Practical information Uganda

91135  sq.mi

11 hrs London-Kampala. 

25600000 hab.

The international airport is located in Entebbe, 20 miles away from Kampala'scity centre. A public taxi costs roughly 2,219 shillings (10 centimes) with a change in Entebbe city. Special taxis go directly to Kampala from the airport for 36,985 shillings ( 15 euros ).

Security is not guaranteed in Uganda. The western part of the country, around the Ruwenzori mountains, is still under threat from the ADF rebels who have been carrying out infiltration operations on several routes: their attacks have been concentrated on the Fort-Portal/Kasese route and in the Kibale Forest Park. Vehicles have also been attacked on the Kampala/Fort-Portal route.
It is highly recommended not to venture into the northern part of the country (Gulu, Kitgum) because some rebel groups coming from Congo and Rwanda in the west or from Sudan in the north can infiltrate at any time. Fortunately, in southern Uganda, there are no major problems;
although you should still be careful because of the small crimes which take place in some areas (Owino market, Luwum street and around the large hotels), Kampala is not a particularly dangerous city.
The areas around Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks should, however, be avoided. An increase in small acts of crime which take place in broad daylight has also been noticed along the country's main roads. As a general rule, it is advised not to travel at night and not to exhibit any valuable goods.

The official language is English. Bantu languages (Luganda and Kiswahili dialects) and Nilotic languages (Acholi and Luo) are also spoken.

A passport, valid for at least six months, is mandatory. A visa costs 30 euros and is issued at the embassy of Uganda or upon arrival at Entebbe's airport. You must fill in two forms. Bring two identity photos and an invitation letter from the person hosting you, or a photocopy of your return ticket, or a certified document from the travel agency. A visa is issued immediately at Entebbe airport or in 24 hours at the embassy of Uganda.

66 % Christians (Catholics: 33 % and Protestants 33 %), 16 % Muslims and 18 % Animists.

The currency is the Ugandan shilling (UGX), and £1 = 3,163.20 UGX approx. It is possible to exchange traveller's cheques and get cash in banks in Kampala on presentation of your credit card (Visa, American Express, Mastercard, Diner's Club). There are no cash machines, though. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturdays. Foreign exchange offices generally close around 5:00 pm.

The road infrastructure is poor. Beware of the ruts and the presence of animals on the road. An international driving license is required to rent a car. Driving is on the left, but you must give way to your right; there is no speed limit and road signs are non-existent. It is possible to hire a chauffeur-driven car or use collective taxis. Buses provide a service between the country's main towns and they are cheaper, but slower than mini-buses. As for the railway network linking Kampala to Kasese and Tororo, it is very slow, not very reliable and not at all comfortable. Although the Uganda Airlines company theoretically ensures a service to all destinations, flights are quite expensive and there is little domestic air traffic.

Vaccinations against yellow fever, polio, tetanus and typhoid are mandatory. Check that your DTP vaccine is up to date. Vaccines against hepatitises A and B are recommended. Vaccines against meningitises A and C are also recommended. You must be vaccinated against rabies if you are going to be staying in the countryside or staying for a long time.
An antimalaria treatment is mandatory: the country is listed in zone 3.
You should purify water for consumption and you should not swim in lakes.
Food can also pass on diarrheic diseases. Fruit and vegetables must be washed. Meat must be well cooked.
It is recommended to sign up for insurance covering medical costs and sanitary repatriation.
Ebola fever seems to be confined to the Gulu and Mbarara districts. However, new cases have been reported in the Masindi district where you should be very prudent.
As for now, it is not recommended to travel to Uganda.

240 V, 50 hertz. Electric plugs are squared and have three pins
(British model). An adapter is necessary.

To call Uganda from the UK, dial 00 + 256 (country code) + main city code (Kampala: 41; Fort Portal: 49; Masaka: 48) + no. of your correspondent.
To call the UK from Uganda, dial 00 + 44 + no. of your correspondent without the initial 0.