Uganda

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 999 for police
• Dial 911 for ambulance
• Dial 112 for fire

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S citizens abroad.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (buses, trains, and commercial flights)

Safety tips 
There is terrorist activity within the region. Anyone can be a victim at any time. 

• Remain alert and avoid large public gatherings. 
• Have a communication plan to ensure you can be reached while traveling. This includes having various ways to communicate. 
• Let people know when you’ll be in cell coverage to receive messages. Also, share the phone numbers of the places where you’ll be staying.  

Terrorism in Southwestern Uganda
Armed groups are active in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), along Uganda’s western border. This includes groups aligned with terrorist organizations such as ISIS-CA.

• There are ongoing military operations to counter the threat in the region. 
• Review the country information page and Travel Advisory for the DRC. 
• Refugee flows across the border can number in the thousands.  There is a risk of incursions by armed combatants and criminals. Most terrorist activity in Uganda occurred in this specific region. 
• In 2023, terrorist attacks occurred in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kasese, and Mpondwe-Lhubiriha. These incidents caused the deaths of both Ugandans and foreign nationals.  
• U.S. embassy employees require special approval with a security escort when traveling  between Lake Albert and the Rwandan border.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• Security services routinely use force to disperse protest.  They have used batons, rubber bullets, tear gas, and gunfire to break up the crowds. 
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.  Even peaceful gatherings can turn violent without notice.
• Political campaigning is ongoing for national elections in January and February 2026. 

Crime

The following crimes are common in Uganda:

• Pick pocketing and purse snatching
• Thefts from hotel rooms, parked vehicles, and vehicles stalled in traffic jams
• Armed robberies of pedestrians and car jackings, sometimes during daylight hours and in public places
• Assaults and property snatching by motorcycle operators and passengers.
• Victims usually remain unharmed if they do not resist.

Crime in Northern and Eastern Uganda

There are frequent reports of criminal trade and movement of people across Uganda’s border with South Sudan. 

• The arrival of refugees from South Sudan into Uganda has put pressure on the region’s health, education, and security resources. 
• A section of the border in the Moyo region is under dispute. Sporadic clashes may occur in the area.
• The Karamoja region in northeastern Uganda is volatile due to crime-related conflict.
• The Uganda People’s Defense Force works to secure the region from criminals. Armed confrontation can occur. 
• U.S. embassy employees need special approval and a security escort to travel in the Karamoja region.

Violence in Western Uganda

• There have been episodes of violence related to ethnic and tribal tensions in the western districts of Bundibuguyo, Ntoroko, and Kasese. This is near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 
• U.S. embassy employees need special approval and a security escort to travel in the region between Lake Albert and the Rwandan border.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.

Internet romance and financial scams are common in Uganda. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Gold purchase
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Uganda:

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person.
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 999.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance.

Safety tips

• Never leave food and drinks unattended in public. 
• Women have reported being drugged, taken to another location, and sexually assaulted. Remain with a group of friends in public. Single individuals are more likely to be targeted.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• You must obtain approval to import and operate drones. 

Drones

You must get approval to bring and use drones in Uganda. 

• U.S. citizens are strongly discouraged from bringing drones into the country. 
• Drones may be confiscated by customs upon arrival. 
• U.S. citizens who have operated drones in Uganda have faced police questioning, detention, and arrest.

Photography and video

Taking photographs or video may result in questioning, detention, or arrest. 

• This is especially true if you take photos with a drone. 
• Avoid taking photos of military, political, or security buildings. These sites are not always clearly marked.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you are injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
• You may be stopped from leaving Uganda during a potentially long criminal investigation.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Uganda seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.
• If you engage in Ugandan political activities like campaigning, fundraising, posting on social media, or participating in media interviews, you may face scrutiny by authorities. This can lead to questioning, detention, and arrest.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy immediately.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. 

Make sure you have the right type of visa for your trip.  Missionary and volunteer work frequently require a work visa. Working without a valid permit in Uganda may result in a fine or jail time.

Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

The 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) criminalizes consensual same-sex relations in Uganda. 

