Uganda Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Uganda.
Healthcare System
Uganda has a two-tier healthcare system consisting of public facilities (often under-resourced) and private clinics/hospitals (better equipped but expensive). Major cities have adequate medical facilities, but rural areas have very limited healthcare infrastructure.
Hospitals
For tourists, recommended facilities in Kampala include International Hospital Kampala (IHK), Nakasero Hospital, The Surgery, and Case Hospital. These accept international insurance and have English-speaking staff. For serious medical emergencies, medical evacuation to Nairobi (Kenya) or back to your home country may be necessary.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are available in cities and towns, though counterfeit medications are a concern. Stick to reputable pharmacies in major hospitals or established chains. Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications as specific brands may not be available. Keep medications in original packaging with prescriptions.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage including emergency evacuation is essential and strongly recommended. Medical evacuation can cost $50,000-100,000+. Ensure your policy covers adventure activities if gorilla trekking or other outdoor pursuits are planned.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a well-stocked first aid kit including anti-diarrheal medication, pain relievers, antiseptic, bandages, and oral rehydration salts
- Drink only bottled or purified water; avoid ice in drinks
- Take anti-malarial prophylaxis and use insect repellent containing DEET consistently
- Ensure routine vaccinations are current and get recommended vaccines: Yellow Fever (required), Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Rabies (if contact with animals likely)
- Carry copies of prescriptions and a letter from your doctor explaining any medications you're carrying
- Know the location of the nearest quality hospital wherever you're staying
- Consider registering with your embassy upon arrival for emergency assistance
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles are common in urban areas, particularly in crowded markets, bus stations, and tourist areas. Thieves often work in groups to distract victims.
Armed robberies occasionally occur, particularly targeting vehicles at night or in isolated areas. Carjackings have been reported on rural roads and even in Kampala suburbs.
Malaria is endemic throughout Uganda and represents the most significant health risk to travelers. It's present year-round in all areas, including Kampala, though risk is higher in rural and wetland areas.
Road accidents are a major risk due to poor road conditions, inadequate vehicle maintenance, erratic driving, overloaded vehicles, and lack of traffic law enforcement. Roads are often unpaved outside cities and poorly lit at night.
Cholera, typhoid, and traveler's diarrhea are risks from contaminated water and food. Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is present in lakes and rivers.
Political demonstrations and protests occasionally occur, particularly around elections. These can turn violent with police using tear gas and live ammunition. Some border areas experience instability.
While rare, dangerous wildlife encounters can occur in national parks, including elephants, hippos (very dangerous), crocodiles, and buffalo. Gorilla trekking carries minimal risk when guidelines are followed.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Fraudulent operators advertise gorilla trekking permits at below-market prices or claim to have permits when they don't. Some take deposits and disappear; others provide fake permits that are rejected at park gates. Given that permits cost $700-1500, this is a costly scam.
Unofficial taxi drivers at Entebbe Airport quote extremely inflated fares (10-20x normal rates) or claim the meter is broken. Some drivers take circuitous routes to increase fares.
Street money changers offer attractive rates but use sleight of hand to short-change tourists, swap real notes for counterfeits, or distract victims while accomplices steal belongings. Some count quickly while removing notes from the stack.
Fraudulent 'charities' or 'orphanages' solicit donations from tourists, claiming to help children. Many are scams where children aren't actually orphans, or donations don't reach intended recipients. Some keep children in poor conditions to elicit sympathy.
Drivers quote one price but demand much more at destination, sometimes aggressively. Some take longer routes. Others work with accomplices to rob passengers in isolated areas.
Card details are copied using skimming devices at ATMs, restaurants, or hotels, then used for fraudulent transactions.
