Filming in Uganda

Filming in Uganda requires film crews to have acquired filming permits and press accreditation which is  issued out by Uganda National Media Council . If you are filming in private or government owned locations such as national parks and reserves, location permits are also to be applied for from their respective administrative authorities with the help of a local Uganda Fixer. Read the detailed information below for the necessary information of filming in Uganda.

Permits for filming in Uganda

1.Media Accreditation/Press Accreditation

Media Accreditation is the most important requirement that is mandatory for filming in Uganda. Every member of the crew has to be officially accredited by Uganda Media council as required of them by the Ugandan Law. It is this accreditation that gives you official permissions to film in Uganda Generally.

Requirements of Media Accreditation for Filming in Uganda.

When applying for media accreditation for filming in Uganda, You are required to provide certain documents that will determine if your application is allowed or not. These documents are:

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

When these are provided, our local Uganda fixer, handles the application process which takes about 3 to 5 working days for the media accreditation to be approves and the Media cards issues out.

Cost Of Media Accreditation for Filming in Uganda

The cost of media accreditation in Uganda is 175 USD valid for upto 6 months and 325 USD for a period 2 years . This cost is for an individual and every body on the crew is supposed to pay it for their media accreditation to be issued out .

2. Special pass/Work permit for filming in Uganda

A special pass also known as a work permit , is one of the requirements for every film crew member to get their accreditation to be approved by Uganda Media council. Special passes are issued out by the ministry of internal affairs ( immigration department). A special pass costs 400 USD per person

The process for applying is quite easy . All you have to do is provide A company introduction letter, Passport copy , passport sized photos and a 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.

In addition to Media accreditation, some locations in Uganda require you to get additional permits. Such places include National parks, government owned property, and public facilities . The permits for these locations are issued out by the respective authorities for example permission for filming in National parks is issued out by Uganda Wildlife Authority. The fees for these locations vary and are always determined once the request for filming is made.

4.Drone permits for Filming in Uganda.

Filming with drones in Uganda, requires its own necessary permission from the Ministry of Defence and Civil Aviation Authority.  When planning to film with a drone, there is an option of hiring one locally and importing one though this process can be abit lengthy.

If you intend to import a drone to film in Uganda, a temporary importation permit has to be requested . With the necessary requirements provided , a temporary import permit for your drone can be gotten within 4 to 6 weeks . All you have to do is follow the steps below with the assistance of our fixer in Uganda .

  • 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 vary depending on the type od drone and this fee is determined once the application is made and when the fee is paid , the drone is cleared in for filming in Uganda

Drone Filming regulations

Whether filming with an imported drone or a locally hired one , it is important to note that flying drones in Uganda is very sensitive and you have to adhere to 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 right way to any manned aircraft.
  • When filming wildlife, do not fly so close to the animals

For assitance with drone importation and more information of filming with drones in Uganda please feel free to contact out local Uganda fixer. 

Filming Locations in Uganda.

Uganda is a very vibrant country and still upholds its name as the pearl of Africa with several options of locations to choose from when it comes to filming. If you are planning to film in Uganda, below are some of the potential locations that you can consider filming.

National parks for Wildlife.

  1. Bwindi impenetrable National park

Popularly known for being a habitat for the mountain gorillas, Bwindi  impenetrable National Park is located in south Western Uganda. The park has four sectors namely Rushaga, Ruhija, Nkuringo and the park headquarters Buhoma. The park is known to have 24  gorilla families that can be filmed.  The Bwindi forest which is impenetrable in nature is also very scenic and is home to other wildlife species such as chimpanzees, forest elephants and many monkey species.

When filming Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National park , you can also film the Indigenous Batwa tribe that stays close to the forest.

  1. Kibale National Park

This park is home to the several chimpanzee communities and it is a primate hub all over Africa. This is where Chimp Empire was filmed with our assistance as the local and ground fixers in Uganda. The Park has different sectors known as Ngogo, Kanyanchu and Bulayiga .

  1. Murchison Falls National Park

Named after the famous Murchison Falls that are located within the park. This is also another location that can be considered for filming. The Park is not only home to the powerful falls but also wildlife such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, water bucks , antelopes and so much more.

  1. 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 separated lake Edward and Lake George.

  1. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

For those that are interested in filming Rhinos, the sanctuary is a great location where Rhino tracking is done and this allows you time with the Rhinos.

Other locations

In addition to the National parks , other locations to film in Uganda include Cities and towns  such as Kampala which is the capital city of the country , Jinja where the source of the Nile is found, Mbarara , Fort portal, and Gulu and many more others .  These cities are characterized by different cultures and sites such as the  Kasubi tombs and the Uganda Museum that is in Kampala city.

The Country also has other natural wonders that can be filmed such as Mountain Rwenzori, Mountain Mgahinga, Lake Victoria , River Nile and so much more.

Tips for Filming in Uganda

Planning. It is important for you to plan ahead of your arrival. You have to consider things like the time period that is required for you to get the necessary permits that are suitable for you shoot to avoid any delays and inconveniences.  In this stage , you have to look into different aspects such as the time , the fees that you have to pay for permits.

Hire and work with a local fixer. Filming in Uganda is very easy 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 time and season .Uganda as a country experiences both the dry and wet seasons of climate and the dry season is usually in the months of June to September and January to February. For those that are interested in filming wildlife and in National parks, this is the best time because animals are easily spotted and the roads are easy to manouver during this season.

Location scouting in Uganda

Uganda is one of the prominent filming Locations in Africa. This country is endowed with a majority of Wildlife, different Cultures, and beautiful Landscapes that are searched for by the filming fraternity.

Our local Uganda fixers are available to assist production companies in finding the best filming locations in the country. We will do our best to make sure that all your desired locations are acquired for your filming and your desired interests. Is there any particular project that you need us to assist with? Let’s chat over it by clicking here.

Hiring filming Equipment

Equipment can be hired in the country if you don’t want to go through the struggle of customs clearing. All we need is your kit list showing your desired gear, type and all specifications and we will source it for you. The chances are that we will succeed by 99% in getting all your filming equipment. Please contact us for more details.

Kit customs clearing

For those that are interested in bringing in their own filming gear into the country. Working with our close bonded agents, we are able to make sure that they are temporarily cleared in without any problem. All you have to do is send us your kit list showing type, serial numbers, and value in dollars, and we will gladly handle it for you.

Transport and Accommodation.

In addition to the above services, we are also able to work on your transportation to the filming locations and also assist you with booking the necessary accommodation for you to stay in during your shooting period. According to your shoot plan, we are able to recommend the best for you and make all the necessary reservations.

Africa Fixers will be glad to work with you and help handle all your pre-production and production logistics professionally. From getting a proper location to securing your filming permits as well as clearing in your filming equipment into Uganda or hiring equipment for your project. Feel free to contact us for more information about filming in Uganda.

Uganda Film Fixers

Africa Fixers over the years has trained and produced several top film fixers to assist you while filming in Uganda. These professional fixers are available to handle all pre-production and production issues starting from scouting, moving with you to sort out any problem while in production and to make sure that you get the best out of your planned shoot. Contact us for more details and to hire Uganda fixers for filming in Uganda