As Uganda approaches its general elections on January 15, 2026, the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has issued a reassuring statement to international visitors.
Tourism remains fully open, all major destinations are safe, security measures are strengthened, and there will be no disruptions to scheduled tourist programs.
These timely advisory underscores Uganda’s commitment to maintaining its reputation as a premier destination for Uganda safaris particularly gorilla trekking and other wildlife experiences even during periods of political activity.
Political Activity Confined, Tourist Areas Unaffected
The UTB emphasized that election-related activities are largely concentrated in urban centers, particularly Kampala, leaving the country’s renowned national parks and remote wilderness areas undisturbed. Visitors planning safaris in Uganda can proceed with confidence, knowing that the government has deployed additional security personnel to tourist sites and transport routes to guarantee safety.
Travelers are nevertheless encouraged to take common-sense personal security precautions advised as follows;
- Avoid political rallies, demonstrations, or large gatherings in cities.
- Stay informed through official sources and your tour operator.
- Travel with registered operators who have real-time local knowledge.
- Keep valuables secure and maintain situational awareness in crowded urban areas.
- Register with your embassy and purchase comprehensive travel insurance.
These measures, combined with Uganda’s strengthened security presence, allow visitors to focus on enjoying the country’s natural wonders.
Proven Resilience: Tourism During Uganda’s 2021 Elections
Uganda’s previous general elections in January 2021 demonstrated that tourism activities in protected areas remained unaffected despite political tensions in urban centers. Major national parks operated normally throughout the voting period and aftermath:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – home to half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas continued uninterrupted gorilla trekking in Uganda, with all permitted treks proceeding as scheduled.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions, chimpanzees, and boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel, reported no cancellations or safety incidents among visitors.
- Murchison Falls National Park, with its dramatic waterfall and abundant big game, maintained full operations for game drives and boat trips.
- Kidepo Valley National Park, a remote wilderness in the northeast, remained peaceful and accessible for exclusive Uganda safaris.
International tour operators confirmed that visitors who traveled during the 2021 election period experienced no disruptions to their itineraries in these protected areas, reinforcing Uganda’s track record of separating political events from tourism zones.
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Permits Honored Regardless of Election Timing
Gorilla trekking in Uganda remains one of the world’s most sought-after wildlife experiences, with strictly limited daily permits in Bwindi and Mgahinga. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has confirmed that all valid gorilla permits booked for the election period will be fully honored, and treks will proceed as planned.
Visitors should note that gorilla permits are non-transferable and non-refundable except under specific circumstances, and rescheduling typically incurs additional fees due to high demand and limited availability. Travelers who have already secured permits for January 2026 can therefore trek with confidence, while those considering future bookings are advised to work with reputable operators for flexible Uganda safari packages if needed.
Regional Perspective: Rwanda’s Recent Elections Show Minimal Impact
Neighboring Rwanda, which held harmonious presidential and parliamentary elections in July 2024, provides a recent regional example of political processes coexisting seamlessly with tourism. Volcanoes National Park continued daily gorilla treks without interruption, and Rwanda safaris across Nyungwe Forest, Akagera National Park, and other sites operated normally throughout the election period. International arrivals reported no changes to their itineraries, demonstrating that well-managed electoral processes in East Africa rarely affect wildlife tourism in protected areas.
An Invitation to Experience Uganda’s Timeless Wonders
With assurances from the Uganda Tourism Board, historical precedent from the 2021 elections, and regional examples like Rwanda, visitors can confidently proceed with their plans for Uganda safaris and gorilla trekking in Uganda. The country’s extraordinary biodiversity – from mountain gorillas and chimpanzees to the Big Five and spectacular landscapes – remains accessible and secure.
For those seeking an unforgettable adventure, safaris in Uganda continue to offer exceptional value, professional guiding, and life-changing wildlife encounters. The Pearl of Africa welcomes travelers to experience its natural beauty, secure in the knowledge that tourism remains a national priority even during this important democratic moment.