Uganda travel advice

Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO-certified World Heritage Site located 4km west of Kampala city, burnt down on Tuesday 16 March 2010. The cause of the fire is so far unknown. There are reportedly large numbers gathering at this location and we advise travellers to avoid the area. Other areas that may also be affected include Nakulabye, Mengo, Makerere, Owino Market, Kisekka Market and Shaunyako Market and areas around the new Taxi Park.

Serious landslides have occurred in the Bududa District, close to the Mount Elgon National Park in Eastern Uganda, with loss of life. Many from villages in the area have also been reported missing and rescue operations are continuing.

Travellers are advised against all travel to Karamoja region in north eastern Uganda (Kotido, Moroto, Nakapiripirit and Katakwi Districts) with the exception of trips to Kidepo Valley National Park, which should be taken by air. It is also advised against travel by road outside of major towns at night except between Kampala and the airport at Entebbe. Travellers should seek local advice before embarking on any journey to Kidepo Valley National Park.

Travellers are advised against all but essential travel to northern Uganda (Kitgum, Pader, Adjumani, Gulu, Apac and Lira districts) and to the region known as West Nile (Nebbi, Arua, Moyo and Yumbe districts in Uganda's far north west).

It is advised that travel to the northern part of Murchison Falls National Park should be limited to the Delta area, west of the Paraa Safari Lodge. In November 2005, a British national was killed in this Park. All visits to the northern sector of the park should only be undertaken in the company of an armed game warden who has functional communications equipment.

Travellers should seek local advice before travelling to Bundibugyo District where there was an outbreak of the Ebola Virus in 2007. They should also avoid the border area on Lake Albert unless prior arrangements have been made with the Ugandan and DRC authorities. In the southwest, careful consideration must be given before travelling to the border areas of Kisoro and Kanugu Districts because of the risk of conflict in the neighbouring DRC spilling over the border.

There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel