For the longest time, the term “tourist” rang with a foreign beat to it in the ears of many Ugandans. In fact, for one to be seen as a tourist, their skin had to be visibly lighter or devoid of any melanin – ‘Muzungu’ as the local dialect puts it.
Thanks to primary school Social Studies classes, a bigger chunk of the population knows about Uganda’s prized national parks such as Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo, Murchison Falls, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Lake Mburo among others.
For many, however, this knowledge doesn’t expand beyond the confines of a tattered text book or the recollection of a rugged map of Uganda, drawn on the black board by the grumpy Social Studies teacher.
In the recent past, however, a number of Ugandans have picked interest in exploring their country – touring monuments and heritage sites, national parks and museums. It’s no secret, however, that the bigger section of the elite and well-off preferred destinations like Dubai, Zanzibar or Diani at the Kenyan Coast to the abundance in nature Uganda boasts.
To remedy this, the government, through UWA, is giving citizens more exposure to the dynamics of travel and tourism in their country through the Open Park Days initiative.
The Open Park Days, an initiative of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) under the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, seeks to give Ugandan citizens access to some of the country’s most iconic parks and subsequent complimentary game drives therein, all free of charge.
The initiative was announced by UWA’s Director of Tourism and Business Development Mr. Stephen Masaba on behalf of the Executive Director on Monday.
This year’s open park days are set for October 17th and 18th.
The select national parks include; Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo, Kidepo Valley, Queen Elizabeth, and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.
Awareness Creation
According to Mr. Masaba, this is an opportunity for Ugandans to have a unique and immersive experience of Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.
“This initiative is more than just a promotional event; it is a call to action for all Ugandans to rediscover the beauty and wonder of our natural heritage. Domestic tourism is a key driver of our economy, and every visit to a national park not only contributes to local economies but also builds a sense of ownership and responsibility towards our natural resources,” Masaba said.
He further stressed that domestic tourism is critical for Uganda’s economic recovery, particularly following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ebola outbreak, and negative travel advisories, which led to a sharp decline in tourism revenues.
He explained that the Open Park Days initiative seeks to reverse these trends by encouraging Ugandans to appreciate and explore their country’s rich biodiversity.
The event was attended by the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Association, Mr. Muhereza Kyamutetera, who expressed the private sector’s pride in partnering with UWA to promote domestic tourism.
“Awareness is a critical component of product consumption. When Ugandans are made aware of the incredible treasures within their own country, it creates a desire to explore and appreciate them. As the private sector, we are proud to stand with UWA in encouraging more Ugandans to discover our national parks and contribute to the growth of domestic tourism,” he noted.
The launch concluded with the ceremonial flagging off of a team of influencers who will traverse Uganda’s national parks as part of a campaign to amplify awareness of the Open Park Days initiative.
These influencers, drawn from various sectors are to document and share their experiences on digital platforms, showcasing the breathtaking beauty and unique wildlife Uganda’s parks have to offer.
“They will inspire greater public interest in domestic tourism while also highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation in Uganda,” Bashir Hangi, Head of Communication and PR said in a statement issued on Monday.
Fostering Conservation
Mr. Masaba highlighted the fact that the closer people feel affiliated to wildlife, the more they would take interest in conserving it.
The Open Park Days bring the local populace, who would otherwise not spend on the entry fees or activities in the park, a grand opportunity to experience Uganda’s gifted wild side.
“Each visit to our parks plays a crucial role in conservation and enhances social cohesion, promoting understanding and appreciation across diverse cultures,” Mr. Masaba added.
He also noted tourism’s positive impact on local communities, supporting conservation efforts, protecting wildlife, and driving sustainable development through job creation.
The launch of Open Park Days follows Uganda’s recent celebration of World Tourism Day on September 27, 2024, under the theme “Tourism and Peace.”
This theme aligns with UWA’s objectives for the Open Park Days initiative, emphasizing tourism’s role in fostering dialogue, mutual respect, and cultural exchange.
“Tourism serves as a powerful bridge, and by inviting all Ugandans to explore our parks, we aim to create opportunities for cultural exchange and a deeper appreciation of our heritage,” Mr. Masaba reiterated, underscoring that tourism contributes not only to national unity but also to the preservation of Uganda’s wildlife heritage for future generations.
The Open Park Days initiative not only promotes domestic tourism but also provides an opportunity to communities living around conservation areas to enter and experience firsthand what happens inside the parks. Opening park gates to these communities, enhances their understanding and appreciation of wildlife conservation efforts, strengthening UWA’s relationships with local communities.