Uganda Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Uganda trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Uganda is generally safe for tourists in Kampala and the main national parks. Exercise normal urban caution in Kampala, avoid western border areas near DRC, and use registered transport. Most visitors experience Uganda as a welcoming and safe destination.
Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, offers extraordinary wildlife encounters including mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. From the source of the Nile to diverse national parks and vibrant Kampala, Uganda combines adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
Current Advisory
Exercise increased caution. Avoid western border regions (DRC border), Karamoja region in northeast, and demonstrations. Remain vigilant in Kampala at night and use registered transport.
Last updated: 2025-06
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Exercise increased caution in Uganda due to crime and terrorism risks. Avoid western border areas with DRC and large public gatherings.
UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office
Some areas of Uganda carry increased risk including western border with DRC and Karamoja region. Kampala and tourist areas are generally safe with normal precautions.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Overcharging by unregistered taxis
Drivers at Entebbe Airport and tourist areas quote inflated prices to new arrivals, sometimes 5-10x the fair rate.
Gorilla permit scams
Fraudulent agents selling fake gorilla permits at prices below the official $800 rate. Permits purchased this way are invalid and non-refundable.
Currency exchange fraud
Street money changers and some forex bureaux offer attractive rates then shortchange customers or use sleight of hand.
Friendly stranger leading to robbery
Overly friendly strangers offering to show you around or invite you to a bar — sometimes leads to drink spiking, extortion, or robbery.
Boda boda overcharging
Motorcycle taxi drivers quote high prices to tourists unfamiliar with local rates, particularly near tourist sites.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Avoid western border regions near DRC due to armed groups
Stay informed about political situation ahead of 2026 elections
Avoid large public gatherings and demonstrations
Keep supplies of water, food, medication, fuel and cash
Register with STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program)
Use registered taxis and avoid travel after dark
Be aware that LGBTQ+ activities are criminalized with severe penalties
Register your trip with your country's embassy in Kampala before arrival; the UK, US, and EU missions all offer 24/7 emergency lines.
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry; carry your yellow card at all times as it may be checked at airports and some hotels.
Malaria is endemic year-round; take prophylactics prescribed by a doctor, use insect repellent (DEET 30%+), and sleep under a treated net.
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Kampala is generally safe for solo travelers during daylight hours in tourist areas. Use Uber or Bolt for transport, stay in established neighborhoods (Kololo, Nakasero, Kabalagala), keep valuables secure, and avoid walking alone at night. The national parks with guides are very safe.
Female Travelers
Female travelers generally find Uganda welcoming and safe. Dress modestly outside tourist establishments to avoid unwanted attention. In Kampala, use taxis rather than walking at night, and avoid isolated areas. Safari guides and park staff are professional and respectful.
Families
Uganda is a family-friendly destination with many child-appropriate attractions. Murchison Falls boat safaris, Entebbe Botanical Gardens, Ngamba Island chimps, and Lake Mburo park are excellent for children. Note that gorilla trekking requires minimum age 15 and chimp tracking requires age 12.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is criminalized in Uganda under the Anti-Homosexuality Act with severe penalties including life imprisonment. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples are extremely dangerous. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise extreme caution and complete discretion throughout Uganda.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccination MANDATORY - certificate required for entry. Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies (if wildlife contact expected), Polio booster, MMR. Consult travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departure.
Water Safety
Not safe to drink. Drink bottled or filtered water only. Avoid ice in drinks. Use bottled water for brushing teeth. Sealed bottled water widely available ($0.50-1 per liter).
Food Safety
Medical Facilities
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Uganda
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide