Published: May 2, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Uganda Travel Advisory and Uganda Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Kampala:
Plot 1577 Ggaba Road, P.O. Box 7007, Kampala.
Tel: +256 414-306-800; Emergencies: +256-0772-138-910 or +256-0414-306-001.
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday: 0730 - 1645; Friday: 0730 – 1230.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
The OSAC Country Chapter in Kampala is currently active.
Uganda Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should reconsider travel to Uganda due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and anti-LGB legislation.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Kampala as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Uganda, indicating that there may be violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
Crime continues to present a serious risk for those visiting or residing in Uganda. Throughout 2024, the U.S. Embassy continued to track reports of crimes against organizations and expatriates, including U.S. government employees and U.S. citizens. While the Ugandan Police Crime report indicates an overall decrease of 4.1% in crime, economic and corruption crimes, homicides, and robberies increased.
In Kampala, criminals target the residences of expatriates and wealthy Ugandans for burglary. Often, authorities implicate domestic staff or hired security guards in these crimes. The Embassy recommends that persons staying in private residences use multiple methods of redundant security (e.g., security guards, alarms, locks) to secure residences against burglary.
Criminals in Kampala also target personal possessions, employing three main tactics: surreptitious removal (i.e., pickpocketing), snatch-and-grab, and violent robbery.
- Surreptitious: Individuals in public venues (e.g., restaurants, hotels, shopping malls) report incidents in which they left their bags unattended for short periods only to discover upon return that unknown people had taken valuable items (e.g., wallet, cell phone). Valuables have also been reported stolen from bags hanging off the backs of chairs at crowded tables (even while diners are present). Travelers on public transportation have reported placing their bags under their seat, later discovering that valuable items have disappeared. Maintain positive control of all valuables while in public.
- Snatch-and-grab: Criminals on foot and on motorcycles (known locally as “boda bodas”) target high-traffic roads that Westerners frequent to steal handbags and backpacks. Pedestrians in Uganda should avoid roads without sidewalks where vehicles (and motorcycles) must pass dangerously close to pedestrians. In addition, pedestrians should walk on the side of the road where they face oncoming traffic and consider how they carry handbags and backpacks to minimize the vulnerability from theft. Exercise caution when using a cell phone or other electronic device in public, as these are snatched by criminals on foot or in some cases on boda bodas. If possible, minimize the cash and valuables you carry.
- Violent robbery: Most violent robberies in Kampala target individuals or small groups walking alone in isolated areas after dark. The Embassy recommends traveling in groups and using a private vehicle or a privately contracted driver to move around the city, especially after dark. The Embassy notes that it recorded multiple incidents of violent robbery during the day, including in more affluent neighborhoods, including violent assaults of American citizens to then rob electronic property (phones, laptops). These robberies often were perpetrated by individuals on boda-bodas who would stalk their victims from behind.
Outside of Kampala, in addition to the threat of property crime, organized gangs periodically rob and extort businesses, residents, and visitors. These gangs have also been known to commit sexual violence against their victims. 2024 also witnessed several reports of gangs or individuals committing robberies and assaults throughout Uganda, to include Kampala, with pangas (machetes).
Never leave food and drinks unattended in public. Women have reported being drugged and taken to another location for sexual assault. Criminals use similar tactics to rob individuals on public transportation. Remain with a group in public, as single individuals are more likely targets. Victims of sexual assault should seek medical assistance and counseling immediately regarding prophylactic treatment to help prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
The Embassy received numerous reports from visitors reporting property stolen from their hotel rooms. Although all hotels are at risk, it appears the risk is greater at smaller hotels outside of Kampala.
ATM and credit card skimming occurs regularly. Minimize the use of ATMs and credit cards. When necessary, only use ATMs at prominent bank branches, and credit cards at large hotels and other businesses that cater to international travelers. All businesses that accept credit cards can process EMV chips and Near Field Communication (contactless payment), and most can bring the machine to you, which helps to deter unauthorized charges. Try not to let the card leave your sight.
Uganda also has a serious counterfeit issue, specifically U.S. counterfeit notes. In 2019, a U.S. citizen pled guilty in federal court to various financial crimes to include counterfeiting, where he led a ring responsible for circulating in the U.S. and Uganda more than $2 million in counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes. U.S. authorities identified Uganda as the source of over 90% of counterfeit U.S. currency on the African continent.
Carefully consider any travel to the Karamoja region in the east and northeastern region of Uganda. Travel to Karamoja merits higher preparation due to poor road conditions, lengthy police-response times, and the lack of emergency medical services. In addition, Karamoja continues to experience sporadic incidents of local violence and mob justice due to cattle rustling. Travelers to Karamoja should identify nearby police stations and medical facilities and use a four-wheel drive vehicle with a well-stocked emergency kit, food, extra gasoline, and water.
Uganda’s borders are extensive and porous. Rebel and terrorist groups operate freely in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and pose a risk to travelers along Uganda’s western border, while the northern border with South Sudan is similarly porous, with a very limited security presence. Exercise caution when traveling to the borders with the DRC and South Sudan. Events in each of these countries have resulted in an increase of refugees into Uganda as well as an increase in criminal activity. The remoteness of the border with Kenya makes it difficult to police, although main roads and border crossings generally have a consistent police presence.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Uganda.
While kidnappings involving Ugandan victims are often reported in Uganda, kidnappings involving Westerners are very uncommon. The most recent high-profile kidnapping of a U.S. national was in 2019. Four armed men in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park (bordering DRC) kidnapped a U.S. citizen and local tour guide, before eventually releasing the victims unharmed.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Kampala as being a HIGH-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Uganda.
The primary terrorist threat in Uganda is the ISIS-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), originally a Uganda-based Islamist rebel group that formed in 1996 and engaged in battles with the Ugandan military in 2007 and 2008. The ADF currently operates from eastern DRC and was responsible for twin bombings in downtown Kampala in 2021. In June 2023, ADF militants attacked a school in Kasese district near the border with DRC, killing dozens of students. In October 2023, suspected ADF militants attacked a commercial truck on the Uganda/DRC border killing the occupants and four days later, killed two foreign tourists and a Ugandan guide in the Queen Elizabeth National Park, a popular destination for tourists. In November 2023, the U.S. Embassy issued a security alert directing embassy staff to not attend, and recommending that U.S. citizens not attend, the popular Nyege Nyege Festival in Jinja due to credible threats. During a 14-day span in December 2023, 13 people were killed in two separate attacks near Kibale National Forest. 2024 saw fewer terrorist attacks, but a steady threat remained, with reports throughout the year of IEDs and bomb construction material being found in Kampala, terrorists being arrested, and Ugandan security services putting out alerts and enhancing security due to threats. The Ugandan government continues to take the threat of ADF action seriously and engages in efforts to disrupt the group, including partnering with the DRC government to pursue ADF members across the border.
Somalia-based al-Shabaab presents a risk to safety in Uganda. Al-Shabaab objects to Uganda’s peacekeeping support to African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), formerly known as the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Two 2010 suicide bombings in Kampala, which killed 76 people (including one U.S. citizen), were al-Shabaab’s first successful large-scale operations outside of Somalia, demonstrating that the group was willing and able to launch attacks across the region. Al-Shabaab vows to continue attacking interests and citizens of countries supporting joint missions in Somalia. Kampala went on high alert for three days when al-Shabaab threatened specific universities and popular malls in September 2024, causing security services to enact security measures inclusive of taking over access control procedures and searches of pedestrians and vehicles as they entered the targeted locations.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Kampala as being a HIGH-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Uganda, indicating that demonstrations, protests, and/or strikes occur frequently, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond adequately. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent. When protests, strikes, and demonstrations turn chaotic, security services respond with force. They have used batons, rubber bullets, tear gas, and gunfire to break up the crowds.
