Uganda Travel Risk Overview
Official US advisory · Level 4
Do Not Travel
This decision takes precedence over the analytical baseline composite.
Is Uganda safe right now? Checked 16 October 2026
Uganda scores 65/100 on our travel risk index (Elevated). The US State Department rates Uganda Level 4 (Do Not Travel, updated 4 Jun 2026); the UK has no advice against travel; Canada says: avoid non-essential travel (with regional advisories). CDC travel health notice: Level 2, Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda (28 Aug 2026). No change in government advice in the last 7 days.
Uganda has a Travel Risk Calculator score of 65 out of 100 (elevated risk tier); city-level files are available for 60 cities. The score combines five layers (security, crime and scams, health and medical access, natural hazards, current alerts) built from government advisories and open data. This page also covers nine safety categories (crime, disease & health, government advisory, political & civil unrest, natural disaster & weather, transport & route, environmental, digital security, money safety), the current US State Department advisory, GDACS disaster alerts, CDC health notices for Uganda, recent news headlines, plus links to every city we have an editorial file for.
Run a personalized Uganda assessmentAI safety snapshot · refreshed Oct 15, 2026
Uganda currently maintains an elevated risk baseline composite score of 65 out of 100 and a US State Department advisory level of 4. Additionally, an ongoing drought affects Uganda alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Tanzania, while a Level 1 global Dengue health notice from the CDC remains in effect.
AI-summarized strictly from the live public-source data below (US State Dept advisory, GDACS, CDC, Google News). Auto-refreshed at most once per day on the first visit. Not official advice.
Live conditions last refreshed: Oct 16, 2026 07:54 UTC
How safe is Uganda to visit in 2026?
Uganda is currently under a US State Department Level 4 Do Not Travel advisory. That official decision takes precedence. The 65/100 elevated baseline composite remains visible only as analytical context and must not be read as permission to disregard the advisory. The full live US State Department advisory text for Uganda, current GDACS disaster alerts, CDC health notices, and recent news headlines are shown in the Live conditions section below. For city-specific files (Kampala, Jinja, Kyazanga), see the City Risk Files section below — they include neighborhood-level scam patterns, transport notes, and medical-access details where available.
Country score
Driven by: The US State Department advises against all travel here, so the score is held at 65 or higher. Governments disagree: US Level 4, UK Level 1, Canada Level 3.
Uganda's score of 65 is higher than the scores of 88% of the 241 countries we cover.
Data file
| Source | Editorial regional baseline 2026-05-15 (GPI + State Dept advisory + WHO health/transport + INFORM disaster) |
|---|---|
| Last updated | 2026-05-18 02:25:55 |
| City files | 60 |
Assessment memory
Anonymous assessments help Travel Risk Calculator identify which country and city files deserve deeper review.
| Saved assessments | 0 |
|---|---|
| Average composite | No saved signal yet |
Score layers
Safety categories
Official Government Travel Advisories
Cross-referenced official travel advice from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, normalized to a unified 1–4 risk scale.
Official travel advice differs across governments (spread of 3 risk levels). For example, one ministry recommends normal caution (Level 1) while another recommends avoiding travel (Level 4).
Department of State
Do not travelto Uganda due to crime, health, terrorism, and unrest. Please read the full text of the advisory. Travel restrictions for government employees The …
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
FCDO travel advice for Uganda. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.
Global Affairs Canada
Natural disasters and climate section – added information on El Niño
UK content contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Canadian advice provided by Global Affairs Canada under open government terms. US advice provided by the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Entry Requirements & Local Laws
Official travel advice summary from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
🛂 Entry Requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Uganda’s current rules for the most common types of travel. The authorities in Uganda set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Ugandan High Commission in the UK. Passport validity requirements To enter Uganda, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. Dual nationals When returning to the UK
Summary of UK FCDO advice, updated Oct 8, 2026 · Full requirements →
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Travel Advisory Level History
Historical official advisory level changes over time.
What Changed This Month in Uganda
Chronological record of verified security, advisory, health, and hazard updates over the past 30 days.
- Jul 29, 2026 GDACS Alert Drought is on going in Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda (orange).
- Oct 2, 2026 CDC Notice Level 1 - Global Dengue (Watch).
- Sep 23, 2026 CDC Notice Level 2 - Global Polio (Alert).
- Sep 27, 2026 Score Change Kisoro risk score moved from 65 to 66 (Method change: scoring v2).
