Is it safe to travel to Uganda?
Thinking about a self-drive trip in Uganda, but unsure about safety? You’re not alone. Many travellers ask this before hitting the road – and we get it. You want adventure, but not at the cost of peace of mind.
The good news is: Uganda is a welcoming travel destination for self-drive travellers and a safe country to visit. With this guide, we give you our honest, on-the-ground perspective, including practical safety tips on road travel, crime prevention, and health.
Safety in Uganda - what the headlines don’t tell you
Travel advice from embassies about developing countries is often very cautious. In Uganda’s case, this can give a wrong impression. Some incidents are taken out of context, making the country seem more dangerous than it is. But from our own experience - both personal and professional - Uganda is a safe and welcoming place. The people are friendly, and the atmosphere is warm.
Yes, there have been some terrorist attacks in the west of the country. These attacks were carried out by a rebel group from the border region with Congo. While this is, of course, very sad, these attacks are rare and limited to specific areas.
Many Western cities have faced similar events. Think of Paris, Brussels or Madrid. People still travel there. Or take the US; many cities deal with gang violence, something you won’t see in Uganda. Still, no one says you shouldn’t go.
Yet when one attack happens near the Congo border, embassies often warn against travel to all of Uganda. That’s unfair, and it hurts the people who depend on tourism for their income. We hope fear and headlines don’t stop you from visiting. Uganda is a beautiful and safe country, and well worth exploring.
Is crime a concern in Uganda?
Uganda is safe for tourists, especially when you're street-smart. Like in any country, petty theft can happen. Keep in mind that the average person in Uganda makes less money than you, so don’t flash valuables, and lock up your belongings. Park your 4x4 in secure areas and keep an eye on your bags in busy places. Avoid wearing expensive jewellery, and leave luxury items at home.
In general, crime rates are low compared to many Western cities, and violent crime against tourists is rare. Ugandans are friendly and curious – you’ll more often be greeted with a smile than anything else.
Is it safe to drive in Uganda?
Absolutely. And it's one of the best ways to explore the country. We’ve been road-tripping across Uganda for over a decade ourselves. And while roads can be rough in places, with a reliable 4x4 and some common sense, self-driving is very doable and deeply rewarding.
Some quick tips:
- Avoid driving after dark
- Watch out for potholes and livestock on the road
- Take your time and enjoy the journey
We provide all our travellers with up-to-date travel tips and a full briefing before departure. For more, see our Driving in Uganda page.
LGBTQ+ safety in Uganda
Unfortunately, Uganda is not an LGBTQ+-friendly country in terms of laws and public attitudes. Same-sex relationships are criminalised, and open expression of LGBTQ+ identity can be unsafe. We advise LGBTQ+ travellers to be discreet, especially outside of major towns. This is not ideal, and we hope for change, but it’s important to stay safe and well-informed.
Tropical diseases in Uganda
Uganda is a tropical country, so it’s important to protect yourself against diseases like malaria. Bring mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves in the evening, and sleep under a mosquito net.
Malaria pills are advised - your doctor or travel clinic can tell you which type suits your trip best. Vaccinations for yellow fever and hepatitis A are also recommended.
Is Uganda safe for women?
Many women travel to Uganda without problems. Ugandans are generally respectful and helpful. Still, like in any country, it’s best to take normal safety precautions: don’t walk alone at night, dress modestly in rural areas, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Travelling with a local guide or driver can add an extra sense of security.
Can I drink tap water in Uganda?
We don’t recommend drinking tap water in Uganda. Stick to bottled or filtered water, which is widely available. Also, be careful with ice cubes, raw salads, and unpeeled fruit in more rural areas.
Is Uganda safe for solo travellers?
Uganda is a great destination for solo travellers who are well-prepared. People are friendly and happy to help, and it’s easy to meet other travellers in popular areas. Just be mindful of your belongings, especially in busy places like Kampala. If you’re planning to drive yourself, we recommend sticking to main routes and avoiding driving at night.
Explore Uganda with a local driver
While self-driving in Uganda is a fantastic option, we understand that you might prefer the comfort and ease of having a local driver-guide. At Roadtrip Africa, we work with highly trained and incredibly friendly driver-guides who know Uganda inside and out.
A local driver-guide offers the best of both worlds: you stay in control of your holiday and itinerary while leaving the driving to someone who knows the roads and the region. Along the way, you’ll gain fascinating insights into Uganda’s culture, wildlife, and hidden gems.
Our driver-guides aren’t just skilled behind the wheel - they’re also experienced tour guides and bush mechanics, ready to handle any situation that might come up. They speak English fluently and are passionate about making your journey stress-free and unforgettable.
Ready to start your adventure?
Book your car (with or without driver) today! And experience Uganda safely, freely and on your own terms.