Elections/Political Stability
Oppressive tactics by security personnel toward political opposition and government critics increased during the 2020 – 2021 elections. Political demonstrations and heavy-handed police tactics against journalists, civil society, and political opposition supporters occurred. Following the election, security service personnel were implicated in forced disappearances and arbitrary arrests in unmarked vehicles (locally known as drones) of Ugandan political opposition parties and their supporters. Reports of this practice have continued, albeit with less frequency than during the 2020 campaign season. Elections scheduled for January 2026 (with primaries starting summer 2025) could see the use of similar tactics and heavy security force activity, including arrests of opposition supporters.
President Yoweri Museveni is one of Africa’s longest-ruling leaders, holding the presidency since 1986. Uganda’s next presidential elections are planned for 2026. President Museveni has not officially announced his plans for running for reelection or officially naming a successor, as of this report’s publication.
Over the past several years, there have been several high-profile, unsolved, assassination-style killings of prominent Ugandan individuals. Most recently was the 2022 attempted assassination of a principal judge in Mpigi, just outside of Kampala.
Protests & Demonstrations
Most protests in Uganda concern local issues. Historically, Ugandans have not engaged in anti-U.S. protests. Security services frequently interrupt opposition party protests with force, often harassing, threatening, assaulting, or detaining opposition leadership, members of the press, and participants.
Avoid all demonstrations, as they can escalate quickly. If you come across a large gathering or demonstration, leave the area as soon as possible. Staying informed on current events through local media and continually evaluating one's surroundings will usually mitigate these risks. Ugandans often have better information about demonstrations in their area, so expatriates should attempt to build communication networks with local colleagues. In addition, online platforms like X, TikTok, and Facebook can be useful for tracking incidents, but readers should be aware that limited incidents could seem more serious or widespread in social media.
Primary elections during the summer of 2025 and leading up to the national elections of 2026, may include violence. As an example, the March 13 Kawempe by-election witnessed violent security crackdowns on opposition supporters, arbitrary arrests, blocked campaign events, as well as heavy security presence on voting day. At multiple polling places, security forces targeted and assaulted journalists documenting polling stations, security force abuses, and other potential evidence of misconduct. Security forces also assaulted and detained two opposition Members of Parliament accredited to supervise polling agents, as well as two opposition mayors.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
The Ugandan government and media houses often publicly criticize the United States, Western powers, and so-called “western values.” This rhetoric increases when major democracies voice support for human rights. This criticism does not, however, generally lead to attacks or harassment against Americans or Western travelers due to their country of origin.
Law Enforcement
The emergency line in Uganda is 999, though due to a large number of false calls and improper usage of the line, the Police do not often respond to calls to this number. The 999 system is a legacy system and since that time, other phone companies have been established. As a result, those companies introduced new toll-free emergency and prepaid dial numbers to the Ugandan Police Force which are more commonly used. Some of the numbers outside of 999 include 256-800-199-099, and WhastApp number 256-779-999-999, which is restricted to sending messages to report crimes and emergencies. Other numbers the embassy is aware of include: 256-800-199-399, 256-800-122-291, 256-800-199-699, 256-800-199-399. To report fire incidents, citizens should use 256-800-121-222. It should be noted that a best practice is to obtain the contact numbers of the closest Police Stations/Headquarters and call them directly for non-emergency calls.
The Ugandan Police Force (UPF) maintains police deployments in metropolitan areas, especially Kampala, to thwart criminal and terrorist activities. Despite efforts to professionalize and modernize the force, the UPF still struggles with a lack of resources, corruption, and regular reports of human rights violations.
General Duty Police staff most police posts. There are many other units within the UPF, including the Counter Terrorism Police, VIP Protection Unit, Criminal Intelligence Division, Forensics Division, Traffic Police, Marine Police, and Tourism Police. These units fulfill specific functions and perform limited duties related to their specialty.
The law allows the military to support police operations to maintain internal security. The Ministry of Defense oversees the army. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. There are reports that members of the security forces frequently commit abuses, with only a few low-ranking officers purportedly facing punishment.