City Risk Files in Uganda
Showing 60 destination files with city-specific safety data in Uganda, ranked by demand and population.
Kampala
Tier AKampala
Jinja
Tier BJinja
Kyazanga
Tier BLwengo
Lamwo
Tier BLamwo
Mbarara
Tier BMbarara
Kinoni
Tier BRwampara
Hoima
Tier BHoima
Kagadi
Tier BKagadi
Bundibugyo
Tier BBundibugyo
Kisoro
Tier BKisoro
Kasanda
Tier BKasanda
Zombo
Tier BZombo
Bukomansimbi
Tier BBukomansimbi
Kibingo
Tier BSheema
Kasangati
Tier BWakiso
Kabale
Tier BKabale
Mpigi
Tier BMpigi
Ibanda
Tier BIbanda
Kaliro
Tier BKaliro
Hima
Tier BKasese
Masindi Port
Tier BKiryandongo
Gulu
Tier BGulu
Busia
Tier BBusia
Kitgum
Tier BKitgum
Ishaka
Tier BBuhweju
Kakira
Tier BJinja
Kalisizo
Tier BRakai
Kamonkoli
Tier BBudaka
Kikube
Tier BKikuube
Kanungu
Tier BKanungu
Karagwe
Tier BKabarole
Bupoto
Tier BNamisindwa
Kapelebyong
Tier BKapelebyong
Masaka
Tier BMasaka
Kasaali
Tier BKyotera
Abim
Tier BAbim
Buyende
Tier BBuyende
Buwama
Tier BMpigi
Matuga
Tier BWakiso
Kalungu
Tier BKalungu
Ntara
Tier BKitagwenda
Palenga
Tier BOmoro
Nansana
Tier BWakiso
Mubende
Tier BMubende
Wakiso
Tier BWakiso
Yumbe
Tier BYumbe
Bushenyi
Tier BBushenyi
Paidha
Tier BZombo
Ntungamo
Tier BNtungamo
Gombe
Tier BButambala
Busembatia
Tier BBugweri
Katakwi
Tier BKatakwi
Alebtong
Tier BAlebtong
Kiruhura
Tier BKiruhura
Amudat
Tier BAmudat
Kasese
Tier BKasese
Mityana
Tier BMityana
Mbale
Tier BMbale
Rukungiri
Tier BRukungiri
Rubanda
Tier BRubanda
All towns in Uganda (79 additional local facts pages)
These localities carry verified regional geography, nearest hospitals, airports, and natural hazard records with the country baseline risk score.
Live conditions in Uganda
Country-scoped real-time data — official advisory from the US State Department, disaster alerts from GDACS, health notices from the CDC, news from Google News. For city-specific weather and air quality, open any city page below.
Official travel advisory
Level 4 · Do Not Travel
Uganda - Level 4: Do Not Travel
Read full advisory → · US Department of State
Track Uganda’s advisory
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Traveller notes from government advice
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Uganda.
In May 2023, Uganda introduced the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023. This act introduces long prison sentences, and the death penalty in some cases, for same-sex sexual activity. There are also severe penalties for promoting LGBT+ rights.
Sexual activity with someone of the same sex carries the punishment of life imprisonment.
Offences classed as ’aggravated homosexuality’ carry a sentence up to the death penalty (though the death penalty has not been implemented for civilians in Uganda since 1999). ‘Aggravated homosexuality’ is defined as sexual activity with someone of the same sex who is:
a person aged 17 or under
a person aged 75 or above
a relative or someone under your care
disabled or suffering from mental health issues
a person who is unconscious or under the influence of medicine or other substances that impair their judgement
under duress or misrepresentation
threatened or intimidated
Read the full UK government advice
Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (Open Government Licence v3.0), updated 8 Oct 2026. Full advice
Local laws and customs
National cleaning day
The final Saturday of each month, between 7 and 10 am, is a mandatory and nationwide cleaning day.
According to Government of Uganda guidance, Ugandans are expected to clean homes, neighbourhoods, markets, schools, health facilities, places of worship, roads, drainage channels and other public spaces. Foreigners are not the intended participants but may be affected.
During this time, all businesses must close and all non-essential movement of people and vehicles is prohibited. There are exemptions for tourists, international travellers, medical staff, state security actors and journalists. Patients seeking medical attention are allowed to travel to health facilities. Cross border traffic is also exempt.
The Ugandan police will enforce the travel restrictions. Anyone travelling under one of the exemptions may be required to identify themselves and explain their circumstances to police officers.
