How long does it take to get the Uganda Filming Permit

Are you planning to film in Uganda and you want to know How long does it take to get the Uganda Filming Permit? Filming in Uganda just like any other filming destination requires a Uganda Filming Permit Often Press Accreditation issued in the form of a Media Card that allows foreign film crews and journalists (Company employed or Freelance) to carry on with any activities of Filming In Uganda. The process and procedures for applying for Filming permits In Uganda. (Press Accreditations & other relevant Permissions) can be tiresome without the help of a professional Film Crew Fixer Company like Eco Film Fixers. All Uganda Filming Permits are issued by the Uganda Media Council a body mandated by the Uganda government to oversee all issuance of valid Filming permits to Film in Uganda.

The process of obtaining a filming permit in Uganda typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks. Here are the general steps involved:

For all filming Crews and Production Companies, we recommend that you allow ample time to the process of application, and acquiring all your Uganda Filming Permits (Press Accreditations, media cards, and Location Permissions). If you have limited time, a rushed last-minute permit be possible however, the costs are much higher.

Here’s a general overview of How to obtain Uganda Filming Permits:

1. Applicants must fill out in full Media Council of Uganda Form G, we will send you this form for you
2. Attach a Clearance letter/Certificate of good conduct from Interpol in the applicant’s country of origin (for applicants in countries without an active Interpol office a certificate from the National Police and a cover letter from the applicant’s embassy in Uganda vouching for the applicant and explaining the difficulty of obtaining Interpol Certificate);
3. Attach a letter of introduction of the journalist/media worker from the employer;
4. Attach a copy of identity card issued by employer;
5. National Identity Card (where available).
6. Copy of Passport with validity for the term of accreditation applied for (must avail copy of page showing visa);
7. Two-color passport-size photographs;
8. Pay accreditation fees.
9. Uganda Visa and Special Pass which allows you for short stay and work in Uganda (Apply for it online on the Ugandan Department of Immigration website). Please, note that no accreditation will be processed if the work permit does not clearly indicate that the applicant is coming to Uganda to do media work.

Eco Film Fixers can assist you in completing the mandatory Uganda Filming application form (FORM G), putting together all the information needed and then submitting it to the Uganda Media Council for Approval. Once approved, an identification card dubbed “Media Card “will be issued indicating the Full Names of your Film Crew member, with his or her photo appearing on their media card.

Press Accreditation fees in Uganda

1. A fee of US$175 per person is paid for a period not exceeding 30 days of the journalists stay.
2. A fee of US$225 per person is paid for a period beyond 30 days up to six months of stay.
3. A fee of US$325 per person is paid for a period of two years.

The fees mentioned above are set and can be amended by the Uganda Media Council without any prior consultant. We, therefore, remind you to treat these as a guide.

How long does it take to get the Uganda Filming Permit, for all filming Crews and Production Companies, we recommend that you allow ample time to the process of application, and acquiring all your Uganda Filming Permits (Press Accreditations, media cards, and Location Permissions). If you have limited time, a rushed last-minute permit be possible however, the costs are much higher.

Other permissions are needed for Filming In Uganda.

Once we have obtained your Press Accreditation from Uganda Media Council, we then need to acquire location filming permits/permission from relevant authorities. For instance, if you intend to film gorillas in Bwindi Forest, then you will need to fill out a UWA Commercial film& Photography Permit request form, and thereafter send it through to Uganda Wildlife Authority-UWA for approval (see: Filming inside Uganda’s National Parks).

Various Film/Video Fees apply for filming within National Parks, Wildlife Areas and Conservation Areas. National Parks and conservation areas have fees specific to film crews that are subject to change regularly.

Depending on where you want to film in Uganda, there will probably be filming fees for the area. Filming fees are a huge factor in any filming project budget, therefore, we recommend contacting us soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Otherwise, if you are filming in another location other than in the National parks, we need to seek permission from the local area leaders and the Uganda police. It is important to bear in mind that Uganda is a developing country, one with many rules and regulations therefore it is important to be properly guided through bureaucratic process.

Importing your film equipment into Uganda.

