Uganda

Terrorism is a threat in Uganda.

Somali-based terrorists have threatened to attack interests of east African governments supporting the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). This includes Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Burundi.

Attacks by Somali-based terrorists in Kenya in 2017 showed they are capable of carrying out these threats.

Uganda has increased security arrangements in public places.

This includes borders and at the international airport.

Expect body, car and luggage checks when travelling, especially in Kampala.

Possible targets for terror attacks include:

• tourist areas, hotels, resorts restaurants, bars, clubs, marketplaces, markets and shopping centres
• schools, places of worship, outdoor and political events
• airports, bus terminals, public transport and government buildings

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• consider the level of security at venues you're visiting
• be alert in crowded places and monitor local media
• pay close attention to your personal security 
• take official warnings seriously and follow instructions

Report any suspicious items or activities to police.

If there's a terrorist attack, leave the affected area immediately if it's safe to do so.

Avoid the affected area afterwards as there may be further attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

On 2 April 2019, a foreigner was kidnapped from the Ishasha section of Queen Elizabeth National Park, which borders the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

To protect yourself if you travel to an area where there's a threat of kidnapping:

• seek professional security advice
• arrange effective security measures for yourself, vehicle and accommodation

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Violent protests happen in Kampala and other parts of Uganda.

There's a military presence in north-west Uganda due to cross-border threats from armed groups.

Some areas have more politically motivated violence and unrest.

Clashes between armed groups and security forces in the Kasese district caused several deaths and injuries in 2016. It's still volatile there.

Clashes between tribal groups have happened often and with no warning in the Karamoja region of north-eastern Uganda. Hotspots include districts north of Kate Kyoga:

• Kotido
• Moroto
• Nakapiripirit
• Katakwi

There's a risk of inter-tribal violence and armed bandits.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid large gatherings, political rallies and demonstrations
• monitor the media
• avoid affected areas
• follow advice from local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Border violence

It's extremely unstable in the neighbouring DRC. Cross-border attacks by rebel groups can happen without notice and it's volatile. You might be at risk of attack by armed bandits. 

Tourist areas, including Rwenzori Mountains and national parks, are near the border.

The LRA is no longer active in Uganda, but remains active in the DRC and Central African Republic.

More attacks could happen in Uganda.

Uncleared landmines are still a danger.

Gorilla trekking

Security is usually required when gorilla trekking in:

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• the Mgahinga Gorilla Park
• Murchison National Park
• other parts of western Uganda

You're at risk of armed attacks in those regions.

Travellers have been subject to violence. The security situation can change with little warning.

For your safety, don't take gorilla trekking tours that cross into the DRC.

Fly rather than drive if you travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla Park.

More information:

• Ugandan Wildlife Authority

Pickpocketing, bag snatching and other petty crime happens, especially on public transport.

Theft from vehicles stuck in heavy traffic or stopped at traffic lights is common.

Armed robbery and carjacking is a risk, especially outside Kampala.

Violence occurs in other places, such as Jinja and Kasese.

Home burglaries can turn violent.

To protect yourself from crime:

• exercise a high degree of caution throughout Uganda
• keep car windows up and doors locked when moving
• lock doors and windows at your accommodation
• don't walk in isolated areas or along dark streets at night

Scams

Financial scams have started in Uganda.

If you fall victim to a scam, it could be dangerous to go to Uganda to try to get your money back.

Fake internet friendship, dating and marriage scams operate from some African countries.

Once an online friendship develops, you'll probably be asked by your 'friend' or planned marriage partner to send money. This is so the 'friend' can travel to Australia, or make something else possible.

Sometimes the relationship ends with very little chance of getting your money back.

Other times your 'friend' or planned partner will ask you travel to Africa to meet them. If you do this, you could be kidnapped, assaulted or robbed.

Credit card fraud is also a risk.

To avoid becoming a victim of a scam:

• check all online offers from people in Uganda, or people you don't know
• take legal advice before agreeing to anything
• don't send money to anyone in Uganda until proper checks are made
• get legal advice if you're the victim of a scam
• keep your credit card in sight when making transactions

Don't travel to Uganda to try to get your money back.

More information:

• Scams

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes adventure activities, such as white water rafting.

If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• only use respected and registered tour operators
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

National parks

Some of Uganda's national parks have security risks.

For advice on security risks, park fees and other conditions in national parks, contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

If you plan to visit a national park:

• think about the security risks
• obey all park rule
• follow the advice of local authorities and park wardens
• use a registered tour operator

Swimming safety

Don't swim in lakes and rivers. Hippos and crocodiles inhabit many lakes and rivers and are extremely dangerous.

Uganda can experience natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• earthquakes
• flooding
• landslides

The rainy seasons are from March to May, and October to November.

Flooding can cause landslides, leaving people without homes and blocking roads.

