2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in . OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Uganda. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Uganda country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private- sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Uganda at Level 2, indicating travelers should exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Kampala as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Crime continues to present a serious risk for those visiting or residing in Uganda. Throughout 2019, the U.S. Embassy continued to track reports of crimes against organizations and expatriates, including U.S. citizens.

In Kampala, criminals regularly target the residences of expatriates and wealthy Ugandans for burglary. Often, authorities implicate domestic staff or hired security guards in these crimes. The Embassy recommends that persons staying in private residences use multiple methods of redundant security (e.g. security guards, alarms, locks) to secure residences against burglary.

Criminals in Kampala also often target personal possessions, employing three main tactics: surreptitious removal (i.e. pickpocketing), snatch-and-grab, and violent robbery.

Surreptitious: Individuals in public venues (e.g. restaurants, hotels, shopping malls) regularly report incidents in which they left their bags unattended for short periods only to discover upon return that unknown persons had taken valuable items (e.g. wallet, cellphone). Valuables have also been reported stolen from bags hanging off the backs of chairs at crowded tables (even while diners are present). Travelers on public transportation have reported placing their bags under their seat, later discovering that valuable items disappeared. Maintain positive control of all valuables while in public.

Snatch-and-grab: Criminals on foot and on motorcycles (known locally as “boda bodas”) regularly target high-traffic roads westerners frequent to steal handbags and backpacks. Pedestrians in Uganda should avoid roads without sidewalks where vehicles (and motorcycles) must pass dangerously close to pedestrians. In addition, pedestrians should walk on the side of the road where they face oncoming traffic, and consider how they carry handbags and backpacks to minimize the vulnerability from theft. If possible, minimize the cash and valuables you carry. Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind.

Violent robbery: Most violent robberies in Kampala target individuals or small groups walking alone in isolated areas after dark. The Embassy generally recommends traveling in groups and using a private vehicle or a privately contracted driver to move around the city, especially after dark. While violent robberies have also occurred in daylight hours, other crimes are much more common at those times. Uganda 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Outside of Kampala, in addition to the threat of property crime, organized gangs (sometimes known as “iron bar gangs”) periodically rob and extort businesses, residents, and visitors. Occasionally, these gangs have blocked major roads late at night to attack passing vehicles. These gangs have also been known to commit sexual violence against their victims.

Never leave food and drinks unattended in public. Women have reported being drugged and taken to another location for sexual assault. Criminals use similar tactics to rob individuals on public transportation. Remain with a group of friends in public, as single individuals are more likely targets. Victims of sexual assault should seek medical assistance and counseling immediately regarding prophylactic treatment to help prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

In 2015, the U.S. Embassy lifted its restrictions on travel to the Karamoja region. Travel throughout Karamoja nonetheless remains somewhat hazardous due to poor road conditions, lengthy police response times, and the lack of emergency medical services. In addition, Karamoja continues to experience sporadic incidents of local violence and mob justice.

Travelers to Karamoja should identify nearby police stations and medical facilities, and use a four-wheel drive vehicle with a well-stocked emergency kit, food, extra gasoline, and water. Authorities police Uganda’s extensive and porous borders inadequately, allowing for illicit trade and unregulated immigration. Rebel groups operate freely in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), posing a potential risk along Uganda’s western border, while the northern border with South Sudan is similarly porous, with a very limited security presence. Exercise caution when traveling to the borders with the DRC and South Sudan. Events in each of these countries have resulted in an increase of refugees into Uganda as well as an increase in criminal activity. The remoteness of the border with Kenya makes it difficult to police, although main roads and border crossings generally have a consistent police presence.

The Embassy received numerous reports from visitors reporting property stolen from their hotel rooms. Although all hotels are at risk, it appears the risk is greater at smaller hotels outside of Kampala. In early 2019, the Embassy received multiple reports of armed groups attacking hotels at night in the town of Jinja, a popular getaway for expatriates located approximately 80 km from Kampala. During these incidents, the assailants assaulted and tied up guards, robbing and sometimes beating guests. Review OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security.

