Is Uganda Safe To Visit? Everything To Know :

Is Uganda Safe To Visit? Uganda is relatively safe to travel to, even though the information below is meant for tourists interested in learning about a post-pandemic environment. If not, read this guide on safety in Uganda, which covers everything from basic safety for LGBTQI community members to things to think about while travelling alone. It also addresses the coronavirus and Mpox.

Travelling to and from Uganda is generally safe. It is seen as a politically stable country with well-maintained borders. However, opportunistic crimes for instance credit card fraud, house invasions, and petty theft issues occur just as in any other country. You can avoid terror-targeted areas and contemporary criminal problems if you exercise caution and follow local laws.

Does Uganda see terrorist attacks? Will someone in Kampala’s streets steal my camera? Is driving safe, or do I need to worry about being carjacked? Is it safe for people to consume the food and water? Before travelling to different nations, we frequently have all of these questions and as for Uganda, we’ll have them addressed herein.

It is typical for visitors to have anxiety while they are in a different country. Uganda is fast gaining popularity as a vacation destination for adventure travellers, especially for seeing the fascinating primates in their ancient tropical forest, such as mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks, which welcome thousands of tourists each year.

According to UK foreign travel advice, every year over 15,000 British citizens safely travel to Uganda. Most of the visits are pleasant. For your knowledge, the likelihood of becoming a victim of gun violence in London or New York, or even losing your life in a terrorist attack, is significantly higher than it is in Uganda. In addition, Uganda has not seen wars since the 1980s.

Is Uganda Safe for Female Travellers?

Uganda is, in fact, a safe destination for female travellers. While there is crime in the country, it primarily affects locals rather than female tourists. Be careful and don’t go out late by yourself while you are here.

But until you have access to all the information you need, you can’t really conquer your fear of the unknown. As a result, you should use this blog as a travel guide when visiting Uganda.

In reality, Uganda has laws protecting women across the country, and you can be confident that even while you are out and about and walking the streets, you will attest to the fact that Uganda is a safe place for women.

Safety and security in Uganda.

Like any other country on the planet, there is a chance of crime, but it may be avoided if you take precautions. Being a victim is hardly likely, and incidents would probably happen in big cities like Kampala. To avoid being a target for pickpocketing, please keep your profile low and use caution and alertness when in public areas.

Through regular patrols and deployment in high-crime areas, the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and the local police have demonstrated increased success in preventing crime. There are almost cops everywhere one looks, with covert security stationed at borders, airports, and public spaces. Along the streets, cameras have been installed to ensure pedestrian safety and to enable the tracking of wrongdoers in the event of any misconduct.

The military, park rangers, tourism police, and hotel and lodge security experts are all on hand to ensure that those visiting Uganda’s national parks and tourist destinations are safe.

Is it safe for same-sex or gay couples to visit Uganda?

The president of Uganda passed the Anti-Homosexuality Law in June 2023. Gay couples visiting Uganda just need to show respect for the local way of life and abstain from promoting LGBTQ rights; neither people nor the government will put them in danger. Moreover, the majority of these bills are primarily of a political nature and have minimal to no impact on societal transformation.

Did you know that state legislatures in the US have considered at least 417 anti-LGBTQ measures since the start of 2023?

As in most of Africa, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) rights are not extensively recognised in Uganda as they are in Western countries. While Ugandans are aware that there are people who are attracted to same sex people sexually, they prefer to respect their right to privacy in this regard. Uganda is one of the 34 states – recognized by the UN and African Union where homosexuality is illegal. Many African countries have laws that prohibit the promotion of homosexuality. under the guise of religion, which date back to the colonial era.

If you’re a gay or LGBTQ visitor to Uganda, please respect local customs and refrain from disclosing your lifestyle. No homosexual tourist going to Uganda will experience discrimination or harassment because of their sexual orientation alone. Ugandans cherish traditional customs and anticipate that guests will do the same. For example, they don’t discuss sexual matters in public and they disapprove upon public shows of affection like holding hands, embracing, or kissing. However, it’s acceptable if you are a different sex pair holding hands; they understand it.

Thus, if you identify as LGBTQIA and are visiting Uganda, we ask that you enjoy your safari experience and refrain from asserting your sexual rights. We assure you that no Ugandan will ask you about your sexual orientation.

Diseases and Health In Uganda.

Uganda went through the same difficulties as the rest of the world did during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourists are once again freely visiting the nation’s popular tourist attractions. This is because things have returned to normal after the government miraculously contained the outbreak with everyone’s help.

A yellow fever outbreak occurred in northern Uganda in 2010. Yellow fever can strike anyone in Uganda, according to the Ministry of Health’s ongoing claims. At the moment, everyone travelling to Uganda needs to be immunised against yellow fever and have an international vaccination certificate.

The World Health Organisation recently declared that the Mpox virus posed a threat to the entire world. It is also crucial to note that Uganda is Mpox virus-free. Furthermore, public health precautions are being taken to prevent the virus from entering the nation. People are becoming more aware of their ability to prevent the illness outbreak.

Ebola Outbreak.

On September 20, 2022, the Ministry of Health in Uganda and WHO AFRO jointly reported that an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) pandemic. It was caused by the Sudan Ebola virus was developing in Mubende District, Uganda, following the confirmation of one death case. More than 100 people contracted Ebola, and more than 50 people – including 19 medical professionals – died from the disease.

However, the International Health Organisations and the Ugandan government moved swiftly, enclosing the three districts more than 34 kilometres from the city.

There isn’t an Ebola outbreak going on in Uganda right now. The Uganda Ministry of Health said on January 11, 2023, that 42 days had passed since the last case was released from treatment. Since then, no new cases had been reported. As a result, travelling there and taking in all of its amazing attractions is safe.

Traffic And Road Safety In Uganda.

Despite the fact that road fatalities have been reported, they can be avoided. That is through following the law and being mindful of it. But when you drive in Uganda, you will encounter careless drivers, people walking along the street, animals crossing the road, poorly maintained automobiles (no brake or indicator lights), poor road conditions, broken traffic lights, and dimly lit roads.

Our knowledgeable driver guides will drive you around. This is because they have grown to be experts at navigating the roads over the years. If you must drive yourself, please make use of all relevant defensive driving tactics. This will ensure the safety of other drivers as well as your own. Nonetheless, things have improved and the cops are doing a decent job of enforcing traffic regulations.

Is Uganda Safe To Visit In 2024?

Considering the following information, we can conclude from the safety concern that visiting Uganda is safe:

• All infectious disease outbreaks are promptly contained. It is done through management and quarantine, preventing the spread of infectious diseases among residents and tourists alike.
• When you book your trip with Ibuth Safaris, our experienced driver guides, will make sure you travel safely in Uganda.
• No statement regarding a travel caution or alert is in effect.
• Since 2010, there hasn’t been a terrorist incident in Uganda as a result of the introduction of intensified security.
• Hospitals, shopping centres, and other public spaces have security measures in place. They help to ensure the protection of both foreign guests and Ugandan citizens.

Undertake a Uganda Safari with a trusted Tour Operator.

You should equip yourself with knowledge about safety and crimes, your surroundings and remain vigilant. If you get comprehensive travel advice and medical insurance before your trip, you will be covered for any unforeseen circumstances. By consuming food and beverages from hygienic sources, you can prevent food poisoning and cholera. Tens of thousands travellers have praised Uganda as a safe, welcoming, and secure destination to visit without feeling frightened. This, they do by writing about and participating in forum discussions about their experiences.

To put it briefly, going on safari in Uganda is safe. You and your family can enjoy a stable, secure, and safe holiday in Uganda with our assistance.  

Have you always wanted to travel to Uganda but don’t know where to begin? We are able to assist! Making a wish list with a local might help you get the most out of your Africa visit to Uganda. Please send your inquiry with a wish list of safari activities. Our team will add them to the itinerary. As an alternative, you can reach us at +256 393 247 137 / +256 742 678 918 Or email us at  info@ibuthsafaris.com. You’ll get personalised guidance on when you can to travel, what to carry and more.