Moving to Uganda: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

43,252,966

Population - note

note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS

this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected

Population Growth Rate

3.32%

Urban Population

15.600000

Population in Major Urban Areas

KAMPALA (capital) 1.659 million

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Age Structure

48.260000

Median Age

15.500000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

45

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

11.26

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

6.06

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

30%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

30%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

18.9

Mother's mean age at first birth

18.9

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.030000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-0.01

Ethnic Groups

Baganda 17%, Ankole 8%, Basoga 8%, Iteso 8%, Bakiga 7%, Langi 6%, Rwanda 6%, Bagisu 5%, Acholi 4%, Lugbara 4%, Batoro 3%, Bunyoro 3%, Alur 2%, Bagwere 2%, Bakonjo 2%, Jopodhola 2%, Karamojong 2%, Rundi 2%, non-African (European, Asian, Arab) 1%, other 8%

Nationality Noun

Ugandan(s)

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Literacy - total population

66.8%

Literacy - male

79.5%

Literacy - female

60.4%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

3.3%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

11.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

53.980000

Infant Mortality Rate

62.470000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

62.470000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

310

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.12

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

.5

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

9.5%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

very high

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

4.3%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

94.800000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

32.800000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

14.1%

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Economic Overview

Uganda has substantial natural resources, including fertile soils, regular rainfall, substantial reserves of recoverable oil, and small deposits of copper, gold, and other minerals.

Agriculture is one of the most important sectors of the economy, employing 72% of the work force.

The country’s export market suffered a major slump following the outbreak of conflict in South Sudan, but has recovered lately, largely due to record coffee harvests, which account for 16% of exports, and increasing gold exports, which account for 10% of exports.

Uganda has a small industrial sector that is dependent on imported inputs such as refined oil and heavy equipment.

Overall, productivity is hampered by a number of supply-side constraints, including insufficient infrastructure, lack of modern technology in agriculture, and corruption.

Uganda’s economic growth has slowed since 2016 as government spending and public debt has grown.

Uganda’s budget is dominated by energy and road infrastructure spending, while Uganda relies on donor support for long-term drivers of growth, including agriculture, health, and education.

The largest infrastructure projects are externally financed through concessional loans, but at inflated costs.

As a result, debt servicing for these loans is expected to rise.

Oil revenues and taxes are expected to become a larger source of government funding as oil production starts in the next three to 10 years.

Over the next three to five years, foreign investors are planning to invest $9 billion in production facilities projects, $4 billion in an export pipeline, as well as in a $2-3 billion refinery to produce petroleum products for the domestic and East African Community markets.

Furthermore, the government is looking to build several hundred million dollars’ worth of highway projects to the oil region.

Uganda faces many economic challenges.

Instability in South Sudan has led to a sharp increase in Sudanese refugees and is disrupting Uganda's main export market.

Additional economic risks include: poor economic management, endemic corruption, and the government’s failure to invest adequately in the health, education, and economic opportunities for a burgeoning young population.

Uganda has one of the lowest electrification rates in Africa - only 22% of Ugandans have access to electricity, dropping to 10% in rural areas.

Industries

sugar, brewing, tobacco, cotton textiles, cement

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$2,100.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

5.2%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$99,610,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$2,100.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

5.2%

GDP - official exchange rate

$24,940,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 72.6% government
• consumption: 8.9% investment in fixed
• capital: 29.7% investment in
• inventories: 0.2% exports of goods and
• services: 22.5% imports of goods and
• services: -33.9%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

26.3%

GDP by Sector- Industry

22.3%

GDP by Sector- services

51.4%

Industrial Growth Rate

6%

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Inflation Rate

9.4%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

Ugandan shilling (UGX)

Currency Name and Code

Uganda Shilling (UGX)

Fiscal Year

1 July - 30 June

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

23.7%

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Labor Force

15,510,000

Major Industries

sugar, brewing, tobacco, cotton textiles, cement

Agriculture Products

coffee, tea, cotton, tobacco, cassava (tapioca), potatoes, corn, millet, pulses; beef, goat meat, milk, poultry, cut flowers

Population Below Poverty Line

35%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

117,266

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

25%

Child Labor - note

note: data represents children ages 5-17

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

82%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

5%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

13%

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Annual Budget

$1,845,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

62.8%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-2.7%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

