New entry fees at UWEC-Entebbe Zoo start July 1st, 2024.

Summary

• Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) will implement new entry fees starting July 1st, 2024, aimed at enhancing visitor experiences and supporting animal welfare

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Earlier this year, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) revised its entry fees structure, slated to take effect on July 1st, 2024. According to Dr. James Musinguzi, UWEC’s Executive Director, the fee adjustments aim to enhance visitor experiences and support animal welfare efforts at the center, potentially increasing tourist visits.

Dr. Musinguzi stated, “Starting July 1st, 2024, UWEC will adjust entry fees to meet rising costs associated with animal care, a move long overdue after a decade without fee increases.”

Under the updated fees effective from July 1st, 2024, East African adults will pay Shs20,000, up from Shs10,000, and East African children (ages 3-14) will pay Shs10,000, up from Shs5,000. Booked school groups will now pay Shs8,000 per student on certain days, increased from Shs4,000, and Shs10,000 on others, up from Shs5,000. Tertiary institution fees rise to Shs8,000, while accompanying school teacher fees remain at Shs10,000.

Non-resident fees remain unchanged at $15 for adults and $10 for children, while resident fees stay at $5.

Dr. Musinguzi also confirmed that fees for additional services like “Behind the Scenes Experience” and special animal encounters remain unaffected.

Established in the 1950s and known as Entebbe Zoo, UWEC merged recently with Uganda Wildlife Authority. It serves not just as a wildlife viewing venue but also as a sanctuary for orphaned, confiscated, and injured animals. The center, open daily from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, offers educational opportunities amidst its diverse ecosystems, including free-ranging monkeys and over 120 bird species.

Last year, UWEC expanded following negotiations, with management of Entebbe Botanical Gardens transferred to the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, overseeing UWEC’s operations.

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