Scammers impersonate police officers and demand to see ID, wallets, or claim you've committed an offense requiring an on-the-spot 'fine.' They may search belongings and steal items.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival
- Keep photocopies of passport, visa, and important documents separate from originals
- Share your itinerary with family/friends and check in regularly
- Learn basic Luganda or Swahili phrases - locals appreciate the effort
- Keep emergency cash hidden separately from your main wallet
- Avoid discussing wealth, politics, or sexuality in public
- Trust your instincts - if something feels unsafe, remove yourself from the situation
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Carry only what you need for the day
- Divide money between different locations on your person
- ATMs are widely available in cities but scarce in rural areas - plan accordingly
- US dollars (2013 or newer) are widely accepted and useful for gorilla permits
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Keep small denominations for tips and small purchases
Transportation
- Use reputable taxi companies or ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt, SafeBoda)
- Avoid matatus (minibuses) if possible - they're often overcrowded and poorly maintained
- If renting a car, hire a local driver who knows the roads and customs
- Always wear seatbelts (front and back seats)
- Avoid traveling after dark on rural roads
- Keep doors locked and windows up while driving
- Have your hotel arrange airport transfers in advance
Health Precautions
- Take malaria prophylaxis religiously - this is non-negotiable
- Apply insect repellent multiple times daily, especially at dawn and dusk
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer before eating
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
- Don't pet or approach animals (rabies risk)
- Seek medical attention immediately for any animal bites or scratches
- Stay hydrated but only with bottled or purified water
- Bring oral rehydration salts for treating dehydration from heat or illness
Gorilla Trekking Safety
- Book permits well in advance (6-12 months) through official channels
- Follow ranger instructions precisely - gorillas are wild animals
- Maintain 7-meter distance from gorillas
- Don't trek if you're ill (can transmit diseases to gorillas and you'll forfeit your permit)
- Wear long sleeves and pants for protection from vegetation and insects
- Bring walking stick, gloves, and waterproof gear
- Hire a porter - it supports local economy and helps on steep terrain
- Be prepared for strenuous hiking at altitude
Photography
- Don't photograph government buildings, military installations, or personnel
- Always ask permission before photographing people
- Be discreet with expensive camera equipment in urban areas
- Consider offering to send photos to people you photograph (get email/WhatsApp)
- Keep cameras in bags when not actively using them
- Some cultural sites may charge photography fees
Cultural Sensitivity
- Dress modestly, especially outside tourist areas - cover shoulders and knees
- Remove shoes when entering homes
- Use right hand for eating and greeting (left hand is considered unclean)
- Ask permission before entering villages or cultural sites
- Don't touch people's heads (considered disrespectful)
- Public displays of affection are frowned upon
- Be patient - concepts of time can be more flexible than in Western cultures
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Uganda is generally safe for women travelers, and many women travel solo successfully. However, women should take additional precautions as gender-based harassment can occur, particularly in urban areas. Conservative dress and behavior are expected outside tourist areas. Women in Uganda are traditionally expected to be modest, and foreign women who don't conform may attract unwanted attention.
- Dress conservatively - cover shoulders and knees, avoid tight or revealing clothing, especially outside tourist areas
- Avoid walking alone after dark; use taxis rather than walking
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention; don't feel obliged to be overly friendly
- Sit in the back seat of taxis and share your location with someone
- Book accommodations in safe neighborhoods with good reviews from other women travelers
- Join group tours for activities like gorilla trekking rather than going alone
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers; watch your drink being prepared
- Carry a phone with local SIM card and keep it charged
- Wear a fake wedding ring if you wish to deter unwanted attention
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Connect with other travelers, especially women, for shared activities
- Be aware that touching, hugging, or holding hands with male friends may be misinterpreted
- Tampons and sanitary products are available in cities but bring supplies for rural areas
- Solo women may be charged more by taxi drivers - agree on prices firmly beforehand or use apps
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda under colonial-era laws, with severe penalties including life imprisonment. The law is occasionally enforced. In 2023, Uganda passed one of the world's harshest anti-LGBTQ+ laws, including the death penalty for 'aggravated homosexuality.' International condemnation has been strong, but the law remains in effect.
- LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise extreme caution and discretion
- Avoid any public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Do not discuss sexual orientation or gender identity publicly
- Be extremely careful about using dating apps - police and vigilantes use them to target LGBTQ+ individuals
- Book separate rooms if traveling as a same-sex couple
- Research accommodations carefully - some may refuse service to LGBTQ+ guests
- Be aware that discussing LGBTQ+ topics, even in support, can attract negative attention
- Know your embassy's location and contact information
- Consider whether travel to Uganda is advisable given the serious legal and safety risks
- If you must travel, maintain absolute discretion about sexual orientation or gender identity
- Be prepared for invasive questions about marital status - have a cover story ready
- Delete any LGBTQ+-related content from phones and social media that could be discovered
- Travel insurance may not cover incidents related to illegal activities (which includes same-sex relationships in Uganda)
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential for Uganda. Medical facilities are limited, and serious illness or injury will require expensive medical evacuation (potentially $50,000-100,000+). Adventure activities like gorilla trekking carry risks, and road accidents are common. Without insurance, you could face catastrophic costs or be unable to access adequate medical care in emergencies.
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