14.2%

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Full Country Name

Republic of Uganda

Country Name

Uganda

Etymology- history of name

from the name "Buganda," adopted by the British as the designation for their East African colony in 1894; Buganda had been a powerful East African state during the 18th and 19th centuries

Independence

9 October 1962 (from the UK)

National Holiday

Independence Day, 9 October (1962)

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Government Type

presidential republic

Constitution

• history: several previous; latest adopted 27 September 1995, promulgated 8 October 1995
• amendments: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of the Assembly membership in the second and third readings; proposals affecting "entrenched clauses," including the sovereignty of the people, supremacy of the constitution, human rights and freedoms, the democratic and multiparty form of government, presidential term of office, independence of the judiciary, and the institutions of traditional or cultural leaders, also requires passage by referendum, ratification by at least two-thirds majority vote of district council members in at least two thirds of Uganda's districts, and assent of the president of the republic; amended several times, last in 2018

Legal System:

mixed legal system of English common law and customary law

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (since 26 January 1986); Vice President Jessica Rose Epel ALUPO (since 21 June 2021)
• head of government: President Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (since 26 January 1986); Vice President Jessica Rose Epel ALUPO (since 21 June 2021); Prime Minister Robinah NABBANJA (since 21 June 2021); First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca KADAGA (since 24 June 2021); Second Deputy Prime Minister Moses ALI (since 21 June 2021); note - the prime minister is appointed by the president, with the approval of parliament, to coordinate the work of the cabinet and advise the president.
• cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among elected members of the National Assembly or persons who qualify to be elected as members of the National Assembly
• elections/appointments: president directly elected by absolute majority popular vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (no term limits); election last held on 14 January 2021 (next to be held in 2026)
• election results: 2021: Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (NRM) 58.6%, Robert Kyagulanyi SSENTAMU (aka Bobi WINE) (NUP) 34.8%, Patrick Oboi AMURIAT (FDC) 3.2%, other 3.4% 2016: Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI reelected president in the first round; percent of vote - Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI (NRM) 60.6%, Kizza BESIGYE (FDC) 35.6%, other 3.8%

Legislative Branch:

• Description: unicameral National Assembly or Parliament (556 seats; 353 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote, 146 for women directly elected in single-seat districts by simple majority vote, and 30 "representatives" reserved for special interest groups - army 10, disabled 5, youth 5, labor 5, older persons 5; 27 ex officio members appointed by the president; members serve 5-year terms)
• Elections: last held on 14 January 2021 (next to be held in February 2026)
• Election Results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NRM 336, NUP 57, FDC 32, DP 9, UPDF 10, UPC 9, independent 76 (excludes 27 ex-officio members); composition as of February 2024 - men 368, women 189, percentage women 33.9%

Judicial Branch:

• office: justices appointed by the president of the republic in consultation with the Judicial Service Commission, an 8-member independent advisory body, and approved by the National Assembly; justices serve until mandatory retirement at age 70
• subordinate courts: Court of Appeal (also acts as the Constitutional Court); High Court (includes 12 High Court Circuits and 8 High Court Divisions); Industrial Court; Chief Magistrate Grade One and Grade Two Courts throughout the country; qadhis courts; local council courts; family and children courts

Regions or States:

