Do Not Travel
“There was no change to the advisory level or indicators. Advisory summary was updated.”
Updated Mon, 08 Dec 2025
Full advisory →Is Uganda safe? 🇺🇬
Africa · Updated
As of September 2026, Uganda scores 44/100 on the IsMyTripSafe safety index — verdict: caution advised. The U.S. State Department rates Uganda Level 4: Do Not Travel. Of the 6 Uganda destinations assessed, Kampala scores highest (44/100), while Entebbe scores lowest (44/100).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Uganda 🇺🇬
Uganda · Assessed 19 September 2026
44
/ 100
Caution advised
Safer than ~32% of countries
Score capped at 44 — Level 3 advisory — reconsider travel. No other indicator can raise the score above this.
What drives this score
Crime49/100CautionHomicide 9.0 / 100k
Sentiment47/100CautionMixed to cautious
Advisories33Elevated
Stability55Fair
Health62Fair
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Elevated
No advisory against travel
“Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”
Updated 2026-09-02T15:45:31Z
Full advisory →Avoid non-essential travel (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Uganda: avoid non-essential travel (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-09-09T13:05:22.3196833-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Caution
Mugging & robbery risk
High risk
34
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
Moderate risk
78
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
45 / 100 (Mixed to cautious)
45
City SignalCity Web Research
Homicide rate
9.0 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Uganda9Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
49
Robbery / mugging
HighArmed robbery and mugging pose a significant risk to visitors, particularly in urban areas like Kampala and on roads after dark.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching occur in crowded places such as markets, bus stations, and tourist sites in Kampala.
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Fair
04 · Institutions
Stability
Fair
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Caution
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed to cautious
47/100
Reported feel45Mixed to cautious
Robbery risk34High risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Recent traveler reports indicate discomfort due to crime concerns and health alerts, though some note safe experiences in national parks and with organized tours; overall sentiment reflects wariness, especially after reports of gang violence and protests.
No — Uganda is not safe for travel due to a U.S. State Department Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory and ongoing security risks including violent crime and Ebola concerns.
Despite some improvements in governance and low terrorism risk, Uganda faces serious safety challenges: violent crime such as armed robbery and assault occurs, particularly in Kampala; visitors are advised to avoid non-essential travel per Canadian guidance and to reconsider per U.S. advice. Health risks including Ebola outbreaks in neighboring DRC and periodic alerts in Uganda add complexity, though air quality is good and extreme weather is manageable.
Recent developments
- Aug 2026Ugandan football captain beaten to death in a street gang attack in Kampala— BBC
- Sep 2026Protests outside the Turkish Embassy in Kampala over planned demonstration, leading to embassy closure announcement— Pulse Uganda
- Jun 2026U.S. Embassy in Uganda issued travel advisory citing crime and security concerns— U.S. Embassy in Uganda (.gov)
- May 2026Uganda restricted travel with Congo over Ebola outbreak concerns— The New York Times
Common scams
- Fake tour operators or guides overcharging tourists
- Unofficial taxi drivers charging inflated fares
- Street vendors selling counterfeit goods
Full briefing
Uganda is not currently safe for general travel, primarily due to the U.S. Department of State’s Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory, which remains in effect as of December 2025 and cites ongoing security risks. While the UK FCDO does not issue a blanket advisory and Canada recommends avoiding non-essential travel with regional variations, the consensus among major governments is one of caution. Violent crime, including armed robbery and assault, presents a real threat to visitors, particularly in Kampala, where recent incidents such as the August 2026 street gang killing of a football captain highlight ongoing dangers. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are moderate risks in crowded urban areas like markets and transport hubs.
Beyond crime, health concerns persist: Uganda has experienced Ebola-related alerts, including travel restrictions with the DRC in May 2026, and remains under CDC watch for infectious diseases such as polio, dengue, and measles. Although air quality is good (AQI 38) and extreme weather like September heat is manageable, the lack of nearby hospitals within 15 km of Kampala increases risk in emergencies. Travelers should avoid walking alone after dark, refrain from displaying valuables, and use only pre-arranged, reputable transport and accommodations. Staying informed about local protests — such as the September 2026 demonstrations outside the Turkish Embassy — and avoiding protest zones is also advised. While national parks like Murchison Falls may be safer with organized tours, urban travel requires heightened vigilance. Given the current advisory level and documented risks, non-essential travel to Uganda is not recommended.
06 · Destinations
Uganda destinations by safety score
#1🇺🇬KampalaUse Caution · updated 30 September 202644#2🇺🇬Fort PortalUse Caution · updated 29 July 202644#3🇺🇬MbararaUse Caution · updated 29 July 202644#4🇺🇬GuluUse Caution · updated 29 July 202644#5🇺🇬JinjaUse Caution · updated 29 July 202644#6🇺🇬EntebbeUse Caution · updated 29 July 202644
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07 · Questions
Uganda safety FAQ
Is Uganda safe to visit right now?
The U.S. State Department currently rates Uganda Level 4 of 4 — Do Not Travel. On our composite index Uganda scores 44/100. See the destination reports above for city-level detail. (Updated 30 September 2026.)
What is the safest place to visit in Uganda?
Of the destinations we've assessed, Kampala currently scores highest at 44/100 (Use Caution). Entebbe scores lowest at 44/100.
Where does this Uganda safety data come from?
Directly from public sources: US, UK and Canadian government advisories, World Bank and UNODC crime statistics, WHO health data, live air-quality, disaster and earthquake feeds — plus AI field research over current local reporting. Read the full methodology.