Government bureaucrats swear you can still watch monkeys while politicians fight for power because the Uganda Tourism Board insists that safaris remain completely safe ahead of the January 15 general election. The agency claims that all the drama stays contained within urban centers like Kampala, while national parks operate without any interruptions. Officials promised extra security along transport routes to ensure international visitors can still enjoy gorilla trekking and wildlife tours without getting caught in the crossfire of political rallies.
Travelers should probably dodge large crowds and stick with registered operators just to be safe. The board pointed out that previous voting cycles in 2021 failed to disrupt activities at major spots like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Queen Elizabeth National Park. Tour companies reported zero cancellations back then since the chaos rarely reached remote wilderness areas where tree-climbing lions and chimpanzees hang out.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority confirmed they will honor all existing permits regardless of the ballot counting schedule. Refund policies remain strict, though, since rescheduling is a nightmare due to high demand. Neighbors in Rwanda held similar polls recently without messing up tourism flows either. This suggests that East African wildlife trips usually survive election seasons unscathed, provided you stay away from the city centers where the real action happens.
Travelers should probably dodge large crowds and stick with registered operators just to be safe. The board pointed out that previous voting cycles in 2021 failed to disrupt activities at major spots like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Queen Elizabeth National Park. Tour companies reported zero cancellations back then since the chaos rarely reached remote wilderness areas where tree-climbing lions and chimpanzees hang out.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority confirmed they will honor all existing permits regardless of the ballot counting schedule. Refund policies remain strict, though, since rescheduling is a nightmare due to high demand. Neighbors in Rwanda held similar polls recently without messing up tourism flows either. This suggests that East African wildlife trips usually survive election seasons unscathed, provided you stay away from the city centers where the real action happens.
