Tourists Safety In Uganda
Tourists Safety In Uganda
There is a medium-to-low risk of experiencing civil unrest, public protests, strikes, demonstrations and political violence while visiting Uganda as a foreign tourist. These occur at times of political uncertainty around elections, during wage negotiations or in protest to high commodity prices, power outages and hikes in interest rates.
Civil unrest in the form of protests and demonstrations tend to be peaceful and occur usually in the capital city of Kampala and other major towns and cities. Reputable tour operators in Uganda stay up-to-date with current affairs in the country and will re-direct routes to gorilla trekking destinations if there is any likelihood there’ll be unrest or conflict in an area.
Uganda is a very safe and peaceful country for tourists. However, it is more safer for tourists who travel with reputable tour operators and take the usual precautions to avoid falling victim to tourist scams and petty crime. In fact, Uganda is one of the friendliest countries to visit in Africa, where much-needed tourism is welcomed.
Uganda’s reputation as a popular tourist destination is only marred by its turbulent political history and the ever-present threat of terrorism. However, don’t be put off by alarmist reporting in the media. Uganda has worked hard to rid itself of this negative perception and there has been a significant improvement in all security categories.
The Ugandan Police Force (UPF) continues to drive public safety initiatives that have seen a reduction in crime and have put extraordinary security measures in place to combat the threat of terrorism. Areas in Uganda such as the Karamoja region or anywhere close to Uganda’s border with South Sudan and Congo which were plagued by bandit activity, violent crime and armed clashes are also safe now with tourists allowed to visit as well as business operating normally.
Traveling to Uganda is focused on the stunning wilderness regions since it is home to the last-remaining gorillas in the world. You only fleetingly pass through the major towns and cities of Uganda which obviously have a higher concentration of people and more crime.
Follow your guide’s instructions and be vigilant wherever you go in Uganda and you’ll leave this incredibly beautiful and mesmerising country with nothing more than fabulous memories.
Crime In Uganda
There has been a significant reduction of crime in Uganda with increased security all over the country but as always, tourists must follow the usual precautions to keep safe and avoid becoming a victim of petty crime and tourist scams.
On a visit to Kampala, you’ll notice an increased number of police on the streets. General crime in the city’s tends to be pick-pocketing, smash and grabs, bag snatching and street muggings after dark. Violent crime is rare in the upmarket areas in the major towns and cities in Uganda, and tends to be isolated to more impoverished areas.
Remember, Uganda is a very poor country with high unemployment and high cost of living. Be vigilante when visiting local street markets; don’t flash your cash, don’t wear expensive jewelry and keep your backpack or handbag closed and close to your body.
Theft out of hotel rooms will happen if temptation is put in someone’s way. Make use of the digital safes in hotel rooms and if possible, avoid leaving behind in the room expensive equipment and money.
Uganda national emergency police response number: Tourists Safety In Uganda
Terrorism In Uganda
Acts of terrorism have been carried out in Uganda, but these have been sporadic and not necessarily targeted at foreigners. However, after the terror attack at a hotel in Nairobi, the Uganda government has intensified security measures to protect its citizens and visitors. This includes increased police presence and security checks, in particular baggage checks and car searches in public places and hotels.
Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the bomb attack in 2010 in Kampala at venues screening the World Cup soccer tournament. Over 70 people were killed and many more injured. The attacks were linked to Uganda’s military presence in Somalia as part of an African Union peacekeeping mission.
As a tourist, be vigilante at all times. Opt to travel with a reputable tour operator which will ensure your safety at all times and avoid places that are prime targets for a terrorist attack. This includes crowded sports events, public bars and musical concerts.
Uganda Boarder Control
Uganda is regarded as a safe and politically stable country to visit; however, it is renowned for having porous borders that are not adequately monitored by the police force. As a result, there is a fairly unmanageable flow of illicit trade and immigration.
Areas flanking the western border of Uganda should be avoided because of the risk of rebel groups operating in the region. In addition, Uganda’s northern border with Southern Sudan is deemed a no-go area because there is limited police presence to control bandit activities which are a spillover from Southern Sudan.
The Eastern border with Kenya has limited police presence except along the main roads and at the border crossings. A Uganda-based insurgency known as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) operates in the Eastern DRC and is a listed terrorist organisation. They are not a threat to mainstream tourism but the porous Eastern border means they can easily filter into the country unchecked.
Civil Arrests In Uganda
There is a medium-to-low risk of experiencing civil unrest, public protests, strikes, demonstrations and political violence while visiting Uganda as a foreign tourist. These occur at times of political uncertainty around elections, during wage negotiations or in protest to high commodity prices, power outages and hikes in interest rates.
Tourists Safety In Uganda
Civil arrests in the form of protests and demonstrations tend to be peaceful and occur usually in the capital city of Kampala and other major towns and cities. Reputable tour operators in Uganda stay up-to-date with current affairs in the country and will re-direct routes to gorilla trekking destinations if there is any likelihood there’ll be unrest or conflict in an area.
It is advisable to book through a reputable tour operator like Vibrant Holiday Safaris since they are well informed and know about the security stand in the country.
Tourists Safety In Uganda