“Is Uganda a Safe Destination for American Travelers? Many Americans Pose this Question when Considering a Visit or Safari in Uganda. Why would Americans ask such a question? The reason behind such inquiries is often the abundance of misinformation circulating online.

Outdated safety and security information about Uganda can be found across the World Wide Web, authored by individuals who have never experienced the wonders of the Pearl of Africa firsthand. Even news reports from journalists stationed outside Uganda may not reflect the actual state of safety in the country.

We at Kabiza Wilderness Safaris live and work here in Uganda, and our commitment to our clients’ safety and well-being surpasses any embassy’s. As an American living in Uganda since, I can personally attest to feeling safe throughout my time here, including during the pandemic. While the lockdowns and restrictions had an impact on the lives of Ugandans, the overall safety and security situation remained stable.

It is essential to approach travel decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information. Valid and current on the ground in Uganda on the ground firsthand information and not a report from a person in the USA who does not even live here.

You will be safe in Uganda by engaging with local tour operators such as Kabiza Wilderness Safaris, who have your safety and wellbeing in mind.  We believe the safest place to be is on a safari in the Pearl of Africa.

 

Is Uganda safe for Americans to visit? 

The Anti-Homosexuality Act was signed into Law in May of 2023!

The U.S. State Department writes: May 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act raises the risk that LGBTQI+ persons, and those perceived to be LGBTQI+, could be prosecuted and subjected to life imprisonment or death based on provisions in the law, and may be subject to mandatory reporting to the police if they are suspected of committing or intending to commit acts in violation of the law, and could face harassment or attacks by vigilantes. Supporters of the dignity and human rights of LGBTQI+ persons (including youth under 18) could be prosecuted and imprisoned for multi-year sentences. Read the country information page for additional information on Travel to Uganda.

Insights on the Ugandan Anti-Homosexual Law from an American living in Uganda:  

June is Gay Pride Month, and here in Uganda, the American Embassy is flying the gay flag proudly while most Ugandans Question such a statement by the U.S.; the anti-homosexual law reflects where Ugandans are culture. 

Like much of Africa, Uganda is not a pro-gay LGBTQI+ plus Country; like other African nations, Uganda will react when the U.S. State Department or the European Parliament mandates that an African government such as Uganda comply with the prevailing mindset regarding LGBTQI+ issues.

Uganda, on June 3, over a million people gathered at Namugongo, where 40 plus young men became martyrs because they refused to renounce their faith and refused to give in to the Homosexual advance of Kabaka Mwanga (King) who ruled the kingdom of Buganda. Few, if any, at the State Department will know about this historical incident.  

/There is a chasmic cultural divide between Western and African, including Ugandan values. 97% of Ugandans believe that AGBTQI+ issues are not African; homosexuality has existed in Africa, including Uganda, as in other parts of the world. However, Africans have not accepted LGBTQI+ values. Most African Countries have anti-homosexual laws on the books; ironically, in most cases, those laws were written by Colonial powers such as the British. African Countries that do not have any anti-GBTQI+ regulations still have the African Cultural Mindset. 

Even my Ugandan doctor asked me if the anti-homosexual law was affecting tourism. My reply was yes. More than the law itself, it is how Ugandan Parliamentarians promoted it as an almost retaliatory pressure on President Museveni when he visited the U.S. for the African summit.

The reality is this: most Ugandans are devout Christians or Muslims. Even the Church of Uganda has removed the Anglican church over LGBBTQI+ issues. In Uganda, you awaken to the sounds of the call to early morning prayer or are kept awake by an all-night Christian Prayer meeting.

On the other side is this – Uganda’s legal bark is more significant than its bite. No one has been executed for over a decade, despite what others may want you to believe.  

U.S. State Department Travel Advisories on African Nations:

The US is making efforts to exert influence on African countries like Uganda. While many Africans, including Ugandans, welcome this engagement, they are less receptive to the cultural pressures imposed by the U.S. State Department. Such actions may inadvertently push African nations towards forging closer ties with China and Russia.

Unfortunately, African tourist and safari destinations often receive negative portrayals from the U.S. State Department, and Uganda is no exception. As an American who has resided in Uganda since 1992, I can attest that I have not experienced any threats or criminal incidents during my time here. In contrast, I encountered a robbery incident in Nairobi, which I now humorously call “Nai-robbery.”

