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TRAVEL REPORT
Uganda

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed.

A hyperlink has been updated.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Uganda

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Two bomb explosions occurred simultaneously in Kampala on July 11, 2010, resulting in over 64 deaths and more than 70 injuries. The attacks took place in areas popular among tourists and expatriates. Further attacks of a similar nature in the short term cannot be ruled out. Canadians should be vigilant, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.

Heavy rains have the potential to cause sudden flooding and mud slides throughout the country.  Evacuations, casualties and damage to infrastructure have been reported. The damage could also affect the provision of essential services. Canadians residing in or travelling to affected areas should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the advice of local authorities.

Riots have led to violent incidents in the past. On March 16, 2010, the Kasubi tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, burned down. Although the cause of the fire is unknown, protests, involving casualties, have been reported. Canadians in Kampala and surrounding neighbourhoods should monitor the situation, remain vigilant at all times and avoid large crowds and any demonstrations. Local authorities may set up roadblocks and take other security measures.

Entebbe International Airport is subject to sporadic closures.

Although violent incidents have taken place in the Murchison Falls National Park in the past, few incidents have been reported recently. If you wish to visit Mgahinga National Park, Kidepo Park, or Semuliki National Park, you should proceed with caution. Travel to Kidepo National Park should be by air only.

Regional Warning

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the areas bordering Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Northern districts

Banditry, transborder armed clashes and the continued possibility of attacks by rebel groups, especially the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) pose a serious threat in the Adjumani, Gulu, Kitgum, Pader, Lira, and Apac districts. Although the government and the LRA signed a ceasefire in 2006 aimed at ending their armed conflict in the region, a peace agreement has yet to be concluded.

In December 2008, troops from Uganda, the DRC and Sudan launched a joint military offensive against bases of the LRA in northern DRC. Since the launch of the joint campaign, the LRA has retaliated with great violence against the civilian population in villages located in border areas with southern Sudan and Uganda. Many people have been killed and thousands more have fled the region. Ugandan, Congolese and south Sudanese forces, and the UN Mission to the DRC (MONUC), have been increasing their presence and operations in the area. However, further fighting is expected and civilians could continue to be targeted by the LRA in reprisal attacks.

The security situation on the ground is consequently largely unstable and travel in any area where rebel movement is ongoing would be very dangerous.

You should be aware of an increase in ambushes in Northern Uganda, especially on humanitarian agencies. If you must travel to the north, you should use extreme caution and follow the advice of local authorities.

Districts bordering DRC

Travelling by road to areas bordering DRC (Yumbe, Moyo, and Adjumani from Arua) is not recommended due to sporadic banditry. It is recommended not to use the road from Gulu via Atiak and Pakelle to Adjumani and to the Laropi ferry crossing to reach Moyo. Air transport is preferable. Travel to the West Nile sub-region of Arua and Nebbi should also be by air only.

Ethnic tensions have led to clashes and attacks in the past, including in rural areas of the western district of Hoima. Heightened security measures may be put in place. Travellers should respect any instructions from local authorities.

Some gorilla trekking tours cross into eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. We strongly recommend against crossing the border into DRC with such tours. The situation in eastern DRC remains extremely volatile and unpredictable (see Travel Report for DRC).

North-eastern districts

Overland travel to and within the Karamoja region of north-eastern Uganda should be avoided, particularly the districts of Kotido, Nakapiripiriti, and Moroto and the adjoining district of Katakwi due to banditry and clashes between ethnic communities. You may visit Mount Elgon National Park by road.

However, the Ugandan government periodically closes tourist areas considered to be at risk. Contact the Consulate of Canada in Kampala or the High Commission of Canada in Nairobi (see section 5 below) to check the current security situation before travelling to these areas. If travelling to Uganda by road, it is recommended that travellers get information at border police stations regarding the security situation of the destinations they intend to visit.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Crime

Armed robberies have increased and can happen during daylight and in public areas. Banditry and carjacking occur throughout the country. Carjackings periodically take place on the road from Entebbe Airport to Kampala. Highway travel is dangerous, particularly after dark because of banditry and poor road conditions. Petty crime, including pickpocketing, purse and jewellery snatching, and theft from vehicles, is common.

General safety information

Travellers should not show signs of affluence and venture out alone after dark in dimly lit or unlit back streets. Travelling in groups is recommended. Canadian travellers are advised to keep all valuables in the hotel safe. Visits to game parks and reserves should be undertaken only with a reputable tour company. Vehicle doors should be locked at all times, windows shut, and personal belongings, including handbags, safely stored. Canadians should remain vigilant when using public transportation, as pickpocketing and the theft of purses and bags often occurs.

Do not accept food or drink from strangers, even children, as it may be drugged. If attacked, do not resist, as offering resistance may result in violence.

In the event of an emergency, call 999.

Women should be particularly cautious when travelling alone in Uganda.

Facilities

Tourist facilities and infrastructures are adequate in Kampala but limited elsewhere.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Ugandan authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the High Commission for the Republic of Uganda and its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Uganda. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country.

Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. It is strongly recommended that visas be obtained prior to arrival in the country. Six or twelve month visas are given on the basis of multiple entries for short stays over the predetermined periods. Canadians intending on working in Uganda should insist that the employer ascertain from the Uganda Immigration Department what type of permit will be required.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Transit Visa: Required
Official Visa: Required

Proof of yellow fever immunization is required for travellers coming from infected areas.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Uganda - KAMPALA, Consulate of Canada
Address: Jubilee Insurance Centre, 14 Parliament Avenue, Kampala, Uganda
Postal Address: P.O. Box 37434, Kampala, Uganda,
Tel.: 256 (414) 258-141 and 348-141 or 256 (312) 260-511
Fax: 256 (414) 349-484
E-Mail: Kampala@canadaconsulate.ca

The High Commission of Canada in Nairobi, Kenya, has consular responsibility for Uganda. The address is as follows:

Kenya - NAIROBI, High Commission of Canada
Address: Limuru Road, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1013, Nairobi, 00621, Kenya
Tel.: 254 (20) 366-3000
Fax: 254 (20) 366-3900
E-Mail: nrobi@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/kenya/

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Consulate of Canada in Kampala and follow the instructions. To make a collect call to the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa, dial 913 to obtain international assistance, and ask for number 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

This country is in the area referred to as the African meningitis belt (which extends from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east). Since the mid-1990s, meningitis has occurred on an unprecedented scale in this region. Outbreaks most often occur during the dry season (December to June). To obtain information and health recommendations concerning meningitis, please refer to the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Since April 28, 2009, Uganda officials are conducting on-board screening of passengers arriving on international flights for H1N1 Flu Virus.

Please note that the Public Health Agency of Canada has recently published an advisory on Marburg haemorrhagic fever following the report of a tourist who has died of the disease after travelling in Uganda.

The World Health Organization (WHO) in Uganda is monitoring a Hepatitis-E outbreak in northern Uganda. The preventable food-borne and water-borne gastrointestinal disease has reportedly claimed over 90 lives and affected thousands of people since October 2007.

The Public Health Agency of Canada reminds travellers that travel to tropical and sub-tropical climates and to developing countries poses a risk for food-borne and water-borne gastrointestinal disease. Travellers should take precautions regarding the quality of the food and water consumed and use good personal hygiene practices at all times.

To avoid risks of mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, travellers should cover up and use mosquito repellent.

Medical facilities are extremely poor outside Kampala. Serious illness or emergencies may require evacuation by air ambulance at the patient's expense. Travellers should ensure they have a sufficient supply of prescription medicine and medical supplies.

As the level of HIV/AIDS infection in Uganda is high, you should be cautious about activities involving the transmission of bodily fluids.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Dual nationality is not legally recognized in Uganda, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Dual citizens should travel on their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadians to foreign authorities at all times.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

Photography of security forces, diplomatic sites (including Owen Falls Dam at the source of the Nile near Jinja), government installations or airports, is prohibited. Always ask permission before photographing individuals. Wearing military-style or camouflage clothing is prohibited and may result in a jail sentence.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Traffic drives on the left. A lack of traffic signs, local driving habits, wandering animals, pedestrians, and poor road conditions pose risks. Pedestrians should exercise caution while crossing roads. There are many road accidents causing death in Uganda. Alcohol is often a contributing factor, particularly at night. You should avoid undertaking any overland travel after dark. In the event of an accident, Ugandan law requires drivers to stop and exchange information and assistance.

Intercity bus (including overnight long distance buses) or van service should be avoided due to reckless driving, excessive speed and poor vehicle maintenance. There has been no passenger rail service for many years.

Boats are often unsafe because of poor maintenance and overcrowding, and shipwrecks occur frequently.

Travellers using other forms of public transportation such as matatus (minibus) and boda-bodas (scooter taxis) should exercise caution and ensure that the vehicle is in good condition before departure. It is strongly recommended that travellers who opt to travel by boda-boda wear a helmet at all times.

There has been an increase in reports of taxi/matatu (minibus) operators robbing their passengers and deserting them far from their destination. Avoid taxis/matatus (minibuses) with one or two passengers only and exercise caution with possessions (wallet/bags) when using public transportation.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Uganda shilling (UGX). There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currencies. Credit cards are accepted only by major hotels, airlines, and some car rental agencies. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted. You will find foreign exchange bureaus at most border posts and in all major cities. Since the elimination of the black market and the introduction of foreign exchange (forex) bureaus, Uganda is one of the most expensive countries in East Africa. Most shops, banks and forex bureaus will not accept or exchange US dollars printed before the year 2000. Bills printed in the year 2000 are also becoming unpopular.

Fraud involving credit cards, traveller’s checks and wire transfers, is common in Uganda. Be cautious when using ATMs and protect your personal banking information. Business fraud also occurs frequently. The scams range from attempts to engage business people in fictitious money transfer schemes to fraudulent solicitations to supply goods in fulfillment of non-existent Ugandan government contracts. Any unsolicited business proposal should be carefully scrutinized before any funds are committed, before any goods or services are provided, or before any travel is undertaken.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy seasons extend from March to May and from October to November. Flooding may occur during these months.

Natural disasters are possible due to regional volcanic activity. Uganda is located in a seismic zone. At the moment Mount Elgon is stable.

You should pay careful attention to regional weather forecasts and to all warnings issued.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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