Is Uganda safe for Tourists? Uganda-Safety-Security in 2025
A Question often asked: Is Uganda safe for Tourists? Is Uganda safe to visit in 2025?
Is it Dangerous to Travel to Uganda? Is Uganda a safe for Tourists in 2025? Uganda-Safety- Security in 2025:
Here are our Uganda-Safety- Security Tips for 2025. The tips will keep Travelers, Tourists and Safari Goers safe and secure during their time in Uganda.
Travel Safety and Security experts consider Uganda as a safe travel destination. Udganda, is known as one of Africa’s safest, most welcoming, and friendliest countries. The country has over the last 30 years significantly improved safety and stability, appealing to travelers.
While it’s always important to exercise caution and take necessary precautions when traveling, Uganda typically offers a secure experience for visitors. You can enjoy your trip and stay safe by familiarizing yourself with local laws and customs, heeding travel advice, and using trusted tour operators.
Sometimes, people might offer varying, wrongful opinions about safety; in Uganda, we refer to this as “Spewing Buffaloes,” indicating that they may not be informed. As an American living in Uganda, I feel safer here than in many cities in the United States.
Is Uganda safe and secure for Tourists Uganda-Safety- Security in 2025: Uganda is generally safe and secure for tourists, particularly those on safaris. It is often considered safer than some cities in the United States or Europe. The wildlife reserves and national parks in Uganda, where safaris occur, are well-organized and have safety measures to protect visitors.
However, using common sense, following local rules, and taking necessary precautions are essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Is Uganda safe for Tourists Uganda-Safety- Security in 2025?
Is Uganda safe for Tourists? Is Uganda safe to visit in 2024?
The Safest Place to be in Uganda is on a Safari!
Uganda-Safety- Security in 2025\; The Reality for Visitor Safest Place to Be in Uganda is on a Safari!
When you visit Uganda, you can feel secure. The government has implemented proactive measures to enhance safety in tourist areas, including national parks and borders. Rangers, the Ugandan military, police, and tourism police employ advanced tools like drones to ensure your protection.
Uganda is a safe and secure safari destination for travelers doing business, volunteering, or attending events. The security situation is stable, providing a reassuring environment for all visitors.
Of course, using common sense and remaining cautious is still important, just as you would in any city. Issues like pickpocketing or scams can occur anywhere in the world. Being aware of your surroundings and keeping your valuables secure can help reduce the risk of these problems.
Uganda, the ministry of Tourism, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the tourism Police plus accredited tour operators such as us are all committed to the safety and well-being of its tourists. The enhanced security measures, combined with local communities’ active involvement, help ensure visitors have a positive and secure experience. Using good judgment and following best practices, you can enjoy your time in Uganda without worries.
Read more about the safest place to be in Uganda,
We suggest you read our popular page about what to avoid in Uganda.
Is Uganda safe for Tourists? Uganda-Safety-Security in 2025
Here are Steps you can take to stay Safe on Safari in Uganda!
Uganda is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. However, as with any travel experience, it is essential to take precautions to ensure your Safety. Here are some time-proven steps you can follow to stay safe while visiting Uganda, which can be applied in various destinations worldwide:
1. Stay Safe -Use your Common Sense:
If you want to stay safe in Uganda, use your common sense and be aware of your surroundings.
Using your common sense is not just a suggestion but a crucial responsibility when traveling to any destination, including Uganda. You must exercise the same level of caution and judgment that you would employ in your own country.
By asking yourself if you would engage in certain activities or behaviors at Home, you can make informed decisions about what is appropriate and safe in Uganda. For instance, wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash could attract unwanted attention. Keeping a low profile, avoiding such flashy displays of wealth, and being mindful of your personal belongings are all sensible practices to minimize the risk of becoming a target for petty crime.
Uganda, often referred to as the ‘Pearl of Africa,’ is a destination where most visitors have positive experiences and enjoy their time. By relying on your basic instincts and common sense, you can enhance your safety and have a memorable trip to this beautiful country.
