Register your overseas travel and/or residential details here.
Reviewed: 18 August 2009, 14:40 NZDT
Still current at:
23 November 2009
There is extreme risk to your security in north-western Uganda (Nebbi, Arua, Yumbe, Moyo, Adjumani, Gulu, Apac, Lira, Kitgum and Pader districts) and areas bordering Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including Lake Albert and Murchison Falls National Park, and we advise against all travel to these areas. Banditry and attacks and abductions by rebel groups, including the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), pose a significant risk to your safety in these areas.
There is extreme risk to your security in north-eastern Uganda (Kaabong, Kotido, Moroto, Katatwi, Nakapiripirit, Abim, Kapchorwa and Bukwa districts), due to banditry and inter-tribal clashes and we advise against all travel to these areas.
There is extreme risk to your security in the south-western border area shared with the DRC (including the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla Park), due to banditry and cross-border attacks by rebel groups and we advise against all travel to this area.
Elsewhere in Uganda there is some risk to your security due to the underlying threat from terrorism, civil unrest and criminal activity and we advise caution.
The security situation in northern Uganda is unpredictable and could deteriorate with little warning. The rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), has been active in northern Uganda and southern Sudan for a number of years and is believed to be responsible for a number of attacks and kidnappings. In 2006 a ceasefire was signed by the Ugandan government and the LRA but a peace agreement has yet to be concluded.
The situation in the border areas with eastern DRC remains volatile and unpredictable. In late 2008, fighting between the Congolese army and rebel forces in the North Kivu province of DRC increased, with heavy fighting particularly around the provincial capital, Goma.
New Zealanders visiting Uganda’s national parks should use only reputable and registered tour operators. In February 2008, a foreign tourist was shot and killed in Mt Elgon National Park. There is a history of armed attacks in the Murchison Falls National Park. Incidents have occurred in other national parks. As security circumstances can change without warning, you should seek the advice of local authorities on the current situation prior to travel.
Armed robberies and car-jackings occur throughout the country. Walking alone or travelling after dark is not recommended. New Zealanders in Uganda should maintain a high degree of personal security awareness at all times and avoid any demonstrations, political rallies and large public gatherings as they have the potential to turn violent.
There is an underlying threat from terrorism in Uganda. Attacks could be indiscriminate and care should be taken in places known to be frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Uganda should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in Uganda are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
See our regional advice for Africa
Other Countries' Travel Advisories
(External links open in new window)
Britain - United States - Canada - Australia
