The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has unveiled a new nationwide influencer campaign aimed at encouraging more Ugandans to visit the country’s national parks, appreciate its exceptional wildlife, and become active supporters of conservation.
The campaign comes as Uganda continues to strengthen domestic tourism, recognizing that local travellers play a critical role in protecting the nation’s natural heritage while contributing to the growth of the tourism industry.
Known as the Open Park Days Influencer Campaign, the initiative brings together digital content creators from different backgrounds to share authentic experiences from Uganda’s protected areas.
Through photographs, videos, travel stories, and live social media updates, these influencers will showcase the country’s breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable safari experiences to millions of Ugandans.
The campaign also serves as a build-up to the 2026 Open Park Days, scheduled to take place from 25th to 27th September, when thousands of Ugandans will have an opportunity to experience selected national parks and wildlife reserves.
The Origin of the Open Park Days Initiative
The Open Park Days initiative was first introduced by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in September 2024 as part of a broader strategy to promote domestic tourism and reconnect Ugandans with their natural heritage.
The inaugural edition offered Ugandans free access to selected protected areas and complimentary game drives, allowing many first-time visitors to experience Uganda safaris firsthand.
The primary objective of the initiative is to remove barriers that have traditionally prevented many Ugandans from visiting national parks. By opening the gates to local visitors, UWA seeks to create greater appreciation for wildlife, strengthen public support for conservation, promote national pride, and stimulate domestic tourism.
The program also aims to increase awareness of the economic and environmental importance of protected areas while encouraging communities living near parks to become active conservation partners.
Following the success of the inaugural event, UWA has continued expanding the initiative, using innovative campaigns such as influencer marketing to reach younger audiences and inspire more Ugandans to discover the country’s incredible wildlife destinations.
Influencers Become Ambassadors for Uganda’s Wildlife
The latest campaign officially commenced with the first team of influencers departing for Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and one of its most visited protected areas. During their visits, the creators will participate in guided game drives, conservation activities, nature walks, and wildlife experiences designed to provide authentic content that reflects the beauty and diversity of Uganda’s parks.
Rather than simply promoting tourism, the influencers are expected to educate their audiences about wildlife conservation, responsible travel, and the importance of protecting Uganda’s biodiversity.
Their stories are expected to reach thousands of young Ugandans who primarily consume travel inspiration through social media platforms.
Speaking during the launch, UWA Acting Executive Director Charles Tumwesigye encouraged participants to tell genuine stories based on facts. He emphasized the importance of working closely with UWA staff to ensure that all published information accurately represents Uganda’s wildlife, conservation efforts, and tourism products.
According to Tumwesigye, the campaign demonstrates UWA’s continued commitment to making Uganda’s natural heritage more accessible while nurturing a stronger conservation culture among citizens.
Parks and Wildlife Reserves Included in the 2026 Open Park Days
This year’s Open Park Days will give Ugandans a rare opportunity to explore some of the country’s most spectacular protected areas, each offering distinct landscapes, wildlife, and safari experiences.
Located in northwestern Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park is the country’s largest and oldest national park, covering nearly 3,900 square kilometres.
The park is best known for the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the mighty River Nile forces itself through a narrow seven-metre gorge before plunging over 40 metres. Beyond the falls, visitors can enjoy game drives across expansive savannahs inhabited by elephants, lions, leopards, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, hartebeests, and oribis.
Boat cruises along the Victoria Nile provide close encounters with hippos, Nile crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species, including the elusive shoebill stork, making it one of Uganda’s premier wildlife destinations.
In western Uganda lies Queen Elizabeth National Park, the country’s most biodiverse protected area. Stretching from the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains to the shores of Lake Edward, the park boasts over 95 mammal species and more than 600 recorded bird species.
It is internationally famous for the tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha Sector, while the Kazinga Channel offers unforgettable boat safaris featuring large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous water birds. Visitors can also enjoy chimpanzee tracking in the Kyambura Gorge, scenic crater lakes, volcanic landscapes, and rich cultural experiences in surrounding communities.