Read more about Common Sense – Do not Leave Home without it.
2. Avoid a Self-Drive Safari in Uganda:
Driving yourself around Uganda might sound like a fun idea, but it can actually be pretty tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with the local roads and how things work. While Uganda follows international traffic rules, not everyone sticks to them, and the accident rate is something to think about.
If you do happen to get into an accident, cultural differences can make handling the situation a bit complicated. So, knowing the local customs and what steps to take is really important.
While some folks might enjoy the freedom of driving, it’s probably smarter to consider other ways to get around. Hiring a local driver or using organized transport can make your trip a lot smoother. This way, you can relax and enjoy your time without worrying about navigating those unfamiliar roads and traffic chaos.
In the end, keeping your safety and well-being in mind is what really matters. There are plenty of reasons why a self-drive safari isn’t the best call. Think about leaving the driving to a tour company with experience, like ours!
Read more here about self-drive.
3. Use an accredited Tour Operator for your Safari in Uganda:
Uganda-Safety- Security in 2025: For a safae Safari use a Licensed and Accredited Tour Operator for Your Safari in Uganda.
When planning your safari in Uganda, it is essential to use a licensed and accredited tour operator, preferably a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators. Operators like Kabiza Wilderness Safaris, certified by the Uganda Tourism Board, adhere to strict standards prioritizing your Safety and well-being while exploring the Pearl of Africa.
Uganda is one of the safest travel destinations, offering secure national parks, wildlife reserves, and tourist attractions. By choosing an accredited tour operator, you are assured of the expertise provided by a local guide who will accompany you during your journey.
Your Ugandan driver-guide is familiar with the area and does not rely on GPS devices, ensuring a smooth and informative experience. Your Safety and well-being are our top priorities; we take every precaution to make your visit both memorable and secure.
If you are looking for a Ugandan tour operator who emphasizes your Safety, consider Kabiza Wilderness Safaris. Since 2008, we have provided “Hakuna Matata” (No-Worries) safaris in Uganda, backed by years of experience and a proven track record of safe and enjoyable adventures. With us, safe safaris are the Norm, not the exception.
Read more about the right tour operator here.
4. Follow the Park Rules and the Instructions of the Rangers:
Uganda-Safety- Security in 2025: When visiting Uganda on a safari, following the park rules and instructions provided by the Uganda Wildlife Authority Rangers is crucial. These rules and guidelines, such as maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, not littering, and respecting the natural habitat, ensure your safety and security during your outdoor adventures.
For hikes, climbs, boat safaris, and gorilla or chimpanzee treks, it is essential to closely follow the instructions of the Ranger leading your group. Their extensive knowledge of the local environment and their experience in guiding groups make them the best choice for ensuring your safety during these activities.
Your driver-guide is also vital in keeping you safe and secure during your travels. They are not just drivers, but
also knowledgeable about the local culture, wildlife, and terrain. They are familiar with the necessary precautions and will provide guidance to ensure your experience in Uganda is as safe and enjoyable as possible.
When participating in activities like white-water rafting, it is crucial to listen to and follow the instructions provided by the experienced guides. By doing so, you are taking an active role in your safety, as mishaps are rare, and following the instructions can help prevent any incidents from occurring.
It is important to note that visiting Uganda without a guide can be risky. Recently, a tragic incident occurred where a group of Saudis driving through Murchison Falls Park without a driver-guide encountered an elephant, and one of the men was trampled to death.
Following the park rules and the Ranger’s instructions leading your activities can ensure a safe and memorable experience during your visit to Uganda. Read more about Rangers here.
5. Stay in safe and secure Lodges and Hotels:
Stay in safe and secure lodges and hotels while visiting Uganda. Midrange and Luxury Lodges, such as those we use for our safaris in Uganda. Motels and hotels have 24/7 security on the premises.
Security for Lodges consists of earned guards or other security personnel.
