Significant safety concerns; travel only if you have a clear reason to go. Civil liberties are tightly restricted and political expression can carry risk.
Regional breakdown
Risks in Uganda are not spread evenly. Kampala, the capital, has seen the most political tension during the January 2026 election period. Protests and clashes flared after results were announced on 17 January. Travellers in the city should stay away from rallies, government buildings, and large crowds. Petty theft and armed robbery are also reported in busier districts of Kampala and in Entebbe near the airport. The Karamoja region in the north-east is flagged by both official advisories for higher caution. Cattle raiding, banditry, and armed clashes still happen in rural parts of Kotido, Moroto, and Kaabong districts. Travel here is best arranged through experienced operators who track the security picture day by day. The western border zones near the Democratic Republic of Congo carry their own risks. Areas close to Virunga, including parts of Kasese and Bundibugyo districts, have seen cross-border incursions and attacks linked to armed groups. Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest remain popular for gorilla trekking. But visitors should follow Uganda Wildlife Authority escorts and check the latest local guidance before setting off.
Recent advisory changes
The official advisory guidance updated its Uganda advice on 19 January 2026, right after the presidential and parliamentary elections. The update warns about protests and violence linked to the vote. It points out that earlier election cycles have ended in fatalities. A four-day internet suspension ended on 17 January, though some social media platforms are still blocked. The official advisory guidance tells travellers to avoid political gatherings and to follow instructions from local authorities. The official advisory guidance keeps Uganda at Level 3, Reconsider Travel, in its advisory reissued on 8 December 2025. The reasons listed are crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and laws targeting sexual orientation. The official advisory guidance flags armed robbery, home invasion, and sexual assault as real dangers, especially in larger cities and along the western and northern borders. It also warns that terrorist groups have targeted religious sites, schools, and tourist spots including national parks. There is no ordered departure status in place for US government personnel right now.
What travellers should know
Uganda's 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act is the single most important legal point for visitors to understand. The law criminalises same-sex relations with penalties up to life imprisonment, and in some cases the death penalty. It applies to foreign visitors as well as Ugandans. People accused of "promoting homosexuality" can also face charges. LGBTQ+ travellers should think carefully about the risks and read the latest official advisory guidance guidance before booking. On the practical side, a visa is required and most travellers apply through Uganda's electronic visa system before arrival. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the entry date. Yellow fever vaccination is needed for entry from many countries, and malaria prophylaxis is recommended across the country. Travellers heading to gorilla parks need permits booked well in advance. Carry a paper copy of your itinerary and embassy numbers, since mobile data and social media can be restricted with little notice. Comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly recommended, given that hospital quality varies sharply outside Kampala.