Uganda Reiseguide
Viktig reiseinformasjon — nødnumre, sikkerhet, valuta, visum, skikker og hvordan komme seg rundt.
Uganda is warm and welcoming, and its national parks and gorilla-trekking regions are heavily visited, but the country currently carries the highest-tier 'Do Not Travel' advisory from the US State Department (Level 4, renewed June 2026), driven primarily by an active Ebola (Bundibugyo virus) outbreak that the WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in May 2026, alongside risks of terrorism, violent crime and political unrest. Petty and violent crime occur in Kampala at any hour. Travelers who proceed should monitor official advisories, register with their embassy, follow all health-screening measures, avoid border areas with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and use reputable, licensed operators.
Ugandan shilling (UGX)
Type G (three rectangular pins, same as the UK); 240V, 50Hz. Bring a UK-style/Type G adapter.
Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated and increasingly expected in the tourism sector. In restaurants, 5–10% is generous (check whether a service charge is already included). For safari guides and drivers, roughly USD 10–15 per day per traveler is customary, and gorilla/chimp trekking porters are typically tipped USD 10–15. Round up fares for boda-boda and taxi drivers. Small US dollar bills or shillings both work for tips.
Buy a local SIM for cheap, reliable data — MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda are the dominant networks with the best coverage. SIM registration is mandatory and requires your passport, plus fingerprint/biometric registration at an official outlet (avoid street vendors who may sell unregistered SIMs). Data bundles are inexpensive. Coverage is strong in Kampala and towns but patchy in remote national parks; download offline maps before heading into the bush.
Most foreign visitors need a visa, obtained in advance through Uganda's official e-Visa portal (visas.immigration.go.ug) — traditional visa-on-arrival has been phased out. The standard single-entry tourist e-Visa costs USD 50 and is valid for up to 90 days. Travelers visiting multiple countries can buy the East Africa Tourist Visa (USD 100), a 90-day multiple-entry visa covering Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. A passport valid for at least six months and a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate are mandatory for entry. Always verify requirements on the official immigration site before travel.
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Within cities, the cheapest options are boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) that weave through Kampala's notorious traffic, and matatus — shared 14-seat minibuses that run set routes from the Old and New Taxi Parks. Both are cheap (roughly UGX 2,000–5,000 for short boda trips) but can be chaotic; insist on a helmet on boda-bodas and confirm fares in advance. App-based SafeBoda offers trained, safety-geared riders and fixed pricing, and is the safest motorcycle option for visitors.
Uber, Bolt, SafeBoda
Long-distance travel is mostly by coach and minibus. Reputable bus lines such as Link Bus, YY Coaches, Gateway and Modern Coast connect Kampala with towns like Mbarara, Fort Portal, Kabale, Gulu and on to neighboring countries; fares run roughly UGX 15,000–50,000 depending on distance. For national parks and gorilla trekking, most visitors hire a 4x4 with a driver-guide through a tour operator, as roads to remote parks are rough and self-driving is challenging. Domestic flights (e.g. Aerolink, Uganda Airlines) link Entebbe with parks and regional airstrips for those short on time.
- • Greetings are sacred and never rushed. Always greet someone before launching into a question or request; skipping the greeting is considered rude. A typical exchange runs through 'How are you?', 'How did you sleep?' and inquiries about family before any business is discussed.
- • Use the right hand for giving, receiving, shaking hands and eating. The left hand is traditionally regarded as unclean. When receiving a gift or handing money, a small bow or supporting your right forearm with your left hand shows extra respect.
- • Show deference to elders and people of status. It is common to lower your eyes, and women in many communities (especially among the Baganda) kneel when greeting elders or hosts as a sign of deep respect.
- • Hospitality is taken seriously. If you visit a home you will often be offered food or tea, and declining outright can offend; accept at least a little. It is polite to bring a small gift such as sugar, bread or fruit.
- • Public displays of affection between couples are frowned upon, while same-sex hand-holding between friends is normal and non-sexual. Be aware that homosexuality is criminalised under Ugandan law, so LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise extreme discretion.
- • Ask before photographing people, especially in rural areas, at markets, or near anything official. Photographing police, military, government buildings, the airport, or bridges can lead to detention and confiscation of your camera.
Modest, smart-casual dress is the norm. Lightweight, breathable clothing suits the warm climate, but covering shoulders and knees is appreciated, particularly in rural areas, churches, mosques and government offices. Women may want a scarf or shawl for religious sites. Ugandans dress neatly and a tidy appearance earns respect; revealing or scruffy clothing draws unwanted attention. For gorilla and chimp trekking, wear long sleeves, long trousers and sturdy boots in neutral colors.
Uganda is predominantly Christian (Catholic and Anglican/Protestant) with a significant Muslim minority (around 14%) and traditional beliefs. Faith is woven into daily life and treated with sincerity, so avoid mocking religion. Dress modestly when entering churches and mosques; remove shoes and women should cover their heads before entering a mosque. The Uganda Martyrs' Shrine at Namugongo is a major pilgrimage site that should be visited respectfully. Ramadan is observed by Muslim communities, during which eating in public in daytime near mosques is best avoided. Always ask permission before photographing worshippers or ceremonies.
Football (soccer) — Football is by far the most popular sport — Ugandans passionately follow the national team, the Uganda Cranes, and English Premier League clubs (Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool draw huge local followings, and roadside bars fill up on match days). Cricket and rugby have strong niches, and Uganda has a celebrated athletics tradition, producing world and Olympic distance-running and steeplechase champions such as Joshua Cheptegei. The national rugby sevens side ('the Rugby Cranes') competes regionally, and boxing has historic prestige. Recreationally, the Nile around Jinja is a world-class white-water rafting and kayaking destination.
October 9
Independence Day
Marks Uganda's independence from British rule in 1962. Celebrated nationwide with military and cultural parades, traditional dance, music performances and a flagship national ceremony, often rotated to a different district each year.
June 3
Uganda Martyrs' Day
A solemn public holiday and one of Africa's largest pilgrimages, honoring the Christian converts executed for their faith in the 1880s. Millions of pilgrims, some walking for weeks, converge on the Namugongo Martyrs' Shrine near Kampala for open-air Mass.
Mid-November (annually)
Nyege Nyege Festival
A four-day international music and arts festival on the banks of the Nile in Jinja, showcasing African electronic, Afrobeat and traditional sounds alongside art installations and food markets. It draws thousands of revelers from across the continent and beyond.
January 26
Liberation Day (NRM Liberation Day)
Commemorates the 1986 capture of Kampala that brought the current government to power, ending years of conflict. Marked as a national public holiday with official ceremonies and speeches.