Travelling safely

Most visits to Uganda are safe and without problems, but life in Africa is very different from home and there are risks you should be aware of. You have primary responsibility for your own health & safety during your trip. We provide this information to help you think about the issues. Other sources of information that you might find useful include:

In giving this safety advice, we want to promote a good attitude and preparation without scaring you or spoiling your trip.

To put the risks into proportion, Foreign Office advice is: "by far the biggest hazard you will encounter in Uganda is travelling on the roads". So you should be aware of the problems of travelling in an unfamiliar country but, just like at home, your biggest danger is the motor car! So please take sensible precautions but don't over-worry yourself or your family!

Basic Safety Tips

Petty theft is probably the most common crime you are likely to come across when visiting Africa. As a visitor with cameras and cash, you just have to be careful. Violent muggings are rare but you should be careful in big cities.

Regardless of your budget, when you travel in Africa remember you are much richer than most locals. Most people are honest but the sight of a tourist with cash to spare and cameras dangling is too tempting for some. To avoid being fodder for petty thieves and opportunists keep the following tips in mind:

When travelling, wear a money belt underneath your clothes to keep your credit cards, passport and money safe.
Keep a copy of your passport, insurance and credit card numbers in your main luggage so, if you lose the originals, you have the information for insurance and replacement purposes.
Don't wear jewellery, flashy watches or cameras around your neck, you're just inviting trouble. Obviously you'll want to take photos when you travel; just be discreet and put your camera away or leave it in a safe place when not using it.
Don't walk alone at night and stick to well lit areas even if you are walking with a group.
Don't look too obviously lost even if you are. You can always walk purposefully into a shop, bank or hotel to ask for directions or consult a map.
Watch your belongings and pockets carefully at busy bus stations, train stations and markets.
If you are car-jacked or held up with a weapon never resist. Give your money, belongings, whatever is demanded. Most people are hurt because they do not cooperate with demands made.
Keep up to date with African news so you can avoid areas where there is war, famine or obvious political instability.

If You Are a Victim of Crime

If you get robbed while travelling in Africa you may need a police report. Most insurance companies and embassies will require a one before they replace your valuables, passports and tickets. A visit to an African police station will be an experience in itself. Be polite and friendly and agree to a fee if one is asked for. Contact your credit card company directly if your credit cards are stolen. Contact your embassy if your passport is stolen.

Note: If you see a thief run off with your belongings think twice before you yell "THIEF" and give chase. Thieves are despised in many African cultures and they will be run down and dealt with on the spot by locals. You don't want to witness a mob beating a young boy for the sake of your watch. Be careful about accusing anyone of theft especially if you are not 100% sure about it.

Cons and Scams

Every country has its share of con-artists and scams. The best way to find out about them is to talk to other travellers who have been in country for a while. You can also check out bulletin boards on web sites like Virtual Tourist where there's a special section devoted to 'warnings and dangers' for every destination.

People posing as 'refugees', 'students', orphans and others may try and relieve you of your money. It is difficult for anyone with a heart to ignore but if you want to help, donate to a local charity and give food rather than money if appropriate.
Police posing as drug dealers. Buying drugs in Africa is illegal so you're asking for trouble by risking it. Be aware that police pose as dealers. They'll take your money for the drugs you purchase and then slap you with a hefty fine for possessing drugs.

Road safety

Be careful on the roads in Uganda ... a traffic accident is probably the biggest risk you will face on your trip. Think carefully before you get into a taxi or Matatu (shared taxi) and do not ride a motorcycle.

Be especially careful if considering travelling at night.

Animals and domestic dogs

Bites from wild animals are rare (unless you are stupid!). Snakes are shy and most are not poisonous, but obviously you should get medical advice if bitten.

There is a danger of rabies from animal bites so avoid contact with dogs, cats and other domestic animals.

Food, water and hygiene

Be aware of basic food and water hygiene to minimise the risk of travellers' diarrhoea. When travelling off site, take your own water bottle, boil water, use water tablets or stick to bottled drinks. Remember that ice is made from local water.

Avoid eating raw fruit and vegetables unless it has been washed in clean water or pealed. Freshly prepared and steaming hot foods are generally considered safe.

Gay sex

Gay sex is illegal in most of Africa, including Uganda, and penalties are severe.