TOURISM
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has announced a major shift in how Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking permits will be issued, marking a significant step toward strengthening accountability and modernizing service delivery within the tourism sector.
In a communication released by UWA’s Executive Director, Dr. James Musinguzi, the authority confirmed that the new procedure will take effect on 23 January 2026. The change is part of a broader effort to reinforce internal controls and safeguard the integrity of UWA’s reservation systems.
Under the revised process, Reservation Officers will no longer print or issue permits directly to tour operators or their agents. Instead, their role will be limited to issuing official receipts once payment has been made. The responsibility for generating and releasing the actual permits will now fall under the Head of Reservations, who will process and transmit the documents electronically.
According to UWA, all permits will be sent to tour operators using the official email addresses they have provided. The authority believes this centralized, digital approach will reduce risks associated with manual handling, curb potential misuse, and ensure a more transparent workflow.
UWA emphasized that the new system is designed to “enhance accountability, protect the integrity of UWA systems, and improve service delivery to stakeholders.” The agency also assured partners that any additional procedural updates will be communicated as needed.
The announcement has drawn attention across the tourism industry, particularly among tour operators who rely heavily on timely access to Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits key attractions that draw thousands of visitors to Uganda’s protected areas each year.
As UWA continues to modernize its operations, the authority expressed appreciation for the cooperation and understanding of its partners, reaffirming its commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism under the motto “Conserving for Generations.”