Police Response
The UPF can be responsive to most significant reports of crime, but UPF is frequently understaffed, conduct patrols on foot, and lack sufficient vehicles, increasing response times. The typical response is likely to be commensurate to the type of reported crime. Urgent and violent crimes are likely to generate a more efficient response. Often, victims of crime must provide financial assistance to the police to obtain assistance with investigations. It should be noted that the Police have instituted a new policing model which aims to place more police in the sub-counties of the country. As a result, some 10,000 police in Kampala have been deployed in various regions of the country, leaving Kampala more vulnerable to threat actors.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Uganda, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Uganda.
The Government of Uganda has shown an increased interest in the activities of foreigners working with NGOs. All foreign travelers to Uganda should ensure that they have the correct visa for their visit to Uganda. Missionary and NGO work frequently require a work visa. Travelers who plan to engage in religious or civil society activities should obtain the appropriate visa from the Embassy of Uganda before departing their home country. Local authorities have been known to detain, question, and arrest foreigners in Uganda, and has ordered visitors removed from the country. U.S. citizens planning to work for or donate money to an NGO should have the charity provide references of past volunteers whom they may contact. U.S. citizens have reported intimidation and harassment by directors of organizations when questioned about the organization's activities or use of donated funds. Obtain information about registering an NGO from the Ugandan NGO Bureau, which has offices within the Internal Affairs Ministry: +256 (0) 414 253 446. Obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct/Criminal Background Check to start or work for an NGO by contacting your local police or on the FBI website before traveling.
Although the law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention, security forces do arbitrarily arrest and detain persons, especially opposition supporters, politicians, activists, human rights defenders, civil society actors focused on democracy and governance, demonstrators, journalists, and persons based on their sexual orientation. The May 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act raised the risk of persons being discriminated against due to their sexual orientation. The law also states that individuals found to be “promoting homosexuality” could face fines, imprisonment, or in extreme cases, the death penalty. Ugandan law provides for the right of persons to challenge the lawfulness of their arrest or detention in court, but this mechanism is seldom employed and rarely successful.
Security forces subject journalists and media houses to violence, harassment, deportation, and intimidation, especially those covering political opposition events. In 2024 a U.S. citizen was detained by Ugandan authorities for immigration violations, without consular notification, and they both made allegations of physical mistreatment. It appears they were targeted for the appearance of support for opposition parties on social media.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity continues to be a challenge in Uganda. The Ugandan government does not sufficiently fund cybersecurity infrastructure, despite known security breaches in sensitive government and financial systems. Some government agencies report that the security frameworks protecting their systems are at least five to ten years behind current security standards, and there is no urgency to update them. The problem is compounded by the fact that many Ugandan government officials view cybersecurity measures as optional, and the average Ugandan does not understand the importance of simple measures such as using passwords for secure or sensitive systems. One private-sector firm reported that even their most talented Ugandan recruits require months of intensive training in cybersecurity before they are ready to contribute to the company’s software products. While there are officials in both the public and private sector who proactively try to address Uganda’s cybersecurity shortfalls, they face an uphill battle.
Import/Export Restrictions
The importation and use of personal unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, also known as drones or quadcopters) is illegal without prior permission from the Ugandan government. For more information on importing UAVs, please review https://caa.go.ug/Download/81/unmanned-aircraft-systems-drones/5507/updated-drones-clearance-procedure-for-uganda.
While perhaps not explicitly illegal, attempts to import other types of surveillance equipment may lead to security authorities detaining the importer or operator, and/or confiscating the equipment.
There are no restrictions on the use or importation of satellite phones.
Individuals and organizations seeking to bring or import healthcare products, including medicines and medical devices, are responsible for ensuring the importation is in accordance with the Uganda National Drug Policy and Authority Act. This includes donated products intended to support medical assistance efforts. The importation of expired products is prohibited, and many products require a market authorization issued by the Uganda National Drug Authority to be legally imported. Prohibited items are subject to seizure and importers can face criminal and civil action.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