ATM and credit card skimming occurs regularly. Minimize the use of ATMs and credit cards. When necessary, only use ATMs at prominent bank branches, and credit cards at large hotels and other businesses that cater to international travelers. All businesses that accept credit cards can process EMV chips, and most can bring the machine to you, which helps to deter unauthorized charges. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.

Uganda 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Cybersecurity Issues

Cybersecurity continues to be a challenge in Uganda. The Ugandan government does not prioritize funding for cybersecurity infrastructure, and does not allocate sufficient funds to pay for solutions, even after identifying security breaches in sensitive government and financial systems. Some government agencies report that the security frameworks protecting their systems are at least five to ten years behind current security standards, and there is no urgency to update them. The problem is compounded by the fact that many Ugandan government officials view cybersecurity measures as optional, and the average Ugandan does not understand the importance of simple measures such as using passwords for secure or sensitive systems. One private-sector firm reported that even their most talented Ugandan recruits require months of intensive training in cybersecurity before they are ready to contribute to the company’s software products. While there are officials in both the public and private sector who proactively try to address Uganda’s cybersecurity shortfalls, they face an uphill battle.

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

According to recent information from the World Health Organization (WHO), Uganda has the 21st highest rate in the world for road fatalities, at 29 deaths per 100,000 people. In total, the WHO estimated an annual 12,036 annual road deaths. The WHO judged the greatest risk of road death was for pedestrians (40% of all road deaths) and riders on motorized 2- and 3-wheeled vehicles (33%). Masaka Highway has been identified as one of the most dangerous roads in the world.

Roads lack adequate maintenance, markings, and lighting. Other driving hazards include broken-down vehicles, pedestrians, drunk and/or fatigued drivers, stray animals, and overall poor roadway conditions. Drivers speed and behave unpredictably. Pedestrians and livestock commonly share the roadway, and commuter bus drivers ignore traffic laws. Many vehicles are not roadworthy or lack brake/ turn indicator lights. In market areas, vendors often take over the sidewalks and in some cases much of the roadway, forcing pedestrians into the streets.

Driving at night is even more treacherous when the absence of illumination exacerbates other risk factors. The Embassy currently prohibits intercity driving (other than trips to Entebbe airport) by U.S. government employees during hours of darkness.

Uganda 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

The Uganda Police Force implemented a safety campaign in 2016 after a series of fatal accidents on roadways, but the success of efforts to improve road safety has been minimal at best. Police attempt to enforce traffic laws, especially on the major intercity roads, but enforcement can sometimes be haphazard or arbitrary. Police use checkpoints to perform vehicle inspections and check for drunk drivers, but the Embassy has also received reports of police using these checkpoints to solicit bribes. In 2018, the President of Uganda publicly condemned traffic police for corruption, ordering them to cease enforcement operations and limit themselves to directing traffic. In 2019, the President of Uganda again addressed road safety by ordering all buses and cargo trucks fitted with speed monitoring/limiting devices. As of early 2020, no real improvements to road safety have been evident due to this new initiative.

The Government of Uganda closed the Rwanda-Uganda border for extended periods of time in the last year. Some shutdowns are 24-hour closures, and others are only overnight closures. Ensure the border is open prior to attempting travel to Rwanda from Uganda.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Conditions

Most inter-city transportation in Uganda is by small van or large bus. Many drivers of these vehicles have little training, and some are reckless. Vans and buses are often lack proper maintenance, travel at high speeds, and are the most common vehicles involved in the many deadly single- and multi-vehicle accidents along Ugandan roads. Accident victims have included U.S. citizens traveling in vans and personal cars, as passengers on motorcycle taxis locally known as boda bodas and as pedestrians. U.S. Mission employees and their dependents may not use boda bodas or matatus (minibus taxis) due to accident and crime risks. Large trucks on the highways are often overloaded with inadequately secured cargo and poor braking systems.

Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Uganda, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Uganda’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Kampala as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The largest terrorist threat in Uganda comes from Somalia-based al-Shabaab, which objects to Uganda’s support for the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM). The twin 2010 suicide bombings in Kampala, which killed 76 people (including one U.S. citizen), was al-Shabaab’s first successful large-scale operation outside of Somalia, demonstrating that the group was willing and able to launch attacks across the region. Al-Shabaab vows to continue attacking interests and citizens of countries supporting AMISOM. While al-Shabaab remains a threat, 2019 was largely void of any major actions by the group (in Uganda). Uganda 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Another regional terror organization is the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), originally a Uganda-based Islamist rebel group that formed in 1996 and engaged in battles with the Ugandan military in 2007 and 2008. The ADF currently operates in eastern DRC, despite the efforts of Ugandan and Congolese armed forces. The Ugandan government continues to take the threat of ADF action very seriously, and engages in efforts to destabilize and disrupt the group.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Kampala as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. There is a moderate risk of civil unrest in Kampala. In 2017, Kampala experienced sporadic street protests due to a controversial bill to remove a constitutional presidential age limit, which allowed President Yoweri Museveni potentially to extend his 31-year presidency. Following passage of the bill, the protests largely died down. As the 2021 presidential election season approaches, the Embassy anticipates an increase in political activity – to include frequent, large-scale political rallies and, perhaps, opposition protests against government actions.

Over the past several years, there have been several high-profile, unsolved, assassination-style killings of prominent Ugandan individuals. Motivation for these killings remains unclear.

Civil Unrest

When protests, strikes, and demonstrations turn unruly, police are quick to use batons, rubber bullets, tear gas, and gunshots to disperse crowds. Demonstrations and protests can occur with little to no warning. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Most protests in Uganda concern local issues. Historically, Ugandans have not engaged in anti- U.S. protests. In 2019, there were no significant anti-U.S. demonstrations. Avoid all demonstrations, which can escalate quickly. If you come across a large gathering or demonstration, leave the area as soon as possible. Staying informed on current events through local media and continually evaluating one's surroundings will usually mitigate these risks. Ugandans often have better information about demonstrations in their area, so expatriates should attempt to build communication networks with local colleagues. In addition, online platforms like Twitter and Facebook can be useful for tracking incidents, but readers should be aware that limited incidents could seem more serious or widespread in the social media echo chamber.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Although religious and ethnic strife is relatively rare in Uganda, it does occur occasionally. For instance, 2015 and 2016 saw the highly publicized killings of several Muslim religious leaders. In addition, in 2016, a dispute between an ethnic kingdom in western Uganda and the Ugandan government resulted in violence, with over 100 killed and a traditional king and many of his followers arrested. There is a potential for violence related to ethnic and tribal tensions in the western districts of Bundibuguyo, Ntoroko and , near the border with the DRC.

Uganda 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

In 2017, the continued large refugee flows from South Sudan led to some isolated clashes in northern Uganda between South Sudanese refugees and local Ugandans. In 2018, reports of minor tribal clashes among refugees in settlements continued, particularly those from South Sudan. However, these security incidents were localized and resolved quickly. 2019 saw the death of one Ugandan citizen in a refugee settlement area that led to violent interactions between local residents and refugees. Several additional violent refugee murders occurred in 2019, several of which have yet to be solved.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

Uganda is at risk of rapid-onset and developing disasters, including short-term food security crises, flash floods, earthquakes, infectious disease outbreaks, and political crises. The potential slow-onset disasters mostly entail potential food insecurity from drought or other environmental and man-made factors.

Another significant concern in Kampala is air pollution. The biggest contributors are lax, unenforced emission standards and the common practice of burning trash. According to some sources, Kampala has the worst air quality in East, Central, and Southern Africa. The Embassy has installed an air quality monitor.

