Safety in Uganda

Petty theft: Watch your phone and wallet in crowded parts of the capital and in markets. Pickpockets here are skilled, so do not wave a phone around and do not wear a daypack on your back in a crush.
Roads: Crash risk on the highways is genuinely high, so use drivers that people recommend and refuse night departures. Riding a motorbike without a helmet is about the most dangerous thing you can do in Uganda.
Malaria: Mosquitoes carry it everywhere in the country, so repellent and a net are not optional extras. Buy a rapid test and a course of Coartem at a local pharmacy, because treating a fever early is what actually matters.
Wildlife: Getting out of the vehicle outside designated areas is forbidden, and for good reason. These animals are wild, and elephants will charge a car that pushes too close or makes noise.
Local law: Uganda is socially conservative and the laws affecting LGBT people are severe, with prison sentences attached. Public displays of affection are best avoided entirely, whoever you are travelling with.
Border regions: Do not travel independently towards the South Sudanese or Congolese borders. Instability flares up there periodically, so check your own government's travel advisory and stick to the classic routes.

Uganda is a welcoming country with rich nature and moderate street crime in Kampala.

Kampala. Pickpockets at the Owino market and in the taxi parks, and bag snatching from boda-bodas. Nobody walks at night.

Boda-bodas. Motorcycle taxis are the main transport and the country's leading cause of injury. No helmets, risky riding, and accidents in large numbers. Use the SafeBoda app, which provides a helmet, or an ordinary taxi.

Fake tour agencies. Gorilla trekking is expensive, permits are limited, and they are sold through the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Schemes offering "cheap permits" are fraud. Check the operator and the permit number.

The "friend" and the request for money. An introduction, a story about a sick relative or school fees. Declining is fine.

Currency exchange. Use banks and licensed bureaux. Dollar notes issued before 2013 are often refused or changed at a worse rate.

Legislation on same-sex relations. Uganda has enacted one of the world's harshest laws in this area, providing for long sentences and in some cases capital punishment. The law drew international reaction and sanctions. This is critical information for anyone planning a trip.

Photography. Military installations, police, government buildings and the airport are off limits. Always ask people.

Drones. Permission is required; they are confiscated at customs.

Gorillas and chimpanzees. Trekking rules are strict: seven metres' distance, masks, time limits, and exclusion if you are ill. This protects the animals, and a breach means removal from the group without a refund.

Plastic bags. Formally prohibited, though enforcement is uneven.

Drugs. The law is strict.

Border areas. The districts near the DRC border (West Nile, around the Rwenzoris) and Karamoja in the north-east periodically become higher-risk zones. Check conditions.

Politics. Demonstrations are suppressed firmly, and the internet has been shut off during election periods.

Yellow fever is compulsory. A certificate is required on entry and checked.

Malaria. High risk nationwide year-round, Kampala included. Prophylaxis is essential.

Vaccinations. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, meningococcus, rabies, polio, and cholera for longer stays.

Ebola and Marburg. Uganda has been through outbreaks of both. They are contained, but check the current situation before travelling.

Water. Bottled only.

Schistosomiasis. In Lake Victoria and other fresh water. Do not swim, including at the beaches near Entebbe and Jinja. Nile rafting is a separate risk and operators warn about it.

Altitude. The Rwenzoris rise above 5,000 metres and trekking requires acclimatisation.

Healthcare. Kampala has decent private clinics (IHK, Nakasero). The regions are weak. Anything serious means evacuation to Nairobi. Insurance with evacuation cover is essential.

Emergency number is 999 or 112.

Uganda sits in the lower part of the Corruption Perceptions Index and extortion occurs.

Traffic police. Checkpoints are numerous and a hire car can attract attention. Calmly ask for an official report.

Tourist police. Operating in Kampala, Entebbe and at the national parks.

Reporting theft. Reports are taken and certificates issued. English is official.

National parks. Rangers provide security and the standard of organisation is high. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga is run in an organised and safe manner.

The political situation. Election periods can bring unrest, internet shutdowns and movement restrictions. A foreigner should stay clear.

Kampala at night. Travel by car, not on foot. Kabalagala and Kisementi are lively, and so are their pickpockets.

What actually matters. Uganda's main risks are malaria, boda-bodas and the roads. The country's nature is magnificent and park tourism is well organised.