Is Uganda Safe for Tourists? Practical Advice

Uganda welcomes visitors every year for gorillas, big game, birds and the Nile, and most trips pass without incident. That does not mean safety can be ignored. This guide covers the practical points we talk through with every guest, and tells you where to find the official advice for your own country.

Start with official advice

Governments publish travel advice that changes with events on the ground. Read the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advice for Uganda (opens in a new tab) and the equivalent advice from your own government before you book, and check it again shortly before you fly. We will tell you if anything affects your route.

Roads

Road travel is the main everyday risk. Highways are busy with trucks, buses, boda-bodas and pedestrians, and conditions vary. We advise driving in daylight, using professional driver-guides who know the roads and avoiding long night journeys. Our guide to getting from Entebbe to Mbarara explains how we plan sensible days.

Cities and petty theft

In Kampala and other busy towns, keep phones and bags out of sight near open windows, avoid walking alone late at night, and use registered taxis or arranged transfers. Leave valuables in the lodge safe, and carry only the cash you need.

Wildlife and national parks

Parks are managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and rangers set clear rules for walks, treks and boat trips. Follow instructions, keep your distance and never feed animals. Guided walks such as those at Lake Mburo are led by armed rangers who know the terrain.

Health

The CDC (opens in a new tab) recommends prescription anti-malarial medicine and a review of routine and travel vaccines for Uganda. Use insect repellent, drink bottled or treated water, avoid swimming in untreated freshwater and consider medical evacuation insurance. See a travel clinic several weeks before you travel.

Scams and online risks

Use only the official government portal to apply for your visa, and beware of lookalike sites. See our visa guide. Pay operators through clear channels, and check that a company is licensed with the Uganda Tourism Board (opens in a new tab).

Solo travellers and women

Many solo travellers, including women, visit Uganda. Choose reputable lodges, arrange transfers in advance, dress modestly in towns and trust your instincts. Local guides and drivers will also look out for you.

Respect local law and customs

Same-sex relationships are criminalised in Uganda, and the law carries severe penalties. LGBTQ+ travellers should read the specific guidance from their own government. Photography of military and government buildings and the airport is restricted, so ask before you take a picture.

In an emergency

Save the numbers you may need before you set off: your operator, your lodge, your insurer and your embassy. The main police emergency lines in Uganda are 999 and 112. If you are on a trek or boat trip, tell the ranger or crew straight away, because they can radio for help. Keep a copy of your insurance details on your phone and on paper.

How we plan for safety

We plan with professional driver-guides, sensible route timing and reputable lodges, and we explain what to expect at each stop. Tell us about any concerns through the plan your trip page, and read our first-time FAQs for more preparation.