1. Introduction

Jowate Agro-Tourism Center Ltd ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website, book farm tours or accommodations, use our services, or interact with us.

By accessing or using our website and services, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our website or services.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information to provide you with the best possible experience:

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, and postal address.
• Booking Information: Arrival and departure dates, group sizes, dietary requirements, and specific tour or accommodation preferences.
• Payment Information: Payment details and billing information (processed securely through certified third-party payment processors).
• Communication Data: Messages, inquiries, feedback, and any other information you provide when contacting us via email, phone, or contact forms.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, links clicked, and navigation patterns on our website.
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, and device type.
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze website traffic.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: To confirm bookings, reserve accommodations, and organize farm tours and cultural experiences.
• Communication: To respond to inquiries, send booking confirmations, and provide updates about your stay or visit.
• Payment Processing: To securely process transactions for tours, lodging, and local farm products.
• Website Improvement: To analyze usage patterns and improve our digital platforms.
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable tourism laws, hospitality regulations, and legal processes in Uganda.
• Marketing (With Consent): To send you newsletters or updates about seasonal farm events (you may opt out at any time).
• Security: To protect against fraud and unauthorized transactions.

4. How We Share Your Information

We respect your privacy and do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party vendors who assist us in operating our website, processing secure payments, or managing bookings (subject to strict confidentiality obligations).
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or Ugandan governmental authorities.
• Protection of Rights: To protect the rights, property, or safety of Jowate Agro-Tourism Center, our staff, our guests, or the local community.
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, reorganization, or transfer of organizational assets.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption for data transmission on our website.
• Access controls limiting data access to authorized hospitality and management personnel only.
• Regular security assessments and updates.
• Secure digital and physical storage of booking records.

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, such as completing your visit, maintaining hospitality records, or complying with tax and legal requirements. When your information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

7. Your Rights

Subject to applicable laws, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete booking or contact information.
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to our legal and tax obligations.
• Objection: Object to the processing of your personal information for marketing purposes.
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent (such as email newsletters).

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information in Section 11.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze website traffic, and ensure our booking systems function correctly.

8.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly (e.g., maintaining your session while filling out a booking form).
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors find and use our site.
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings.

8.2 Managing Cookies

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through browser settings. You can choose to block or delete cookies, but this may affect the functionality of our website.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, such as local tourism boards, conservation partners, or payment gateways. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those third-party sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any external sites you visit.

10. Children's Privacy

While we welcome families and children to the farm, our website and online booking services are not directed to children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, hospitality services, or legal requirements. The updated version will be posted on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.