You do not read about security breaches at lodges in the Ugandan press. Budget Hotels may not have adequate security in Place. Midrange and luxury lodges will spend the extra money that security costs for their guests.
Security at Lodges and Hotels exceeds your security level in the West.
6. Do not wander off from Lodges within National Parks:
Do not wander from your lodge without an armed guide or Ranger for your Safety. You are in the African wilderness, where animals roam that could harm you.
A few years ago, a Dutch tourist wandered off from her camp, never to be found again, even though extensive searches were conducted for weeks.
Walking on your own, away from a lodge, can be dangerous. You are now near lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and much more. Go with an armed Ranger.
7. Keep Passports and Return Tickets Safe:
Do not carry a passport while away from your Hotel or lodge. Put your valuables, including access, into the Hotel Lodge safe in your room or at the front desk. Valuables at the front desk are safe and should be placed in a sealed envelope.
Please make a copy of your passport, including the Visa. Take it with you on activities away from your Lodge or Hotel. Y
You will need personal identification for activities such as Gorilla Trekking. This is used to verify that you are the person named on the permit.
The issue is not that people will rob you of documents, though that can happen. You want to protect your documents from any loss, including theft, misplacement, etc.
Vital Documents to protect include any prescriptions from your doctor, credit cards, and more. Keep your Documents safe and secure.
8. Do not flash your Cash:
It is best to carry your money in the front pocket to put your hand over it, not a back pocket that can easily be stolen.
Do not wear the various belted packs for money and valuables worn outside your garments. The belt can easily be cut, and the bag stolen.
Do not flash your Cash. Pull out what you need and pay. Never carry substantial amounts with you. Keep Cash and any other valuables in your Hotel safe. Flashing money makes you a target in cities and towns.
Be cautious at ATMs where you have people around you besides Security Staff from the Bank. If someone volunteers to help you, decline the offer.
Remember to Keep your Money out of Sight. Do not count money in the car while stuck in a traffic jam in Kampala, especially if your windows are down.
9. Keep your Jewelry at Home:
Take inexpensive Jewelry with you (you can buy some lovely items here in Uganda at a low price). Gold chains and Jewelry, such as earrings, can be torn from you, causing injury.
Watches worn while walking on the streets in Kampala can also be easily stolen. Use a leather band that you can secure for your look.
Avoid expensive watches, and if you are wearing one, have one preferably with a leather strap that can be tightened and safely worn.
Buy some local Ugandan-crafted jewelry and support a local artisan and their families. You will safely keep your expensive items at Home. At the same time, make a difference in Uganda by purchasing local hand-crafted items.
If you are on Safari with us, this is another caution you do not have to worry about. Still, for added Safety, we recommend keeping expensive Jewelry at Home.
10. Protect Photographic Equipment from Thieves:
Cameras are expensive here, about twice what they would cost you in your country of origin. It is a valuable object and becomes a temptation for someone to steal it.
Please keep it in a bag strapped to you. When taking a picture, hold it with both hands and roll the strap around your hand so no one can take it from you.
Never loosely put a camera on the shoulder on a strap. The same goes for binoculars if you take them into town. Keeping them safe is always the rule of the day – that is better than being sorry later.
On a Safari itself, like Gorilla Trekking, use a waterproof daypack. Remember. Cameras are expensive in Uganda and are a temptation to a street thief, and you will not have such a problem on a safari with a driver-guide.
If you are bringing binoculars, use them only on activities that might be necessary, such as birding, game drives, etc.
11. Protect your Mobile – Cell Phone:
Keep your Mobile cell phone in your pocket and do not carry it in your hands. If you hold it in your hands, someone may burn your hand with a cigarette, resulting in you dropping the phone, which is taken.
Please do not put it on a table in a restaurant or bar; someone might just come and grab it – Stay safe.
Mobile phones are stolen daily in Uganda – hold on to them tightly. The theft of a mobile phone is one of the most common, and the thief removes the SIM card and sells it to someone.
