Uganda – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel

to Uganda due to crime, health, terrorism, and unrest. Please read the full text of the advisory.

Travel restrictions for government employees

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Uganda due to the Ebola outbreak.

Health

On May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its Travel Health Notice for Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease.  Review the Travel Health Notice for Ebola for Uganda.

Due to the Ebola outbreak, Uganda has temporarily closed border crossings with DRC. The only exceptions are for authorized Ebola response teams, humanitarian operations, food and cargo transportation, and security under strict health screening and monitoring protocols.

Any person entering Uganda from the DRC must self-quarantine for 21 days under the supervision of the Ministry of Health.

The Ministry of Health issued restrictions on mass gatherings in Kampala and high-risk districts along the DRC border.

Crime

Violent crime is a real danger in Uganda. This includes armed robbery, home invasion, and sexual assault. Crime can happen anytime. It is more common in larger cities, the Karamoja region, and along Uganda’s western and northern borders.

Both visitors and residents face these threats. Police struggle to respond to serious crime in most places due to limited resources.

Terrorism

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Uganda. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Terrorist groups have targeted:

• Religious venues
• Schools
• Government buildings
• Police stations
• Transportation hubs
• Areas visited by tourists, including national parks

These attacks have resulted in the deaths of Ugandans as well as foreign visitors. U.S. citizens should remain alert and avoid large public gatherings.

Unrest

Protests can happen with little to no warning. They often develop around political issues and events, like elections. Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

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.

Laws targeting persons based on sexual orientation

The 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) criminalizes consensual same-sex relations in Uganda. The law applies to both visitors and residents.

The AHA increases the danger for persons who may be targeted based on their real or perceived sexual orientation, and those accused of “promoting homosexuality.”

Penalties include life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Those seen as supporting gay and lesbian people have experienced harassment and violence by vigilantes.