Situated between Kampala and western Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park is the closest savannah national park to the capital, making it ideal for weekend getaways and first-time safari visitors.
Unlike many other parks, Lake Mburo offers guided walking safaris, horseback safaris, cycling tours, and boat trips on Lake Mburo itself. The park is home to Uganda’s largest population of impalas, as well as Burchell’s zebras, elands, buffaloes, giraffes, topis, hippos, crocodiles, and more than 350 bird species. Its rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and numerous lakes create picturesque scenery that is perfect for photography and nature lovers.
Far in Uganda’s northeastern corner is Kidepo Valley National Park, often described as one of Africa’s last great wildernesses. Surrounded by rugged mountains and vast open plains, Kidepo offers breathtaking landscapes and an authentic safari experience far from the crowds.
The park supports more than 75 mammal species, including cheetahs, lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, ostriches, zebras, bat-eared foxes, and several species rarely found elsewhere in Uganda. Visitors can also meet the indigenous Karamojong and Ik communities, whose traditional cultures add another dimension to the safari experience.
Beyond the national parks, Open Park Days also feature several remarkable wildlife reserves that play an important role in Uganda’s conservation efforts.
Ajai Wildlife Reserve, located in northwestern Uganda near Arua, was originally established to protect the endangered northern white rhinoceros. Although rhinos are no longer found there, the reserve remains an important habitat for Uganda kob, bushbuck, warthogs, baboons, monkeys, and a wide variety of birds. The reserve’s wetlands and grasslands also make it attractive for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, situated in the Karamoja sub-region of northeastern Uganda, is the country’s second-largest protected area after Murchison Falls National Park. Its vast open plains provide refuge for wildlife species that are uncommon elsewhere in Uganda, including cheetahs, roan antelopes, elands, ostriches, mountain reedbucks, oribis, jackals, and hyenas.
The reserve also offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities, scenic mountain backdrops, and cultural interactions with the Karamojong people.
Located in western Uganda, Katonga Wildlife Reserve protects the wetlands and forests surrounding the Katonga River.
It is one of Uganda’s best destinations for canoe safaris, allowing visitors to quietly explore papyrus swamps rich in birdlife. The reserve is home to sitatungas, otters, bushbucks, waterbucks, monkeys, and numerous wetland bird species. Its peaceful environment makes it ideal for visitors seeking a quieter and more relaxed wildlife experience.
Toro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, found between Lake Albert and the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda, offers a fascinating combination of savannah, woodland, and riverine habitats.
The reserve shelters elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs, primates, and an impressive diversity of birdlife. It also serves as an important wildlife corridor connecting several protected ecosystems while providing spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
By including both flagship national parks and lesser-known wildlife reserves, the Uganda Wildlife Authority aims to encourage domestic tourists to discover destinations beyond the traditional safari circuit.
This approach not only spreads tourism benefits across different regions of the country but also raises awareness of the vital conservation role played by every protected area in preserving Uganda’s extraordinary biodiversity for future generations
Encouraging Ugandan Youth to Connect with Nature
Young people remain one of the campaign’s primary target audiences. UWA Acting Commissioner for Tourism and Business Development Dorcus Rukundo called upon Uganda’s youth to spend more time in nature, visit national parks, and inspire friends and families to do the same.
She noted that many young Ugandans are unaware of the incredible wildlife experiences available within their own country. From the thrilling heart-beating gorilla safaris in Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park to simple bird watching in your backyard, there are lots of unforgettable wildlife experiences that Uganda offers.
Through social media storytelling, influencer content, and firsthand experiences, UWA hopes to change perceptions and make wildlife tourism more appealing and accessible to younger generations.
The campaign also reinforces the message that conservation is everyone’s responsibility. Every visit to a national park contributes to wildlife protection, supports local communities through tourism revenue, and strengthens appreciation for Uganda’s natural resources.
Conclusion
The Open Park Days Influencer Campaign represents more than a marketing exercise; it is a long-term investment in Uganda’s conservation future. By combining digital storytelling with real wildlife experiences, UWA hopes to inspire a new generation of Ugandans to embrace their country’s extraordinary natural heritage.