Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Uganda is a popular East African destination known for gorilla trekking. Main tourist areas are generally calm, but check current government travel advice before you go.
- Overall risk
- Moderate; tourist areas generally stable, exercise increased caution
- Main concern
- Petty theft in cities and caution near some border areas
- Emergency number
- 112 or 999
- Uganda welcomes many visitors for wildlife and nature travel. Tourist regions such as national parks are generally calm, but stay alert in Kampala, avoid some border zones (for example near the DR Congo side) and follow the latest official travel advice.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
Most tourist regions are calm, but some remote border areas warrant extra care. Check the latest official advice for specific districts.
- Border areas
- Extra caution near some borders, such as the DR Congo side
- Cities
- Normal precautions in busy parts of Kampala
- National parks and popular tourist areas are generally calm. Some remote border regions can be less predictable, so review current government travel advice for the specific areas you plan to visit.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Uganda has two rainy seasons that can bring flooding and landslides in hilly areas. Prepare for heavy rain and check road conditions in the wet season.
- Rainy seasons
- Roughly Mar-May and Sep-Nov; flooding and landslides possible
- Terrain
- Landslide risk in mountainous eastern and western regions
- Seismic risk
- Low but occasional tremors near the western Rift Valley
- Heavy rain during the wet seasons can cause flooding and make some roads impassable. In hilly regions landslides are possible after prolonged rain; check local conditions before travelling.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Malaria is present nationwide, so take antimalarial precautions.
- Yellow fever
- Vaccination certificate required for entry
- Malaria
- Present nationwide; prophylaxis and bite prevention advised
- Water
- Drink bottled or treated water
- Carry proof of yellow fever vaccination. Take antimalarial medication and use insect repellent and nets. Seek pre-travel medical advice, drink bottled or treated water, and carry personal medication with a prescription.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Petty theft such as pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs in Kampala and busy areas. Keep valuables out of sight and stay alert in crowds.
- Main risk
- Pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowds
- Hotspots
- Markets, taxi/bus parks, busy streets in Kampala
- Advice
- Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying cash
- Opportunistic theft is the most common issue for visitors. Keep bags closed and in front of you, avoid showing phones or cash, and be cautious of distraction tactics in busy areas.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
The situation is generally calm in tourist areas. Demonstrations can occur, especially around election periods, so avoid large gatherings.
- Government
- Presidential republic; tourist areas generally calm
- Demonstrations
- Possible, especially around elections; avoid crowds
- Political gatherings and demonstrations can turn disruptive with little warning, particularly around election periods. Avoid protests and large crowds, and follow local news and the latest official travel advice.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Traffic drives on the left. Respect local laws and customs, take care when photographing, and be aware that some conduct is treated strictly.
- Driving
- Drive on the left; carry your permit
- Photography
- Avoid military, government and airport sites
- Conduct
- Dress modestly and respect local customs
- Traffic drives on the left and road conditions vary. Do not photograph military, government or airport facilities. Penalties for drug offences are severe. Respect local customs and check the latest official guidance on local laws before you travel.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 112 or 999 for emergencies. Response times can vary, so keep your accommodation and embassy contacts handy.
- All emergencies
- 112 or 999
- Country code
- +256
- Tip
- Save local and embassy numbers before travel
- Emergency services can be reached on 112 or 999, though response times vary by area. Keep your accommodation, local operator and embassy contact details saved and to hand.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical and evacuation cover is strongly advised. Private clinics may require payment upfront.
- Cover
- Medical treatment and emergency evacuation
- Activities
- Include trekking and safaris if relevant
- Payment
- Clinics may request upfront payment
- Ensure your policy covers medical treatment, hospital care and emergency evacuation, as serious cases may need transfer. Include cover for activities such as gorilla trekking and safaris, and keep insurance details with you.