The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) has announced a significant increment to its entrance fees. Effective July 1st, 2024, visitors will experience a change in pricing aimed at enhancing the overall visitor experience and furthering UWEC’s commitment to animal welfare and conservation education.
James Musinguzi, the Executive Director of UWEC, emphasized that the decision to revise the entry fees was driven by a desire to improve service delivery and ensure the continued care of the diverse animal species housed at the center. The increase in fees, he explained, is crucial to meet the rising costs associated with animal food, fuel, and other operational expenses.
“Increasing fees is not a decision we take lightly,” stated Musinguzi. “However, it is necessary to uphold the standards set by the Pan African Zoo Association and World Zoo Association and to provide a safe and enriching environment for both our visitors and the animals under our care.”
The adjustments to the entrance fees underscore UWEC’s dedication to maintaining a world-class facility while supporting vital conservation education initiatives. Despite the increase, it is noteworthy that UWEC has not raised entry fees for Ugandan and East African visitors in over a decade, demonstrating a commitment to accessibility for local communities.
Under the new pricing structure, African adults will be required to pay Shs20, 000 for entrance, doubling from the previous fee of Shs10, 000. Similarly, citizen children will now be charged Shs5, 000, up from Shs3, 000, while school groups will pay Shs8, 000 per student, an increase from Shs4, 000.
The decision to adjust entry fees reflects UWEC’s dedication to providing exceptional care for its animal residents and ensuring a memorable experience for visitors. By generating additional revenue through gate collections, UWEC aims to further invest in the welfare of its animals, maintain its status as a premier conservation and education center, and continue its important role in wildlife conservation efforts in Uganda and beyond.
As visitors prepare to embark on their journey to the Entebbe Zoo, they can do so knowing that their contributions through entrance fees will directly support the conservation and educational mission of UWEC, ensuring a brighter future for wildlife and generations to come.
