Uganda Travel Risk

Do not travel to Uganda due to crime, health, terrorism, and unrest. Please read the full text of the advisory.

Travel restrictions for government employees

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Uganda due to the Ebola outbreak.

Health

On May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its Travel Health Notice for Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease. Review the Travel Health Notice for Ebola for Uganda.

Due to the Ebola outbreak, Uganda has temporarily closed border crossings with DRC. The only exceptions are for authorized Ebola response teams, humanitarian operations, food and cargo transportation, and security under strict health screening and monitoring protocols.

Any person entering Uganda from the DRC must self-quarantine for 21 days under the supervision of the Ministry of Health.

The Ministry of Health issued restrictions on mass gatherings in Kampala and high-risk districts along the DRC border.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and regional risks advice.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Uganda

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Uganda.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in major cities and places frequented by foreign nationals and tourists, such as:

• hotels
• diplomatic premises
• transport hubs
• restaurants and bars
• places of worship
• shopping centres
• major gatherings such as sporting or religious events
• government buildings
• security installations such as police stations
• national parks

Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. The Uganda Police Force regularly issues alerts, particularly around public holidays or religious events.

Consider whether locations that you visit have effective security arrangements in place, like bag searches, physical security and guards. Avoid large gatherings of any kind in Uganda as these may be targets for an attack.

Previous terrorist attacks and disrupted attacks in Uganda have targeted the security forces, places where football matches were being viewed, restaurants, buses, schools, churches, national parks and government buildings.

There have been a series of terrorist attacks in areas of western Uganda near to the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including in national parks. You should exercise particular caution in these areas and follow the advice of local authorities. Terrorist attacks have also occurred in other parts of the country, including Kampala.

Recent significant attacks include:

• in December 2023, 10 people were killed in an attack on a bar and a farm in Kyabandara, and a further 3 people in an attack in Nyabitusi, in Kamwenge district near to Kibale forest
• in October 2023, 2 tourists and their driver were killed by terrorists in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• in June 2023, 42 people were killed in an attack on a school in Mpondwe, Kasese District, western Uganda, close to the border with the DRC

This section has safety advice for regions of Uganda. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Kampala

Kampala is a busy capital, take the same precautions as you would in the UK. See Safety and Security for general risks.

In June 2025, two security operations took place in Kampala. On 3 June, there was an explosion near the Catholic Basilica in the Munyonyo area. On 22 June, security forces killed one person in a security operation in Kalerwe Market.

Uganda-DRC border

Western Uganda

The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militant group with links to Daesh, may target tourists and foreign nationals near the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). There have been several terrorist attacks in western Uganda, especially around the Bwera border crossing. See Terrorism.

Uganda and the DRC conduct joint military action against the ADF near parts of the Ugandan border, in North Kivu and Ituri provinces of eastern DRC. Ugandan troops are present on both sides of the border as part of the operations.

Border crossing points could close at short notice.

There is also a risk of banditry and localised violence near the Uganda-DRC border. There were co-ordinated attacks by local armed men against police and army installations in Kasese and Bundibugyo in November 2025, resulting in multiple deaths including of one civilian. Local authorities deployed security forces to the areas and multiple suspects were arrested. While tourists and foreign nationals were not specifically targeted, the attacks were close to tourist areas. If you plan to visit these areas, you should remain vigilant, exercise caution, and follow the advice of local security agencies.

FCDO advises against all travel to the DRC provinces that border Uganda. See DRC travel advice.

South-west Uganda

The provinces of DRC bordering south-west Uganda have a history of instability and violent conflict and this can flare up with little notice. FCDO advises against all travel to these DRC provinces. There is a potential for some spillover into Uganda. Take care when travelling in the area.

There are periodic clashes between DRC government forces and armed groups in the DRC close to the Ugandan border. The M23 armed group controls the Bunagana and the Kitagoma-Buszana border crossings in Kisoro district on the DRC side of the border. If you are in this area, keep your security situation under constant review.

Border crossing points have been temporarily suspended in the past following clashes, and could be closed again at short notice.

National parks near DRC and Rwanda

Use reputable, registered tour operators and contact the Ugandan Wildlife Authority (UWA) for up-to-date advice and information before you travel. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park are in the extreme south-west of Uganda near the borders with DRC and Rwanda. It’s routine practice for security personnel to accompany tourists on gorilla-tracking visits in this area.

Some gorilla trekking operators cross into DRC. Avoid taking these tours. FCDO advises against all travel to the provinces of DRC that border Uganda, including Virunga National Park.

Uganda-South Sudan border

Be extra cautious near the Uganda-South Sudan border. FCDO advises against all travel to South Sudan. See South Sudan travel advice.

Partial regional extract; read the full official section.

Risk level

Uganda - AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

Avoid non-essential travel to Uganda due to the regional impact of the outbreak of Ebola disease as well as the threat of terrorism and high crime rates.

Canadian border measures related to Ebola for travellers from Uganda

Until November 27, 2026, Canada will have temporary border measures in place for travellers who have been in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo or South Sudan within the preceding 21 days.

• Canadians and Canadian permanent residents who have been in these countries in the preceding 21 days and who don’t have Ebola disease symptoms when they get to Canada must quarantine for 21 days and monitor their health daily If you begin to have symptoms of Ebola disease during the 21-day quarantine period, call your local public health authority immediately
• Travellers who exhibit symptoms of Ebola disease upon arrival will receive an immediate medical assessment and be placed in isolation at a medical facility or other appropriate place

Useful links

• Ebola disease: Border measures for travellers entering Canada
• Ebola disease: Health advice for travelling abroad

Border with South Sudan - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to areas within 50 km of the border with South Sudan due to banditry and cross-border attacks by rebel groups. This advisory excludes visits to national parks when accompanied by a reputable guide and using well-travelled roads.

Border restrictions with the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Due to the outbreak of Ebola disease, crossing between the DRC and Uganda is restricted for most travellers until further notice.

More information on the Ebola outbreak in the DRC

Border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The volatile security situation in the eastern part of neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) could lead to possible incursions into western Uganda by armed rebel groups from the DRC.

Uganda and the DRC regularly conduct joint military operations against armed groups in North Kivu and Ituri provinces of the DRC, near Virunga National Park.

Ugandan military troops are present on both sides of the border. There is also a risk of banditry and inter-ethnic violence in this area.

Border with South Sudan

The border with South Sudan is porous, allowing criminal and armed groups to operate in the area. Inter-communal tensions and clashes are also frequent in this region.

Karamoja Province

Clashes between local communities occur, especially in districts north of Lake Kyoga. There is also a risk of banditry.

乌干达风险等级为黄色（中风险）。

外交部提醒在乌干达中国公民，密切关注当地安全形势，提高警惕，加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。