Filming in Uganda

Filming in Uganda can be done as long as one acquires press/media accreditation and other filming permits. Media accreditation is issued out by Uganda National Media Council . In addition to that, location permits are also needed If you are filming in private or government owned locations such as national parks and reserves. These location permits have to be requested and applied for from their respective administrative authorities with the assistance of a local Fixer in Uganda.

Permits for filming in Uganda

1.Media Accreditation/Press Accreditation

Media Accreditation is a must have for anyone that is planning to film in Uganda. Regardless of the position, all crew members have to apply for media accreditation as required of them by the Ugandan Law. It is this media accreditation that gives you official permission to film in Uganda Generally.

Requirements of Media Accreditation for Filming in Uganda.

By the standards of Uganda Media Council , You are required to provide certain documents for your application to be approved and these documents are:

A properly filled in Form G
Certificate of good conduct
Company introduction letter
Passport copy
Passport sized photograph
Special Pass application

Once the documents are provided, our Uganda fixer handles the application process for you and this takes about 3 to 5 working days for the press accreditation to be approved and the Media cards to be issued out.

Media Accreditation Cost for Filming in Uganda

The cost of media accreditation for filming in Uganda is 175 USD for a period of 6 months and 325 USD for a period 2 years. This fee is per person and every crew member is supposed to pay it for their media accreditation to be issued out upon application.

2. Special pass/Work permit for filming in Uganda

For you to film in Uganda , you need a special pass also known as a work permit. It is also one of the requirements for media accreditation to be approved by Uganda Media Council. Special passes are issued out by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and each special pass costs 400 USD per person

The application process is very simple with the help of a local fixer. All you have to do is provide the following documents

company introduction letter
Passport copy
Passport sized photos
Recommendation cover letter from Uganda Media Council. Once this is given to our local fixer, the application is done and the special pass is issued out in 3 to 5 working days.

Please note that a special pass is mandatory for film crew members to get their media accreditation to film in Uganda approved.

3. Location permits.

After getting media accreditation , there are some locations in Uganda that will require you to get additional location permits. Such locations include National parks and reserves, government owned property, and public facilities . The permits that are needed for you to film in these locations are issued out by the respective authorities for example permission for filming in National parks and wildlife is issued out by Uganda Wildlife Authority. The fees paid for these locations permits vary accordingly and are determined once the request for filming is made.

4. Drone permits for Filming in Uganda.

Flying and filming with drones in Uganda, is supposed to be done with permission from the Ministry of Defence and Civil Aviation Authority. If you want to film with a drone in Uganda, you can opt to hire one locally or import yours though this process can be lengthy and time consuming.

If you want to import your drone for filming in Uganda, You have to get a temporary importation . With the necessary requirements provided, the temporary import permit for your drone can be gotten within a timeframe of 1 to 2 months. All you have to do is follow the steps below with the assistance of our fixer.

Apply and film in an RPAS/Drone Operations Application Form
Provide an introduction letter requesting for the permit. This letter should include details of location, drone and the drone pilot
Provide specifications if the drone and its operator manual and its insurance
Provide the certificate of the intended drone pilot
You also need to get you need to get a Class III medical certificate issued by a recognized aviation designated medical examiner.

Drone importation fees and costs are different depending on the type of drone that is being imported and the fee for clearance is set once the application is made and when paid, the drone is cleared in for filming in Uganda.

Rules and Regulations for filming with drones in Uganda

Filming with a drone has to be done with respect to the rules and regulations that are set by the law. Whether you are using an imported drone or one that you have hired locally, it is important to note that flying drones in Uganda is very sensitive and you have to follow the set rules and regulations that include the following.

Avoid NO FLY ZONES. These include the airport, the State House, Military and police posts and any other places that may be communicated to you in the process of application
Drones are supposed to fly at or below 400ft/122meters
Flying a drone has to be done only during daylight
Drone flying speed should be kept under 100mph
Do not fly directly over people, especially when filming in public places.
When flying, ensure to yield the right-of-way to any manned aircraft.
When filming wildlife, do not fly so close to the animals

Locations for filming in Uganda

Uganda as a country, is very vibrant and has several locations that can be considered for filming. If you are planning to film in Uganda, here are some of the potential locations that you can look at for your filming project.

