The government of Uganda has announced three days of free entry into every national park in the country. The three days are scheduled from 25th to 27th September 2026. During these days, the parks are open to Ugandans and foreign visitors alike.
The Open Park days have been announced by the State Minister for Tourism, Susan Nsambu Nakawuki during her visit to Murchison Falls National Park and Ajai Wildlife Reserve organized by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
“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,” she said.
By opening Uganda national parks to the public, Uganda aims at encouraging both citizens and visitors to experience the wonders of Uganda, the land gifted by nature. The free access will allow visitors to explore iconic protected areas and their unique treasures.
In the past two months, Uganda has faced significant challenges in the tourism sector. The outbreak of Ebola in May has caused cancellations and changes in prospective travelers who had scheduled trips to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. The Ebola outbreak infected 20 people and claimed two lives.
Last week, the country discharged its last patient and Uganda is now in the 42-day monitoring window that World Health Organization requires before a country can officially be declared free of the virus.
This year, Uganda is proud to launch Open Park days that have been scheduled to take place from 25th to 27th September 2026. This annual event is not just a promotional event but a call to the citizens to explore Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
For many years, tourism in Uganda has been viewed through the lens of foreign tourists. However, the Open Park days aim at encouraging Ugandans to explore the breathtaking landscapes, unique flora and fauna that define Uganda national parks.
Domestic tourism is also vital for creating awareness about the natural wonders and conservation efforts that are undertaken by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, a governmental parastal that protects the national parks for not only the present but also future generations.
Open Park Days are more than just tourism! The free access offers the Uganda Wildlife Authority an opportunity to build stronger bonds with the local communities that live adjacent to the national parks. The local communities are essential in promoting conservation and therefore opening the park gates helps the communities to get a deeper understanding of the importance of conservation in Uganda’s parks.
Experience Uganda, the Pearl of Africa
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has in recent months intensified efforts to promotedomestic tourism under the Explore Uganda and Visit Uganda initiatives. These campaigns aim at encouraging residents to discover the country’s wildlife and natural attractions.
By offering free entry for 3 days, Ugandans are expected to take advantage of this initiative to explore the country and experience the unique treasures in their backyard. The free access will allow thousands of Ugandans including families and students to breathtaking landscapes and wildlife that make Kenya the Land Gifted by Nature.
Making Uganda’s Heritage Known to All
The free entry days offers a unique opportunity for Ugandans to visit iconic national parks.
Residents of Kampala can easily visit the Lake Mburo National Park, the best place to see Zebras and elands, Murchison Falls National Park, home to the most powerful waterfalls on the Nile, Mount Elgon National Park in Eastern Uganda etc.
Basing in Fort Portal, you can explore Kibale Forest National Park, Semuliki National Parkhome to the Male and Female Hotsprings, the legendary Rwenzori Mountains of Western Uganda as well as Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to the famous tree climbing lions of the Ishasha Sector.
