By APN Reporter
apearlnews.com
Tour operators in the Kigezi subregion are calling for the full operationalization of regional offices as well as the implementation of the online application and payment system to its fullest in a bid to streamline the process of acquiring permits and park entry.
Currently tour operators must travel to Kampala in order to have the permits printed which they do not only describe as tiresome and time consuming but also very expensive.
Michael Sabiiti, the chief executive officer at Bugoli Adventures Limited website: https://www.bugoliadventures.com, a prominent tour company in Uganda, calls for the establishment of district-based UWA offices and the implementation of an online application and payment system to its fullest.
His concerns primarily revolve around the challenges faced by tour operators and enthusiasts in accessing UWA services, particularly those located in upcountry areas since the system only
Currently, individuals and reservation staff are required to undertake long journeys, sometimes from remote regions like Kabale to UWA’s headquarters in Kampala, to pay for permits and access essential UWA services.
Sabiiti says that these trips not only result in additional costs but also consume valuable time, discouraging potential tourists from requiring urgent responses.
Sabiiti proposes the establishment of district-based UWA offices. By creating regional offices, UWA could significantly reduce the burden on tour companies and tourists, making UWA services more accessible and convenient.
Coleb Niwataho, the chief executive officer at Standard Safaris Website: https://www.standardgorillasafaris.com, says that the district offices would not only facilitate permit procurement but also provide a platform for face-to-face interactions, promoting a closer relationship between UWA and stakeholders in the field.
He says that a modern approach would streamline the process of acquiring permits, booking park entry, and other UWA services, eliminating the need for physical visits and long journeys. The online system would be particularly beneficial for tour companies located in remote areas where reliable internet access might be a challenge.
Tour operators recommend the development of an online application and payment system similar to that of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
The operator says that they acknowledge the importance of efficient revenue collection and maintaining a robust system to combat illegal activities within Uganda’s national parks and reserves and believe that adopting modern technology and establishing district-based offices could efficiently achieve both objectives.
They believe that these changes will not only make UWA services more accessible and user-friendly but also promote tourism and conservation efforts in Uganda.
Uganda Wildlife Authority spokesperson Bashir Hangi says that the authority has offices in the areas of Kisoro, Kasese, Kitgum,Kitgum, and Kampala but rules out the possibility of establishing permit printing centers upcountry.
He says that other services, such as booking and reservations, can be done online, but that printing will always be done in Kampala.
He also argues that the issue of printing from Kampala is not a big challenge, saying that about 90% of the tour companies are based in Kampala.
