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Safety and Security

The U.S. government rates Uganda as high threat for terrorism. The potential for terrorist activity from extremist organizations such as al-Shabaab exists in Uganda and the region. Uganda contributes troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia and al-Shabaab has consistently threatened attacks inside Uganda in retaliation.  U.S. citizens are routinely advised to avoid high-density public gatherings. U.S. citizens traveling to the Karamoja region in northeastern Uganda should be aware of ongoing conflict and armed banditry in this region.

Northern and Eastern Uganda

After years of conflict, relative stability returned to northern Uganda in 2006 when the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebel group fled to neighboring countries. The vast majority of people internally displaced by the LRA in northern Uganda have since returned home, and the Ugandan government continues to expand and improve the capacity of the civilian police force in northern Uganda by deploying additional personnel and dedicating resources to further recovery and redevelopment activities throughout the north. The governments of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Sudan initiated joint military operations against LRA bases in the DRC in December 2008 after LRA leader Joseph Kony refused to sign a peace agreement. African Union forces have continued military operations against the LRA in the DRC, Central African Republic, and South Sudan, but LRA attacks against civilians in these countries continue. 

Cattle rustling, armed banditry, and attacks on vehicles are common in the Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda, and the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) continues to implement a program to disarm Karamojong warriors. Past incidents included ambushes of UPDF troops, and attacks on vehicles, residences, and towns that resulted in multiple deaths. Most of the violence occurred in the districts of Kaabong, Kotido, and Abim, although some violent incidents also occurred in Moroto and Nakapiripirit Districts. In order for U.S. Embassy personnel to travel to the Karamoja Region (excluding charter flights to Kidepo National Park), additional security measures such as the use of armored vehicles and body armor are required.

Southwestern Uganda/Western Uganda

U.S. citizens traveling in southwestern Uganda should be aware of the historical conflict in the districts of North and South Kivu in the DRC and the close proximity of fighting to the Ugandan border. The most recent fighting occurred on the DRC side of the DRC-Uganda border in November 2013. During spikes in the conflict, refugee flows across the border can number in the thousands and there is also a risk of incursions by armed combatants. U.S. citizens should review the Travel Warning for the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the most up-to-date information regarding the conflict in the DRC. U.S. citizens should also be aware of the potential for violence related to ethnic and tribal tensions in the western districts of Bundibuguyo, Ntoroko and Kasese near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. In July 2014 simultaneous attacks on several villages in these districts killed more than 60 people. While there is no indication that assailants are targeting foreign nationals, U.S citizens resident or planning travel in the area should be aware of their surroundings and monitor local media for the latest news on any reported violence.    

Demonstrations

Demonstrations in Kampala and other Ugandan cities periodically occur in response to local political developments. Police routinely use tear gas – and sometimes live ammunition, resulting in deaths – to disperse protests in urban areas. These demonstrations sometimes occur with little warning and can become confrontational or violent. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if they find themselves in the vicinity of any demonstration.

U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Because many demonstrations are spontaneous events, the U.S. Embassy may not always be able to alert U.S. citizens that a demonstration is taking place and to avoid a specific area. If employed with an institution or other large organization, U.S. citizens may find it helpful to request that local employees notify expatriates when they learn of a demonstration from local radio reports or other sources.

To stay connected: 

CRIME: The U.S. government rates Uganda as critical for crime, which is the highest rating on the U.S. government scale. In 2013, the U.S. Embassy received reports of serious crimes involving U.S. citizens in Kampala, including home invasions, homicides, sexual assault, robberies, and stabbings. As a result, U.S. citizens traveling to Uganda should exercise the highest level of awareness and caution when traveling, as crime is indiscriminant and can happen anywhere and at anytime.

Pick pocketing, purse snatching, and thefts from hotels and parked vehicles or vehicles stalled in traffic jams are common. The Embassy receives frequent reports of theft of items from locked vehicles, even when the stolen items were secured out of sight and the vehicle was parked in an area patrolled by uniformed security personnel. Pick pocketing and the theft of purses and bags is also very common on public transportation. Armed robberies of pedestrians also occur, sometimes during daylight hours and in public places. The Embassy received one report in 2013 of a carjacking involving a bus transporting passengers from Rwanda to Kampala. Although some of these attacks are violent, victims are generally injured only if they resist. Due to the risk of crime and lack of infrastructure of roadways, U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from driving after dark on roads outside the limits of cities and large towns.

Due to inherent traffic and crime risks associated with boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) and matatus (minibus taxis), U.S. Mission employees and their dependents are prohibited from using them. Women traveling alone are particularly susceptible to crime. If you are the victim of a sexual assault, seek medical assistance and counseling immediately regarding prophylactic treatment to help prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. A list of local medical providers can be found on the U.S. Embassy website.

In addition, patrons of bars, casinos, nightclubs, and other entertainment centers should never leave their drink or food unattended. When visiting such establishments, it is advisable to remain with a group of friends, as single individuals are more likely to be targeted. Victims have included female patrons who reported they were drugged, and taken to another location and sexually assaulted. Similar tactics are used to rob individuals on public transportation.

Financial crime is common in Uganda.  Wire transfer, check, and credit card fraud is widespread.  ATM machines are tampered with or compromised, and advance fee fraud is perpetrated via email. The U.S. Embassy recommends using money orders for all fund transfers and protecting all bank account and personally identifiable information such as social security numbers and other types of information.

An increasing number of U.S. exporters (primarily vendors of expensive consumer goods such as computers, stereo equipment, and electronics) have been targeted by a sophisticated check fraud scheme. In these scams, a fictitious company in Uganda locates a vendor on the Internet, makes e-mail contact to order goods, and pays with a third-party check. These checks, written on U.S. accounts and made out to entities in Uganda for small amounts, have been intercepted, chemically "washed," and presented for payment of the goods with the U.S. vendor as payee with the altered amount. If the goods are shipped before the check clears, the U.S. shipper will have little recourse, as the goods are picked up at the airport and the company cannot be traced. U.S. companies receiving orders from Uganda are encouraged to check with the Embassy’s Economic and Commercial Section to verify the legitimacy of the company. The Embassy strongly cautions U.S. vendors against accepting third-party checks as payment for any goods to be shipped to Uganda.

Additional information about the most common types of financial fraud is available in the State Department’s Financial Scams Brochure.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  We can:

  • Replace a stolen passport.
  • Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
  • Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
  • Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.  

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Uganda is “999”. 

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

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Population: 45,741,007


Total Land Area: 199,810 km2


Population/km2: 228.92