Kampala Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Kampala.
Healthcare System
Kampala has a two-tier healthcare system consisting of public facilities that are often under-resourced and overcrowded, and private hospitals and clinics that offer higher standards of care at significantly higher costs. Most travelers rely on private healthcare facilities.
Hospitals
Recommended private hospitals include International Hospital Kampala (IHK) in Namuwongo, Nakasero Hospital in Nakasero, The Surgery in Kololo, and Case Hospital in Kampala. These facilities have English-speaking staff, accept international insurance, and maintain reasonable standards. Always call ahead and confirm they can treat your condition.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Kampala, with many located in shopping centers and along major roads. Quality pharmacies include those in Acacia Mall, Garden City, and Nakumatt. Counterfeit medications are a concern, so only purchase from reputable pharmacies. Many common medications are available over-the-counter, but bring prescription medications from home with documentation.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation is absolutely essential for Kampala. Medical evacuation alone can cost $50,000-100,000 USD. Ensure your policy covers Uganda and includes evacuation to Kenya or South Africa.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit and any prescription medications you need for your entire trip, plus extras
- Keep copies of prescriptions and medical records with you
- Confirm your travel insurance covers treatment at your chosen hospital before seeking care
- Payment is usually required upfront at private hospitals; keep emergency funds or valid credit cards available
- For serious medical issues, don't hesitate to request evacuation to Nairobi rather than seeking treatment locally
- Water-borne and food-borne illnesses are common; stick to bottled or purified water and well-cooked food
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles are common, particularly in crowded areas. Thieves often work in groups and target distracted tourists. Mobile phones are especially targeted.
Armed robberies can occur, particularly after dark and in less-traveled areas. Criminals may be armed with knives or occasionally firearms. Boda boda (motorcycle taxi) robberies are increasingly common.
Road traffic accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in Kampala. Chaotic traffic, poor road conditions, inadequate vehicle maintenance, and reckless driving create significant risks. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable.
Boda bodas are involved in frequent accidents due to reckless driving, poor vehicle maintenance, and lack of safety equipment. They're also used in some robberies. However, they remain a popular transport option.
Traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, cholera, and other gastrointestinal illnesses are common. Tap water is not safe to drink, and food hygiene standards vary widely.
Kampala has a lower malaria risk than rural Uganda due to altitude, but cases do occur, especially during rainy seasons. Mosquito-borne diseases are a concern.
Various scams target tourists, including overcharging, fake tour operators, currency exchange fraud, and romance scams.
Political demonstrations and protests occur occasionally and can turn violent. Police may use tear gas and force to disperse crowds.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Drivers quote inflated prices to tourists or take unnecessarily long routes. Some drivers claim the meter is broken or that the agreed price was per person, not for the trip.
Scammers pose as tour operators offering discounted gorilla trekking permits or safari packages. They take deposits and disappear, or provide fake permits that are rejected at the parks.
Street money changers use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists, provide counterfeit notes, or switch bundles of cash. Some work near banks and offer better rates to intercept customers.
Individuals approach tourists claiming to work for orphanages or schools, requesting donations or selling items to 'support children.' Many of these organizations don't exist or misuse funds.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something on you, asking for directions, creating a commotion) while an accomplice steals your belongings.
Scammers pose as police officers or immigration officials and demand to see documents, then claim there's a problem requiring an on-the-spot fine or 'processing fee.'
Extra items are added to bills, service charges are duplicated, or prices are higher than those on the menu. Sometimes menus shown to tourists have different prices than those for locals.
