By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa, Umoja Standard.
MURCHISON FALLS NP: Uganda is strengthening its commitment to wildlife conservation by encouraging more citizens, particularly young people, to reconnect with the country’s rich natural heritage.
On the northern savannah, lions rest beneath sprawling fig trees while herds of elephants carve ancient paths across the grasslands. Along the Nile, one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls surges through a narrow rock gorge before spilling into the vast plains below. In the country’s western forests and wetlands, chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions and hundreds of bird species thrive in landscapes that rank among Africa’s richest biodiversity hotspots. These are the natural treasures the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) hopes more Ugandans will rediscover.
Through a new partnership between the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), a nationwide campaign has been launched to promote domestic tourism while positioning Generation Z as influential ambassadors for conservation through digital storytelling.
The initiative was officially launched at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe. It reflects a growing understanding that the long-term protection of wildlife depends not only on effective conservation policies but also on public appreciation and a strong sense of national ownership of Uganda’s protected areas. By inspiring Ugandans to explore their own national parks, the campaign aims to build lasting support for biodiversity conservation while increasing domestic tourism.
As part of the campaign, a team of Ugandan journalists, photographers, and digital influencers embarked on a familiarisation tour ahead of the inaugural Open Park Days 2026, scheduled for 25–27 September. Their task is to travel across some of Uganda’s most iconic conservation areas, document their experiences and share authentic stories that encourage fellow Ugandans, especially young audiences, to visit the country’s parks and appreciate their ecological importance.
The expedition will cover five major protected areas: Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.
These landscapes represent a remarkable range of ecosystems, including savannahs, wetlands, forests, woodlands and escarpments. Together, they provide habitats for elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, cheetahs, zebras, numerous antelope species and more than 1,000 bird species, highlighting Uganda’s status as one of Africa’s most biologically diverse countries.
Speaking at the launch, Acting UWA Executive Director Charles Tumwesigye stressed that Uganda’s wildlife belongs to all citizens and should not be viewed primarily as an attraction for international tourists. He observed that many Ugandans have traditionally regarded wildlife tourism as an activity mainly for foreign visitors, yet the country’s natural resources are a shared national inheritance. He urged citizens to take pride in these assets and actively enjoy them.
Tumwesigye also challenged Generation Z content creators to use their extensive social media influence to promote conservation. He encouraged them to visit national parks, experience the landscapes firsthand, capture memorable moments through photographs and videos, and tell compelling stories that inspire others to follow.
Rather than relying on second-hand information, participants are expected to create authentic, experience-based content capable of reaching thousands of young Ugandans through digital platforms.
The familiarisation tour forms part of preparations for Open Park Days 2026, an initiative that will initially be introduced in selected protected areas before being expanded to other parks, depending on public response. The programme aims to make wildlife experiences more accessible to Ugandans while encouraging greater public participation in conservation efforts.
Commissioner for Tourism and Business Development at UWA, Dorcus Rukundo Twesigomwe, described the participating journalists and influencers as custodians of Uganda’s conservation story. She encouraged them to explore the country’s landscapes, appreciate their beauty and share their experiences widely so that more Ugandans develop a stronger connection with their natural environment.
She also urged citizens from every region to take advantage of Open Park Days as an opportunity to discover and celebrate the country’s ecological heritage.
Uganda Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa highlighted the important role young people can play in transforming perceptions of tourism. She emphasized that wildlife experiences should no longer be seen as activities reserved for foreign visitors but as opportunities available to every Ugandan.
According to Kagwa, the country’s tourism appeal extends beyond spectacular scenery and wildlife to the emotional connections visitors develop with nature. She encouraged content creators to communicate not only what they see, but also how Uganda’s landscapes make them feel, as these personal experiences are powerful tools for inspiring others.
The expedition is led by musician Tugume Wycliff, popularly known as Ykee Benda, alongside journalists and digital influencers who will produce multimedia stories showcasing wildlife, conservation achievements, cultural experiences and Uganda’s diverse landscapes.
The campaign reflects a modern conservation approach that recognises storytelling as an essential tool for protecting nature. Through the broader Explore Uganda campaign and Open Park Days 2026, UWA and UTB hope to inspire a new generation of conservation advocates, strengthen domestic tourism and encourage Ugandans to view their national parks not only as recreational destinations but also as vital ecosystems that protect biodiversity, support livelihoods and preserve the country’s natural identity for future generations.
