The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has introduced a new online booking system for tour operators, marking a significant advancement in the management of reservations for gorilla trekking and other wildlife attractions in Uganda’s protected areas.
This development underscores UWA’s dedication to sustainability through the adoption of technology to enhance wildlife conservation and tourism.
The announcement was made by Stephen Sanyi Masaba, Director of Business Development at UWA, during an online Zoom meeting on June 19, 2024. The meeting was attended by 180 tour operators and featured key speakers including Jimmy Mugisa, Director of Finance and Administration, and Michael Nyererere, ICT Operations & FinTech Manager at KAPS (U) Ltd, the system developers.
Masaba highlighted the system’s potential to streamline booking processes and improve efficiency. “We have faced challenges, but we are now confident that this system will enhance e-commerce and improve our business operations,” he said. He added that UWA has been collaborating with KAPS (U) Ltd for over a year to develop this booking and revenue collection system, which simplifies the process of booking and paying for services.
Previously, booking required a visit to UWA’s reservations office, which was time-consuming and inefficient. The new system allows licensed tour operators to reserve permits and make payments online using various methods, including Mobile Money. The system supports multiple currencies and integrates with UWA’s financial system, enabling real-time transaction tracking and faster service delivery.
Key features of the system
- Online access and reservation for licensed tour operators
- Multiple payment methods, including Mobile Money and online payments
- Integration with the financial system for real-time transaction tracking
- Availability for primate parks and soon to be extended to savannah parks
- Elimination of cash transactions, enhancing security and reducing fraud
- QR code-enabled document validation and real-time service confirmation
- Penalties for hoarding permits to ensure fair access
Mugisa reassured attendees that the self-service portal would significantly reduce paperwork and the need for physical office visits. Nyererere added that tour operators could now book and pay for permits remotely, with each Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) licensed operator given a password to access the system. The web-based platform is compatible with Google Chrome, Safari, and Microsoft Edge.
