lift the travel advisories as Uganda’s public health situation continues to improve. Officials believe removing the restrictions will help restore international confidence and accelerate the recovery of the tourism industry.
Tourism remains one of Uganda’s leading foreign exchange earners, supporting thousands of jobs while generating revenue for wildlife conservation and community development.
Government officials hope the free-entry initiative will encourage more Ugandans to visit national parks, creating a stronger domestic tourism market while sending a positive message to international travellers that Uganda remains a safe destination.
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