The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has announced a reduction in mountain gorilla tracking fees, lowering the cost for international tourists from $800 to $600. For Ugandans and other East African nationals, the fee has been set at Shs300,000. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to encourage domestic tourism and ensure that local communities living near protected areas receive direct economic benefits from conservation efforts. The fee adjustment precedes the inaugural Mountain Gorilla Festival, scheduled for November 19–22, 2026, in Kisoro District. Held under the theme “Protecting Gorillas, Empowering Communities,” the event aims to integrate wildlife conservation with local economic development. UWA Executive Director James Musinguzi emphasized that the success of conservation depends on the active participation and financial gain of local populations. He noted that the authority is focused on creating opportunities for women, youth, and local entrepreneurs in sectors such as hospitality, tour guiding, and the sale of locally produced crafts. To further support domestic tourism, UWA is working to improve infrastructure within the Bwindi-Mgahinga Conservation Area, including the maintenance of access roads and tracking trails. Musinguzi stated that the authority is exploring partnerships with local investors to provide affordable accommodation and is in discussions with Kira Motors to develop bus services for weekend trips to national parks, aiming to reduce the prohibitive costs that often deter domestic travelers. The festival will feature the Virunga Gorilla Marathon on November 21, which includes a 112-kilometre ultra-trail and other race categories. Ivan Kahangire, team leader of the marathon, stated that the event is designed to showcase the region’s natural scenery, identify athletic talent, and stimulate business for local restaurants, transport operators, and accommodation providers. The event also includes an environmental component, featuring a tree-planting initiative in partnership with Stanbic Bank. Registration for the festival is currently open via the official event website. UWA intends for the festival to serve as a platform for local artisans to showcase their work. Musinguzi proposed enhancing the quality and presentation of local crafts and exploring digital marketing and shipping options to allow tourists to purchase goods without the burden of extra luggage. The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) is partnering with UWA to promote the festival as a means of strengthening Uganda’s profile as a sustainable, nature-based tourism destination. UTB Chief Executive Julianna Kaggwa noted that such events encourage longer visitor stays and support the preservation of cultural heritage. Uganda currently hosts more than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. UWA is in the process of finalizing a new census to update population figures. The Mountain Gorilla Festival is planned as a recurring event, with future editions scheduled to rotate through the Kigezi region, including Kabale in 2027, followed by Kanungu or Kihihi. Organizers anticipate an attendance of approximately 2,000 people for the inaugural event in Kisoro.