Uganada Tourist Health And Safety Guide

Travel Advisory: Some countries have issued a travel warning to Uganda, especially its gorilla parks and the border areas, where there have been recent instances of insurgent attacks. 

Apart from the usual precaution of drinking only boiled and purified water, avoid swimming in any of the local lakes and rivers because Bilharzia is a serious risk in Uganda. HIV/Aids continues to be a big problem and the south-western part of the country is the worst hit. Uganda is also a malaria prone country and it is suggested you consult your physician for prophylaxis before you start your journey. While you are in the country, use mosquito repellent and sleep under a mosquito net to keep yourself safe from bites. If you are setting out for higher altitudes in Uganda, it’s best to guard against high altitude sickness (has), which in extreme cases can be fatal. Take the climb slowly; drink plenty of fluids and stay off alcohol. There is no cure for “has”; you have to descend.

Medical supplies are short in Uganda and its best to carry your supplies if you are on prescription medicine. Also suggested is a first-aid kit that will take care of immediate needs. Most chemists in the major towns are open from 8:30am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 5pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays. There are no emergency chemists open after these hours or on Sundays.

Most visitors from tropical Africa and some countries of South America need to produce a valid International Certificate of Vaccination. The guideline is to find out if you are travelling from or through a yellow fever and cholera zone to Uganda. If you’ve only stopped over at the airport in the afflicted areas, you may be exempt from the requirement. Vaccinations for Hepatitis and Meningitis Typhoid are suggested.

Healthcare availability is restricted to the major cities and is expensive. It is best if you consider getting a comprehensive medical insurance coverage complete with med-evac before you leave your own country.

Safety issues in Uganda are not as bad as they were even a few years ago. However, please note that some countries have issued a travel warning to Uganda, especially to the gorilla parks. Petty crime, attacks against single cars travelling at night in non-urban areas, armed robbery in the gorilla parks at night and sporadic insurgent attacks in northern and western Uganda are, however, to be watched out for. Please do not accept food from strangers because there are reports of these being laced with incapacitating drugs to aid robbery. Women travelling alone need to watch out for people who offer unnecessary assistance.