No advisory against travel
“Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”
Updated 2026-10-08T13:51:08Z
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Is Uganda safe? 🇺🇬
Africa · Updated
As of October 2026, Uganda scores 43/100 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, Entebbe scores highest (44/100), while Fort Portal scores lowest (40/100).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Uganda 🇺🇬
Uganda · Assessed 13 October 2026
43
/ 100
Caution advised
Safer than ~30% of countries
Score capped at 44 — Level 3 advisory — reconsider travel. No other indicator can raise the score above this.
What drives this score
Crime51/100CautionCrime index 54.1 / 100
Sentiment47/100CautionMixed to negative
Advisories25Elevated
Stability56Fair
Health65Fair
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Elevated
Avoid non-essential travel (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Uganda: avoid non-essential travel (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-09-28T13:12:07.4287863-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Caution
Homicide rate
9.0 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Uganda9Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
49
Robbery / mugging
HighMugging and armed robbery occur frequently in Kampala after dark, particularly in urban centers and near transport hubs
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in crowded markets, bus stations, and tourist areas of Kampala
▸ 4 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 negative
47/100
Reported feel45Mixed to negative
Robbery risk34High risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Recent traveler reports indicate unease due to violent crime incidents and health concerns, though some note safe experiences on organized safaris with strict protocols
No. Uganda faces significant safety risks for travelers due to violent crime, Ebola outbreaks, and regional instability.
Uganda's homicide rate of 9.0 per 100k and recent violent incidents in Kampala indicate elevated crime risks, particularly after dark. The ongoing Ebola outbreak in neighboring DRC and sporadic cases in Uganda require health precautions, while regional tensions and protests can disrupt travel. Visitors should avoid non-essential travel per Canadian advisory and exercise extreme caution in urban areas.
Recent developments
- Aug 2026Ugandan soccer star David Owori beaten to death in a street gang attack in Kampala— BBC
- Oct 2026Uganda Tourism Board states safaris continue despite Ebola outbreak in neighboring DRC— NewVision.co.ug
- Jun 2026U.S. Embassy issued travel advisory for Uganda citing crime and health risks— U.S. Embassy in Uganda (.gov)
Common scams
- Fake tour operators charging excessive fees for canceled or unsafe trips
- Impersonation of police officers demanding bribes for minor infractions
Full briefing
The most pressing concern for travelers in Uganda is the violent street crime in Kampala, highlighted by the August 2026 killing of football captain David Owori in a gang attack, as reported by the BBC. This incident underscores the risk of mugging and armed robbery after dark in urban areas like Nakasero and Old Kampala, where visitors should avoid walking alone. While the Uganda Tourism Board affirmed in October 2026 that safaris continue despite the Ebola outbreak in neighboring DRC, the ongoing health threat requires vigilance, especially given CDC alerts for Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease in the region. Pickpocketing remains a moderate risk in crowded spaces such as Kampala’s markets and bus stations, and travelers have reported mixed to negative feelings about safety, citing both crime unease and relief from well-organized tours. To stay safe, use only registered operators, confirm health screening measures, and avoid non-essential travel in line with Canada’s advisory. Monitor local developments closely, as protests and regional tensions can escalate quickly.
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06 · Destinations
Uganda destinations by safety score
#1🇺🇬EntebbeUse Caution · updated 13 October 202644#2🇺🇬JinjaUse Caution · updated 13 October 202644#3🇺🇬GuluUse Caution · updated 19 October 202643#4🇺🇬MbararaUse Caution · updated 18 October 202643#5🇺🇬KampalaUse Caution · updated 13 October 202642#6🇺🇬Fort PortalUse Caution · updated 19 October 202640
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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 43/100. See the destination reports above for city-level detail. (Updated 19 October 2026.)
What is the safest place to visit in Uganda?
Of the destinations we've assessed, Entebbe currently scores highest at 44/100 (Use Caution). Fort Portal scores lowest at 40/100.
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.