Uganda Travel Advisory: Safety, Security, Crime & Health

Safety & Security

Since Museveni’s government assumed power in 1986, Uganda has been a relatively secure travel destination. The main threat to life and safety arises not from banditry or political turmoil, but from the malaria parasite, the new coronavirus, and vehicular accidents. Nonetheless, the lethal assault by DRC rebels on tourists traversing Ishasha in 2019 starkly illustrated that certain border regions of Uganda, particularly those next to the DRC, are likely to have sporadic security challenges.

Uganda travel advisory on theft & crime

Uganda is usually acknowledged as one of the most crime-free nations in Africa, particularly from the perspective of visitors.

Muggings are rather infrequent, especially in Kampala, the main city. Nairobi is significantly ahead in this context. Although infrequent, minor thievery, including pickpocketing and bag snatching, does occur occasionally.

Strolling across expansive urban areas at night is purportedly secure; yet, it would be unwise to traverse dimly illuminated streets alone. Given the preference for prudence, below are certain recommendations applicable to travel throughout Uganda and any nation in East and Southern Africa:

• The majority of opportunistic robbers function at crowded markets and bus terminals. Maintain vigilant oversight of your belongings in such environments, refrain from carrying valuables or substantial sums of money in your daypack or pockets, and endeavour to utilise contemporary financial technologies such as ATMs, credit cards, mobile money, and facilitate online payments for your accommodation and fees.
• Store all your valuables and the majority of your cash in a concealed money belt, particularly if you opt for the traditional method of carrying large sums of cash. Do not display this money belt in public. Maintain your credit card and any necessary cash on your person; I believe that a buttoned pocket on the front of your shirt is the most secure location, as money cannot be seized without the robber entering your line of sight. It is prudent to save a little sum of hard currency, preferably cash, concealed within your luggage, so that you have a fallback option in the event of losing your money belt or credit card.
• Conversely, technology has enhanced the sophistication of financial transactions while travelling: consult your travel operator regarding the use of your credit card, mobile wallet, or the rapidly expanding African innovation known as Mobile Money. None of these transaction types require you to carry cash. The majority of Safari Lodges in Uganda facilitate online payments; ascertain and remit payment prior to your arrival for your safari expedition in Uganda.
• When presented with the option to carry valuables on my body or protect them in a locked room, I would choose for the latter, as numerous recorded robberies during African safaris have occurred in closed hotel rooms, particularly in Nairobi, where anything can happen. It is essential to apply judgement in this regard and ensure that the room is completely guarded.
• Refrain from bringing any jewellery of monetary or sentimental significance from home. Kindly refrain from returning it to its source; it may opt to remain.

How to carry money and valuables around Uganda on a Trip

It is prudent to store all your cash, passport, and other essential documents in a money belt. The optimal money belt for Uganda is one that may be concealed beneath your attire.

While external money belts may be trendy, donning one in Africa effectively signals to robbers that all your possessions are readily accessible. Utilise a belt composed of cotton or another natural fabric, considering that these materials absorb significant amounts of perspiration, necessitating the encasement of all internal components in plastic.

The most effective safeguard against total catastrophe in the event of theft is to maintain thorough documentation. Possessing a photocopy of your passport’s main page will expedite the issuance of a new one. Additionally, document the specifics of your bank, credit card (if applicable), travel insurance policy, and camera equipment (including serial numbers), along with your travelers’ cheque numbers and a record of those cashed, as well as the international refund-assistance telephone number and local agent contact information.

If all this information can be condensed onto a single sheet of paper, you may retain photocopies for personal use and provide one to a friend at home.

Travel advisory for women travelers on a Uganda trip

Women typically perceive sub-equatorial Africa as one of the most secure destinations for solo travel. Uganda, specifically, presents minimal, if any, concerns unique to female travellers.

One should reasonably anticipate a considerable amount of flirtation and occasional direct propositions, particularly when socialising with Ugandans at bars. A definitive ‘no’ should suffice to mitigate any potential issue. To be equitable towards Ugandan males, same behaviour can be anticipated in any nation and, indeed, from numerous male travellers.

Women in Uganda typically adopt a conservative style of dress. Avoiding attire that may be unjustly interpreted as provocative will not exacerbate the level of inconvenience you experience and may even mitigate it.

Tampons are not easily accessible in tiny communities. Sanitary pads are readily available in Kampala, Entebbe, and Jinja, as well as at gift stores at game lodges and hotels. When journeying to remote locations, ensure you possess a sufficient supply of sanitary items to last until your next visit to a major city, considering that travel in tropical regions may result in larger or more frequent menstrual cycles than usual. Sanitary pads are accessible in the majority of communities of various sizes.

For enquiries regarding the Uganda travel advise for women, please email us at kabirasafaris@gmail.com; you will receive comprehensive responses to assist in your trip planning.