Uganda is in an earthquake zone, along Africa’s Rift Valley. In 2016, a 5.7-magnitude earthquake in Bukoba, Tanzania (located on Lake Victoria, roughly 20 miles from the border with Uganda) resulted in at least 11 deaths and 196 injuries. In 2017, a 5.3-magnitude earthquake hit outside the southwestern town of Rubirizi, Uganda; there were no reported deaths or injuries.

Economic Concerns/Intellectual Property Theft

Financial crime is common in Uganda. Wire transfer, check, and credit card fraud are widespread. ATMs are often compromised, and advance fee fraud is perpetrated via email. U.S. vendors should avoid accepting third-party checks as payment for goods to be shipped to Uganda, and should check with the Embassy’s Economic and Commercial Section to verify the legitimacy of Ugandan companies.

The counterfeiting of U.S. dollars is common; the frequency of this type of crime has increased in recent years. In 2016, Ugandan authorities discovered large quantities of high-quality counterfeit U.S. $100 bills in Kampala and other tourist destinations throughout the country. In 2018, there appeared to be a further uptick in incidents involving counterfeit currency. The Embassy fielded increased reports of counterfeit bills; authorities arrested three individuals in possession of approximately $1 million in counterfeit U.S. currency at a major hotel in Kampala. In 2019, Kenyan authorities arrested two Ugandans in Kenya with a substantial number of counterfeit 100-dollar bills.

Though the sale and purchase of counterfeit goods is illegal under Ugandan law, intellectual property theft is pervasive, and counterfeit and pirated goods (especially digital media) are widely available for sale. Bringing counterfeit and pirated goods back to the United States may result in forfeiture, fines, or arrest.

Uganda 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Personal Identity Concerns

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal and punishable by life in prison. Uganda’s rate of public acceptance of homosexuality is among the worst in the world. Violence and discrimination against the LGBTI+ community is widespread. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

Review the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.

Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith- based travelers.

Accessibility to public transportation may be difficult for those with mobility issues. Foot paths and road crossings present barriers. There are no free or reduced taxi fares, or other accommodations in communication, lodging, medical facilities, restaurants, cafes, bars, or other tourist spots. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Drug-related Crime

Uganda is strategically located along a major narcotics transit route between Middle Eastern, Asian, and West African heroin markets. Drugs routinely transit Uganda headed for markets in Europe, the United States, and other African countries.

Cannabis grows throughout Uganda and is rarely policed, allowing large crops to flourish in remote areas.

The Ugandan Police Force’s (UPF) Anti-Narcotics Unit is underequipped, undermanned, and undertrained; still, they occasionally interdict and seize drug shipments. In 2017, UPF worked with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to break up a laboratory producing methamphetamines. The UPF maintains a drug interdiction team at Entebbe Airport.

Ugandan law punishes smoking in or near public areas (including at bars and restaurants). While enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act of 2015 is irregular, police have raided bars and restaurants where they suspect violations are occurring. People caught smoking in public can receive severe punishments, including a minimum sentence of six months imprisonment and/or fines of up to 480,000 Ugandan schillings (approximately $130). In a 2019 effort to enforce the public smoking ban, the UPF and the “Ugandan National Health Consumers Organization,” a local NGO, conducted violent raids on restaurants and bars around Kampala. Police often record such raids when requested to do so by the NGO, parading those arrested on TV, and often beating and/or arresting innocent bystanders for simply being at the establishment.

Kidnapping Threat

While kidnappings involving Ugandan victims remain commonplace in Uganda, kidnappings involving westerners are very uncommon. In April 2019, four armed men in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park (bordering DRC) kidnapped a U.S. citizen and local tour guide. Fortunately, the victim was released unharmed. Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Uganda 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Other Issues

The Government of Uganda has shown an increased interest in the activities of foreigners working with non-governmental organizations (NGOs). All foreign travelers to Uganda should ensure that they have the correct visa for their visit to Uganda. Missionary and NGO work frequently require a work visa. Travelers who plan to engage in religious or civil society activities should obtain the appropriate visa from the Embassy of Uganda before departing their home country. Local authorities have been known to detain, question, and arrest foreigners in Uganda, and has ordered visitors removed from the country. U.S. citizens planning to work for or donate money to an NGO should have the charity provide references of past volunteers whom they may contact. U.S. citizens have reported intimidation and harassment by directors of organizations when questioned about the organization's activities or use of donated funds. Obtain information about registering an NGO from the Ugandan NGO Bureau, which has offices within the Ministry of Internal Affairs: +256 (0) 414 253 446. If you need a Certificate of Good Conduct/Criminal Background Check to start or work for an NGO, obtain it by contacting your local police or on the FBI website before traveling.

