TRAVEL ADVICE

Safety and security
Terrorism
In Uganda there is an underlying threat from terrorism.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, large gatherings of people like in concerts and entertainment place and aviation.  This threat of terrorism is from the Somali terrorists who have threatened to carry out attacks to the country in response to the Ugandan military presence in Somalia as part of an African Union peacekeeping force.

Crime and Criminal Cases
The city of Kampala is relatively safe during the day and you can walk the streets and visit local markets.  But opportunistic crime such as burglaries, muggings and drive-by bag snatches do occur.  We advise that you take extra security precautions when going out on foot in the darkness.  At all times you should be conscious of the risks of making yourself a target for muggers and pickpockets by carrying large sums of cash in the streets or wearing expensive looking jewellery or watches.  

In urban areas we advise you to keep car doors locked and windows shut at all times.  There have been a number of thefts of personal property from cars and taxis while stationary in traffic.  You should ensure that no valuables are left visible in vehicles, whether parked or while the vehicle is in use. If stopped by armed men, do not attempt to resist. We advise against travel outside main towns after dark.

Reported crime incidents
Credit card fraud is common in Uganda. There have been reported incidents of credit card fraud, even in international hotels. Wherever possible, you should use cash. US Dollars, Euros and Sterling can be readily exchanged

Political Situation
The current government of Uganda has been in power since 1986. The Government is under the rule of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni

Demonstrations
Peace full and violent demonstrations on national and international political issues occur in Kampala and other towns. Some demonstrations are violent where as others are peaceful.
 
Local Travel Guide
North East Uganda
Uganda Tourist Guide advise that you should not travel to the following districts: Karamoja, Kotido, Moroto, Nakapiripirit, Katakwi Kaabong, Abim, Kapchorwa and Bukwa in the north east. This is because there are more road ambushes and tribal wars.
Other places in the country are safe for any kind and form of travel

National Parks
We recommend that you use reputable, registered tour operators to Uganda’s National Parks. Uganda has ten (10) National Park which include the following:

1. Mount Elgon National Park
2. Semuliki National Park
3. Murchison Falls National Park
4. Kidepo Valley National Park
5. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
6. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Parks
7. Lake Mburo National Park
8. Queen Elizabeth National Park
9. Mountain Rwenzori National Park
10. Kibale forest National Park

Local laws and customs
Ugandan people are hospitable and welcoming though the culture is socially conservative.
Illegal acts like Lesbianism and Homosexuality are prohibited in the country. Other illegal activities include, drug smuggling and trafficking, Marijuana smoking, theft, prostitution and so on.

Health Safety
You should ensure that you have a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate with you on arrival at ports of entry into Uganda. More still tourists need to know that medical facilities are limited, especially outside Kampala.  

Malaria is a common throughout Uganda. There are also regular outbreaks of a wide range of serious other diseases in Uganda like cholera, ebola haemorrhagic fever, Marburg haemorrhagic fever, meningococcal disease and hepatitis E. You should seek medical advice before travelling to Uganda and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre

While in Uganda you should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.  

Another wide spread disease in Uganda is HIV/AIDS and there fore the tourists are advised to protect them selves against the disease whenever they get sex intercourse with the people from Uganda.

General travel requirements
Insurance
Uganda tourist guide strongly advise you to obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  This should include cover for unexpected losses such as cancelled flights, stolen cash cards, passport or luggage. 

Money
The country’s unit of currency is Uganda shillings. The US dollar is traditionally the hard currency of preference, but Euro and Pound Sterling are also widely accepted. Hard currency cash can be changed for local currency at banks and private bureaux de change in all large towns. However traveler’s Cheques are not widely accepted outside Kampala.

Credit cards are not widely used in the country, and we advise against their use wherever possible.  There have been reported incidents of credit card fraud, even in international hotels. We advise you to carry sufficient travellers’ cheques or cash (US $) to meet normal expenses.