Safety and emergencies

Areas advised against

• Strongly advised against by France (update of 11 March 2026): the DRC border outside escorted parks, Bwera and its surroundings, and the South Sudan border. Advised against except for essential travel: Semuliki National Park and Karamoja (avoid the Moroto-Kotido-Kaabong road to Kidepo).

  Verified fact·Verified on 10/2/26High confidence

  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Uganda, safety

• In the parks near the DRC (Queen Elizabeth, Rwenzori, Bwindi), stay on trails and with a guide or ranger. Climbing the Rwenzori is technical and dangerous.

  Verified fact·Verified on 10/2/26High confidence

  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Uganda, safety

Terrorism and kidnapping

• Persistent terrorist threat (al-Shabaab, ADF linked to ISIS): stay alert in crowded places (churches, shopping centres, bars, hotels).

  Verified fact·Verified on 10/2/26High confidence

  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Uganda, safety

Crime

• Snatch theft, burglaries and armed robberies are common, including in Kampala's residential areas (Kololo, Nakasero, Naguru), Entebbe and Jinja. Highway robbers operate at night: arrive before dark.

  Verified fact·Verified on 10/2/26High confidence

  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Uganda, safety

In town

• Police interventions can be violent: move away from gatherings and demonstrations.

  Verified fact·Verified on 10/2/26High confidence

  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Uganda, safety

On the road

• Accidents are very frequent, especially at night; avoid driving at night and keep doors locked. Avoid minibuses and motorbike taxis; if needed, book through an app. An international permit is required with your national licence. Accident: police 999 or 112.

  Verified fact·Verified on 10/2/26High confidence

  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Uganda, safetyFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Uganda, useful information

Sea, climate and natural hazards

• Lake Victoria can be very dangerous (violent storms, big waves). Floods and landslides are possible in the rainy seasons (March to June, September to November).

  Verified fact·Verified on 10/2/26High confidence

  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Uganda, useful informationFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Uganda, safety

• Emergency numbers

  Police, fire, ambulance: 999 or 112.

  999112+256 414 342 222

  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Uganda, useful contactsGOV.UK (FCDO), Uganda travel advice: getting help· Oct 2, 2026

• Road accident unit

  Road accident police unit.

  0800 199 099

  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Uganda, useful information· Oct 2, 2026

• Embassy of France in Uganda

  Passport: France

  French embassy in Kampala.

  16 Lumumba Avenue, Nakasero, PO Box 7212, Kampala

  France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Uganda, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026