Wildlife Research Fees and Permits in Uganda's Protected Areas
A short guide for researchers and students, based on the UWA tariff.
UWA charges application, monthly research and deposit fees that depend on the researcher category. This page summarises the structure so students and researchers know what to expect; contact UWA directly for current application forms.
At a glance
- Categories: Long-term, foreign non-student, foreign student, assistant or volunteer, Ugandan
- Application fee: $100 for most foreign categories
- Ugandan researchers: UGX 50,000 application (non-student), 20,000 (PhD and MSc)
- Note: Application and research fees are non-refundable
Fee Summary
| Category | Application | Monthly research |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term researcher (beyond 3 years) | $100 | $250 |
| Foreign non-student researcher | $100 | $250 |
| Foreign student researcher | $100 | $250 |
| Foreign research assistant or volunteer | $100 | $150 |
| Ugandan non-student researcher | UGX 50,000 | UGX 100,000 |
| Ugandan PhD student | UGX 20,000 | UGX 50,000 |
| Ugandan MSc student | UGX 20,000 | - |
A report or security deposit applies: $300 for foreign categories, UGX 200,000 and UGX 100,000 for some Ugandan categories. Ugandan research assistants are free, and foreign research assistants and volunteers pay park entrance at a 50% discount for up to ten days. Researcher accommodation is charged separately.
About these rates. UWA states that tariff fees are subject to change without prior notice. FNR = foreign non-resident, FR = foreign resident, ROA = rest of Africa, EAC = citizen of an East African Community member state (paid in UGX). Source: Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Conservation Tariff July 2024 to June 2026 and UWA letter ref. TDO 93/04 dated 26 February 2026.
Using This Page When Planning Your Uganda Safari
Researchers should contact UWA directly for current application forms. Pair it with what affects the cost of a Uganda safari, gorilla permits explained and how to book a Uganda safari.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- 5 Day Primates, Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
- 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari
- 3 Days Kibale Chimpanzee Trek Safari
- 3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park Wilderness Safari
- how-much-does-a-uganda-safari-cost
- uganda-gorilla-permits-explained
- Downloadable Safari Resources
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
Ready to Plan Your Uganda Safari?
Tell us your dates, group size and interests and our Kampala team will reply with a clear, personal itinerary.
Back to the Ameera Africa Safaris homepage for Uganda safari holidays, our featured tours and the latest Uganda park fees.