Based on my decades-long experience living in Uganda as an American, I believe it would be more fruitful for the U.S. to focus on addressing crime and tourism challenges within its cities, such as Washington DC, New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle. Safety concerns have become prominent in these urban centers, with areas like Chinatown, Pioneer Square, and Pike Place Market becoming less safe for strolling.

In Uganda, any criminal issues are promptly investigated and addressed, leading to swift resolutions. You will not come across tent cities in places like Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja, Gulu, or Masindi.

Contrary to the U.S. State Department’s claim that Uganda’s borders are porous, I respectfully disagree. They are not as absorbent as the Mexican-U.S. border, where coyotes assist migrants with wristbands issued by criminal cartels. Despite having a million refugees in a country roughly the size of Oregon, Uganda successfully manages refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, ensuring their well-being without resorting to overcrowded refugee camps, as seen in Kenya.

It is crucial to approach the portrayal of Uganda and other African nations with a balanced perspective, considering the realities on the ground and engaging in constructive dialogue. By acknowledging the efforts made by Uganda to address crime and maintain security while fostering a welcoming environment, we can foster greater understanding and appreciation for the country’s unique challenges and successes.

Uganda is renowned as a welcoming, friendly, and safe African country. Its reputation is well-deserved, evidenced by its open-heartedness towards over a million refugees in recent years, reflecting the profoundly ingrained African Hospitality in Ugandan culture. Your well-being becomes their responsibility when invited into someone’s home or community.

Uganda often defies preconceived notions and surprises visitors with its gentle, friendly, hospitable, and welcoming nature. Travelers to the country frequently share positive experiences of the warmth and kindness they encounter from Ugandans.

It is crucial to highlight that most visitors, especially tourists on safaris organized by reputable companies like the Association of Ugandan Tour Operators Safari Companies, rarely encounter safety and security issues. Instances where incidents have occurred are often exceptional and can be attributed to specific circumstances.

For example, in recent months, a visitor from the U.K. tragically drowned while swimming in the Nile near Pakwach, despite warnings from locals about the dangerous nature of that particular stretch. Additionally, three individuals from South Arabia stopped their vehicles to observe elephants in the park. Unfortunately, one exited the car and was fatally trampled by an elephant. It is important to note that they were self-driving through the park without an armed ranger. Engaging the services of an experienced tour operator, such as ourselves, who provide armed rangers on all game drives, can enhance safety and ensure a well-guided experience.

By emphasizing these incidents, it is essential to maintain a balanced perspective on safety precautions while appreciating Uganda’s overall welcoming and friendly nature. Engaging with professional tour operators who prioritize safety measures can enhance the enjoyment and security of your visit to this beautiful country.

 

Anda is safe for American Tourists, Visitors, and Safari Goers.

For a Tourist, the most dangerous thing you can do is cross a road in Kampala. At least, that is what the popular Bradt Guide writes.

The safety of international and domestic tourists is not taken lightly by anyone involved in the tourist and hospitality sector. Before the pandemic, Tourism brought more income to the Country than any other economic sector.

The Ugandan government is doing everything to protect that investment, including the tourists who come to the Pearl of Africa and pay in U.S. Dollars.

All park activities involve highly trained, experienced, and skilled Uganda Wildlife Authority Rangers. Behind the scenes, the army patrols the parks, especially on the border. Even Drones help with safety and security and detect poaching activities or any unauthorized people in parks.

No tourism-related security incidents have occurred since Sue Endicott and her driver, Jean-Paul Mirenge, were kidnapped in April of 1019. They were abducted on a game drive without an armed ranger aboard the vehicle. That incident dramatically increased the Country’s security levels, and the perpetrators were caught, tried, and sentenced.

Rangers received special training from the U.S. Military, plus other measures were taken. Today, Uganda is the only Country where you can track Mountain Gorillas without guerrilla incidents in or around its gorilla parks.

As a Ugandan tour operator, we offer more safety and security information than anyone else. The reason is that we want you to know what security is like in Uganda before you go. Suppose you are on a safari with us. Your questions regarding every aspect of the Safari, including safety and Security measures, will be answered.