The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has recently announced an increase in tracking fees for gorillas from $700 to $800 and for chimpanzees from $200 to $250. The fee hike, effective from July 1, 2024, has sparked concerns and challenges within the tourism industry, particularly among tour operators who had already marketed and sold permits at the previous rates.
According to a letter from Mr. Sam Mwandha, the executive director of UWA, the decision to raise fees is a result of a review of the conservation tariff. While charges for gorilla and chimpanzee tracking for local tourists remain unchanged, the sudden implementation of the new rates on January 23, 2024, has caught tour operators off guard.
Tour operators express distress over potential legal battles with overseas agents, as negotiations had been completed based on the previous rates. They argue that the move could negatively impact the industry’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges it has faced.
Some tour operators have voiced frustration, stating that they were not adequately consulted, and the abrupt fee increase may lead to difficulties in communication with agents and possible financial losses.
UWA’s spokesperson, Mr. Bashir Hangi, contends that tour operators were given a six-month notice about the tariff change and emphasizes that the adjustment is part of a routine review. However, tour operators are requesting a reconsideration of the implementation date, advocating for a mutually discussed timeline to address the challenges posed by the fee increase.
