Official advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas

  • Reviewed: 9 February 2023, 09:50 NZDT
  • Still current at: 29 March 2024

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COVID-19

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel

Do not travel to within 50 kilometres of the border with South Sudan due to the threat of armed banditry and cross-border attacks by rebel groups (level 4 of 4).

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the Karamoja region in north-eastern Uganda due to the threat of banditry and inter-tribal violence (level 3 of 4).

Avoid non-essential travel to within 50 kilometres of the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to the threat of banditry and attacks by armed groups (level 3 of 4).

Exercise increased caution

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Uganda due to the threat of terrorism, crime and the potential for civil unrest (level 2 of 4).

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Uganda

Terrorism
There is an ongoing threat from terrorism in Uganda. Previous large-scale attacks have killed dozens of people in the capital Kampala. Recent attacks include:

  • On 16 November 2021, two explosions in the central business district in Kampala killed 4 and injured 33.
  • On 25 October 2021, an explosion on a passenger bus travelling on the Kampala-Masaka Highway killed one.
  • On 23 October 2021, an explosion in a restaurant in Kampala killed one and injured many others.

Further attacks are likely. Authorities continue to issue alerts warning of possible threats, particularly around public holidays or religious events, and have implemented heightened security checks in public places, including by conducting baggage and car searches.

New Zealanders in Uganda are advised to be security conscious at all times and follow any instructions or restrictions issued by the local authorities. Particular care should be taken in crowded and public areas, such as hotels, transport hubs, shopping centres, markets, restaurants and bars; during major gatherings such as sporting or religious events; and when close to Government buildings or security installations, such as police stations. Other possible targets include places of worship, other sites frequented by tourists and schools. New Zealanders in Uganda are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources.

Crime
Violent crime, such as armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping and carjacking occurs, particularly outside Kampala. Opportunistic and petty crime such as pick pocketing and purse snatching is common, particularly on public transport. We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings. As victims of robbery are often targeted due to their perceived wealth, it is advisable to avoid carrying large sums of money and wearing or displaying items that appear valuable, such as electronic devices, cameras and jewellery.

Theft from stationary vehicles is frequent. If travelling by car, it is advisable to keep doors locked and windows up at all times and hide valuables from view. No resistance should be given if you are the victim of an armed robbery or carjacking, as this can lead to an escalation in violence.

For safety and security reasons, you should avoid using matatus (minibus taxis), boda-bodas (motorbike taxis) and intercity buses (especially overnight ones). New Zealanders in Uganda are advised to avoid walking alone or travelling after dark.

There have been incidents of food and drink spiking followed by robbery and assault in bars and on public transport. Extra care should be taken to ensure your food and drink is never left unattended. We recommend against accepting drinks from strangers or recent acquaintances.

New Zealanders visiting Uganda’s national parks are advised to use reputable, registered tour operators. Armed attacks, kidnapping and security incidents have occurred in national parks. On 2 April 2019, a foreign national was kidnapped from the Ishasha section of Queen Elizabeth National Park, which borders the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). As the security situation in the parks can change with little warning, we recommend contacting the Ugandan Wildlife Authority (UWA) for the latest information prior to embarking on your journey.

Civil Unrest
Demonstrations occur from time to time in Kampala and elsewhere in Uganda, and sometimes lead to violence, often with little or no warning. Incidents are more likely around election periods. In the past police have used tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition to disperse demonstrations. We recommend avoiding all demonstrations, protests and political rallies due to the potential for violence. If unexpectedly in the vicinity of a protest or demonstration, exercise caution and leave the area quickly.

Certain colours, such as red and yellow, are strongly associated with Ugandan political parties, you should be cautious about wearing these colours in public.

Local travel
Ethnic and tribal tensions remain in the Western region bordering the DRC. The security situation in the DRC is unstable and volatile, particular in regions immediately neighbouring Uganda. Cross-border attacks by rebel groups can happen without notice and there is also a risk of banditry in border areas. There have been violent attacks and clashes between armed groups and security forces in the Kasese, Bundibuguyo and Ntoroko districts in the past. Some gorilla trekking tours cross into the DRC, for your safety, you should avoid taking these tours.

Clashes between tribal groups can occur without warning in the Karamoja region of north-eastern Uganda, particularly in areas north of Kate Kyoga.

The border with South Sudan is porous. Banditry, criminality, and inter-communal tensions and clashes are common.

Scams
Commercial and internet fraud occurs in Uganda. New Zealanders should be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they may be a scam. For further information see our advice on Internet Fraud and International Scams and Internet dating scams.

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)
In September 2022, the Ugandan government has declared an outbreak of EVD caused by Sudan virus in Uganda. On 11 January 2023 the World Health Organisation declared the Uganda Ebola outbreak over. You should monitor guidance issued by the Government of Uganda and local media to ensure you have the latest information.

Maritime Safety
Large numbers of ferry passengers have died in accidents on Lakes Albert and Victoria in recent years.

The safety standards New Zealanders might expect of transport operators may not be of the same level as you would find in New Zealand. Sufficient safety equipment may not be provided and safety regulations are not always adhered to.  Ferries are often overcrowded.   

We recommend New Zealanders considering travel by ferry assure themselves of the vessel’s seaworthiness and safety equipment before travelling.  You may wish to consider taking your own lifejacket.

General Travel Advice
New Zealanders travelling or living in Uganda should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

Civilians cannot wear military style clothing, this includes camouflage clothing.

New Zealanders in Uganda are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 


The New Zealand Embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is accredited to Uganda

Street Address Bole Sub City, Woreda 03, House No 111, Behind Atlas Hotel/close to Shala Park, (Namibia Street), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Postal Address New Zealand Embassy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Private Bag 18-901 Wellington Mail Centre 5045, Wellington Telephone +251-11-515-1269 Fax +251-11-552-6115 Email aue@mfat.govt.nz Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/ethiopia Hours Open to the public: Monday – Friday, 9am-12pm by appointment Note In an emergency or if you require urgent assistance after hours, please call the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's 24/7 Consular Emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20.

See our regional advice for Africa

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Accredited New Zealand Embassy Ethiopia

Street Address
Bole Sub City, Woreda 03, House No 111, Behind Atlas Hotel/close to Shala Park, (Namibia Street), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Telephone: +251-11-515-1269

Fax: +251-11-552-6115

Email: aue@mfat.govt.nz

Website: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/ethiopia

Hours: Open to the public: Monday – Friday, 9am-12pm by appointment

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