By Frank Kamuntu
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) with support from the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) have launched an ambitious nationwide campaign to inspire Ugandans to embrace domestic tourism, with a special focus on encouraging young people to become passionate ambassadors of the country’s spectacular wildlife and natural heritage.
The campaign was officially flagged off on Monday at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe, where a team of Ugandan journalists and digital influencers embarked on a familiarization tour of some of the country’s most iconic protected areas ahead of the highly anticipated Open Park Days 2026, scheduled for September 25 to 27.
This year’s Open Park Days will feature five breathtaking conservation destinations: Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, offering Ugandans a unique opportunity to experience the country’s unmatched wildlife, landscapes and conservation success stories.
Speaking during the flag-off, Ag. UWA Executive Director Charles Tumwesigye said the initiative marks a new chapter in efforts to promote domestic tourism by placing Ugandans, particularly Generation Z, at the center of conservation storytelling.
“For a long time, many people have left wildlife tourism for the white man, yet we as Ugandans also need to enjoy these resources. They are for us,” Tumwesigye said.
He applauded the growing impact of social media influencers in shaping public opinion and challenged them to become champions of Uganda’s conservation agenda.
“We have been missing this vibe from Gen Z, and here you are. We know you have a lot of followers on Twitter, Instagram and other social media platforms. We are giving you this opportunity to go into the national parks. Go, see, capture and tell. Those are the key words,” he said.
According to Tumwesigye, the familiarization expedition is designed to empower young Ugandans to tell compelling stories about the country’s protected areas while encouraging more citizens to visit and appreciate the national parks.
He noted that Open Park Days will initially be rolled out in selected conservation areas as UWA assesses public response before expanding the initiative in the coming years.
Commissioner for Tourism and Business Development at UWA, Dorcus Rukundo Twesigomwe, described the participating journalists and digital influencers as trusted ambassadors entrusted with showcasing Uganda’s natural wonders to the world.
“You are the owners of this country. You should know it, enjoy its beauty and pass that experience on to other Ugandans,” she said.
Twesigomwe encouraged Ugandans from every corner of the country to seize the opportunity presented by Open Park Days to reconnect with their natural heritage while supporting conservation through domestic tourism.
UTB Chief Executive Officer Ms. Juliana Kagwa challenged the participating content creators to use their influence to transform the perception of tourism among young Ugandans.
“You are innovating and showing other young Ugandans your age that tourism is for all of us. This country belongs to all of us. It is not for one man or two women. It is for all of us,” Ms. Kagwa said.
She emphasized that Uganda’s tourism story goes beyond breathtaking scenery and wildlife, saying the real attraction lies in the unforgettable emotions visitors experience while exploring the country.
“Explore Uganda is about the feeling. It is not just the sights and the sounds. It is the feeling. We are excited to see the content you will be creating. Tweet, vlog, blog and even call us while you are there. Tell us what you are feeling because that is what we are selling,” she added.
Ms Kagwa urged the journalists and influencers to capture authentic stories from the national parks and conservation areas, expressing confidence that their content would inspire thousands of Ugandans to discover the treasures in their own backyard.
The participating journalists and influencers led by baddest vine master and musician Tugume Wycliff (Ykee Benda) are expected to produce rich digital content highlighting Uganda’s extraordinary wildlife, stunning landscapes, adventure experiences and conservation achievements. Their stories are expected to inspire thousands of Ugandans to explore destinations that many have only admired from afar.
Open Park Days 2026 forms part of the broader Explore Uganda campaign, a national initiative aimed at increasing domestic tourism and cultivating a new generation of Ugandan tourism ambassadors.
With the campaign now underway, UWA and UTB are optimistic that more Ugandans will answer the call to explore, experience and celebrate the country’s priceless natural heritage, reinforcing the message that Uganda’s parks are not only world-class attractions but also a shared national treasure that belongs to every citizen.
Participating Parks for Open Park Days 2026
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve
#Stay tuned for more updates!
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