Safety in Uganda: what overland travellers should know
Our summary of the country advice published by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Viaggiare Sicuri) on 27 July 2026.
Safety
- Travel outside cities — The ministry asks you not to travel outside the cities except in daylight and with more than one vehicle, or at least in company. For local transfers and for visiting national parks it says to use reliable agencies only, and to ask your own embassy before going into a park.
- Congo border and parks — Rebel groups operating in the DRC can cross into Uganda. Maximum caution between Lake Albert and Lake Edward, including the Kasese and Ntoroko districts, the Rwenzori mountains and Semuliki national park, and above all after dark. Following the attack of 17 October 2023 that killed two foreign tourists and a local guide in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the same applies inside that park and around it.
- Karamoja — In the Karamoja region on the Kenyan border there is illegal trafficking, cattle rustling and ambushes for robbery. Avoid moving at night, especially in remote areas away from settlements.
- Terrorism — The risk of attacks by local cells linked to ISIS or the ADF is rising. It is highest near the borders with the DRC and South Sudan and in crowded urban places, and around religious holidays and anniversaries.
- Crime in Kampala — Violent assaults, theft and pickpocketing are increasing in Kampala, particularly against foreigners. Walking around after dark is not advisable there or elsewhere.
- Elections — Presidential and parliamentary elections are set for 15 and 16 January 2026, followed by local votes. Unrest of varying intensity is possible before and after, mostly in Kampala and the central region. Stay away from political rallies, crowds and military or police premises.
Before you rely on this
This is our summary of advice written by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Italian travellers, published on 27 July 2026. We summarise in good faith, but we cannot guarantee it is accurate, current or complete, and we take no responsibility for decisions made on the basis of it. Rules change without notice and are applied by officials at the border, not by websites. Always read the original source and the travel advice your own government publishes for Uganda before you travel. GuideMeet has no way of checking whether an individual guide meets any standard mentioned here — ask them directly.
Source: Viaggiare Sicuri — Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, updated 27 July 2026. Last checked by GuideMeet on 2026-09-20.