UWA introduces new digital gorilla trekking permits
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has launched a new online booking system for tour operators, significantly enhancing the efficiency and management of reservations for gorilla tracking and other attractions in protected areas.
The wildlife watchdog said the initiative underscores its dedication to sustainability by leveraging technology to better manage and safeguard wildlife and its habitats.
The development was announced during the UWA, tourism stakeholders engagement in Kampala by Stephen Sanyi Masaba, sirector of business development and his technical team from UWA.
The systems were developed by Michael Nyerere of ICT Operations & FinTech Manager KAPS (U) Ltd.
"We have experienced challenges but are now satisfied that we can develop a system from the booking to the audit stage," Masaba said.
"This is one of the enablers to enhance e-commerce for more efficient business."
He further revealed that over the last year, UWA has been working with KAPS to develop a booking and revenue collection system that will improve efficiency and ease the process of booking and paying for products and services.
Functionalities
The system has online functionality for licensed tour operators to access and reserve permits which they can pay for using any of the payment methods, including mobile money.
It is configured for transactions in different currencies.
The system is also integrated with the financial system so that tour operators cannot only track transactions but also offer faster services to their clients in real-time.
It also includes provision for access to primate parks and is now being rolled out to the savannah parks.
The digital wallet functionality removes the need for cash transactions and now provides a trial and one can transact for all park products and services.
It has lots of controls to prevent fraudulent activities that have dogged the organisation in the recent past.
Tour operators shall be able to receive message alerts and validation of documents shall be QR code enabled on the ground at the park.
It has been designed to confirm usage after the service has expired.
Masaba warned against hoarding of permits which shall attract penalties, adding that UWA staff have been trained and are now ready to support.
Jimmy Mugisa, director of finance and administration at UWa, reassured the public that the self-service portal will reduce paperwork with minimal need to carry documentation and reduce the need for physically going to the office which in turn curbs future scandals in the business.
"It is a web-based system compatible with Google Chrome, Safari, and Microsoft Edge. Walkins shall be provided for as a special category with 20 percent of permits provided for Ugandan or foreign residents," he said.
Other procedures for booking, rescheduling, and cancellation remain unchanged.
In April 2024, UWA joined the global Climate Friendly Network, aligning itself with the Sustainable Development Goals embedded in the Paris 1.5 Agreement of 2015, and committing to the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
UWA's implementation of the new booking system represents an actionable strategy in support of Climate Friendly Travel ambitions.
Another example of this commitment is the adoption of QR codes in lieu of physical brochures, a change showcased at the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) in May, aimed at attracting high-value travelers.
Last year, UWA was thrown into a scandal following revelations that gorilla trekking permits worth billions of shillings had been irregularly sold by officials at the wildlife watchdog.
UWA earlier this year dismissed four officials and terminated another over the permit fraud that involved, among others, undervaluation and outright sales figures fraud.