The importation and use of personal unmanned aerial vehicles (i.e. “drones” or “quadcopters”) is illegal without prior permission from the Ugandan government. While perhaps not explicitly illegal, attempts to import other types of surveillance equipment may lead to security authorities detaining the importer and/or confiscating the equipment. Read the State Department’s webpage on customs and import restrictions for information on what you cannot take into or out of other countries.

Ugandan law strictly prohibits photographing police and military personnel, police and military installations, industrial facilities, government buildings (including all foreign missions), and infrastructure (including roads, bridges, dams, and airfields). Unfortunately, these sites are not always clearly marked. Guides, police, and officials can advise if you may photograph a particular site. If authorities discover you photographing prohibited personnel or sites, they may confiscate camera equipment and question the photographer. Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

Police Response

The emergency line in Uganda is 999. The Ugandan Police Force (UPF) maintains heavy police deployments in metropolitan areas, especially Kampala, to thwart criminal and terrorist activities. Despite efforts to professionalize and modernize the force, the UPF still struggles with a lack of resources, corruption, and regular reports of human rights violations. Police are limited in their ability to detect and deter card skimming and other forms of cybercrime due to a lack of training and equipment. Police may beat, arrest, imprison, or expel those violating (even unknowingly) Ugandan law.

The General Duty Police is the largest police presence and is tasked with providing general law and order functions. General Duty Police staff most police posts. There are many other units within the UPF, including the Counter Terrorism Police, VIP Protection Unit, Criminal Intelligence Division, Forensics Division, Traffic Police, Marine Police, and Tourism Police. These units fulfill specific functions and perform limited duties related to their specialty.

Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Uganda 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Medical Emergencies

Health facilities are very limited and are generally inadequate outside Kampala. Even the best hospitals in Kampala suffer from inadequate facilities, antiquated equipment, and shortages of supplies (particularly medicines). Surgical capabilities are inadequate, and blood supplies may be insufficient. There is a shortage of qualified physicians, and emergency assistance is limited. Quality outpatient psychiatric services are minimal. Inpatient psychiatric services are virtually nonexistent. Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website.

Carry your own supply of prescription drugs and preventive medicines, as well as a doctor's note describing the medication and its generic name. If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Embassy of Uganda to ensure the medication is legal in Uganda. Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.

The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on insurance overseas.

Since August 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been tracking an Ebola outbreak in the DRC. The outbreak began in the province of North Kivu, which abuts Uganda’s western border. This outbreak has not had a major impact on Uganda, although the commercial and cultural ties between the DRC and Uganda make additional cross- border transmission highly likely.

The following diseases are known to occur in Uganda: Hepatitis B; Meningitis; Yellow fever; Typhoid; Malaria; HIV; Polio; Tuberculosis (TB); Marburg hemorrhagic fever; Pneumonic plague; and Schistosomiasis. The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Uganda.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, I’m Drinking What in My Water?, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad.

OSAC Country Council Information

Kampala has an active Country Council. Contact OSAC’s Africa team for more information or to join.

U.S. Embassy Contact Information

Plot 1577 Ggaba Road, P.O. Box 7007, Kampala Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday: 0730-1645; Friday: 0730-1230 Switchboard: +256 414-306-001 Website: http://ug.usembassy.gov

Uganda 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

• OSAC Risk Matrix • OSAC Travelers Toolkit • State Department Traveler’s Checklist • Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)