• Summary: 134 districts and 1 capital city*
• Abim
• Adjumani
• Agago
• Alebtong
• Amolatar
• Amudat
• Amuria
• Amuru
• Apac
• Arua
• Budaka
• Bududa
• Bugiri
• Bugweri
• Buhweju
• Buikwe
• Bukedea
• Bukomansimbi
• Bukwo
• Bulambuli
• Buliisa
• Bundibugyo
• Bunyangabu
• Bushenyi
• Busia
• Butaleja
• Butambala
• Butebo
• Buvuma
• Buyende
• Dokolo
• Gomba
• Gulu
• Hoima
• Ibanda
• Iganga
• Isingiro
• Jinja
• Kaabong
• Kabale
• Kabarole
• Kaberamaido
• Kagadi
• Kakumiro
• Kalaki
• Kalangala
• Kaliro
• Kalungu
• Kampala*
• Kamuli
• Kamwenge
• Kanungu
• Kapchorwa
• Kapelebyong
• Karenga
• Kasese
• Kasanda
• Katakwi
• Kayunga
• Kazo
• Kibaale
• Kiboga
• Kibuku
• Kikuube
• Kiruhura
• Kiryandongo
• Kisoro
• Kitagwenda
• Kitgum
• Koboko
• Kole
• Kotido
• Kumi
• Kwania
• Kween
• Kyankwanzi
• Kyegegwa
• Kyenjojo
• Kyotera
• Lamwo
• Lira
• Luuka
• Luwero
• Lwengo
• Lyantonde
• Madi-Okollo
• Manafwa
• Maracha
• Masaka
• Masindi
• Mayuge
• Mbale
• Mbarara
• Mitooma
• Mityana
• Moroto
• Moyo
• Mpigi
• Mubende
• Mukono
• Nabilatuk
• Nakapiripirit
• Nakaseke
• Nakasongola
• Namayingo
• Namisindwa
• Namutumba
• Napak
• Nebbi
• Ngora
• Ntoroko
• Ntungamo
• Nwoya
• Obongi
• Omoro
• Otuke
• Oyam
• Pader
• Pakwach
• Pallisa
• Rakai
• Rubanda
• Rubirizi
• Rukiga
• Rukungiri
• Rwampara
• Sembabule
• Serere
• Sheema
• Sironko
• Soroti
• Tororo
• Wakiso
• Yumbe
• Zombo

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Democratic Party or DP [Norbert MAO]
• Forum for Democratic Change or FDC [Patrick Oboi AMURIAT]
• Justice Forum or JEEMA [Asuman BASALIRWA]
• National Resistance Movement or NRM [Yoweri MUSEVENI]
• National Unity Platform [Robert Kyagulanyi SSENTAMU, known as Bobi WINE]
• People's Progressive Party or PPP [Jaberi Bidandi SSALI]
• Uganda People's Congress or UPC [James AKENA]

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent or grandparent must be a native-born citizen of Uganda dual citizenship
• recognized: yes residency requirement for
• naturalization: an aggregate of 20 years and continuously for the last 2 years prior to applying for citizenship

Capital Name

Kampala

Capital - geographic coordinate

0 19 N, 32 33 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ACP
• AfDB
• ATMIS
• AU
• COMESA
• EAC
• EADB
• FAO
• G-77
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (national committees)
• ICCt
• IDA
• IDB
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• IGAD
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ISO (correspondent)
• ITC
• ITSO
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• MIGA
• NAM
• OIC
• OPCW
• PCA
• UN
• UNCDF
• UNCTAD
• UNECA
• UNDP
• UNFPA
• UNESCO
• UNHCR
• UNICEF
• UNIDO
• UNISFA
• UNOCI
• UNOPS
• UNSOM
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WFP
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador William W. POPP (since 20 September 2023)
• Embassy: 1577 Ggaba Road, Kampala
• Mailing Address: 2190 Kampala Place, Washington DC 20521-2190
• Telephone: [256] (0) 312-306-001
• FAX: [256] (0) 414-259-794
• Email: KampalaWebContact@state.gov
• Website: https://ug.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Robinah KAKONGE (since 12 December 2022)
• Chancery: 5911 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
• Telephone: [1] (202) 726-7100
• FAX: [1] (202) 726-1727
• Email: washington@mofa.go.ug
• Website: https://washington.mofa.go.ug/

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Geographic Location

Africa

Geographic Coordinates

1 00 N, 32 00 E

Total Area

93,065 Square Miles 241,038 Square Kilometers

Land Area

76,100 Square Miles 197,100 Square Kilometers

Water Area

16,964 Square Miles 43,938 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

1,676 Miles 2,698 Kilometers

Border Countries

Democratic Republic of the Congo 765 km, Kenya 933 km, Rwanda 169 km, Sudan 435 km, Tanzania 396 km

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Terrain

mostly plateau with rim of mountains

Highest Point

5,110 Meters

Highest Point Location

Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley 5,110 m

Lowest Point

621 Meters

Lowest Point Location

Lake Albert 621 m

Natural Resources

copper, cobalt, hydropower, limestone, salt, arable land

Irrigated Land

56 Square Miles 144 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

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Climate

The average temperature in Kampala ranges from a high of 85 degrees F at noon to a low of 60 at night.

