The Uganda Wildlife Authority has announced the 2026 Open Park Days, offering free park entry from September 25th–27th for Ugandan citizens and East African residents at selected national parks and wildlife reserves.
For many Ugandans, the country’s iconic wildlife is more familiar from the images printed on banknotes or social media than from personal encounters in the wild. While international visitors travel thousands of kilometres to experience Uganda’s national parks, many citizens have never witnessed a lion prowling the savannah, elephants crossing a game track, or the mighty Nile exploding through the narrow gorge at Murchison Falls.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) hopes to change that narrative through the return of its Open Park Days initiative, a campaign designed to make Uganda’s protected areas more accessible to local communities and encourage greater appreciation of the country’s natural heritage.
Speaking on July 19, 2026, Dorcus Rukundo, UWA’s Commissioner for Tourism and Business Development, announced that park entry will be completely free from September 25th to September 27th, 2026, for all Ugandan citizens and East African residents. The initiative marks the third edition of the Open Park Days and forms part of activities leading to World Tourism Day. Uganda will celebrate this day on September 27 in Mbale City under the national “Explore Uganda” campaign.
A Call for Ugandans to Explore Their Own Country
Locals will get a chance to see the unique tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda is widely recognised as one of Africa’s most biodiverse destinations. Despite this reputation, domestic tourism has traditionally lagged behind international visitation. High park entrance fees, transport costs, accommodation expenses and the perception that safaris are only for foreign visitors have discouraged many Ugandans from exploring their own national parks.
UWA believes open park days can help reverse this trend by removing one of the biggest barriers to travel; park entry fees. By allowing free access during the three-day campaign, the authority hopes more families, students, youth groups and first-time visitors will discover the country’s exceptional wildlife and landscapes.
The initiative also reinforces the government’s efforts to strengthen domestic tourism as a pillar of Uganda’s tourism industry. Encouraging citizens to visit protected areas not only creates memorable experiences but also builds a stronger conservation culture among local communities.
When Will the Open Park Days Take Place?
According to the announcement by UWA, the 2026 Open Park Days will run from September 25 to September 27, 2026.
These dates intentionally coincide with activities leading to World Tourism Day, celebrated globally every year on September 27. This year’s national celebrations will take place in Mbale City, bringing together stakeholders from across Uganda’s tourism sector to promote sustainable tourism and domestic travel.
To officially launch the campaign, UWA flagged off a team comprising musicians, journalists and social media influencers led by renowned Ugandan artist Ykee Benda for a promotional visit to Murchison Falls National Park. The campaign aims to inspire more Ugandans through storytelling, photography and digital content showcasing the country’s wildlife attractions.
Parks Included in the Open Park Days Campaign
Enjoy unique birding experiences during the open park days.
Visitors will enjoy free park entry to several of Uganda’s flagship conservation areas during the campaign.
The participating destinations include:
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
The campaign also covers selected wildlife reserves, including:
- Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
- Semuliki Wildlife Reserve
- Katonga Wildlife Reserve
These protected areas represent some of Uganda’s most diverse ecosystems, offering visitors opportunities to experience savannah wildlife, birdlife, scenic landscapes and unique conservation areas.
Murchison Falls National Park remains Uganda’s largest national park and is famous for the spectacular waterfall where the River Nile squeezes through a seven-metre-wide gorge. Queen Elizabeth National Park offers game drives, the Kazinga Channel boat cruise and the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Kidepo Valley National Park provides one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness experiences, while Lake Mburo National Park offers excellent opportunities for walking safaris, cycling and wildlife viewing within easy reach of Kampala.
Parks Excluded From the Campaign
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable NP is excluded from the open park days
Based on UWA’s announcement, several of Uganda’s protected areas are not included in this year’s Open Park Days programme.
These include:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Kibale National Park
- Mount Elgon National Park
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The exclusion of these parks is understandable given the specialised and highly regulated tourism activities they offer. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga, for example, operates under strict permit systems that limit visitor numbers to protect the endangered mountain gorillas. Similarly, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park requires advance booking and permits to minimise disturbance to wildlife.
Mountain parks such as Rwenzori and Mount Elgon also involve specialised hiking activities that require logistical planning beyond standard park entry.
More Than Just Free Entry
While park entrance fees will be waived during Open Park Days, visitors should note that special tourism activities remain separately chargeable. Activities such as guided game drives, boat cruises, accommodation, transport and any premium experiences will continue to attract their normal fees.
Visitors are therefore encouraged to plan their trips in advance by arranging transport, accommodation and any optional activities through licensed tour operators or directly with service providers.
Building a Conservation Culture
The Open Park Days campaign goes beyond tourism promotion. It also seeks to foster a deeper connection between Ugandans and their natural heritage.
For many young people, this may be their first opportunity to visit a national park. Experiencing elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes and countless bird species in their natural habitats can inspire lifelong appreciation for conservation.
Campaigns like this also remind citizens that Uganda’s protected areas belong to everyone. They are national treasures whose survival depends not only on conservation agencies but also on public support and responsible tourism.
Looking Ahead
The return of the third edition of UWA’s Open Park Days demonstrates the authority’s continued commitment to making conservation more inclusive. By removing park entry fees for three days, UWA is inviting Ugandans to rediscover the landscapes and wildlife that have made the country one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.
As World Tourism Day approaches, the campaign serves as a timely reminder that exploring Uganda does not always require travelling abroad. Sometimes, the greatest adventures lie within the country’s own borders.
Open Park Days offer a rare opportunity to experience the Pearl of Africa at no cost for park entry.
Pack your bags, invite a buddy and let us explore the Pearl of Africa together!
