Importing Drones Into Uganda.

Importing Drones into Uganda requires one to apply and obtain Permits and Permission-the process of securing approval to import a Drone into Uganda can be a daunting experience but Eco Film Fixers will help you import your drone(s) STRICTLY for filming in Uganda.

“Just like anywhere else in the world, Uganda has rules & regulations on Importation & Use of Drones in its airspace.

For all out travelers intending to import a Drone into Uganda for filming purposes, we do recommend that you follow the procedures set by the Uganda Government regarding importing Drones into Uganda.

Procedures of importing drones Into Uganda.

Write an official letter(Use Company headed paper if working for the film production company) to the respective Ministerial Office introducing yourself, the filming project you intend to shoot with a drone, where you will be filming In Uganda with a drone, don’t forget to mention the intentions for this film.

To make this a little more clear, for instance, if you intend to visit Uganda to film Gorillas in Bwindi Forest, the respective ministerial office to write to would be ministry of tourism, introducing your filming company and also giving some details regarding your intended project.

Attach/Mention FULL specifications of the Drone into you intend to Import (Mention: Make, year of Manufacture, Serial Number & the Value/price of the drone) and send these to Eco film fixers and we, in turn, will forward them to the respective Ministerial office. Upon receipt, the respective ministry will then forward your request to import a Drone into Uganda to the Ministry of Defense and Security- which office will thoroughly scrutinize your request.

‘’All Rights to Permit and or Deny Import of drones into Uganda are reserved by the Ministry of Defense & security.

After scrutiny, the Ministry of defense will then contact the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority Instructing them to permit or deny the importation of the drone mentioned in your letter requesting to import a Drone into Uganda. The Ministry of Defense will then write back to the respective Primary Ministry (For example; if importing a drone into Uganda to shoot a film about Uganda’s Wildlife , the primary Ministry to which your letter is addressed should be; Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife &Antiquities) informing them of either Approval or Denial of your request To import the said Drone. It’s at this point that Eco film fixer will contact you after receiving the same communication for the Primary Ministry.

Special Note.

All persons intending to use Eco film fixer Film Crew fixing Services to Importing Drones into Uganda are advised to allow ample time (06 months) in advance.

 Requirements for filming in Uganda using a Drone.

For filming in Uganda you need to process and get media cards from Uganda Media Council. Then for your filming equipment will also need to be cleared them with customs at the point of Entry in Uganda. Contact us at Eco Film Fixers Uganda we will be able to process both the filming permissions with Local Authorities, National Forestry Authority for filming in Forest reserves, Uganda Wildlife Authority for filming in National Parks, Uganda Media cards, Accommodation, transportation for you as well guide and help you with clearance processes at the point of entry into Uganda.

Filming fees with a drone will be charged at 50% of the activity when filming in Uganda National Park and we will help you pay the filming fees to Uganda Wildlife Authority as well get authorization for filming with a drone in any National Park you are planning to film in and also Importing Drones Into Uganda.

Press Accreditation

All film crew members are by law supposed to be accredited by Uganda Media Council. Once this process is completed, each crew member will be given a media card which costs USD175 for 30 days filming and USD225 for up to 60 days filming. Each crew member is required to fill Form G (which we normally send to you) with all details, scan and send it back to us with a copy of his/her passport as well as one photograph to be put on his/her media card. On top of this, we will need a letter from the filming company detailing who they are, why they are filming, where they will be filming and details of crew members on this shoot. We will attach this letter to all details provided and send them to Uganda Media Council for Media card processing. This takes 2-3 working days to have these media cards ready.

Vehicle Hire Services

Eco Film Fixers Uganda organizes transport for film crews depending on their interest, budget and the nature of roads in such selected locations. For rough terrains, like in National Parks, we recommend Customized 4×4 Land Cruisers which costs from USD200-250 per vehicle per day with Driver/Fixer or 4×4 Safari Vans from USD200 per Van per day with driver/Fixer. For us to estimate how much it will cost in terms of fuel, we will need to look at your filming schedule to establish mileage and distance to be travelled. We also organize both charter and schedule air transport for those that need to fly in order to reduce on the number of hours. For those filming on water bodies, Eco Film Fixers works with other credible service providers who are in position to hire us boats.

Fixers in Uganda

All our vehicles come with drivers who act as location fixers and most of them have been to almost all parts of Uganda and are thus conversant with the local situations and are able to provide relevant information and fix any situation on ground. These act as intermediaries between you and our office while on location in Uganda.

Accommodation

Accommodation options to stay in during filming range from Budget, mid-range to luxury options. You will choose what to stay in depending on your interests and budget. Contact us here for details.

What is the best time to film with a drone in Uganda?

Uganda has a modified equatorial type of climate with two rainy seasons and because of this people tend to associate dry seasons to be the best time to film in Uganda. This is true because when it is raining, it becomes hard to drive through the forests trails because of the heavy rains that make the trails too slippery. The best time to film in Uganda during the months of December to February and then June to October which are relatively dry than March to May and November, but still all year around you will be able to film in Uganda forests given the fact at most times you can tell when it will rain due to climate change and nature.

Why use Eco Film Fixers to import drones in Uganda.

Eco Film Fixers is a local fixer company, we assist filming companies and Production agencies in Uganda and East Africa as a whole. We handle all fixer services required with our professional team of local fixers and driver guides. We work hand in hand with Uganda Wildlife Authority and National Forestry Authority and this is easy for us to process all your filming permissions. We have all relevant connections with other service providers and government agencies to make sure that accreditation and filming permits are processed in the shortest time possible. Contact us for details and all relevant information about Importing Drones into Uganda.