Murchison Falls National Park, 25th Sept 2016 – Communities from Pakwach, Masindi, Hoima, Nwoya and other surrounding districts have warmly embraced the start of Uganda’s Open Park Days, with local visitors flocking to Murchison Falls National Park in northern Uganda today on Friday, 25 September 2026.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has designated 25–27 September as Open Park Days, waiving entry fees to selected savannah national parks and wildlife reserves. The initiative gives Ugandan citizens, East African residents and other visitors free access to experience the country’s rich wildlife and natural heritage. Participating sites include Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo and Kidepo Valley National Parks, along with reserves such as Ajai, Katonga, Toro-Semliki and Pian Upe.
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest protected area, is a centrepiece of the campaign. On Day 1, UWA teams formally launched activities across the conservation area. Officials including Wilson Katamigwa (Acting Chief Warden of the Murchison Falls Conservation Area), Samuel Kayija (CAO) and Mugume Bright (District Vice Chairman, Masindi) flagged off the programme, welcoming visitors to explore the park’s savannahs, the dramatic Victoria Nile gorge and the iconic falls themselves.
Local residents and domestic tourists have responded enthusiastically. Social media posts and on-the-ground reports show growing numbers at key sites such as the top of the falls, with families and groups taking advantage of the free entry to enjoy game drives, scenery and cultural experiences. The initiative forms part of preparations for World Tourism Day celebrations on 27 September in Mbale City and aims to boost domestic tourism while fostering greater public appreciation of conservation.
Note that while park entry is free, visitors remain responsible for transport, accommodation and optional paid activities such as boat cruises or guided walks.
Tomorrow, 26 September, is also National Cleaning Day—the monthly nationwide exercise held on the last Saturday of each month. The main cleanup focus will be in Hoima City, though activities take place across the country. Many visitors planning to continue exploring the parks may balance the two national priorities.
Open Park Days runs through Sunday 27 September. Ugandans are encouraged to take the opportunity to experience their country’s wildlife firsthand and become ambassadors for Uganda’s natural heritage.
Plan your trip with WooNam Safaris