• Penalties include life imprisonment or the death penalty for crimes of “aggravated homosexuality.” Offences encompassed under this legislation include “serial offenders,” same-sex rape, those who target minors, and others. 
• Youth under the age of 18 could be prosecuted and imprisoned for multi-year sentences. Those convicted, including youth, may be court ordered to undergo “rehabilitation” if found guilty under the AHA. 
• People have reported harassment, blackmail, and violence based on real or perceived sexual orientation. 
• People or organizations viewed as publicly supporting gay and lesbian people could face harassment, subjective auditing, and public backlash.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in Uganda prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual or mental disabilities. The law is rarely enforced.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication and information, and general infrastructure.
• General public sentiment around disability is not as accepting as in the United States.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C).
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health resources

• CDC Uganda Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Dial 999 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are not widely available.  Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.  Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital.  This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Uganda. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Most medical care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Private and public hospitals require payment up front before providing treatment or admitting a patient.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

The following diseases are present  in Uganda:

• Hepatitis B
• Meningitis
• Yellow fever
• Typhoid
• Malaria
• HIV
• Polio
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Mpox
• Ebola
• Marburg hemorrhagic fever
• Pneumonic plague
• Schistosomiasis

Healthcare facilities

• Health facilities are available in Kampala. Outside Kampala, hospitals are scarce and only offer basic services.
• Surgical capabilities are inadequate. Blood supplies may be insufficient.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Generally, in hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Prescription medications

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Check with the Ministry of Public Health to ensure the medication is legal in Uganda.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine

• U.S. citizens have had serious complications or died while getting care from local “healers” and non-medical practitioners in Uganda. We strongly recommend against engaging in non-medical healing practices. Make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy (ART)

• If you are considering traveling to Uganda to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy Abroad.
• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Uganda with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Ugandan courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Uganda via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s birth with local authorities and/or citizenship status. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water in Uganda is not safe to drink.
• In some locations, tap water is not available every day.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Altitude

• Regions along Uganda’s eastern and western borders are at high altitude.
• Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and take precautions before you travel.
• If you have a pre-existing medical condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before traveling to high altitude areas.
• Visit the CDC website for more information about Travel to High Altitudes.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad. The air quality varies considerably and changes with the seasons. It is typically at its worst in the dry season from December to February and from June to July.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Uganda. 
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Road conditions and safety

• There were 25,808 casualties from road crashes in 2024 including 5,144 reported deaths.
• Vehicular accidents occur at a high rate. Masaka Highway has been identified as one of the most dangerous roads in the world. Large trucks on the highways are often overloaded with inadequately secured cargo and poor braking systems.
• Avoid nighttime travel whenever possible. Highway travel at night is dangerous, including on the road between Entebbe Airport and Kampala. The embassy recommends caution on these roads. Use a reliable taxi service to and from the airport.
• Except for the Kampala-Entebbe airport road, U.S. embassy employees are prohibited from driving after dark on roads outside the limits of cities and large towns. 
• Alcohol is frequently a contributing factor in road accidents, particularly at night.
• Pedestrians often walk in the roads and may not be visible to motorists. Collisions with pedestrians accounted for nearly 20% of all crashes. 
• Large branches or rocks in the road sometimes indicate an upcoming obstruction or other dangers. 
• Crowds often gather around traffic accidents. Mob anger and violence against the driver perceived to be at fault may occur. In these instances, Ugandans usually stay in their cars and drive to the nearest police station to report the accident.
• Road conditions in rural areas are poor and often require a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
• When renting a safari car and driver, select a reliable operator.  Assess vehicle maintenance and remind the driver on safe operations. U.S. citizens have been injured or killed during safari vehicle accidents in remote areas.
• Always lock your car when driving through a city or bigger town. Also, make sure not to leave valuables in your car unattended.

Traffic laws

• Ugandan law requires that the drivers stop and exchange information and help anyone injured in an accident.
• A valid U.S. driver's license is recognized for up to 3 months in Uganda. For a longer period, you must get a Ugandan driver’s license or international driving permit. 
• For speeding or other traffic offenses, local police may request a cash payment for the ticket, but all official fines must be paid via bank transfer. 
• Speeding is illegal. Police enforce speed limit laws.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Uber and Safe Boda are reliable ride share apps in major cities in Uganda. 
• Drivers may refuse rides paid by credit card or to certain locations.

Public and commercial transportation

• Most inter-city transportation in Uganda is by minibus or large bus.
• Inner city public transportation includes minibuses known as “taxis” and motorcycle taxis known as "boda bodas."
• Many drivers have little training, and some are reckless.
• Vans and buses are often poorly maintained and travel at high speeds. These are the most common vehicles involved in the many deadly single and multi-vehicle accidents along Ugandan roads.
• U.S. embassy employees and their families are prohibited from using taxis and boda bodas due to accident and crime risks.
• Visit the website of Uganda’s Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities and Ministry of Works and Transport.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Weather conditions

• Flooding – Common in low-lying areas, including Kampala. 
• Heavy rainfall – Common during the rainy seasons from March to May, and from September to November. It can lead to flash flooding and river overflow.
• Landslides – These can occur in the mountainous eastern and western regions of Uganda.

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.