Is Uganda A Safe Country To Travel To?
Is Uganda a safe country to travel to? When I shared my travel experience, I was deluged with this question, and my answer was always “Yes! It is.” Like anywhere, Uganda has its safety issues, but with the same basic precautions you would take in any foreign country, it is a rewarding and welcoming place to visit.
Is Uganda Safe to Travel? The Short History
Historically, Uganda went through a period of unrest, and the country’s economy collapsed between 1971 and 1979. Because of this, many people still see Uganda as a dangerous place, picturing street riots, armed robberies, violent crime and ethnic conflict, an image that doesn’t reflect the country today.
It’s good to know a country’s history before you travel, but it’s just as important to see it for what it has become since.
Uganda may not be the safest place on earth, and it does have safety and security issues like many other countries. The government has worked to improve safety to boost tourism.
Uganda Safety Tips for Travelers
Travelers to Uganda should take some basic precautions, no different from those you would consider in any foreign country.
Choose a Safe Hotel
Stay in a hotel close to main roads with a doorman on duty round the clock, as robberies are still common in many parts of Africa. Keep your valuables in the hotel safe.
- Sienna Beach Hotel in Entebbe is safe and sits on the shores of the renowned Lake Victoria. It offers inexpensive rooms and remarkable round-the-clock security.
- Kampala, the capital, has a wide range of hotels. If you are on a budget, consider Hotel Sojovalo, a three-star hotel with good service and rooms from USD 70.
Avoid Walking Alone After Dark
In any country, it’s unwise to wander alone on dark or poorly lit streets, as it can make you a target. Stick to public places, and remember that travelling solo doesn’t mean you always have to be alone.
Hire a Taxi or a Driver Through Your Hotel
Hiring a taxi is the safest way to get around the major cities. Road conditions are not great, local driving can be rash and roads are poorly lit at night, so renting a self-drive car is not recommended.
Do try the public transport at least once for a unique experience: matatus (minibuses) and boda bodas (motorbike taxis). Matatus are common in East Africa and are usually overcrowded.
Know What to See and How to Get There
A little research before you land goes a long way. Beyond a safari, there is so much more to explore in this beautiful country:
- Jinja: famous as the source of the River Nile and an unmissable attraction.
- Spenna Beach: spend an evening partying by the water.
- Bwindi National Park: known for gorilla tracking.
Don’t Skip Uganda: It Has a Lot to Offer
Don’t let safety concerns make you skip Uganda just because you have heard or read somewhere that it’s unsafe.
I backpacked alone in Uganda and felt totally safe. In fact, I felt pampered by the locals for being a visitor in their country. Almost everyone I met was friendly and extremely hospitable. Locals often called me “Muzungu”, a common local term for a foreigner or light-skinned person.
Good to Know
Entebbe, on the shore of Lake Victoria, has a serene atmosphere and clean, unpolluted air. Kampala, the capital and most populated city in Uganda, is bustling and crowded with motorists and street hawkers.
The United Nations has had a base in Entebbe for many years, supporting missions in DR Congo, Sudan (including Darfur) and Burundi, and it has become the organisation’s main operational peacekeeping base in this part of Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uganda safe for solo travelers?
I backpacked alone in Uganda and felt totally safe. Take basic precautions such as avoiding dark streets at night and using hotel-arranged taxis.
Should I rent a car in Uganda?
Self-drive is not recommended because of poor roads, rash driving and badly lit roads at night. A taxi or hotel driver is safer.
Where should I stay in Uganda?
Choose a hotel near main roads with 24-hour security, such as Sienna Beach Hotel in Entebbe or Hotel Sojovalo in Kampala.
Conclusion
Uganda is one of my favourite countries I have been to. So, is Uganda a safe country to travel to? With sensible precautions, yes. Don’t let the history or the media intimidate you from travelling to the Pearl of Africa.
There are so many places in the world that have been misrepresented by myth and media. Uganda is one such country which has so many treasures to unveil. Recently I had been to Rwanda and all misconceptions were swept away as soon as I landed in the place which engulfed me with its beauty.
Any rough guidelines on budget per day?
Around 20-30 USD with basic accommodation and food
Very interesting true story on Uganda thanks
Thanks Sarah. Its always a pleasure to let the world know how incredible Uganda is.
Sriram never though of sending any of my guests to Uganda @@ sasami Destinationz….I shall surely rethink now…
Thanks for this informative post…
Thanks Minal. Uganda is a hidden gem in East Africa. You surely should recommend this to your guests , they would get to see the real Africa there.
Thank you for letting us know about Uganda! Sometimes it is easy to shy away from places that we hear are dangerous. I’m glad that it’s like in many nations, where you just have to be aware of your surroundings and use common sense.
Unfortunately we see and hear the worst of a country on the news. If you base it on what you see in the media people would never travel. (no where is safe!) Thanks for sharing about Uganda. It will help a lot of people plan their travels.
How about the Northeastern districts? I heard it’s not too safe to travel there except for trips to Kidepo Valley National Park?
Its advisable take tours. Its just like going to Bwindi National Park.
I feel Uganda uses a lot of the same rules as any country…even in toronto I would not walk alone in areas late at night. If you use your head you can be almost anywhere safely I think
I also heard that Uganda is really safe to travel. It’s still one of my African bucket list countries, but I’m pretty sure I will make it there pretty soon.
Fab post! Thank you for the amazing information. Most people just assume the worse instead of researching.
Thanks Jennifer, thats true, traveling changes the way we look at things and this part of the journey was indeed an eye-opener.
I agree with you. Nearly every destination can have difficulties for travellers. The key is to be prepared and aware of what the risks might be and to not travel alone in places where there are cautions being issued. I’d love to go to Uganda.
Thanks Doreen, taking basic precautions would certainly keep us safe in any part of the world. Hope you would have a great time in Uganda.
I find it quite intimidating to travel in Uganda but this post is a real eye-opener!
I had the same impression about the country too Anne, but the moment I landed my idea changed dramatically as people are really welcoming.
I guess every place has some safety issues as well and in general, traveling is ofcourse risky. But what is life without any risk anyway? What I have seen here in your post is Uganda is totally worth it to make a risk. 🙂
I like the spirit Jessica, life is nothing without taking risks. Uganda is indeed a beautiful country and people are quite friendlier too.
I would like to visit Uganda too. Ive heard great things. Thanks for sharing!
Uganda indeed is an interesting country to visit Janna.
Thank you for the publication and for staying with Sienna Beach Hotel. It’s really interesting and it will add much to our tourism industry
Thank you for your kind words Annet. I did enjoy my stay in sienna beach hotel and Uganda indeed is a great place to visit.
Interesting!
Thank you Angie