The temperature changes more during the course of each day than it does from season to season.

The hottest weather occurs from October through March.

Kampala has an annual rainfall of about 63 inches.

During the rainy seasons—March to April and September to October—the weather is cooler.

Frequent, heavy thunderstorms last from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

It seldom rains an entire day, even during the so-called rainy seasons.

Wind gusts that accompany downpours are sometimes strong enough to knock down tree limbs and even an occasional tree.

Red murram dust, which can be a particular problem during dry periods, effects Kampala dwellers when venturing beyond the main asphalt roads.

Terrain

mostly plateau with rim of mountains

Location

East-Central Africa, west of Kenya, east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Total Area

93,065 Square Miles 241,038 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

Democratic Republic of the Congo 765 km, Kenya 933 km, Rwanda 169 km, Sudan 435 km, Tanzania 396 km

Environment - Current Issues

• draining of wetlands for agricultural use
• deforestation
• overgrazing
• soil erosion
• water hyacinth infestation in Lake Victoria
• poaching is widespread

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification

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Exports

$2,941,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$4,474,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

coffee, fish and fish products, tea; gold, cotton, flowers, horticultural products

Major Imports

capital equipment, vehicles, petroleum, medical supplies; cereals

Top Export Partners

Belgium 16.8%, Netherlands 14.3%, Germany 7.9%, Spain 5.8%, US 4.9%, Italy 4.3%, Portugal 4.3%, UK 4.3%, Japan 4%

Top Import Partners

Kenya 46.4%, South Africa 6.9%, India 5.7%, UK 5.6%

Export Partners

Belgium 16.8%, Netherlands 14.3%, Germany 7.9%, Spain 5.8%, US 4.9%, Italy 4.3%, Portugal 4.3%, UK 4.3%, Japan 4%

Import Partners

Kenya 46.4%, South Africa 6.9%, India 5.7%, UK 5.6%

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Country Description

Uganda is a landlocked republic with a developing economy in central eastern Africa.

Tourist facilities abound, but while infrastructure is adequate in Kampala, the capital, it is limited in other areas.

Safety & Security

• Uganda: After years of conflict, relative stability returned to northern Uganda in 2006 when the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebel group fled to neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The vast majority of people internally displaced by the LRA in northern Uganda have since returned home, and the Ugandan government continues to expand and improve the capacity of the civilian police force in northern Uganda by deploying additional personnel and concentrating resources to further recovery and redevelopment activities throughout the north. The Governments of Uganda, the DRC, and Sudan initiated joint military operations against LRA bases in the DRC in December 2008, after LRA leader Joseph Kony refused to sign a peace agreement. These military operations are ongoing, as are LRA attacks on civilian populations in the DRC, Central African Republic, and South Sudan. Like the rest of Uganda, the North suffers from a general lack of infrastructure. Services such as emergency medical care are inadequate, and U.S. citizens are strongly advised to restrict their travel to primary roads and during daylight hours due to hazardous driving conditions, the potential for banditry, and poor roadways. Cattle rustling, armed banditry, and attacks on vehicles are common in the Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda, and the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) continues to implement a program to disarm Karamojong warriors. Past incidents included ambushes of UPDF troops, and attacks on vehicles, residences, and towns that resulted in multiple deaths. Most of the violence occurred in the districts of Kaabong, Kotido, and Abim, although some violent incidents also occurred in Moroto and Nakapiripirit Districts. In February 2010, unknown assailants attacked an NGO convoy near Nakapiripirit. Three people were killed and two others were injured. We recommend U.S. citizens avoid travel to the Karamoja region given the frequent insecurity. For U.S. Embassy personnel, any travel to Karamoja (excluding charter flights to Kidepo National Park) must first be authorized by the Chief of Mission. Southwestern
• Uganda: U.S. citizens traveling in southwestern Uganda should be aware of the historical conflict in the districts of North and South Kivu in the DRC, and the close proximity of fighting to the Ugandan border. The most recent fighting occurred in November 2012. During spikes in the conflict, refugee flows across the border can number in the thousands and there is also a risk of incursions by armed combatants. U.S. citizens should review the Travel Warning for the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the most up-to-date information regarding the conflict in the DRC. On August 8, 2007, a group of armed assailants entered Uganda from the DRC and raided Butogota, a town in Kanungu District, in southwestern Uganda. Three Ugandans were killed and many others assaulted during the raid. Ugandan officials believe that the perpetrators of the attack were members of one of the various militia groups operating in the southeastern region of the DRC or possibly remnants of the "Interahamwe," a group that participated in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and was also responsible for the 1999 attack in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The 1999 Bwindi attack killed four Ugandans and eight foreign tourists. Butogota is in an area transited by tourists tra

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Crime

Crimes such as pick pocketing, purse snatching, and thefts from hotels and parked vehicles or vehicles stalled in traffic jams are common.