Considering that Uganda is the filming destination of your choice, you will most definitely need to bring in filming equipment. The best way to do this by air. We recommend that you plan to accompany your filming equipment all way to your filming destination- in other words, be on the same flight as your equipment. The other option is to air freight it as ‘unaccompanied’ luggage. However, be informed that the option of flying in your equipment’ ’unaccompanied may turn out to be more expensive, and the equipment risks sitting too long at the customs port of arrival something that requires you to plan for yet extra days to pick it up from customs.

Temporary importation of film equipment falls under a Bond system in Uganda.

With the Bond system, you have the option of depositing the full value of the equipment with the Uganda Government for duration of the shoot. On exit, you can apply to get this Bond money refunded.

Otherwise, film crews can pay a non-refundable 10% of the total value of the equipment to a freight agent who will allow you to use his Bond. This is a quicker and easier process. Eco Film Fixer has a reliable and efficient freight agent whom we work with on most of our Filming projects.

Other Optional services that we can offer

Location Scouting.

Locations can make or break a project and Uganda has several amazing film-worthy locations. Eco film Fixers can help you find and secure the project location(s) for your next film, commercial, or still shoot. Get a glimpse into some of the amazing Uganda Filming Locations from our previous projects.

Kit Clearance Services.

Dealing with the right persons (company) to assist you clear all your filming equipment will help you shoot a success. Eco Film Fixers can assist you in clearing your Filming kit at any entry point in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda & Rwanda. Among the things we do is assist in temporary importation of filming drones. However, drones being sensitive subject, we often recommend starting this process a lot earlier. Ample time is the secret to successfully importing a drone in most destinations we fix.

Accommodation:

Eco Film Fixers has a long-standing good working relationship with most hotels, lodges and inns in each of the destinations we fix. We are therefore in better position to not only recommend but to also find the best rates and also book the accommodation for your film crew if we need be.

Transportation:         

Eco Film Fixer operates a fleet of very reliable and purpose-suited vehicles for filming. From open-sided jeeps to very basic closed cars including well-suited equipment carriers. We can arrange both your crew and equipment transportation.

Film Crew Security.

Our filming Security services are designed to secure your filming location, and protect your cast, and equipment. Location shooting offers its own unique threats and risks, so we design patrol tours, standing guard placement, and post order duties to maximize our surveillance and minimize opportunities for theft, trespassing, vandalism, disturbances and other unwanted activity.

A Complete Guide to Filming in Uganda, Filming in Uganda can offer a plethora of captivating subjects due to its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and abundant wildlife. Here are some filming ideas in Uganda:

1. Wildlife Safari: Uganda is renowned for its national parks like Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you can film the diverse wildlife including elephants, lions, hippos, and the endangered mountain gorillas.
2. Cultural Festivals: Uganda has a vibrant cultural scene with numerous festivals throughout the year celebrating traditions, music, dance, and food. Documenting these festivals can offer a glimpse into the colorful cultural tapestry of the country.
3. Landscape and Nature: From the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains to the serene waters of Lake Victoria, Uganda’s landscape is incredibly varied. You could capture stunning footage of landscapes, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes.
4. Gorilla Trekking: Filming the experience of trekking to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat can be incredibly powerful and insightful. This could involve documenting the journey of trackers, conservation efforts, and the interactions between humans and gorillas.
5. Community Projects: Uganda is home to many community-based projects focusing on education, healthcare, and sustainable development. Filming these initiatives can shed light on the challenges faced by local communities and the efforts being made to address them.
6. Historical Sites: Uganda has a rich history, including sites like the Kasubi Tombs, the Uganda Martyrs Shrine, and the ancient rock paintings in Karamoja. These sites offer opportunities to explore the country’s past and its cultural heritage.
7. City Life: Documenting daily life in cities like Kampala and Jinja can provide insight into urban culture, street markets, nightlife, and the hustle and bustle of daily activities.
8. Adventure Sports: Uganda is a great destination for adventure sports enthusiasts, with activities like white-water rafting on the Nile River, bungee jumping, zip-lining, and mountain biking. Capturing the adrenaline-filled experiences of these activities could make for thrilling footage.

Remember to always respect local customs and regulations when filming in Uganda, and consider partnering with local film fixers like Eco Film Fixers or production companies for assistance and insights.

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