Staying Safe in Uganda
Personal Security and Safety Tips for Uganda Travelers
Is Uganda safe for travelers, tourists, holiday makers, business travelers, volunteers?
Uganda is today one of the safest countries in Africa. There is of present no rebel activity going on. The LRA has signed a seize fire two years ago
and even the north of Uganda is enjoying a state of peace. There are problems in the Congo, but only refugees are crossing the border in Uganda. Is Uganda Safe, a resounding yes is the answer.
You will come across misleading information on various websites regarding as to how safe Uganda is for travel. They are however usually outdated and do not reflect the present state of Uganda.
Besides Uganda prides itself as one of the friendliest countries in Africa. One cannot however throw caution to the wind. There are some good ways that one can prevent being robbed. Below are some hints as to how to do that. No safari guest that I have ever here has ever been robbed and most have followed some practical advice as to stay safe and secure while traveling in Uganda.
Never act lost even if you are: That may sound a bit funny, but when acts and looks lost they make themselves vulnerable and a potential target for thieves. If you are lost, ask a policeman or woman and or go into a shop and ask for directions. Another thing is to jump on a Boda-Boda Motorcycle (not recommended and have them take you there and there about 20,000 boda-bodas in Kampala. See getting around Uganda page.
Keep your Jewelry at home: Take inexpensive jewelry with you. Gold chains and jewelry can be torn off of you. Avoid expensive watches and if you are wearing one, have one preferably with leather strap that can be tightly and safely worn.
Keep your money out of sight: It is best to carry your money in the front pocket where you can put your hand over it rather than a back pocket where it can easily stolen. Do not wear the various kinds of belted packs for money and valuables. Do not flash money, pull out what you need and pay, never carry large amounts with you. Keep money and any other valuables in your hotel safe. For money tips in Uganda see Money Page.
Passports and Return Tickets: Do not carry a passport on you. If anything make a copy of it and leave passport in hotel safe. If you are traveling on a safari, keep it all such things in a small backpack that you can easily carry with it.
Photographic Equipment: Expensive here, about twice what it would cost you in your country of origin, so it is a temptation for some. Keep it in a bag, strap it to you. When taking a picture, hold it with both hands and roll strap around your hand so no one can take it from you.
Cell Phones: Keep it in your pocket and do not carry it in your hands. If you carry it in your hands, someone may take a cigarette burn your hand and you drop phone when pain strikes and it is gone. Do not put in on a table since again someone might just come and grab it.
Walking at night: Keep it to a minimum, it is usually safe on a crowded street, but it is best to be with a Ugandan or someone who knows the country and ways.
Women Travelers: A woman traveling on her own is quite safe and in Uganda a firm "no" to some flirting by men will usually stop any further annoyances. You may be proposed to, take it a compliment and once again a firm no thank you.
Common Sense: Most of all-just use your head-keep aware and watch each other. Most of all think - Would I do this at home? If not there-don’t do it in Uganda.
This year Experience Africa-Discover its Pearl-Uganda
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Last updated: 04 January 2009
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