Uganda is a land-locked country in the heart of Sub-Saharan Africa, with a population of nearly 31 million and a life expectancy of 51 years. It has had a difficult political past, but currently is enjoying relative stability under a republic government. Uganda has two rainy seasons which fall around April and November. Although there are nearly 30 different languages spoken there, English is the official language and is spoken by most people.
Entry
Uganda requires a passport valid for six months beyond the date of entry. They also require U.S. citizens to have a visa, evidence of a yellow fever vaccination, and a polio vaccination for children under five. For visa applications and details visit the Ugandan Embassy’s website at http://www.ugandaembassy.com/. The Uganda Tourism Board’s site http://www.visituganda.com has travel tips, cultural details, and information on safari companies (including fraudulent ones).
Safety
Visitors to Uganda are encouraged to exercise caution when traveling alone or at night. Women traveling alone are particularly susceptible to crime. Pick pocketing, purse snatching and thefts from hotels and vehicles are common. Traveling outside of cities after dark is discouraged.
Also discouraged is the use of “boda boda,” the motorcycle taxis that are common means of public transportation. The U.S. State Department, for example, advises its personnel to not use them during the day and forbids their use after dark.
It is advised not to accept food or drink offered from a stranger, even a child, as such food may contain narcotics that are used to incapacitate the person so they can be robbed.
Money
If you plan to exchange currency in Uganda, it is best to bring newer $100 U.S. notes. U.S. notes in $20 and $50 are exchanged at a lower rate than $100 ones. Also, it is difficult to exchange any U.S. currency printed earlier than the year 2000. Travelers cannot count on using ATMs to withdrawal national currency. While there are ATMs available in Uganda, very few work with overseas accounts.
Photos
While you certainly will want to take lots of pictures in Uganda, there are some photos you need to avoid taking. Photographing military or police facilities, as well as their personnel, is prohibited. Tourists have also been detained for taking pictures of the Entebbe Airport and the Owen Falls Dam, even though there are no signs prohibiting photos.
Health
Malaria is prevalent and Chloroquine, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, is not an effective antimalarial drug in Uganda. Yellow Fever is also a concern, and the CDC recommends vaccination for all travelers to Uganda nine months old and older. And as noted earlier, it is required by the Ugandan government for entry. Polio is also a concern, and the CDC recommends vaccinations for adults who have not had the booster dose. In addition, Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccines are recommended.
Medical facilities, even in the capital, are limited and not equipped to handle most emergencies, especially those requiring surgery. Travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation is encouraged.
For detailed health information on Uganda visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/uganda.aspx.
Getting There
Ministry Travel offers special discounted airfares for missionary and humanitarian groups traveling to Uganda. Request a free, no-obligation airfare quote by visiting http://www.ministrytravel.com/contact/quote-request.shtml.