Open Park Days 2026: UWA Targets Ugandans in New Domestic Tourism Push

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) have launched a nationwide campaign to boost domestic tourism, encouraging Ugandans, particularly young people, to rediscover the country’s national parks and become champions of wildlife conservation.

The initiative was flagged off on Monday at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe, where a team of journalists and digital content creators began a familiarization tour of Uganda’s leading conservation areas ahead of the 2026 Open Park Days.

Scheduled for September 25 to 27, the annual event will give Ugandans an opportunity to explore some of the country’s most celebrated wildlife destinations while learning more about conservation efforts and the importance of protecting Uganda’s natural heritage.

Speaking during the launch, Acting UWA Executive Director Charles Tumwesigye said the campaign is intended to strengthen a culture of domestic tourism by encouraging more citizens to appreciate the country’s rich biodiversity.

He observed that many Ugandans still regard national parks as destinations mainly for international visitors, yet they are a national treasure that belongs to every citizen.

Tumwesigye challenged journalists and social media influencers to use their platforms to inspire more Ugandans to visit protected areas by sharing authentic stories, photographs and videos from their experiences.

He said the familiarization tour is designed to give participants firsthand exposure to Uganda’s wildlife and conservation success stories, enabling them to produce content that motivates more people to explore their own country.

According to Tumwesigye, Open Park Days will initially be held in selected protected areas before being expanded to more destinations based on public response.

UWA Commissioner for Tourism and Business Development Dorcus Rukundo Twesigomwe described the participating journalists and digital creators as ambassadors for Uganda’s tourism sector, urging them to showcase the country’s beauty to both local and international audiences.

She encouraged Ugandans from all walks of life to take advantage of Open Park Days as an opportunity to reconnect with nature while supporting conservation through domestic tourism.

Uganda Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa challenged the participating content creators to change perceptions about tourism among young Ugandans by demonstrating that the country’s national parks are destinations for everyone.

She said Uganda’s tourism appeal extends beyond its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, noting that the most valuable takeaway for visitors is the memorable experience they gain while exploring the country.

Kagwa encouraged participants to create engaging blogs, videos, vlogs and social media posts that capture the emotions, adventure and unique moments experienced in Uganda’s protected areas.

She expressed confidence that authentic storytelling from the familiarization tour would inspire thousands of Ugandans to visit destinations they have long admired but never explored.

The expedition is being led by musician and digital content creator Tugume Wycliff, popularly known as Ykee Benda, alongside a team of journalists and influencers who will produce digital content highlighting Uganda’s wildlife, landscapes, adventure tourism and conservation achievements.

Open Park Days 2026 forms part of the broader Explore Uganda campaign, which seeks to increase domestic tourism and cultivate a new generation of ambassadors for the country’s tourism industry.

The participating conservation areas for this year’s Open Park Days are Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, each offering visitors an opportunity to experience Uganda’s rich biodiversity, spectacular scenery and ongoing conservation success stories.

UWA and UTB believe the campaign will encourage more Ugandans to visit the country’s protected areas, deepen public appreciation of wildlife conservation and reinforce the message that Uganda’s parks are a shared national heritage to be enjoyed and protected by all.