Uganda announces open National Park Days for 2026

What the report says

The Independent Uganda reports that Uganda’s Ministry of Tourism has announced three “open National Park Days” in 2026, allowing visitors to enter national parks without paying park entry fees on September 25, 26 and 27. The offer is described as applying to both Ugandan citizens and foreign tourists, with no nationality-based restrictions. The announcement was made by State Minister for Tourism Susan Nsambu Nakawuki during a Uganda Wildlife Authority-organized visit to Murchison Falls National Park and Ajai Wildlife Reserve.

According to the report, the initiative is part of a wider effort to encourage travel to Uganda’s wildlife destinations after a recent Ebola outbreak. The Independent says the outbreak affected 20 people and caused two deaths, and that Uganda has discharged its last Ebola patient while awaiting completion of the World Health Organization’s 42-day period before an Ebola-free declaration can be made. The article says several countries, including the United States, still have travel advisories or restrictions affecting Uganda.

The publisher reports that officials see the free-entry campaign as a way to reassure visitors and counter the economic effects of travel warnings, which the government says are affecting tourism, trade and investment. It also cites government engagement with countries that still have partial or full travel restrictions in place.

The article notes that free entry usually covers admission only, so visitors may still need to confirm whether activities such as game drives, boat cruises or guided walks will require payment. The campaign aligns with Uganda Wildlife Authority tourism promotion efforts, including “Explore Uganda” and “Visit Uganda.”