Uganda🇺🇬
Uganda is located in East Africa, adjacent to Kenya, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania. The political relationship between Uganda and its neighbours has greatly improved over the years, with regional cooperation in infrastructure development and security enforcement. Uganda is known for its diverse wildlife, lush green landscapes, and iconic Lake Victoria - the largest tropical lake in the world. Traditional dances like Kiganda and attractions like Queen Elizabeth National Park make the country unique. The trail through the Rwenzori Mountains and the wildlife safari in the Bwindi National Park are must-have experiences for visitors.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid drinking tap water. It is generally not safe and can induce health issues.
- Avoid public displays of affection if you are part of the LGBTQ+ community as they could attract discrimination and hostility.
- Avoid involving yourself in political discussions or protests as they can quickly escalate and cause harm.
- Avoid poorly maintained roads especially at night, due to risk of accidents.
- Avoid violating cultural norms, such as dressing improperly when visiting religious sites.
- Avoid late-night travel in urban areas due to a high rate of crime.
- Avoid rural areas during the rainy season due to the risk of landslides and flooding.
- Avoid displaying flashy jewelry or other valuable items in public.
- Avoid unlicensed taxis and boda-bodas, as they can be insecure.
- Avoid poorly cooked or raw food to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Uganda experiences a moderate crime rate, with high incidences of theft, burglary, and aggravated assault. The most unsafe cities include Kampala, Gulu, and Lira where street crimes are fairly common. Travelers are advised to take necessary precautions, such as avoiding late-night travel and not displaying valuable possessions in public.
Terrorism 💣
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Uganda has experienced terrorist attacks in the past, mainly propagated by the Al-Shabaab militant group. The 2010 Kampala bombings were the most significant terrorist incident, which killed 74 people and injured 70 more. Despite this, Uganda's security forces have made significant progress in reducing the threat of terrorism over the years.
War ⚔️
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Although Uganda had a turbulent past with civil unrest and military coups, the situation has stabilized over the past two decades. The last significant conflict was the LRA insurgency, led by Joseph Kony, which ended in 2006 following intense military operations.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Uganda faces threats from natural disasters like landslides, droughts, and floods. The Bududa landslides in 2010 that resulted in over 300 fatalities were a significant event. However, the government has made commendable strides in disaster management and early warning systems.
Medical Care 🏥
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Access to advanced medical care in Uganda is limited, especially in rural areas. Public health facilities are often overcrowded and understaffed. Private hospitals in urban areas offer better services, but at substantially higher prices. Emergency medical services are also limited, and evacuations are often necessary for serious conditions.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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The tap water in Uganda is generally not safe to drink. It is strongly advised to boil tap water, or buy bottled water, especially in rural areas where water contamination can cause illnesses like typhoid and diarrhea.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Uganda has a high disease burden, with malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis being the leading causes. A notable incident is the Ebola outbreak in 2000, considered the most severe in the country's history. Despite improvements, more needs to be done in disease prevention and treatment.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption in Uganda is a significant issue, affecting multiple sectors including the police, judiciary, and public services. The Global Corruption Barometer 2019 identified Uganda as one of the most corrupt countries in East Africa. This remains a serious impediment to the country's development.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Women's safety in Uganda is a mixed picture. While the government has attempted to address issues like domestic violence and sexual harassment, these remain prevalent. Female tourists should be extra cautious, especially when traveling alone or during the night.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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Uganda is very hostile towards the LGBTQ+ community. Homosexual acts are illegal, and social attitudes and discrimination make it unsafe for queer people. Travelers from the LGBTQ+ community should be very cautious and avoid open displays of affection.
Censorship 📺
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Media rights in Uganda are often violated, and censorship is primarily politically motivated. During the recent 2021 elections, there were widespread cases of internet blackouts and suppression of opposition voices.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation in Uganda is reasonably available, though road safety is a concern. Accidents involving Boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) are common. Be cautious when using public transport, and avoid unlicensed taxis.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
The overall safety in Uganda is moderate. While the country is relatively safe for tourism, health and road safety concerns make caution necessary. Petty crimes like theft, and occasional serious crimes, are often reported. Visitors should take standard precautions, like not traveling alone at night and not displaying valuable items.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Several foreign embassies are located in Uganda's capital, Kampala, including the US, UK, Canada, Japan, and Germany.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Recommended vaccinations for Uganda include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Meningitis, Polio, Rabies, MMR, Tdap, Chickenpox, Shingles, Pneumonia, and Influenza.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Dangerous animals in Uganda include the African Elephant, Nile Crocodile, Puff Adder, and the Red-Billed Quelea. Mosquitoes also carry Malaria, raising significant health concerns.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Most visitors require a visa to enter Uganda. This can be obtained from any Uganda embassy or consulate, or on arrival in the country. Electronic visas can be obtained online.
💲 Currency
The official currency of Uganda is the Ugandan shilling. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and at authorized exchange bureaus.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit card acceptance is limited in Uganda and is mostly accepted in large hotels, restaurants, and shops. Cash is the most prevalent form of payment, particularly in local markets and rural areas.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Volunteering and tourism are both popular in Uganda. However, for paid work, it is necessary to obtain a work permit which can be a complex process.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of living and travel in Uganda is relatively low compared to Western standards, making it an affordable destination for travelers.