Filming in Uganda: What Permits Do You Need?
Three Types of Locations, Three Different Routes
Where you film in Uganda determines what permissions you need. A national park, refugee settlement and government location each have their own procedures, contacts and timelines. There is no one-size-fits-all film permit.
That’s why one thing matters from the start: know your locations as early as possible. The sooner you know where you want to film, the sooner you can start the right process.
Sensitive Locations: More Than Official Permission
Refugee settlements, children’s homes, medical centres and communities in vulnerable situations require more than official permits. The paperwork is often just the beginning. There is usually an additional layer of local permission and coordination that takes time and attention.
For a War Child production, we filmed in Nakivale, one of Uganda’s largest refugee settlements. On paper, the required permissions had been arranged through the relevant official channels, including UNHCR and the Office of the Prime Minister. But before we could start filming, we also visited the LC Chairman, the local community representative, to introduce ourselves and explain why we were there.
The visit took time. Not because there was a problem, but because he wanted to meet the people coming into his area and take the time to understand what they were doing there.
That isn’t bureaucracy. It’s a way of working that requires respect for the people who live there.
You don’t go there simply to get a form stamped. You go there to show who you are and why you’re there.
Skipping that step isn’t an option, even when the official permissions are already in place. Build it into your schedule and give it the time it deserves. A good local partner can help with this. They don’t necessarily have to be your production partner, but someone who knows the community and understands how these conversations work can make a huge difference.
National Parks: Uganda Wildlife Authority
For filming in Uganda’s national parks, permission is handled through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). When planning your production, keep in mind:
a filming permit through UWA
daily filming fees
ranger support
additional permission for drone operations
Rangers aren’t an obstacle. Quite the opposite. They know the terrain and are essential when filming in remote or sensitive areas. For the Dutch TV programme Freeks Wilde Wereld, we arranged permits for filming in several national parks. The process goes through UWA headquarters. They want to know exactly what you’re filming, on which dates and with how many people. The Chief Warden at the relevant park is then informed.
Planning to use a drone? Keep in mind that separate permission from UWA may be required, in addition to the UCAA Remote Pilot Authorization needed for drone operations in Uganda. Include this in your planning from the beginning.
It’s also important to budget for UWA’s daily filming fees. With multiple shooting days, these costs can add up quickly. Filming in a Ugandan national park?
We can help with local production, planning and permits.
Government Locations and Public Spaces
For government buildings and public locations managed by a specific ministry, an introduction letter addressed to the relevant ministry may be required. Which ministry is involved depends on the location and type of production.
This is often the least predictable route. Timelines can depend heavily on who is available to review and approve the request at that particular moment.
Build in extra time and don’t assume that an application will be processed within a few days.
Uganda Police
It’s also good practice to inform the Ugandan police about your production. Depending on the shoot, having a police statement or confirmation can be useful if you encounter questions from police officers or other authorities while travelling.
For productions travelling with significant amounts of equipment, or crews that need to move quickly between locations, paid police escort may also be an option.
It isn’t necessary for every production, but in certain situations it can be useful from a practical and logistical perspective.
Uganda Communications Commission
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) is Uganda’s national regulator for communications and media. Depending on the type of production and how the footage will be used, coordination or approval through UCC may be relevant.
This can also matter for activities such as public screenings or certain media uses. Always check what requirements apply to your specific production in advance.
Always Scout Your Locations
Whatever type of location you’re working with, scout it before scheduling your shoot.
Not just for permits, but for logistics too. A road that looks perfectly accessible on a map may only be practical by boda boda. A location may be much further from the main road than expected, and a relatively short distance can turn into hours of travel when road conditions are poor.
A proper location scout can prevent a lot of surprises on shoot day. Read more about Transport and Drivers in Uganda in this blogpost.
Be Aware: Enforcement Can Become Stricter Around Elections
Around election periods, permits and checks can be enforced more strictly, particularly when working with international film crews.
If you’re planning a production around an election period, make sure all your documentation is in order and start your applications earlier than you normally would. A little extra preparation can save you a lot of trouble once you’re on the ground.
We Can Handle the Local Side
Story To Video is a production studio based in Kampala, founded and led by Dutch and Ugandan filmmakers. We understand the local production landscape and work with local crews and partners.
We know which official permissions may be required, but also which local steps matter in practice. Because a successful production in Uganda isn't just about having the right paperwork. It's about local knowledge, relationships and preparation.
Location permits are only one part of your preparation. Want to make sure you don't miss anything? Read our blog about Everything You Need to Know to Film in Uganda. Or leave it to us. Share your locations and production plans, and we take care of everything from visas and permits to transport and drones, so you can focus on the story.
📍 Based in Uganda and the Netherlands
Information current as of October 2026. Regulations and procedures may change. Contact us for the latest requirements.
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