Is Uganda a safe tourist destination?
Uganda, also known as the pearl of Africa got her nickname from the former prime minster of United Kingdom, Winston Churchill in his 1908 book “My African Journey” after being impressed by the country upon his visit.
Just like a pearl, Uganda is globally recognised for her beauty and cultural diversity. Uganda is home to several water bodies including the largest lake in Africa(Lake Victoria) and is also the source to the longest river in the world(The Nile).
The landscapes are magnificent with several mountain ranges, vegetation, rolling hills and valleys, which are a sight to see. Talk about the wildlife! Uganda has a variety of wildlife including the Big Five which can be directly spotted in the various national parks like Queen Elizabeth and Murchison falls np.
After Rwanda, Uganda has the highest number of the endangered mountain gorillas which can be found in Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks. Whereas Rwanda charges $1500 for gorilla trekking, Uganda charges only $700 for the same experience, making it a more budget friendly gorilla trekking destination.
Speaking of culture, Uganda has over 50 tribes and more than 40 languages are spoken with English as the official language. All these tribes have different norms, traditions, beliefs and foods! For someone interested in discovering and exploring a diversity of cultures in one country, Uganda is the place to go.
We could go on and on about everything you can see and do in Uganda but the most important question remains; “Is Uganda a safe tourist destination?”
Uganda has in the past had serious safety concerns from the terrorist bombings in 2010 at Kyadondo Rugby grounds, the Lords Resistance Army rebel attacks in Northern Uganda, among others. These pause serious security concerns for someone interested in travelling to Uganda since safety in a new place is paramount. The good news is that the government, law enforcement and the tourism bodies have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of tourists and nationals at large.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the things that might threaten your safety and probably land you in serious trouble.
Photography in secure areas: There are some places where taking pictures is prohibited for example army barracks, Owen Falls Dam, military bases, state House, diplomatic sites like embassies among others. Before taking any pictures near these places, ask for permission to avoid being looked at as a spy.
Wearing military like clothing: In Uganda, it is illegal to wear military-like clothing, including uniforms, badges, or other insignia, due to the country’s history of rebel activity and the need to maintain public safety. The ban aims to prevent individuals from impersonating military personnel, which could lead to confusion, mistrust, or even violence. Section 160 of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces(UPDF) Act and the Police Acts requires members of the public to refrain from wearing clothes that look like the army or police uniforms and if you’re caught, there are heavy fines you’ll have to pay. In more serious cases, offenders may face imprisonment for up to two years. So while packing clothes for your visit to Uganda, bear this in mind.
LGBTQ+ Safety: Uganda is a very Conservative country and same sex relations or same sex Public Display of Affection (PDA) is not tolerated. As a matter of fact, the president of Uganda in 2023 amidst so many protests signed the Anti Homosexuality Bill which prohibits the promotion, support, and advocating of LGBTQ rights.
This law also affects visitors exercising their freedom of expression and they are at a great risk of harassment, blackmail, or imprisonment. In more serious cases, some communities may be violent towards them and use the law as justification for such an attack.
This doesn’t meant that people from the LGBTQ community cannot visit Uganda. They are safe if they maintain discretion about their sexuality.
Helping street Children in Kampala: It is only natural that when you see a child suffering on the street, you get the desire to help them or change their lives. In Uganda, if you are caught trying to rescue a street child, you may face serious charges.
This is because in the past, organised crime groups exploited street Children for their own financial gain. Also, the government efforts to rehabilitate these Children have been in vain with most of the children running back to the streets.
Should you feel the need to help these children, partner with registered organisations responsible for street Children to avoid getting into trouble with the law.
Political situation: While on your visit to Uganda, you may come across political rallies and demonstrations which can happen anywhere without warning.
These are common around the national election period. The police may use rubber bullets, teargas or live ammunition to disperse demonstrators and some people have died because of this.
Should you come across such a rally, move away to the safest route, shut doors and windows if you’re in a car and stay inside of your accommodation.
Also be reminded that the colours red and yellow are associated with political parties so avoid wearing them if you’re in Uganda during elections.
Most importantly, plan your trip so that it doesn’t coincide with elections since Internet shutdowns and social media disruptions have happened during this period and this may affect communication with your family back home.
Vehicle crimes: Though not common, there have been a few cases of tourist vehicle thefts. You leave your car in a parking lot and find it gone.
The good news is that most of these vehicles have trackers so they eventually get them. To avoid serious financial damages, make sure your car has sufficient insurance and avoid leaving your valuables in the cars especially in street and mall parking.
Health safety: Uganda is generally a safe country when it comes to health. However, precautions need to be taken against malaria by sleeping under a mosquito net or packing bug sprays and ointments.
You may need to have your travel insurance ready in case you get sick although most hospitals in Uganda can treat you on a cash basis. Uganda has modern hospitals with well qualified medical staff, modern facilities and ambulance services. Most importantly, never drink tap water in Uganda!
Also always keep updated on virus outbreaks and take all the necessary precautions and guidelines set by the ministry of health.
Insecure locations: There are some locations you should avoid if you’re a tourist. These may include Kampala suburbs and slums because crime rates are high and if you are white, you’ll be targeted because these people think that the white man ( Muzungu) has a lot of valuables on them.
Also avoid moving with a lot cash, flashy or expensive jewellery, expensive gadgets, expensive designer bags and shoes in these places because they’ll be stolen. Also don’t be tempted to go downtown Kampala alone because of the many pick pocketers.
Other locations to avoid include the Uganda-South Sudan border and the Uganda-DRC borders because of the ongoing civil wars.
Extreme National Disasters: The best time to visit Uganda is during the dry seasons of July to September and December to February. The rainy seasons are very challenging with very slippery and muddy roads and flooded bridges.
Some areas like the Bududa region in Eastern Uganda have faced constant mudslides that claim many lives. Kasese in the western region has also over the years suffered serious floods from River Nyamwamba and all the majors roads are cut off when this happens.
Food and drink spiking: This is also not common but it has happened before so take caution when you’re ordering drinks especially in the bars. If possible avoid ordering shots and buy a whole bottle which you should personally open.
For beers, make sure you open your bottles yourself. Also if you want to use the washroom, empty your glass before going. You may be drugged and robbed in the long run.
Much as we just discussed the safety threats, Uganda is generally a safe country with very welcoming and hospitable people. They welcome everyone with a smile and are always ready to lend a helping hand, meaning your experience with the locals will always be a good one. It is also important to research about the Safety status of every destination you intend to visit. For a better experience, contact Go Further 4×4 Car rentals or your tour operators for further information about any safety concerns.
