Uganda

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Uganda because of the high threat of terrorist attack, civil unrest and criminal activity. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Multiple warnings concerning attacks in Uganda have been issued in 2011

Australians in Uganda should be aware that a number of warnings concerning possible terrorist attacks have been issued in 2011. On 7 October 2011, the US Government warned of heightened security concerns relating to terrorist groups that remain actively interested in carrying out attacks in Uganda. You are encouraged to avoid potential targets such as high profile sporting events, large public gatherings such as concerts and rallies, shopping malls, hotels and other crowded places. Individuals should be prepared for body, car and luggage checks when moving around the capital of Uganda, Kampala.

The widespread armed conflict and high levels of violent crime in Somalia, as well as the very high threat of terrorist attack against Western interests there, have heightened the risks that active extremist groups pose to neighbouring countries, including Uganda. Somali-based militants have declared a ‘jihad’ against the interests of East African Governments supporting the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG).Somali militants have encouraged a ‘holy war’ against Ugandan, Kenyan or Burundian interests.

On 28 March 2011, Uganda announced that it would send additional military assets to Somalia in support of the TFG. We assess that the risk of violent attacks and terrorist acts has now increased against countries such as Uganda that provide military support for the TFG.

In December 2010 a Uganda bound bus from Kenya was bombed. On 11 July 2010 bomb attacks occurred at two locations in Kampala. The attacks took place at crowded public venues in the areas of Kabalagala and Lugogo, causing a number of deaths and injuries. Foreign nationals were among the dead and injured. You should exercise caution when travelling in Kampala, follow the instructions of local authorities.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack against Western interests in East Africa, including Uganda. In planning your activities consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets which include clubs, hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, airports including civil aviation, markets and marketplaces, shopping centres, political and sporting events, outdoor recreation events, shopping malls, bus terminals, public transport infrastructure, Ugandan government buildings and tourist areas.

There were violent protests in Kampala and other parts of Uganda in April 2011 which resulted in deaths and serious injuries. You should exercise particular caution when travelling, including by avoiding large gatherings, political rallies, protests and demonstrations. You should monitor radio and other local media for updated advice.

North-eastern Uganda: We strongly advise you not to travel to the Karamoja region of north-eastern Uganda (particularly the Kotido, Moroto, Nakapiripirit and Katakwi districts north of Kate Kyoga), because of the risk of banditry and inter-tribal clashes. Clashes between tribal groups have occurred, frequently with no warning. If you intend to travel to the Kidepo National Park we recommend you fly there rather than travel overland.

Areas bordering South Sudan: We strongly advise you not to travel to areas bordering South Sudan because of the risk of attacks and abductions by rebel groups and the risk of banditry in these areas.

The Lords Resistance Army (LRA) is no longer active in Uganda but continues to operate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Central African Republic and South Sudan. There is a military presence in north western Uganda, especially the areas bordering southern Sudan and the DRC. The LRA is believed to be responsible for several attacks that have killed or wounded foreign aid workers in the past. Further attacks could occur. While de-mining operations are continuing in northern Uganda, landmines remain a danger for travellers.

Border with Democratic Republic of the Congo We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Uganda's border with the DRC, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Mgahinga Gorilla Park, Lake Albert and Murchison National Park, due to the risk of banditry and cross-border attacks by rebel groups.

We strongly advise you not to take gorilla trekking tours that cross into the DRC. The situation over the border in the DRC is extremely unstable and attacks can occur with no notice. Security personnel are usually required to accompany tourists on gorilla trekking visits. If you decide to travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla Park we recommend you fly there rather than travel overland, use reputable, registered tour operators and closely follow park regulations. The Ugandan Wildlife Authority has more information on travelling to national parks, including the fees.

Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially on public transport. Theft from vehicles which are stationary in heavy traffic or stopped at traffic lights occurs frequently. You should ensure valuables are out of sight and that vehicle windows are up and doors are locked.

There is a risk of armed robbery and carjacking when travelling outside the capital, Kampala, particularly to the east and in areas around Lake Victoria.

Isolated incidents of violence have also occurred in urban centres, such as Kampala, Jinja and Kasese. Residential burglaries have turned violent. Security risks are heightened after dark.

Do not accept food or drink from strangers as it may be drugged.

When visiting Uganda's national parks, we strongly recommend the use of reputable, registered tour operators. A foreign tourist was shot dead in Mt Elgon National Park in February 2008. Incidents have occurred in other parks and security circumstances can change with little warning. There is a history of armed attacks in the Murchison Falls National Park.

There have been reports of credit card fraud in Uganda. Be sure to keep your credit card in sight when completing a transaction.

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money in Uganda, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work in Uganda. Travellers' cheques and credit/debit cards are not widely accepted in Uganda. Travellers may find that they cannot exchange US notes printed prior to 2002.

There have reports of credit card fraud in Uganda. You should be sure to keep your credit card in sight when making transactions.

Make two photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

Airline and air charter safety and maintenance standards vary throughout the world. It is not known whether maintenance procedures and safety standards on aircraft used on internal flights are always properly observed or whether passengers are covered by airline insurance.

For further information, please refer to our Aviation Safety and Security travel bulletin.

Uganda recognises dual nationality.

Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

The rainy seasons are from March to May and October to November when flooding may occur, causing landslides, displacing large numbers of people and blocking some roads.

Uganda is located in an active earthquake region.

If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice. Prior to travel, we recommend you contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority (www.uwa.or.ug) for information about the latest security advice and arrangements and information on park fees.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities in Uganda we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.