Thieves especially seek Smartphones and will steal them even in a restaurant. Never put your mobile phone on a table when going out.
Mobile Phones are necessary for most Travelers to stay in touch with Home.
12. No Nighttime Travel and Walks:
Keep walking at night 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 its ways.
If you are on Safari with us, you can arrange for your driver-guide to accompany you.
Do not walk alone in most neighborhoods to be on the safe side – what you would do at Home, do here while visiting Uganda.
You do not hear of many cases where Visitors to Uganda are robbed or harmed. Still, it is best to be wise and intelligent to avoid walking at night in a town you do not know.
Driving at night is something that we avoid with our clients except between Entebbe and Kampala for arrival or departure. The reason is drunk drivers and something prevalent in Uganda.
13. Never act lost, even if you are: 
That may sound funny, but when one behaves and looks lost, they make themselves vulnerable and a potential target for thieves. If you are lost, ask a police officer, or go into a shop and ask for directions. And you will find people most helpful.t
If you are on Safari with us, your driver-guide will ensure you are not lost and bring you safely back to the Hotel.
Thieves always look for people who seem lost and disoriented. Even if you are lost, act as if you know where you are going – ask the right people, and you will be fine.
Thievery is common in Kampala, Entebbe, Jinja, and other towns and cities. Carry minimal belongings with you and keep them back at the Hotel. You do not want to make yourself a target.
If you are lost, take a taxi, for-hire, or even a Boda-Boda motorcycle back to your Hotel. Just do not act lost, even if you are.
14. A Safe Night Out on the Town in Uganda:
Going out is usually safe in Kampala, and we suggest you go with a local to stay safe. If you are on Safari with us, your driver-guide can show you the city that never sleeps in Africa, Kampala.
But keep your drink close to you and watch that no one puts something in it.
There have been incidents where people have been robbed after being drugged. It takes place in bars or hotels.; these are isolated incidents.
Experience the Kampala night in the city that never sleeps with a Ugandan. Much safer, and they will know how to respond to various situations.
Do not purchase Ganja – Marijuana, Mira, an amphetamine chewed, nor imported drugs such as heroin, crack cocaine, and the like – you ask for trouble. Read more about Kampala Nightlife – Safety – Security.
15. How to avoid Getting Kidnapped on Safari:
The chances of you being kidnapped are one in a million. Uganda is on the US State Department’s List of Countries where kidnappings occur, and it is also listed as a country on the “B List,” meaning exercising caution. Kenya and Ethiopia are also on the list. In both countries, hijacking and kidnapping by terrorists are more common.
Criminals, not terrorists, kidnapping an American Woman and her driver. They are awaiting trial.
Avoiding being kidnapped must be done with attitude, blending in, not publishing on social media, your travel itinerary, and more.
New Safety Measures: No game drives without security are recommended by the Uganda Wildlife Authority but not required. With us on Safari, it is mandatory. Read more here
16. Are GBTQI+ Travelers Safe visiting Uganda:
In many of 2023, the new anti-homosexual Bukk became law. Uganda, like many African countries, has had anti-gay laws in its book that the British Colonial government handed down. In Uganda, 97% of the people have anti- solid LGBTQI+ feelings. Those feelings became enforced when the US or the European United attempted to have Uganda adopt its cultural mindset.
Uganda is in the same Place the US, Australia, the UK, and much of Europe were in during the 1950s. In the 1950s, the US Consulate in Frankfurt, Germany, questioned me before receiving permission. The US has evolved, and to the dismay of many Ugandans who drive by the US embassy during June will fly, the Gay Pride flying high.
Uganda, Africa, and the | West are oceans apart on this cultural issue. In Uganda, it is during Gay Pride month that on June 3, Marty’s Day is a solemn day where the lives of 45 martyrs are held up as an example. Many of these Martyrs refused to renounce their faith and give in to the sexual advances of Kabaka Mwanga.