To protect yourself if a natural disaster occurs:

• keep your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• closely monitor local media
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in touch with friends and family

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Uganda. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Many pharmaceutical products are in short supply or not available in Uganda.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever is widespread in Uganda. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel. Carry your vaccination card with you.

Malaria is common throughout the year.

Other insect-borne diseases found in Uganda include:

• pneumonic plague
• chikungunya

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medication to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Bird flu (avian influenza)

In January 2017, local authorities confirmed cases of avian influenza (H5N1, 'bird flu') in wild birds and domestic poultry in Lutembe Bay near Entebbe and Masaka District.

Avoid contact with dead and living birds.

Ebola virus

In June 2019, the Ugandan Government confirmed its first cases of the Ebola virus in Western Uganda, originating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Avoid areas known to have Ebola. However, if you're in an affected area, avoid contact with:

• other people's blood and bodily fluids
• anything that may have come in contact with an infected person's blood or bodily fluids
• the body of someone who died from Ebola
• bats and primates, or blood or fluids from these animals (bushmeat), or meat from an unknown source
• raw or undercooked animal products

To protect yourself against the virus, practise good hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser, especially:

• before touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• before eating
• after using the toilet
• after touching objects at high risk of being contaminated

More information:

• WHO situation report
• WHO Ebola Virus Disease Information Sheet

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a risk. Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to the virus.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• typhoid
• cholera
• hepatitis
• meningitis
• tuberculosis
• meningococcal disease
• viral hemorrhagic fevers

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• don't eat raw or undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water

Check with your doctor about typhoid vaccinations.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical facilities

There are very limited medical facilities outside of Kampala.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to Nairobi, Kenya or another place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. 

Drugs

There are heavy penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs.

If you're convicted of a drug offence, you'll face a long jail sentence and heavy fines.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Treason and murder carry the death penalty.

Rape and robbery attract corporal punishment.

In Uganda, it's illegal to:

• perform same-sex sexual acts
• take photos of military, government and diplomatic buildings and areas
• wear military-style or camouflage clothing

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Uganda recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Visitor visas

You need a visa to visit Uganda.

The East African Community's EAC Tourist Visa allows travellers multiple entries to Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda for 90 days. Another option is to apply for a visa from the Government of Uganda. Apply for the EAC Tourist Visa or a Ugandan visa by using Uganda's online visa application.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest high commission or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Yellow fever vaccination

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Uganda. Some airlines may want to see a certificate when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX).

You must declare all foreign currency on arrival. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash. If you don't, you may have trouble taking it when you leave.

Only exchange money at commercial banks and exchange bureaus.

US dollars are widely accepted. You may not be able to change US banknotes printed before 2006.

Traveller's cheques, credit cards and debit cards aren't widely accepted in Uganda.

Bring enough cash with you.

Driving permit

To drive in Uganda, you need both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.

Road travel

You're 5 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Uganda than in Australia.

Traffic accidents are common and there's a high risk at night.

Hazards include:

• poor road and vehicle conditions
• bad driving habits
• high speeds
• poor lighting

The Ugandan Government sometimes closes tourist areas if there's a risk of rebel activity.

If you plan to drive in Uganda:

• check local traffic laws and practices
• be alert to possible hazards, especially at night
• check security risks and road closures before you travel outside major centres
• don't travel between towns after dusk, except between Kampala and Entebbe

The border between Uganda and Rwanda regularly closes for extended periods.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use registered taxis and limousines due to the high risk of crime. It's best to arrange this through your hotel.

Don't use unofficial taxis or hail taxis on the street. You could be robbed.

Public transport

Long-distance bus travel can be dangerous. Accidents are common.

Some buses travelling overnight have been robbed. They have been forced to stop by roadblocks or by criminals acting as passengers.

Minibuses ('matatus') and scooter taxis (boda-boda) are usually in poor condition and badly driven.

If you need to take public transport, don't use matatus and boda-boda. If you do take a boda-boda, 
always wear a helmet.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Boat travel

There have been a number of passenger ferry accidents because of overcrowding. Use a trusted operator. 

Wear a life jacket at all times, even if others don't.

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Uganda's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, you should contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 999.

Medical emergencies

Call 999 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 999.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

The Australian Consulate in Kampala, headed by an Honorary Consul, provides limited consular help to Australians in Uganda. The consulate doesn't issue passports.

Full consular help is available from the Australian High Commission in Kenya.

Australian Consulate, Kampala

Plot 22, CNOOC Building 
(Next to Khana Khazana) 
3rd Floor – Left Wing with Simba Signage 
Acacia Avenue 
Kampala, Uganda
Phone: (+256) 31 2515865 or (+256) 77 2202285 
Email: australianconsulate.ug@gmail.com
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 5pm.

Australian High Commission, Nairobi

Limuru Road, Rosslyn 
Nairobi, Kenya 
Phone: +254 20 4277 100 
Fax: +254 20 4277 139 
Website: kenya.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in East Africa
Twitter: @AusHCKenya

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia