Is it safe to travel to Uganda? : It is to be expected for a visitor to be anxious about traveling to an unfamiliar place. Uganda is a popular vacation adventures destination, with thousands of travellers safely visiting every year, especially to watch the mysterious primates in its ancient rainforest jungle. According to the UK foreign travel advice, around 15,000 British nationals visit Uganda every year. Most visits are trouble-free. And NO, there’s NO war in Uganda; there hasn’t been war since the ’80s. However, the fear of the unknown can only be put to rest when you have all the facts together. So this article should serve as your Uganda travel advisory guide.
Terrorism and regional security
Ugandans have enjoyed terror-free spaces for quite some time because of very active security forces and a vigilant population. Uganda has been engaged in the fight against terrorism for a long time, whether it is the so-called Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), and the Al-Shabaab in Somalia, Ugandan men, and women have been leading at the frontline.
Gladly to mention, the LRA was defeated and routed out of Ugandan territory. Regional security forces collectively engage in efforts to deny terrorists any havens, eradicate sources of terrorist financing, reduce state vulnerability, and enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities. Under the auspices of the African Union, Uganda is the biggest contributor to the AMISOM forces. In that capacity, Uganda has been at the forefront of fighting the Al-Shabaab terrorist group.
However, with still the best security, Uganda of recent suffered terror threats and attacks in 3 different ways including the bus exploitation, the bar bomb exploitation and the twin bombs in Kampala city in the month of September and November. Uganda’s neighboring Governments have been cooperative in facilitating the arrest of terrorist ring leaders. Within Uganda’s borders, the public members have been mobilized to be vigilant and always be on the lookout. These efforts have been successful, leading to the capture of terrorist operatives before they could carry out their evil operations. Uganda continues to pursue the terrorists and stop them in their tracks before they can cause mayhem and suffering to innocent people.
Safety and Security
Like all other countries globally, crime threats are present but can be avoided when you observe caution. Uganda is a very safe country, but opportunistic crimes such as petty theft, credit card fraud, and home robbery occur, just like any other country. Chances of being a victim are rare, and incidences would most probably be in cities like Kampala. When in public places, please be vigilant and cautious by avoiding drawing too much attention to yourself and being less susceptible to pick-pockets.
The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), commonly known as the local police, attempts to deter crime have increasingly succeeded with regular patrols and deploying in strategic crime-prone locations. The police’s presence is noticeable everywhere, with camouflaged security deployed at the airport, borders, and public places. Across Uganda’s National Parks and tourist destinations, the tourism police, park rangers, military army, and hotel/lodge security personnel are all present to ensure tourists’ safety.
Political situation and civil unrest
In the past years, travel advisories warned against travel to the Karamojong region in north-eastern Uganda. The Lord Resistant Army (LRA), an insurgent group that caused unrest in northern Uganda in 2005 had battles with the Uganda military. The national army drove the rebel group out of Uganda into South Sudan and that region is back to flourishing.
In 2016, the tension between the government and the Rwenzururu Kingdom in West Uganda escalated and turned violent. Although sadly losing 100 lives in the process, the situation was calmed, and the region is now safe to travel by road.
Overall improvement in security situations has been restored. The international community, civilian police, and Uganda Government have accomplished efforts to remove any threat by these groups.
Uganda, like many other democracies across the globe, occasionally goes through short periods of political change. The most political unrest in Uganda is usually centered around Kampala city, far from its incredible Uganda safari attractions. Political violence, strikes, demonstrations can surface sporadically without warning. Though protests are more often controlled, they can be at times aggressive and violent. It is advisable to avoid crowds and demonstrations. Following local media updates helps you remain vigilant during these situations, and you can easily avoid any situation that can put you at risk.
The Ugandan countryside is as peaceful as the bottom of the ocean. However, metropolitan cities like Kampala, in this Coronavirus age, are a hotbed for infections. The city you jet into the Pearl of Africa is Entebbe, a quiet suburb 34 kilometres outside the Kampala capital city housing the statehouse with beefed-up security. In fact, in some instances, you’ll fly/drive out of Entebbe immediately after landing, heading to the south western or northern attractions.
Diseases and Health
Uganda suffered the same fate as the rest of the world in the latest COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. The country has impressively stabilized the situation with all hands on board, and things are progressively returning to normal.
There was an outbreak of yellow fever in northern Uganda in 2010. In 2008, there was an Ebola outbreak in western Uganda. Outbreaks of the black plague have been experienced in the west of the Nile River. We all are aware of the Covid-19 pandemic around the world. Uganda is no exception. Malaria is high risk in most areas and during the rainy season, apart from high altitude mountains over 2,000m. Management of these outbreaks by the government has been impressive over the years.
Excellent health services may be limited in the areas you’re visiting (especially in remote country sides), and travellers are advised to travel with their own supplies of prescription and preventive medicine or doctor’s note describing the medication. Medevac services available locally can be very expensive. Please consult with your medical insurance company before traveling abroad whether the policy applies to emergency evacuation expenses. You must obtain relevant vaccinations before you travel to Uganda.
Traffic and Road Safety
There are reported traffic fatalities, but these can be avoided when you observe and follow traffic rules. However, when driving on Ugandan roads, you will encounter careless drivers, pedestrians walking in the street, livestock in the roadway, poorly maintained vehicles (lack brake/indicator lights), poor road conditions, lack of non-functional traffic lights, and poorly lit roads. Driving during the day is considered safer, but varying road conditions and careless drivers can still be fatal Is it safe to travel to Uganda?.
If you are driving in Uganda, please exercise all defensive driving skills to ensure your safety and the safety of other road users at all times. The police enforcement of traffic laws is minimal, but there has been an improvement. At Elephant Whispers Safaris, our drivers are highly skilled and very experienced in driving on Uganda’s roads. They know these roads better than most and will do their best to make sure you have a very safe and comfortable journey.
Disaster and Environmental Hazards.
Disasters or environmental hazards reported range from heavy rains causing flash floods or landslides, infectious disease outbreaks, and short-term food security—disasters primarily from food insecurity due to drought and other factors contributing to the root cause. Most communities in the northern region under the insurgent group (LRA) have little or no cash to purchase food and can only cultivate in small plots of land with livestock.
From observing the safety concern, we can conclude that these facts make Uganda safe to travel
- There is no travel alert statement from travel advisories.
- Since 2010, there has not been any terrorist attack in Uganda because heightened security has been enforced.
- Security protocols enforced in public places such as malls, hospitals, and hotels are all in place to ensure tourists and Uganda citizens’ safety.
- Any infectious disease outbreak is immediately quarantined and managed, ensuring all citizens and foreigners are safe from contracting contagious diseases.
- You must be cautious of your surrounding and remain vigilant by equipping yourself with crime and safety tips. Obtaining comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel will cover you against any unforeseen emergencies. Consume foods or drinks from sources that are hygienic to avoid cases of food poisoning or cholera.
- Many visitors have reviewed and shared their experience of their visit to Uganda in forums citing a secure, safe and welcoming environment without any feeling of intimidation.
In conclusion, yes, Uganda is a safe safari destination. You can enjoy a safe, stable, and secure holiday with all your family. You will undoubtedly have a sense of comfort and security from the time you land in Entebbe airport to the end of your trip.