It is unclear how widely the restrictions are enforced and what the restrictions mean for UK travellers, including for hotel and airport access. Contact your travel provider for more information.
Personal ID
Read the full UK government advice
Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (Open Government Licence v3.0), updated 8 Oct 2026. Full advice
Entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Uganda’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Uganda set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Ugandan High Commission in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Uganda, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try…
Check the official entry requirements for your nationality before you travel.
Source: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (Open Government Licence v3.0), updated 8 Oct 2026. Official entry requirements
Disaster alerts
Active Disaster Alerts
-
Drought is on going in Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda ORANGE · country-wide · 2026-07-29
The Drought notification level is Orange.
“~N km away” = event centroid within ~500 km of this location; “country-wide” = a national/regional alert that may not be near this specific city. Source: GDACS · fetched 2026-10-16 07:54:07 UTC
Health notices
CDC Traveler Health Notices
- Level 2 - Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda (Level 2, 28 Aug 2026)
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Public Domain).
Health Notices for this Destination
-
Level 1 - Global Dengue WATCH · 2026-10-02
Dengue is a year-round risk in many parts of the world, with outbreaks commonly occurring every 2–5 years. Travelers to risk areas should prevent mosquito bites. Country List : Colombia, Vietnam, Maldives, Bolivia, Cambodia, Kenya, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Mar
-
Level 2 - Global Polio ALERT · 2026-09-23
Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Country List : Afghanistan, Algeria, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger, Nig
-
Level 2 - Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda ALERT · 2026-08-28
CDC recommends practicing enhanced precautions for travel to Uganda or to provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) not affected by the current Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak. Country List : Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda Country List : Democratic
-
Level 1 - Global Measles WATCH · 2025-05-28
Measles cases are rising in many countries around the world. All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel. Country List : Afghan
Source: CDC Travelers’ Health · fetched 2026-10-16 07:26:45 UTC
Recent headlines
No recent national headlines were returned for Uganda. This is not evidence that conditions are quiet; check local and official sources.
Automated safety monitor
Recent safety-relevant news for Uganda
Headlines are an early-warning monitor, not risk assessments. Verify material developments with official authorities and the linked publisher.
- General Oxford University launches Ebola vaccine trial in Uganda - Cherwell cherwell.org · Oct 15, 2026 17:00 UTC · via Googlenews
- Health ICE plans to deport Colorado priest despite poor health and threats to safety in Uganda - News From The States www.newsfromthestates.com · Oct 15, 2026 10:35 UTC · via Googlenews
- Safety Concern over safety of Ugandan journalist Eria Jengo, missing for over a month - Committee to Protect Journalists cpj.org · Oct 13, 2026 10:14 UTC · via Googlenews
- Safety Concern over safety of Ugandan journalist Eria Jengo, missing for over a month - Committee to Protect Journalists cpj.org · Oct 13, 2026 10:14 UTC · via Googlenews
- General Jacob Kiplimo: What Uganda Legend Will Pocket After Fourth-Place Finish at Chicago Marathon - Pulse Sports Uganda www.pulsesports.ug · Oct 12, 2026 13:32 UTC · via Googlenews
- Safety Uganda, Kenya officers attend CAF Safety and Security Train the Trainers workshop - cecafa cecafaonline.com · Oct 11, 2026 02:18 UTC · via Googlenews
- Health Malaria Vaccine Wins Over Ugandan Caregivers, but Trust and Safety Fears Shape Uptake - Bioengineer.org bioengineer.org · Oct 9, 2026 20:38 UTC · via Googlenews
- Politics Old protest visuals falsely linked to Nairobi solidarity march for Uganda's Besigye - AFP Fact Check factcheck.afp.com · Oct 9, 2026 13:02 UTC · via Googlenews
This country currently has a Level 4 US advisory. Compare the high-risk-country watchlist →
1991–2020 climate normals
Seasonal risk & best time to visit Uganda
The most weather-stable two-month window for Uganda is July–August, when typical daily temperatures run from about 18°C to 24°C and monthly rain averages 93 mm.
Seasonal planning flags include monsoon in March–May and October–November; heavy rain season in April–May. These are climate patterns, not forecasts.
Climate normals are planning context, not a short-range forecast. Source: Open-Meteo Climate API. Refreshed Aug 31, 2026.
