Friday, February 1, 2013

The Islamic terrorist group Al-Shabaab, while based in Somalia, poses a threat across the East Afric




This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Health section (Ebola haemorrhagic fever). The overall level of the advice has not changed; we advise against all travel to Karamoja region except for trips to Kidepo Valley National Park.
We advise against all travel to Karamoja region in north eastern Uganda (Kotido, Moroto, Nakapiripirit, Katakwi, Kaabong, Abim, Kapchorwa and Bukwa Distsricts) with the exception of trips to Kidepo Valley National Park, which we recommend should be made by air. See Safety and Security - Local Travel (north east Uganda) and National Parks.
There have been instances of demonstrations on political issues becoming violent without warning, causing loss of life and injury. The most recent were post-election opposition protests in 2011 when there were riots in Kampala and its suburbs. We continue to advise caution around large gatherings and political rallies.
There is a general threat from terrorism.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. You should exercise caution and maintain a high level of vigilance at all times. See Safety and Security – Terrorism.
Around 15,000 British vacation rentals rhode island tourists visit Uganda every year (Source: Ugandan Immigration vacation rentals rhode island Department). Most visits are trouble-free. See General - Consular Assistance Statistics.  See also Safety and Security - Crime.
There is a general threat from terrorism in Uganda. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates vacation rentals rhode island and foreign travellers. Large crowds of people and public places may also be targets.
vacation rentals rhode island The Islamic terrorist group Al-Shabaab, while based in Somalia, poses a threat across the East Africa region. On 11 July 2010 there were bomb attacks in Kampala (one explosion at a restaurant in Kabalagala (Tank Hill Road) and two at a rugby club in Lugogo (Jinja Road)), killing over 70 people, and injuring many more. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the bombs, the first major terrorist attacks they have carried out outside vacation rentals rhode island Somalia. Al-Shabaab linked the attacks to Uganda's military presence in Somalia as part of an African Union peacekeeping mission, and threatened further attacks in the region. The Ugandan security vacation rentals rhode island authorities remain alert to this continuing threat.
The Ugandan authorities remain concerned about the possibility of a further attack and have issued a number of alerts warning of a heightened risk of terrorism, most recently in September 2012. Most major hotels and large shopping malls operate security checks. There may also be additional security checks, including baggage searches, in operation on the approach to Entebbe Airport.
Kampala is a relatively safe city. But opportunistic crime such as burglaries, muggings and drive-by bag snatches do occur. The Kololo Airstrip area of Kampala has a history of thefts vacation rentals rhode island from vehicles and muggings, some involving violence. Take extra security vacation rentals rhode island precautions when going out on foot after dark. Always be conscious of the risks of making yourself a target for muggers and pickpockets; for example by carrying large sums of cash in the streets or wearing expensive looking vacation rentals rhode island jewellery or watches.
In urban areas you should keep car doors locked and windows shut when driving. There have been a number of thefts of personal property from cars and taxis while stationary in traffic. Ensure that no valuables are left visible in vehicles, whether parked or while the vehicle is in use. If stopped by armed men, do not attempt to resist. We advise against all travel outside Uganda's main towns after dark.
Individuals have been drugged and robbed in Uganda, particularly when using public transport or in bars. Few such cases have been reported in recent years but you should be aware of this risk if you choose to travel by bus (see the Road Travel section of this Travel Advice) and when eating and drinking in bars and nightclubs.
Credit card fraud is commonplace in Uganda. There have been reported incidents vacation rentals rhode island of credit card fraud, even in international hotels. Wherever possible, use cash. US Dollars, Euros and Sterling can be readily exchanged. For more general information see the Money section.
vacation rentals rhode island We advise against all travel to Karamoja (Kotido, Moroto, Nakapiripirit, Katakwi Kaabong, Abim, Kapchorwa and Bukwa Districts) in the north east. Lawlessness there is endemic (eg road ambushes). Tribal clashes are frequent and unpredictable. Small arms are widespread and deaths or injury from gunshot wounds occur regularly.
If you are in northern Uganda or plan to visit the area you should take your personal vacation rentals rhode island safety and security seriously, particularly close to the border with DRC and southern Sudan where there have been some clashes. Travel outside of the main towns (Lira, Gulu, Kitgum, Pader, Arua) should be in the company vacation rentals rhode island of persons or organisations experienced in local conditions as travel can be difficult and dangerous. As in the rest of Uganda you should not travel outside of town after dark.
