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Uganda
- Uganda largely presents moderate risks to foreign nationals; however, certain regions, particularly near the borders with South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), experience higher risks of terrorism, banditry, and armed conflict.
- Petty crime is common, especially in urban areas like Kampala, with incidents such as pickpocketing and car break-ins.
- There are significant transportation and road safety concerns, with poorly maintained roads and reckless driving being common, especially outside major cities.
- Medical facilities are limited outside major cities.
Risk Factors
- Kampala experiences high rates of petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching. Valuables left visible in cars are at risk of being stolen, particularly in slow-moving traffic or in parking areas.
- Thefts frequently involve boda bodas (motorcycle taxis). Thieves on boda bodas snatch items like bags, phones, or jewelry from distracted pedestrians and quickly escape through traffic.
- Armed robberies and carjackings are also reported, though typically without harm if victims do not resist. Incidents are more frequent in isolated areas and after dark. Walking should be limited to daylight hours only.
- Uganda witnesses high levels of sexual assault, though locals are more often the victims than foreign nationals. Food and drink spiking in public places, particularly in bars, has been reported. Travelers, especially women, are advised to remain in groups and avoid leaving drinks unattended.
- Card skimming is on the rise in Uganda. Skimming involves hidden devices installed on ATMs to steal card information and PIN codes. Use secure ATMs, such as those located inside banks or reputable hotels or establishments.
- Roads in Uganda are poorly maintained, especially outside major cities. The Kampala-Masaka Road and Jinja-Kampala Road are notorious for accidents, often due to reckless driving, speeding, and vehicles lacking headlights at night.
- Public transport, particularly matatus (minibusses) and boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) are often overcrowded and poorly regulated, contributing to frequent accidents. Travelers are encouraged to use private transport.
- Ride-hailing services such as Uber, Bolt, and SafeBoda are popular in major cities like Kampala. These platforms provide tracking features, driver identification, and payment transparency, making them safer options.
- Hotels and reputable tour operators can arrange trusted taxi services, as they usually work with vetted drivers and companies.
- Night travel is particularly dangerous due to poor visibility and the presence of livestock and pedestrians on the roads. Overland travel should be conducted during daylight hours; self-driving is not advised unless familiar with the local environment.
- The primary terrorism threats in Uganda are concentrated along the DRC border and in Kampala, with occasional risks in tourist areas and large public gatherings. The key groups operating in Uganda are the ISIS-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), active near the DRC border, and Somalia-based al-Shabaab, which opposes Uganda's involvement in Somalia but has not conducted recent attacks in the country.
- In a significant incident, suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants attacked tourists near Queen Elizabeth National Park, resulting in the deaths of two foreign visitors and a Ugandan guide. The event prompted increased security measures in the park and surrounding areas. A similar event occurred in 2019.
- In 2021, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) conducted twin suicide bombings targeting the central police station and Parliament Avenue in Kampala, killing at least three civilians and injuring dozens. This attack marked one of the deadliest incidents in the city in recent years.
- Demonstrations occur frequently in Kampala; while most protests are peaceful some can escalate into clashes with security forces, involving tear gas or road blockages.
- In Kampala, demonstrations commonly occur in areas such as Parliament Avenue, Constitution Square, and the Central Business District, due to their proximity to government offices and high media visibility.
- Travelers should avoid large gatherings and stay abreast of developments by monitoring alerts.
- Heavy rains, especially during the March-May and September-November rainy seasons, often result in flooding in low-lying areas. This can disrupt travel and damage infrastructure.
- Mountainous regions such as Mount Elgon in the east are prone to landslides, especially during the rainy season, posing risks to communities and travelers.
- Uganda lies in the seismically active East African Rift Valley. While earthquakes are rare, occasional tremors have been reported, particularly in the western regions.