Africa • Updated August 2026

Country Risk Report

Uganda

Overall Risk Rating

Medium

Capital

Kampala

Languages

English and Swahili (official); Luganda and others

Currency

Ugandan shilling (UGX)

Executive Summary

Uganda is classified as a MEDIUM risk destination, balancing a popular tourism sector centred on gorilla and wildlife tourism against risks from terrorism, a volatile western border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, urban crime and political tension. The main tourist areas and Kampala are manageable with sensible precautions, and the medium rating reflects a real terrorism threat, the DRC border and periodic unrest rather than blanket danger. There is a terrorism threat, principally from the Allied Democratic Forces, an Islamic State-affiliated group operating from eastern DRC, which has carried out attacks in Uganda, including bombings in Kampala in 2021 and attacks near the border, and Ugandan forces conduct operations against it inside DRC. The western border areas adjoining the DRC face insecurity, armed-group activity and cross-border risk and should be avoided. Urban crime in Kampala, including mugging, bag-snatching and some violent robbery, is the most common risk for visitors, and road safety, including on boda-boda motorbike taxis, is a serious hazard. Political tension has been heightened around the January 2026 general election, with protests and a firm security response, and travellers should avoid gatherings. Gorilla trekking areas such as Bwindi are generally safe with organised operators.

Risk Matrix

Category	Risk Rating	Commentary
Armed Conflict	Low	No internal war; armed-group activity and operations near the DRC border.
Terrorism	Moderate	An Allied Democratic Forces threat, with attacks in Kampala and near the border.
Kidnapping	Moderate	Risk near the DRC border and, rarely, targeting tourists; low in main areas.
Crime	High	Mugging, bag-snatching and robbery in Kampala; road crime on some routes.
Civil Unrest	Moderate	Political tension and protests, heightened around the 2026 election.
Health & Medical	Moderate	Reasonable private care in Kampala; limited elsewhere. Malaria endemic.
Internal Travel	Moderate	Very high road-accident rates, boda-bodas and border-area risk.
Digital / Cyber	Moderate	Scams and fraud; monitoring and internet disruption around elections.

Essential Precautions

1Avoid the western DRC border areas, given insecurity, armed-group activity and cross-border risk.

2Maintain terrorism vigilance, given an Allied Democratic Forces threat, including attacks in Kampala and near the border.

3Guard against urban crime, including mugging, bag-snatching and robbery in Kampala.

4Avoid boda-boda motorbike taxis where possible, given very high accident rates, and take care on the roads.

5Avoid protests and political gatherings, heightened around the January 2026 election.

6Use reputable operators for gorilla and wildlife trekking, following ranger guidance.

7Take malaria and health precautions, as malaria is endemic and care is limited outside Kampala.

8Respect conservative social and legal norms, including strict anti-LGBT laws.

Security Situation

Medium

Uganda balances a popular tourism sector against risks from terrorism, the DRC border, urban crime and political tension. The main tourist areas and Kampala are manageable with precautions, while the western border should be avoided.

Kampala and the Centre

Medium

Kampala and the centre function for business and tourism, with urban crime, a terrorism concern and election-related tension the main issues.

The South-west (Bwindi, Gorilla Trekking)

Low

The south-west, including Bwindi, is the gorilla-trekking heartland, generally safe with organised operators.

The DRC Border (the West)

Extreme

The DRC border in the west faces insecurity, armed-group activity and cross-border risk and should be avoided.

The North and Karamoja

Medium

The north and Karamoja are calmer than in the past but remote, with some cattle-rustling and banditry in Karamoja.

Detailed Risk Assessment

Armed Conflict

Low

Uganda is not in internal war, but armed-group activity and Ugandan military operations against the Allied Democratic Forces affect the western border with DRC, and Karamoja has seen banditry. The main areas are outside conflict.

Terrorism

Moderate

There is a terrorism threat, principally from the Islamic State-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces, which has bombed Kampala and attacked near the border, including a deadly attack on tourists near a national park. Crowded places and potential targets warrant vigilance.

Kidnapping and Detention

Moderate

Kidnapping risk is highest near the DRC border, where armed groups operate, and a deadly incident has targeted tourists near a park, though risk in the main areas is low. Detention risk relates to political activity and strict laws, including anti-LGBT legislation.

