Uganda is an eastern African country. It was once described as Jewel of Africa by Winston Churchill due to its natural beauty. The country boasts northern coast of the largest lake in Africa, and the third largest lake in the world, Lake Victoria. In popular culture, Uganda has been renowned for the Ugandan knuckles meme. Uganda suffers from a poor economic situation and ranks among the poorest countries in the world. This, however, provides for one of the cheapest African destinations with incredible attractions.

Traveling info

All visitors traveling to Uganda must have a valid passport. Entry requirements depend on visitors nationality. Citizens of some African, Caribbean and Oceanian countries may enter Uganda without the requirement of a visa. Citizens of all other nationalities also have easy access as they can obtain a visa online or upon arrival at border crossings or Ugandan airports. The only exception to this is Somali citizens who are refused entry unless they possess a biometric passport. Visitors who wish to drive in Uganda are required to have both their national driving permit and an international driving permit. The only exception is the holders of UK driving permits which allow visitors to drive in Uganda for 90 days. After that period has passed a Ugandan driving permit must be obtained. This also applies to holders of IDPs. IDP holders must beware that IDP is only a translation of the original driving permit and does not substitute for it. Both documents must be with the driver at all times.

Traveling hazards

Drivers are advised to take extra care when driving. Nighttime driving and road transportation should be avoided whenever possible. Pedestrians often walk in the roads and may not be visible to motorists. Large branches or rocks in the road sometimes indicate an upcoming obstruction or other hazards. Highway travel at night is particularly dangerous, including the road between Entebbe Airport and Kampala. Drivers are advised to take extra care when driving. Nighttime driving and road transportation should be avoided whenever possible. Pedestrians often walk in the roads and may not be visible to motorists. Large branches or rocks in the road sometimes indicate an upcoming obstruction or other hazards. Highway travel at night is particularly dangerous, including the road between Entebbe Airport and Kampala. Most intercity transportation in Uganda is by small van or large bus. Many drivers of these vehicles have little training, and some are reckless. Small vans and large buses are often poorly maintained, travel at high speeds, and are the principal vehicles involved in the many deadly single and multi-vehicle accidents along Ugandan roads. Alcohol frequently is a contributing factor in road accidents, particularly at night. Traffic accidents draw crowds. Ugandan law requires that the drivers stop and exchange information and assist any injured persons. In some cases where serious injury has occurred, there is the possibility of mob anger. In these instances, Ugandans often do not get out of their cars but drive to the nearest police station to report the accident.

Environmental hazards

Uganda has one of the most beautiful landscapes in Africa. It has been mentioned by Winston Churchill and many others before him for its incredible sights. In addition to the incredible landscape, the country is packed with diverse fauna. The African bush elephants are the largest land animals on earth. These giants might not be aggressive, but when startled or angered they can easily trample people to death, flip over cars and even break trees. Hippopotamuses can be found in the lakes and rivers of Uganda. These giants may be docile in appearance but they are fierce and territorial animals attacking any intruders coming near them. They will attack virtually anything and are responsible for more human deaths across Africa than lions elephants and crocodiles taken together. Lions are present in Uganda. These large felines are the apex predators of Africa and are not afraid to attack a human if spotting one. Lions are responsible for over 250 deaths a year. Nile crocodiles are present in Uganda. They inhabit most lakes and rivers in the country and are responsible for many attacks. These animals are mostly nocturnal but attacks may occur during the day also. There are many lethally venomous snakes in Uganda. Most dangerous of these is the gaboon viper, black mamba, black spitting cobra or the puff adder which is responsible for 30 thousand deaths alone.
Uganda is regularly affected by multiple natural hazards, including droughts, earthquakes, floods, and landslides. Floods are responsible for most damage and carry the biggest death toll out of all the natural hazards.

Health hazards

Everyone coming to Uganda must get vaccinated against yellow fever and have proof of vaccination upon entry. Apart from the yellow fever vaccination, there are no other required vaccines in order to enter Uganda. There are however several other vaccines which are strongly recommended. These are the routine vaccines aka MMR vaccines, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, cholera, meningitis and rabies vaccines. There is, unfortunately, no vaccinations against Zika virus and malaria. Both of these are carried by mosquitoes in Uganda. Despite the lack of approved vaccinations, there are alternative ways to protect against contracting the diseases. Using mosquito repellents and installing mosquito nets in the windows of your accommodation is a great way to protect against mosquito bites. There is also medicine on prescription against malaria which should be available after consulting your local general practitioner. Healthcare services are one of the many challenges the country faces, however, the situation is improving and Uganda ranks above the African average for quality of services, deaths related to diseases, infant mortality rates, etc. Public services are available to citizens of Uganda for free. Expats must pay for their services. Private hospitals and clinics are focused in Kampala. These provide a much better quality of care than their public equivalent however they come at a greater expense. Expats generally prefer to use private services.
In case of an emergency dial 112.

Crime

Although many areas of Uganda are considered relatively safe, there is a high incidence of violent crimes including armed robberies, home invasions, and sexual assaults, in the country’s larger cities. Tourists are advised to take particular care in Kampala and Entebbe. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively in an emergency. Most violent robberies in Kampala are perpetrated against individuals or small groups walking alone in isolated areas after dark. While violent robberies are reported, other crimes are much more commonplace. Outside of Kampala, in addition to the threat of property crime, organized gangs known as “iron bar gangs” periodically rob and extort businesses, residents, and visitors. Occasionally, these gangs have blocked major roads late at night to attack passing vehicles. These gangs are also known to engage in sexual violence. There is a risk of terrorist activity in Uganda. The largest terrorist threat in Uganda comes from al-Shabaab in Somalia. Uganda’s latest legislative blow to public health, the Narcotics Law penalizes possession of illicit drugs with 10 to 25 years in prison. Trafficking which encompasses everything from small sales to international export is punishable with a life sentence. Despite that, the use of drugs in Uganda is on the rise partially due to the inefficiency of the local police.

Summary

Uganda is certainly a place to visit for those who want an incredible experience of African safaris, witness the beautiful landscape and experience the broad culture of the locals, try some local food and take part in the local life. People in Uganda are some of the most welcoming in Africa. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#/help
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/uganda