Updated to reflect information on public demonstrations.
Reconsider travel to Uganda due to crime, terrorism, and anti-LGBTQI+ laws and environment. Exercise increased caution due to potential risks and the unpredictable nature of public demonstrations. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
There remains a threat of terrorist attacks in Uganda. Terrorist attacks have occurred, targeting religious venues, schools, and areas frequented by tourists. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of Ugandans as well as foreign visitors. U.S. citizens should remain alert and avoid large public gatherings. ISIS-Central Africa have carried out attacks and claimed responsibility for killing two international tourists and a Ugandan driver within Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Violent crime -- including armed robbery, home invasion, and sexual assault -- poses a serious threat to visitors and residents in Uganda. These acts can occur at any time, especially in larger cities, including Kampala, Jinja, and Entebbe, as well as the Karamoja region and along Uganda’s western and northern borders. Police struggle to respond to serious crime in most places due to limited resources.
The May 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) raises the risk that LGBTQI+ persons, those perceived to be LGBTQI+, or those found to be “promoting” LGBTQI+ could face fines, imprisonment, or the death penalty. They may also face harassment, violence, or attacks by vigilantes or mobs. Under the law, individuals or organizations that “promote” LGBTQI+ human rights could face prosecution. Instances of assault and harassment based on unsubstantiated accusations of supporting the LGBTQI+ community have occurred throughout the country. The AHA applies to both visitors and residents of Uganda.
Public demonstrations and protests can occur with little to no warning and may increase in frequency around political issues and events such as elections. When protests, strikes, and demonstrations turn unruly, security services are quick to use batons, rubber bullets, tear gas, and gunshots to disperse crowds.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Uganda.
If you decide to travel to Uganda:
- Read the CDC’s webpage on the Mpox outbreak.
- Refer to the Embassy Travel Alert page for the latest information on country-specific Mpox information.
- Remain alert and avoid large public gatherings.
- Keep a low profile.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
- Use caution when walking or driving at night.
- Remain with a group of friends in public.
- Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
- Do not open your door for people at your hotel/residence unless you know who it is.
- Do not leave food and drinks unattended in public, especially in local clubs.
- Stay alert in locations frequented by foreign tourists.
- Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Be mindful that any public identification with or perception as being LGBTQI+, as either a member or supporter, could be grounds for prosecution and/or non-state violence.
- Remember that even private, consensual same-sex relations are illegal.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for Uganda.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
- Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
