Uganda, the land of diverse wildlife and stunning natural landscapes, has recently taken a significant step towards preserving its natural heritage. The government has launched a new system aimed at tackling gorilla permit fraud, a menace that has threatened the conservation efforts in the country.
This groundbreaking move comes as a response to allegations of fraud surrounding gorilla and chimpanzee permits issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

Hon. Martin Mugarra, the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, unveiled the new booking and revenue collection system, which is set to revolutionize the way permits are obtained and monitored. The system marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s commitment to sustainable tourism and conservation practices.

Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are highly sought after by both locals and foreign nationals who wish to experience the thrill of tracking these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats. However, the previous permit booking system had been marred by fraudulent activities, with some unscrupulous individuals taking advantage of loopholes to exploit the demand for these permits.

“The new system will replace the abused gorilla and chimpanzee permit booking system,” stated Hon. Mugarra. This means that individuals attempting to defraud the system will face strict consequences as the government endeavors to curb fraudulent activities and safeguard the conservation efforts in Uganda.

These endeavors come in the wake of recent allegations of fraud within the UWA. Hon. Moses Kamuntu, a Member of Parliament representing Rubanda County, brought the issue to light and called for a thorough investigation into the matter. In response, the Ministry of Tourism launched an internal audit to uncover the extent of the fraudulent activities. The audit, which covered the period between June and August 2023, revealed alarming findings.

“The alleged fraud was detected internally by UWA. Consequently, the Executive Director commissioned an internal audit,” revealed Hon. Mugarra. This bold move showcases the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of Uganda’s wildlife tourism sector. Any staff or tour companies implicated in the fraudulent activities will face prosecution in the courts of law, ensuring that justice is served and that such illicit practices are eradicated.

In a statement, Mugarra conveyed that the initial findings suggest the possibility of fraudulent activities involving certain personnel from the reservations, finance, and information technology departments at the head office, as well as some field staff.

In response to these findings, UWA has initiated a secondary investigation, which includes members from the investigations unit and the Uganda Police Force. These investigations are still ongoing, and the results will guide our future actions.