LGBTQI+ visitors continue to travel here for primate trekking while keeping a low profile. One can soon expect a statement from the Uganda Tourism Board regarding LGBTQI+ travelers. Uganda remains one of Africa’s friendliest, most welcoming, and hospitable countries, accepting visitors culturally different from themselves. Read more here.
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Is Uganda safe for Tourists? Uganda-Safety-Security in 2025
Uganda Tourism Police and other security measures for Visitors:
Visitors and Tourists to Uganda are respected and seen as a source of income for the country, and every effort is taken to protect them. Not only is there the Police Army, but the Tourism Police also monitors regular tourist spots.
On top of that, you have the Uganda Wildlife Authority Rangers in Game Parks and Wildlife Reserves. Both Ugandans and visitors very much respect them. They are also armed, and one of their tasks is to protect visitors.
On Gorilla and Chimpanzee treks, there are even armed escorts who take protecting you seriously.
The Tourism Police Officers are found in central parks all over Uganda. The Number of Tourism Police Officers has increased in recent times. Additionally, the Tourism Police act when a fake tour operator has conned a tourist. Read more here.
Is Uganda safe for Tourists? Uganda-Safety-Security in 2025
Follow the Rules in Uganda’s National Parks and Preserves:
Parks are under the jurisdiction of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, gardens are well-regulated, and the rules are strictly enforced. Besides Uganda Wildlife Authority’s rules, we have added some of our own to keep you safe and secure on your Safari in Uganda.
No movement on foot without an armed Ranger escort outside of the park; stay with your driver-guide
- No Driving in parks from 7:30 pm until 6:30 am.
- No, they are wandering away from a Lodge located in the park or at the edge of it. There are wild animals, plus it avoids contacting poachers.
- No Game Drives without an armed ranger on board the vehicle
- Have at least a copy of your passport in a daypack for all activities.
- Boat Safaris, we encourage the use of a life vest.
- On a Family Safari, never let children be unattended.
- Dress for the occasion – gorilla, chimpanzee trek, hike, volcano climb – follow our suggestions. They are for your well-being.
- Use a porter whenever available, such as for Gorilla Trekking.
- Do not wear camouflage clothing – it gets unnecessary attention and is not recommended.
- Sitting on top of vehicles during Game Drives is prohibited for your Safety.
- Nocturnal Game Drives are only conducted with Uganda Wildlife Vehicles except where UWA authorizes a lodge to do so.
Is Uganda safe for Tourists? Uganda-Safety-Security in 2025
Can anyone Guarantee your safety on Safari?
When going on a safari in Uganda, remember that no one can guarantee your safety. Wildlife encounters. Criminal elements and travel in natural environments always carry inherent risks. Follow experienced guides and reputable tour operators such as KSabiza Wilderness Safaris to stay safe.
Research and choose operators prioritizing safety measures, adhering to park rules, and maintaining a respectful distance from wildlife. Consider travel insurance for emergencies. Prioritize your safety by making informed decisions, being cautious, and following professional guidance.
Safe Safaris are the norm and not the exception. Your safety and well-being is on everyone’s mind.
Traveling, no matter where it takes you, has risk factors. We do our best to reduce them.
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We are fully committed to keeping you safe and secure on your Safari in Uganda.
Kabiza Wilderness Safaris is fully committed to ensuring your safety, security, and well-being during your Safari in Uganda. We prioritize the security of our clients and take all necessary measures to provide a safe and enjoyable experience.
Our team is highly experienced and knowledgeable about the local conditions and protocols. We stay updated on the latest information from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, security agencies, and other relevant sources to ensure our clients have the most accurate and reliable information.
We strictly adhere to safety guidelines and rules set by the authorities and enforce them during our safaris. Our drivers and guides are trained professionals who always prioritize your safety. We maintain close communication with security forces and have established protocols to address potential risks or emergencies.
Rest assured that when you choose Kabiza Wilderness Safaris, you are in the hands of a dedicated team fully committed to providing a safe and secure safari experience in Uganda.
