By Roselyne Omondi-Ogao, Media Adviser to Plan Finland in Uganda

Uganda has long shed it brutal past and established a government that serves its people fairly well. The landlocked country is endowed with some of the most spectacular sites that you may not see anywhere else in the world, the landscape is breathtaking; and so are the birds and mountain gorillas

It is no wonder then that many foreign crews visit Uganda every year to take pictures, and make films, for commercial purposes.

There are certain rules that govern photography in the country. Here are some things that you should consider before pointing your camera at your desired object:

1. Get accreditation: All foreign journalists must be accredited, and cleared, by the secretary of the Media Council. The Council regulates mass media in Uganda. You will need two passport-sized photographs plus a letter from the assigning media house. If you intend to film, you must contact the department of broadcasting and information and inform the officials there of your intention to film in the country.
2. Show respect: Many locals are suspicious of foreignors who take pictures of their homes or faces without their consent. In the past there have been cases where visitors have used images of local women (especially those from Karamoja and northern Uganda) and children on postcards, and on posters. Even if your intention is to highlight the challenges that some of them face in their daily lives, you must seek their consent before recording any images on your still or video camera. In the event that the locals become irritated your camera could be confiscated or damaged. The use of the image of a Greek man to advertise Turkish yoghurt that was broadcast on CNN recently is a good example of what could happen when portraits are used inappropriately.
3. Cultural heritage sites: Access to some or all the spaces in certain cultural sites may be restricted.
4. Dress appropriately: Locals are generally not impressed by visitors who dress indecently when touring certain sites such as the Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo, or attending important occasions like introduction ceremonies (where a bride-to-be introduces her husband in waiting to her family). If in doubt ask your host for advice.
5. Be prepared: If you don’t have verifiable identification (if in doubt about your press identity card ask the secretary of the Media Council when you arrive), you will be required to pay some cash before you can take pictures. This applies to Uganda National Museum, where you can expect to pay an additional USh 5,000 to use a still camera, and USh 20,000 to film, and to film in national parks. If you plan to film your gorilla or chimpanzee tracking experience you can expect to pay an extra USD 400 to USD 4,000 per day. This filming fee excludes the park entry fees. Also avoid over speeding or driving off track when filming in national parks. Be careful not to injure or kill an animal, as this will cost you about USD 500! Verify the tariffs with Uganda Wildlife Authority in advance.
   Cameras should not be used at the movie theatres at Cineplex.
6. Use common sense: The "bad guys" exist everywhere in the world, and Uganda is not an exception. Don’t display your expensive equipment and fancy gadgets in public, as doing this will attract the attention of robbers and thieves. Use a trusted transport provider, preferably one that has been recommended by your host.

Stay out of trouble; don't shoot your feet!

Other useful information

Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa. It is a largely democratic country led by President Yoweri Museveni.

Uganda's capital is Kampala. It is the most developed region of the country. Other important cities are Entebbe and Jinja. There is one international airport, in Entebbe, which is about an hours drive to Kampala.

The local currency is Uganda shillings, although some payments can be made in US dollars. In May 2010, the Central Bank of Uganda introduced new currency note. These are comparatively smaller in size, compared to the older ones. There is now a new USh 2,000! Both old and new notes are still in use, and it is expected that the old ones will be withdrawn throughout a period of about a year. 

There are different types of accommodation to suit every budget. If you don’t like the hotel that you have been booked at – because the other guests are too loud or there’s no air conditioning or because you can hear the bats running in the ceiling all night long, let the management know. If you are still dissatisfied seek alternative accommodation.

Not all transport is reliable. Your vehicle may break down during a trip. Allow extra time for long distance travel. Traffic tends to be heavy on major Kampala roads between midday and 2 pm, and between 5 pm and 7 pm.