Sub Saharan Africa

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

Travel Summary

• There have been a small number of confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) – Swine Flu in Uganda. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has been raised to Level 6.  The WHO website at www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details.  You should monitor media reports for any developments and advice. See the Health section of this advice for further details.  There is also a dedicated Swine Flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website: http://www.dh.gov.uk.
  
  

• There were riots in parts of Kampala between 10 September and 12 September, with loss of life. The security forces have restored order but it remains sensible for visitors to Uganda to seek local advice when planning travel.  
  
  

• We advise against all travel to Karamoja region in north eastern Uganda (Kotido, Moroto, Nakapiripirit, Katakwi, Kaabong, Abim, Kapchorwa and Bukwa Districts) with the exception of trips to Kidepo Valley National Park, which should be made by air.  See the Local Travel (North East Uganda) and National Park sections of this advice for more details.
  
  

• We also advise against travel by road outside of major towns at night except between Kampala and the airport at Entebbe.
  
  

• There is an underlying threat from terrorism.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  

• Around 15,000 British tourists visit Uganda every year (Source: Ugandan Immigration Department).  Most visits are trouble-free.  30 British nationals required consular assistance in Uganda in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for the following types of incident; deaths (6 cases); hospitalisations (5 cases); and arrests, for a variety of offences (11 cases). During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (52 cases).  See the Crime section of this advice for more details.
  
  

• We strongly advise that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.  See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.