KISORO, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) – Police and other security agencies have finalized security arrangements ahead of the inaugural Mountain Gorilla Festival, also known as the Gorilla Tourism Expo, scheduled to take place from November 19 to 22, 2026, in Kisoro District.
The arrangements involve the Uganda Police Force, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and other sister security agencies.
In a press statement issued on November 12, 2026, Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson Nelson Tumushime said sufficient security personnel would be deployed in uniform and plain clothes to ensure the safety of participants, tourists and residents throughout the four-day event.
The festival, which will be held under the theme “Protecting Gorillas, Empowering Communities” and the tagline “Run. Explore. Conserve,” will take place at the Mayor’s Garden in Kisoro Municipality.
Activities will include the Virunga Gorilla Marathon scheduled for November 21, community exhibitions, a conservation conference, cultural performances and conservation awareness campaigns. Organisers expect approximately 2,000 people to attend.
Tumushime said security teams would cover all festival venues, accommodation facilities, marathon routes, border points and access routes to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
He added that joint security patrols, foot patrols, traffic control and intelligence-led operations would be conducted throughout the festival period.
Police have also urged motorists, boda boda riders and marathon participants to follow traffic guidelines and instructions from traffic officers, particularly along roads in Kisoro Town and designated marathon routes on November 21.
The public has further been asked to cooperate with security personnel at checkpoints and entry points and avoid activities that could disrupt the event.
Police warned individuals intending to exploit the large gathering to engage in criminal activities, including theft, pickpocketing, fraud, overcharging tourists and drug abuse, that they would be arrested and prosecuted.
Hotel owners, tour operators, boda boda riders and other business operators have also been urged to remain vigilant, register their guests and promptly report suspicious individuals to security agencies.
Tumushime called upon residents of Kisoro and visitors from other countries to participate in the festival while observing the law.
He encouraged members of the public with information about potential security threats to report to the nearest police station.
Police assured tourists, delegates and residents that Kisoro was safe and ready to host the festival.
