Uganda Travel Safety

Precautions

Keep your vehicle doors locked at all times, windows closed and personal belongings, including handbags, safely stored. Items such as laptops and briefcases should not be left in unattended vehicles. Remain vigilant when using public transportation or walking along deserted streets. Avoid walking at night. There has been an increase in reports of taxi/matatu (minibus) operators robbing their passengers and stranding them far from their destination. Avoid taxis/matatus that have only one or two passengers and ensure that all your personal belongings are secure at all times when using public transportation.

Road safety

A lack of traffic signs, local driving habits, wandering animals, pedestrians and poor road conditions pose risks. Pedestrians should exercise caution when crossing roads. There are many fatal road accidents in Uganda. The Jinja–Kampala and Kampala–Masaka roads are of particular concern. Alcohol is often a contributing factor to accidents, particularly at night. Highway travel is dangerous, especially after dark, because of banditry and poor road conditions. Avoid driving outside major cities after dark. If travelling to Uganda by road, you should get information at border police stations regarding the security situation at the destinations you intend to visit.

Public transportation

Ferry accidents are not uncommon, due to overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels. Do not board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.

Women's safety

Women travelling on their own should be vigilant, as harassment and attacks involving sexual assaults, including against foreigners, occur.

Crime

Armed banditry, car thefts and muggings occur throughout the country. Cases of armed robbery against pedestrians have been reported, even during day time. Petty crime, including pickpocketing, purse and jewellery snatching, and theft from hotel rooms and vehicles, is common.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Terrorist targets could include government buildings, places of worship, schools, airports and other transportation hubs, as well as public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and sites frequented by foreigners. Be aware of your surroundings at all times in public places. Stay at hotels that have robust security measures. However, keep in mind that even the most secure locations cannot be considered completely free of risk.

LGBT

Homosexual activity is illegal and not tolerated in Uganda's conservative society. Public displays of homosexuality like kissing in public places could lead to arrest, lenghty imprisonment and heavy fines. LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Uganda.

Wild animals

It's illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. If you're caught buying or trafficking these goods you're liable to be prosecuted and receive a prison sentence or a fine.

Illegal or restricted activities

Smoking is prohibited in all public places, workplaces, transport and other outdoor places within 50 metres of a public place. On 22 May 2019 it became an offence punishable by a prison sentence and/or a fine to offer money, food or clothing to children living on the streets in Kampala.

Driving

Traffic drives on the left. An International Driving Permit is required. In the event of an accident, Ugandan law requires drivers to stop and exchange information and assistance. There is a possibility of mob anger if the accident has caused serious injury. In such cases, you are advised to remain in your vehicle and drive to the nearest police station to report the accident. Penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol include immediate imprisonment.