Calculate risk for these travel dates Compare seasonal windows →
Diplomatic assistance
Embassies in Kampala
Consulate of Canada and Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia and 3 other embassies are mapped in Kampala.
OpenStreetMap coverage is a location aid, not an official diplomatic directory. Before travel, save the address and emergency contact details published by your own foreign ministry.
Emergency Numbers
| Police | 999 |
|---|---|
| Ambulance | — |
| Fire | — |
| General emergency | 112 |
Backfilled from the public international emergency-number registry. The GSM standard 112 (and 911 in the Americas) is redirected to local emergency services on mobile networks in most countries. Verify locally on arrival.
Latest AI-assisted briefing for Uganda
Official decision override: Do Not Travel. Travel to Kasese, Uganda is subject to extreme advisory restrictions due to security conditions. Armed attacks targeting security infrastructure present severe risks to travelers.
Top risk drivers
-
Armed raid on Bugoye Police Station in Kasese District
· political
An armed group carrying pangas raided the Bugoye Sub-County Police Station in Kasese District, resulting in a firefight, one suspect killed, and four arrests.
-
Critical Official Travel Advisory
· advisory
The official advisory level is set to Do Not Travel, reflecting extreme threat levels to foreign nationals.
-
Government advisory
· Advisory
Official advisories indicate caution.
-
Environmental risk
· Environmental
Air quality, heat, or other environmental factors elevated.
-
No travel insurance
· Money/Health
Out-of-pocket costs after illness or theft can be significant.
Recent intelligence
- Attacker Killed After Armed Group Raids Bugoye Police Station in Kasese [source]
Live intelligence cited 8 public-source snippets. Every claim above is grounded in one of them — verify any specific detail by following the snippet links on the full assessment page.
Frequently asked questions
Is Uganda safe to visit right now?
Follow the current official advisory. The baseline composite is analytical context and does not weaken that decision. Composite baseline: 65/100 (Elevated risk). Always cross-check with your home country's foreign-ministry advisory within 7 days of departure; the live US State Department advisory is shown above. Last refreshed October 2026.
What is the current travel advisory for Uganda?
The current US State Department advisory level for Uganda is shown in the Live conditions section above and is re-fetched every 6 hours from the official RSS feed. UK FCDO, Canada GAC, and Australia DFAT also publish advisories — for high-stakes trips, cross-check at least one foreign-ministry advisory in addition to your home country's. See our travel advisory guide for how to read each tier system.
Is it safe to visit Uganda in October 2026?
For October 2026, the baseline composite for Uganda is 65/100 (Elevated risk). Live data — advisories every 6 hours, disaster alerts every 30 minutes, health notices every 12 hours, news every hour — is shown in the Live conditions section above. For a personalized risk briefing for your specific trip and traveler profile, use the Travel Risk Calculator linked above.
How are these country-level travel risk scores calculated?
Each category is scored 0-100 from government advisories (US State Dept), crime indices, Global Peace Index data, WHO/CDC health context, and curated regional editorial knowledge. The composite is a weighted sum across nine categories — see /methodology for the full weight breakdown. Live data (advisories, news, disaster alerts, health notices) is layered on top of the baseline at request time.
Where can I find city-specific safety information for Uganda?
City-specific files for Uganda are listed in the City Risk Files section above. Each city page covers the same nine categories at city scope, plus city-specific scam patterns, transport-hub safety notes, medical-access detail, and (where available) neighborhood-level guidance. Use the header search to find a specific city directly.
When was this page last reviewed?
The baseline scores for Uganda were last reviewed on May 18, 2026. Live intelligence (advisory, disaster alerts, health notices, news) refreshes automatically on the cadences described above.
Is this a substitute for an official travel advisory?
No. Travel Risk Calculator provides estimated risk information for planning purposes only. Always check your home country's official travel advisory and any health notices from your national health authority before traveling.
When is the best time to visit Uganda?
July–August is the most weather-stable two-month window in the stored 1991-2020 normals. The most weather-stable two-month window for Uganda is July–August, when typical daily temperatures run from about 18°C to 24°C and monthly rain averages 93 mm.
What is the rainy, hurricane, or severe-weather season in Uganda?
monsoon: March–May and October–November; heavy rain season: April–May.
Community Safety Sentiment
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Disclaimer
Travel Risk Calculator provides estimated travel-threat information for preparation purposes only. It does not replace official government advisories, medical advice, emergency alerts, immigration rules, insurance advice, police guidance, embassy information, or professional security consultation.