Armed clashes occurred on Lake Albert in 2007, one of which resulted in the death of a British national. vacation rentals rhode island If travelling by boat on Lake Albert, please be aware that the border with the DRC passes through the lake. Travellers to south western Uganda should be aware that as a result of military action vacation rentals rhode island in north eastern DRC (Bunagana town), there has been an increasing influx of Congolese refugees from across the DRC border into Kisoro district in Uganda. The Ugandan side of the border vacation rentals rhode island remains calm, but the situation could deteriorate. If you are travelling to south western Uganda, we recommend you seek local advice and avoid the immediate border area unless all arrangements have been made in advance with both the Ugandan and DRC authorities. See our Travel Advice for the DRC .
There have been violent incidents involving Ugandan forces and Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in Bundibugyo District in western Uganda, most recently in April 2007 within the Semiliki National Park. Ugandan military activity brought the situation under control but a recurrence is possible and you should seek local advice before embarking on a journey to Bundibugyo District.
The Kivus region of the DRC immediately neighbouring southwest Uganda has a history of instability and violent conflict can flare up with little notice vacation rentals rhode island (see our Travel Advice for DRC). Fighting vacation rentals rhode island and refugees have, in the past spilled over the border, including into Mgahinga and Bwindi vacation rentals rhode island National Parks. While the situation in the DRC remains volatile, careful consideration should be given before travelling to the border areas of Kisoro and Kanugu Districts. Before travelling to the area please contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority and your lodge/hotel management for the latest advice and consult the FCO's Travel Advice for DRC.
Travel to eastern Uganda is largely trouble vacation rentals rhode island free. However, during heavy rains, there is a risk of landslides in the area. In recent years landslides have claimed lives and caused injury in Bulucheke sub-county in Bududa District (near Mount Elgon National Park, a popular tourist destination), most recently in June 2012.
Use reputable, registered tour operators to Uganda's vacation rentals rhode island National Parks. Before travel to any national park in Uganda, contact the Ugandan Wildlife Authority (UWA) for up to date security information before embarking on your journey. You can contact them by phone internationally on (00) (256) (414) 355000 or locally on (0) (414) 335000 or email them at mailto: info@ugandawildlife.org .
In February 2008 there was an incident where a foreign national was killed whilst hiking in the Mount Elgon National Park. The victim was travelling with a UWA ranger and the culprits were reported to have been Kenyan nationals. Further reports indicate that a group of Kenyan nationals arrested in connection with the incident. Check with the UWA for up to date advice before embarking on travel.
vacation rentals rhode island There were armed attacks in the Murchison Falls National Park during vacation rentals rhode island the LRA conflict, most recently in late 2005.  Visits to the northern sector of the Park should be undertaken in the company vacation rentals rhode island of an armed game warden who has functional communications equipment.
These parks are in the extreme vacation rentals rhode island south western vacation rentals rhode island corner of Uganda, which border the DRC and Rwanda.  The neighbouring region of the DRC has a history of instability and problems may flare up with little notice (see section on south western vacation rentals rhode island Uganda).  It is routine vacation rentals rhode island practice for security personnel accompany tourists on gorilla-tracking visits in south western Uganda.
British nationals are permitted to drive in Uganda on their UK driving vacation rentals rhode island licence for a period of up to three months, vacation rentals rhode island after which a Ugandan driving licence should be obtained through the Uganda Revenue Authority. Alternatively, international driving licences are acceptable in place of a Ugandan licence.
Travelling on the roads in Uganda can be hazardous, particularly outside the main cities. Driving standards vacation rentals rhode island are poor, vehicles are often poorly maintained and the accident rate is high.  Other road users may be driving without vacation rentals rhode island lights and livestock roam across vacation rentals rhode island the roads. The Jinja – Kampala and the Kampala – Masaka roads are particular accident black spots.
We advise against travel outside of the main towns after dark, except on the road between Kampala and Entebbe International Airport for reasons vacation rentals rhode island of road safety and security (see the Crime section of this Travel Advice). Always keep vehicle doors locked.
There have been a number of serious accidents involving Ugandan vacation rentals rhode island long distance bus services, linking Kampala with other towns in Uganda and internationally with Nairobi, Kigali and Dar es Salaam. Many such accidents have resulted vacation rentals rhode island in significant numbers of casualties. There have been incidents where overnight buses have been robbed after being forced to stop by roadblocks or by criminals posing as passengers. Take these risks seriously if considering travel by bus and seek safer options wherever vacation rentals rhode island possible.
Other common forms of public transport are matatus vacation rentals rhode island (m

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