The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has released an essential advisory to guide both locals and visitors on the proper channels for purchasing gorilla and chimpanzee permits. With Uganda’s rich biodiversity at stake, it’s vital to adhere to these guidelines to ensure the protection and conservation of our treasured wildlife.
Key Guidelines to Follow
- Purchase your gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits exclusively through tour operators licensed by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB).
- Before booking, verify the operator’s license on the UTB website. Report any unlicensed operators to UTB and UWA immediately to prevent fraud.
- FR and EAC citizens can buy permits directly from UWA for themselves and their family members.
- Ensure payments are made through the official UWA payment channels and bank accounts.
- Note that payments made directly at the park are not allowed.
- Use the UWA reservations office at the Headquarters or the Sheraton Tourism Visitor Information Centre, employing appropriate payment methods like mobile money codes, POS machines, bank deposits, or transfers.
- Always secure a proforma invoice from UWA confirming your reservation before making any payments. This is crucial for securing your booking.
- Avoid depositing money into UWA bank accounts without receiving an official invoice to prevent unauthorized transactions.
To ensure your payments are secure and recognized, use these approved methods for all UWA products and services:
- POS Machines at designated UWA locations in Kampala.
- Bank Deposits/Transfers to UWA’s official bank accounts.
- Mobile Money Payments via MTN MoMo Pay (Merchant ID: 611906) and Airtel Money Pay (Merchant ID: 1207670).
- Bank Deposits at the UWA reservations office.
- Bank Transfers to the official UWA bank accounts listed in the annex.
UWA does not employ agents within or outside Uganda. Be wary of making payments directly to individuals or unauthorized persons claiming to represent UWA. Always verify the authenticity of all payment requests.
We urge all stakeholders to exercise caution in financial transactions related to UWA’s services. Verify all communications and payment requests to ensure their legitimacy. Remember, UWA is not responsible for financial losses from unauthorized transactions.
By adhering to these guidelines, you help preserve Uganda’s natural heritage while ensuring smooth and secure transactions. For further assistance, reach out to the UWA Sales Manager, Mr. Paul Ninsiima, at +256772720311.
Annex: Official UWA Collections Bank Accounts
- ABSA Bank:
- UGX Account: 6006760021
- USD Account: 344020914
- Stanbic Bank:
- UGX Account: 9030006237338
- USD Account: 9030008172993
- Centenary Bank:
- UGX Account: 3110400021
- Citi Bank:
- UGX Account: 100160021
- USD Account: 100160064
For more details, visit the UWA website or contact their offices directly. Your cooperation and support are invaluable in our efforts to conserve Uganda’s diverse wildlife. Thank you for ensuring that every transaction contributes to the protection of our natural wonders.