Uganda

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General advice to Australian travellers.

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Uganda because of the high threat of terrorist attack, civil unrest and criminal activity. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Widespread armed conflict in Somalia and the very high threat of terrorist attack against Western interests has heightened the risk that active extremist groups pose to nearby countries, including Uganda. Somali-based militants have declared a ‘jihad’ against the interests of East African Governments supporting the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), including Uganda, Kenya and Burundi.

In planning your activities consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets which include clubs, hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, airports including civil aviation, markets and marketplaces, shopping centres, political and sporting events, outdoor recreation events, shopping malls, bus terminals, public transport infrastructure, Ugandan government buildings and tourist areas.

Individuals should be prepared for body, car and luggage checks when moving around the capital of Uganda, Kampala.

Recent warnings and attacks

On 24 April 2013, the US Government warned its citizens of an ongoing terrorist threat in Uganda. The warning stated that regional terror groups continue to threaten targets in Uganda.

In December 2011, the Ugandan Government issued an alert warning of a heightened risk of terrorism.

In December 2010 a Uganda bound bus from Kenya was bombed. On 11 July 2010 bomb attacks occurred at two locations in Kampala. The attacks took place at crowded public venues in the areas of Kabalagala and Lugogo, causing a number of deaths and injuries. Foreign nationals were among the dead and injured. You should exercise caution when travelling in Kampala, follow the instructions of local authorities.

Violent protests can occur in Kampala and other parts of Uganda. Some protests and demonstrations have resulted in deaths and serious injuries. You should exercise particular caution when travelling, including by avoiding large gatherings, political rallies, protests and demonstrations. You should monitor radio and other local media for updated advice.

North-eastern Uganda: We strongly advise you not to travel to the Karamoja region of north-eastern Uganda (particularly the Kotido, Moroto, Nakapiripirit and Katakwi districts north of Kate Kyoga), because of the risk of banditry and inter-tribal clashes. Clashes between tribal groups have occurred, frequently with no warning. If you intend to travel to the Kidepo National Park we recommend you fly there rather than travel overland.

Areas bordering South Sudan: We strongly advise you not to travel to areas bordering South Sudan because of the serious risk of banditry and crime in these areas.

The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) is no longer active in Uganda but continues to operate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Central African Republic and South Sudan. The LRA is believed to have been responsible for several attacks that killed or wounded foreign aid workers in the past. Further attacks could occur. There is a military presence in north western Uganda, especially the areas bordering South Sudan and the DRC. While de-mining operations are continuing in northern Uganda, landmines remain a danger for travellers.

Border with Democratic Republic of the Congo: We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Uganda's border with the DRC, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Mgahinga Gorilla Park, Lake Albert and Murchison National Park, due to the risk of banditry and cross-border attacks by rebel groups.

We strongly advise you not to take gorilla trekking tours that cross into the DRC. The situation over the border in the DRC is extremely unstable and attacks can occur with no notice. Security personnel are usually required to accompany tourists on gorilla trekking visits. If you decide to travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla Park we recommend you fly there rather than travel overland, use reputable, registered tour operators and closely follow park regulations. The Ugandan Wildlife Authority has more information on travelling to national parks, including the fees.

Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially on public transport. Theft from vehicles which are stationary in heavy traffic or stopped at traffic lights occurs frequently. You should ensure valuables are out of sight and that vehicle windows are up and doors are locked.

There is a risk of armed robbery and carjacking when travelling outside the capital, Kampala, particularly to the east and in areas around Lake Victoria.

Isolated incidents of violence have also occurred in urban centres, such as Kampala, Jinja and Kasese. Residential burglaries have turned violent. Security risks increase after dark.

Do not accept food or drink from strangers as it may be drugged.

When visiting Uganda's national parks, we strongly recommend the use of reputable, registered tour operators. Violence against tourists has occurred and security circumstances can change with little warning. There is a history of armed attacks in the Murchison Falls National Park.

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money in Uganda, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work in Uganda. Travellers' cheques and credit/debit cards are not widely accepted in Uganda. Travellers may find that they cannot exchange US notes printed prior to 2006.

There have been reports of credit card fraud in Uganda. You should be sure to keep your credit card in sight when making transactions.

Make two photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the Honorary Consul in Kampala, or the Australian High Commission in Nairobi as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

Airline and air charter safety and maintenance standards vary throughout the world. It is not known whether maintenance procedures and safety standards on aircraft used on internal flights are always properly observed or whether passengers are covered by airline insurance.

For further information, please refer to our aviation safety and security air travel page.

Uganda recognises dual nationality.

Our Dual nationals page provides further information for dual nationals.

The rainy seasons are from March to May and October to November when flooding may occur, causing landslides, displacing large numbers of people and blocking some roads.

Uganda is located in an active earthquake region.

If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Prior to travel, we recommend you contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority (www.ugandawildlife.org) for information about the latest security advice and arrangements and information on park fees. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and warden’s advice.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with children page.