Filming In Murchison Falls National Park: All about Permits & Permissions

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Filming in Murchison Falls National Park requires two (02) main permits and or permissions. In this article, we will list and explain in detail all the permits and permission you will need in order to film inside Murchison Falls National – Uganda’s largest protected area.

All commercial filming in Uganda national Parks including game reserves require permits. The first step is to secure press Accreditation or media cards permitting you or the team to carry out any filming activity in Uganda. The second step is to acquire written permission (in the form of a contract) from the Uganda wildlife Authority -UWA authorising you or the team to conduct a film shoot in a specific National Park or protected area(s) as indicated in the written film contract ( a legally binding document) between you and the Uganda Wildlife Authority ( acting on behave of the government of Uganda) to oversee all filming in Uganda National Parks.

How to apply for Media/Filming Permits (Press Accreditation)

All foreign Journalist intending to engage in Filming In Uganda prior to the start of their shoot in Uganda must apply and acquire Press Accreditation to Film In Uganda. Each member of the crew is required to fill out FORM G (click here to download the form). After each individual Form G is completed, crew members MUST each attach a scanned copy of their passport (Bios Page) and a recent passport-sized photograph to be used in processing the Press pass or Accreditation card.

A synopsis about your shoot must be sent through by your team leader. This explains in detail what the film or shoot is about. He/she must also remember to explain why this is being Shot or filmed in Uganda and also mention (where possible) how you think this will benefit Uganda and its people.

After all the above paperwork and documents are complete, send them (via email) to anyone to a local Film Crew Fixer you will have chosen to work with. (See List of Film crew Fixers In Uganda.)

Press Accreditation in Uganda is processed at the Uganda Media Centre and is approved by the Media council at their city office in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city. All Filming permits are issued at the discretion of the Uganda media council – local fixers can only assist follow up with the process.

**Press accreditation process is considered complete at the Media Council offices after payment of the prescribed fees and issuance of an accreditation card.

Press Accreditation Fees payable to the Uganda Media council

a fee of US$175 per person is paid for a period not exceeding 30 days of the journalist’s stay.
a fee of US$225 per person is paid for a period beyond 30 days up to six months of stay.
a fee of US$325 per person is paid for a period of two years.

HOW TO SECURE A PERMIT FOR FILMING IN MURCHISON FALL NATIONAL PARK

For filming in Murchison Falls National Parks as earlier mentioned, we have to contact Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) the body mandated by the Uganda government to oversee all activities in National parks, Reserves and any other protected areas. The fees of permits to shoot in Uganda park are assessed based on what the client (crew) wants to film, for what duration, the number of crew members and any other requests the client(s) might have for instance, if you request for extra Ranger support, want to film at night etc. UWA will then charge approximately 40% filming fee of the activity you intend to film plus a 10% monitoring fee both fees are to be paid to UWA. In all this, UWA will draft a filming agreement between the Client ( crew or production company) and them upon which you will append signatures in the agreement of the terms therein indicated.

See our list of Reputable Filming Companies In Uganda to find a local film crew fixer to assist you through the bureaucratic procedure.

UWA Procedures: (**We have no influence on this but can only help you follow up the process on the ground)

Pre-application advice:

UWA welcomes an initial conversation and/or site visit with filmmakers to discuss the logistics of your request and determine from an early stage what we may and may not be able to achieve. (Local fixer can assist acting as your representative)
You should address all your enquiries to the Communications Manager at UWA Headquarters. (Local fixer can assist acting as your representative)
After initial discussions with the filmmakers or photographers to agree on activities, a formal application and letter must be submitted.

Fill in an application form (download from the link below) and send:

Applications should be made using the UWA official application form only. (link provided below)
UWA will acknowledge receipt of all applications within 24 hours and no later than 48 hours.
All film requests must be sent in at least 3 weeks prior to the start date of filming/photography.
All film requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the various sensitivities and other commitments of the protected areas but with a flexible approach aimed at helping, filmmakers/photographers meet their objectives.

Click to download and fill out this UWA Filming or Photography Application form

What is there to film in Murchison falls National Park

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Reputable Murchison Falls Film fixer Agencies

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