UWA unveils ‘Open Park Days Influencer Campaign’ to inspire more Ugandans

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  The Uganda Wildlife Authority has officially launched the Open Park Days Influencer Campaign, an initiative aimed at inspiring more Ugandans to visit the country’s protected areas through authentic digital storytelling by content creators.

The campaign was flagged off at Murchison Falls National Park, where social media influencers and bloggers experienced Uganda’s spectacular wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and unique tourism experiences.

Scheduled for 25th–27th September, the Open Park Days will offer Ugandans a rare opportunity to explore some of the country’s most iconic protected areas while fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation and domestic tourism.

Flagging off the campaign, UWA Ag. Executive Director, Afande Charles Tumwesigye, urged the influencers to tell Uganda’s conservation story accurately and authentically by working closely with UWA staff. He noted that the initiative reflects UWA’s commitment to making Uganda’s natural heritage more accessible and encouraging more citizens to experience the parks firsthand.

Areas accessible during open park days include Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park. The primate parks are not part of the open park campaign.

Wildlife Reserves that will be open to the public during the Open Park Days include Ajai Wildlife Reserve, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, Katonga Wildlife Reserve and Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve.

Speaking at the event, Uganda Tourism Board CEO Ms. Juliana Kagwa encouraged the influencers to proudly tell Uganda’s story, emphasizing that promoting the country is a shared responsibility. She also reaffirmed UTB’s support by providing vehicles to facilitate the activations across the country.

UWA Ag. Commissioner for Tourism & Business Development, Dorcus Rukundo, encouraged young people to embrace domestic tourism, connect with nature, and inspire others to discover Uganda’s unique attractions through meaningful Uganda safari experiences.

The campaign will feature immersive park experiences, wildlife encounters, conservation education, and engaging digital content aimed at inspiring more Ugandans to explore, appreciate, and protect their natural heritage.

The Queen Elizabeth National Park game drive

Through the lens of @LyslayOsoa #UWAOpenParkDays pic.twitter.com/FCnXdCXEOc

— THE ÁĹĹÀŃ ĆÓÚÑŤÝ 🇺🇬 (@AllanSseky) August 4, 2026

Uganda Tourism Board Joins the Campaign

The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has partnered closely with UWA to support the influencer campaign. During the launch, UTB Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa encouraged influencers to become passionate ambassadors for Uganda, reminding them that every citizen has a role to play in promoting the country’s tourism potential.

She emphasized that domestic tourism is essential for creating a resilient tourism industry capable of withstanding international travel disruptions. Kagwa also announced that the Uganda Tourism Board had provided vehicles to facilitate the campaign, enabling influencer teams to travel efficiently between protected areas while producing high-quality content for their audiences.

The partnership between UTB and UWA demonstrates a shared commitment to promoting Uganda as a destination that is appreciated not only by international tourists but also by its own citizens.

Why Domestic Tourism Matters

Domestic tourism has become increasingly important in Uganda’s tourism development strategy. While international visitors contribute significantly to tourism earnings, encouraging Ugandans to travel within their own country creates a more sustainable tourism industry throughout the year.

When citizens regularly visit national parks, they develop stronger emotional connections with wildlife and become more willing to support conservation initiatives. Increased domestic visitation also creates employment opportunities for guides, accommodation providers, transport operators, and local businesses surrounding protected areas.

Moreover, campaigns such as the Open Park Days Influencer Campaign help bridge the gap between conservation and communities by making wildlife experiences accessible to people who may never have considered visiting a national park.

Planning Your Trip Around the Open Park Days

In order to plan your Uganda safari around the open park days, it is recommended that you utilize the free entrance at Murchison Falls National Park. This is the most expensive of all Uganda’s savannah parks. It is also important to note that you cannot visit all the parks and reserves in only three days.

In case you wish to visit at least two national parks, that will be Lake Mburo National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is easy to connect from Lake Mburo to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Whether you intend to self-drive a hired car, or travelling with a local tour operator, these two parks are the most recommended during the open park days.

September date

As the countdown to the 25–27 September Open Park Days continues, thousands of Ugandans are expected to take advantage of the opportunity to explore the country’s iconic national parks and wildlife reserves. Whether witnessing elephants roaming across the savannah, watching giraffes graze peacefully, observing lions in their natural habitat, or standing before the mighty Murchison Falls. Visitors will experience firsthand why Uganda remains one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations.

Ultimately, the success of the initiative will not only be measured by visitor numbers, but also by the lasting appreciation for conservation it creates. Through authentic storytelling, community participation, and greater access to protected areas, Uganda is nurturing a stronger culture of domestic tourism while ensuring that its extraordinary wildlife heritage continues to thrive for generations to come.