National Parks for Wildlife.

Bwindi impenetrable National park

This park is Popularly known for its mountain gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in South Western Uganda and it is divided in four sectors known as Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Buhoma. The park has several gorilla families that are distributed all over the different sectors. You can film the gorillas when you pay for gorilla permits.

Kibale National Park

Also located in western Uganda, the park is a habitat to chimpanzees and it is a primate hub all over Africa. The Park has different sectors known as Ngogo, Kanyanchu and Bulayiga. The different communities can be trekked and filmed in this park via normal tracking or chimpanzee habituation.

Murchison Falls National Park

This park is where the Murchison waterfall is found. This is also another location that can be considered for filming as it is not only home to the powerful falls but also wildlife such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, water bucks , antelopes and so much more.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

This park is located in Western Uganda and is home to several wildlife species such as tree climbing lions, leopards, elephants, hippos buffaloes and so much more. The park also has a Kazinga channel where wildlife can be filmed in the water channel that is separated by Lake Edward and Lake George.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

For those that are interested in filming Rhinos, once you pay for Rhino tracking at this Sanctuary , you will be allowed time period to film them

In addition to the above, if you want to film wildlife in Uganda , you can also visit Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Mgahinga National Park.

Cities and Towns

Kampala . This is the capital city of Uganda and is very busy and filled with several aspects to look at. You can film the daily life of people in the country, visit the market and also cultural sites such as Kasubi tombs, Namugongo shrine , Uganda museum and so much more
Jinja city where the source of the River Nile is found in another city that you can consider filming
Fortportal City has several locations to visit such as kibale National Park, The Nyinamwiru caves and so much more
Entebbe town is the entry point where you can be able to film Lake Victoria, visit the botanical gardens and Ngamba island where you can find chimpanzees

Tips for Filming in Uganda

Hire and work with a local fixer. Filming in Uganda is simplified when you work with a professional local fixer to help you along every step of the shoot. Our local fixers are available to help you plan and execute your shoot in Uganda. From providing the necessary information in the planning stage, to acquisition of the necessary permits and logistical assistance during shoot days, our fixers are well equipped to provide you with assistance.

Consider the best time to film. Uganda as a country experiences dry and wet seasons of climate. In the months of June to September and January to February, the country experiences dry weather. For those that are interested in filming wildlife and in National parks, you should consider coming in these months as the wildlife can be spotted easily and the roads are in good condition as compared to the rainy season. March to May and October to December is characterized with rain. When planning your shoot, this should be put into consideration. Public holidays are also to look out for when it comes to permits as several offices are closed during those days and seasons.

Follow the rules and regulations of the country. It is important to conduct yourself in a way that is respective in public especially if you are in cultural settings. Different cultures have different ways of living. For more information on this , please feel free to contact

Fixer services in Uganda

Africa Fixers provides fixer services to crews and production companies that want to film in Uganda. Our Uganda fixers are professional and very capable in assisting you will all your production needs our service include the following

Media accreditation application
Location permits application
Customs clearance for equipment
Drone clearance
Transportation services
Equipment hire
Local crew hire
Visa application
Location scouting and management

If you are planning to film in Uganda , please feel free to contact us for assistance at any stage of production for your profile. Our Uganda fixers are readily available to assist you.

Choose Africa Fixers

Africa Fixers is a film Fixing Company and sister company to Encounter Africa Safaris. Africa Fixers assists filming companies and Production agencies that are interested in filming in several African countries. We are very capable of handling all fixer services required. Our team of Uganda fixers is very professional. Over the years, we have been able to get all relevant connections with other service providers and authority agencies to make sure that accreditation and filming permits are easily processed. Contact us now for details and all the relevant information you would like to know for successful filming in Uganda.