Crime and Lawlessness

High

Urban crime in Kampala, including mugging, bag-snatching and some violent robbery, is the most common risk for visitors, and crime rises after dark and in crowded areas. Road crime occurs on some routes, and boda-bodas carry both accident and robbery risk.

Internal Travel

Moderate

Very high road-accident rates, especially involving boda-boda motorbike taxis, the western border risk, and remoteness in the north are the main travel concerns. Reputable transport and organised safaris are safer, and domestic flights serve some parks.

Health and Disease

Moderate

Reasonable private healthcare is available in Kampala, but care is limited elsewhere, and malaria is endemic, alongside periodic outbreaks such as Ebola and Marburg. Serious cases may require evacuation, and travellers should hold comprehensive cover.

Cultural and Religious Sensitivities

High

Uganda is a conservative, religious society, and social and legal norms are strict, most notably around LGBT issues, with severe anti-LGBT legislation. Modest dress, sensitivity around politics and religion, and awareness of strict laws are important.

LGBT Travellers

Extreme

Uganda has among the world’s harshest anti-LGBT laws, including severe penalties under recent legislation, and strong social hostility. LGBT travellers face extreme risk and should exercise absolute discretion, including over all digital content.

Diplomatic and Government Situation

Moderate

Uganda is governed by long-serving President Museveni, re-elected in the January 2026 election amid opposition complaints and a firm security response, with restricted political space. Consular support is available in Kampala.

Digital and Cyber Threats

Moderate

Online scams and fraud occur, and the authorities monitor communications and have imposed internet and social-media restrictions around elections. Travellers should guard financial data and avoid sensitive posts.

Vaccinations & Health Hazards

Strongly Recommended

Yellow Fever
Required for entry; carry certification.
Hepatitis A and Typhoid
Recommended due to contaminated food and water.
Hepatitis B and Tetanus
Recommended for many travellers.
Rabies
Consider for safari, rural or long stays.

Other Health Hazards

Malaria: High risk year round. Take prophylaxis and bite-avoidance measures.
Outbreaks: Periodic Ebola and Marburg outbreaks occur; follow health guidance.
Road safety: Very high accident rates, especially on boda-bodas; avoid where possible.
Remote evacuation: Serious cases may require evacuation; hold comprehensive cover.

Choosing the Right Insurance

Cover for Uganda is available on a specialist basis, with the DRC border areas typically excluded. The main tourist areas and Kampala are manageable with strong precautions, and cover should include medical care and comprehensive evacuation.

Get a Quote Gulf Transit Cover Speak to an Advisor

Annex A - Key Risk Dynamics

Checkpoints and Detention Triggers

Checkpoints operate, heavier near the DRC border and during elections; cooperate calmly. Carry ID and a clear travel purpose. Avoid the western border areas. Do not photograph military, security or government sites.

Kidnapping and Detention Dynamics

Abduction risk is highest near the DRC border. A deadly incident has targeted tourists near a park. Kidnapping risk in the main areas is low. Mugging and robbery are the main urban risks.

High-Risk Travellers

DRC border travellers face insecurity and abduction risk. Kampala urban travellers face crime risk. Boda-boda users face high accident and some robbery risk. LGBT travellers face extreme legal and social risk.

Annex B - Key Preparation & Checklists

Essential Preparation and Medical

Avoid the DRC border and favour the main tourist areas. Hold comprehensive medical and evacuation cover. Note heightened tension around the 2026 election. Take malaria prophylaxis and bite-avoidance measures.

Digital Security and Checkpoints

Avoid sensitive political posts and note strict laws. Guard against scams and fraud. Plan for internet restrictions around elections. Limit public location sharing.

Movement and Operational Security

Avoid the western border and use organised operators for trekking. Avoid boda-bodas where possible. Use reputable safari and trekking operators. Avoid gatherings, especially around elections.

Conduct and Legal Compliance

Dress modestly and respect conservative norms. Be aware of severe anti-LGBT and other laws. Never photograph security sites.

This report is provided for information only and does not constitute travel or security advice. Ratings are indicative and subject to change without notice. Confirm current conditions with Hotspot Cover before any deployment.