Vendors sell SIM cards or mobile credit that doesn't work, or they register the SIM in their name rather than yours, allowing them to reclaim it later.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival and keep their contact information accessible
- Make copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) and store separately from originals
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Keep emergency cash in USD hidden separately from your regular wallet
- Learn basic Luganda phrases and local customs to show respect and build rapport
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself
- Keep your phone charged and consider carrying a portable charger
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables you don't need daily
- Carry minimal cash and only one credit card when going out
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls during business hours, never at night
- Don't display expensive jewelry, watches, or cameras conspicuously
- Consider using a money belt or hidden pouch for important items
- Have small denominations available; breaking large bills can be difficult and attracts attention
- Keep emergency money separate from your daily wallet
Transportation
- Use reputable taxi companies or ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt, SafeBoda) rather than street taxis
- Avoid public minibuses (matatus) if possible; they're often overcrowded and poorly maintained
- If using boda bodas, insist on helmets and use app-based services for accountability
- Never travel after dark unless absolutely necessary; if you must, use trusted transportation
- Keep car doors locked and windows up, especially in traffic
- Don't accept rides from strangers or unofficial taxis
- Verify the driver and vehicle details match your app booking before entering
Accommodation
- Stay in reputable hotels or guesthouses with good security and reviews
- Ensure your room has working locks and use them, including chain locks if available
- Don't open your door to unexpected visitors; verify identity through the door or call reception
- Keep ground floor windows locked, even when you're in the room
- Know the emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Don't leave valuables visible in your room; use the safe
- Consider accommodations in safer neighborhoods like Kololo, Nakasero, or Bugolobi
Health Precautions
- Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel
- Get recommended vaccinations: Yellow Fever (required), Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus
- Take malaria prophylaxis and use mosquito protection religiously
- Only drink bottled water; avoid ice unless you know it's made from purified water
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
- Carry hand sanitizer and use it regularly
- Bring a comprehensive medical kit including anti-diarrheal medication, antibiotics (prescribed), pain relievers, and any personal medications
- Consider bringing oral rehydration salts for treating diarrhea
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card from official MTN or Airtel shops for cheaper calls and data
- Keep your embassy's number saved in your phone
- Download offline maps of Kampala before arrival
- Consider sharing your live location with trusted contacts when traveling alone
- Learn emergency phrases in Luganda or keep them written down
- Keep your accommodation address written in English and Luganda
- Have important phone numbers written down in case your phone is lost or stolen
Cultural Awareness
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas; avoid revealing clothing
- Ask permission before photographing people, religious sites, or government buildings
- Avoid public displays of affection, which are frowned upon
- Use your right hand or both hands when giving or receiving items; the left hand is considered unclean
- Be respectful during religious services and cultural events
- Don't photograph military installations, airports, or government buildings
- Greet people politely; handshakes are common in business settings
Night Safety
- Avoid walking anywhere after dark; use trusted transportation even for short distances
- If you must go out at night, travel in groups and stick to well-lit, busy areas
- Be particularly cautious in entertainment districts where opportunistic crime increases
- Don't accept drinks from strangers and keep your drink in sight at all times
- Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return
- Limit alcohol consumption to maintain awareness of your surroundings
- Have your accommodation's phone number and address ready for quick return
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can visit Kampala safely, but should take extra precautions beyond standard safety measures. While violent crime against women tourists is relatively rare, harassment, unwanted attention, and opportunistic crime do occur. Solo women travelers may receive more attention than they're comfortable with, though this is usually limited to verbal comments or staring. The key is to project confidence, dress conservatively, and be firm in declining unwanted attention.
- Dress conservatively; avoid revealing clothing, short skirts, or low-cut tops to minimize unwanted attention
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring to deflect unwanted advances
- Be firm and direct when declining offers or attention; don't feel obligated to be overly polite if uncomfortable
- Avoid walking alone after dark; use trusted transportation even for short distances
- Stay in reputable accommodations in safer neighborhoods like Kololo, Nakasero, or Bugolobi
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers and reduce solo visibility
- Keep your drink in sight at bars and restaurants; don't accept drinks from strangers
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself immediately
- Have your phone charged and easily accessible with emergency contacts saved
- Consider joining women-focused travel groups or forums for Kampala-specific advice
- Be cautious about sharing accommodation details or travel plans with strangers
- If harassed, seek help from nearby shops, hotels, or restaurants rather than confronting harassers
- Book airport transfers in advance rather than negotiating on arrival
- Sit in the back seat of taxis and keep doors locked
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Uganda with severe penalties including life imprisonment. The legal and social environment is extremely hostile to LGBTQ+ individuals. Same-sex relationships are criminalized, and there is no legal protection against discrimination. Anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment is widespread and publicly expressed.
- Exercise extreme discretion; do not display any signs of same-sex affection in public
- Avoid discussing your sexual orientation or gender identity with locals unless you absolutely trust them
- Do not use LGBTQ+ dating apps, as they can be monitored and have been used to target individuals
- Be cautious about who you trust, even among other travelers
- Avoid LGBTQ+ venues or events, as they may be targeted by authorities or hostile groups
- Consider whether travel to Uganda aligns with your personal safety and ethical considerations
- Have a cover story prepared if asked about marital status or relationships
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations discreetly before arrival, though options are very limited
- Keep your embassy's contact information readily available
- Consider traveling with a companion of the opposite sex if possible
- Be aware that even advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights can result in arrest
- Monitor news about LGBTQ+ issues in Uganda, as the situation can deteriorate rapidly
- Have contingency plans for quick departure if the situation becomes dangerous
- Seriously consider alternative destinations where you can travel safely and authentically
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is absolutely essential for visiting Kampala and Uganda. The combination of limited quality healthcare facilities, high costs of medical treatment, potential need for medical evacuation, and various travel risks makes comprehensive insurance non-negotiable. Medical evacuation alone can cost $50,000-100,000 USD, and even routine hospital treatment at private facilities can be expensive. Most hospitals require payment upfront or proof of insurance coverage.
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