The Embassy receives frequent reports of theft of items from locked vehicles, even when the stolen items were secured out of sight and the vehicle was parked in an area patrolled by uniformed security personnel.

Pick pocketing and the theft of purses and bags is also very common on public transportation.

Armed robberies of pedestrians also occur, sometimes during daylight hours and in public places.

Although infrequent, the Embassy has received reports of armed carjackings and highway robbery.

In May 2007, two U.S. citizens reported an attempted robbery when they were traveling near the town of Bugiri in eastern Uganda.

They reported that a second vehicle with at least one armed assailant tried to stop their vehicle by forcing it off the road.

This incident occurred during daylight hours.

On June 27, 2007, two U.S. citizens were robbed and held at gunpoint when the vehicle transporting them to Entebbe Airport was stopped by a group of armed men.

This incident occurred during the early morning hours on Entebbe Road.

Although some of these attacks are violent, victims are generally injured only if they resist.

U.S.

Embassy employees are prohibited from driving during hours of darkness on roads outside the limits of cities and large towns.

Home burglaries also occur and sometimes turn violent.

In April 2008, the Ugandan police reported an increase in armed robberies in the Kampala neighborhoods of Bukoto, Kisaasi, Kiwatule, Naalya, Najera, and Ntinda.

Several of these robberies occurred as the victims were arriving at their residences after nightfall and the assailants struck as they were entering their residential compounds.

Women traveling alone are particularly susceptible to crime.

In November 2009, there were two reported violent sexual assaults against expatriate females.

The victims were single passengers on one of the common modes of public transport known as "boda boda" motorcycle taxis.

Due to inherent traffic and crime risks associated with boda bodas, U.S.

Mission employees and their dependents are strongly discouraged from using them during daylight hours and prohibited from doing so after dark.

If you are the victim of a sexual assault, seek medical assistance and counseling immediately regarding prophylactic treatment to help prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

A list of local medical providers can be found on the U.S.

Embassy website.

In addition, patrons of bars, casinos, nightclubs, and other entertainment centers should never leave their drink or food unattended.

When visiting such establishments, it is advisable to remain with a group of friends, as single individuals are more likely to be targeted.

Victims have included female patrons who reported they were drugged, and taken to another location and sexually assaulted.

Robberies have been facilitated on public transportation under similar circumstances.

In 2006, a U.S. citizen traveling by bus from Kenya to Uganda was incapacitated and robbed on the bus when the passenger accepted a sealed beverage from a fellow traveler.

Expatriates traveling by bus to the popular tourist destination of Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest in southwest Uganda were also incapacitated and robbed when they accepted snacks from fellow bus passengers.

There has been a recent, marked increase in financial crime, including fraud involving wire transfers, credit cards, ATM machines, checks, and advance fee fraud perpetrated via email.

The U.S.

Embassy recommends using money orders for all fund transfers and protecting all bank account and personally identifiable information such as social security numbers and other types of information.

An increasing number of U.S. exporters (primarily vendors of expensive consumer goods such as computers, stereo equipment, and electronics) have been targeted by a sophisticated

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Uganda, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

Persons violating Ugandan laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.In Uganda, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport, or a copy of it, together with your Ugandan visa.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Uganda are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Photography in tourist locations is permitted, however, taking pictures of military/police installations or personnel is prohibited.

Military and police officers have detained tourists for taking photographs of Entebbe Airport and of the area around Owen Falls Dam, near Jinja, although the prohibition on taking photographs is not publicly displayed on signs.

In Uganda, driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

There are also some things that might be legal in Uganda, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Uganda, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go.

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case.

To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

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Medical Facilities

Medical facilities in Uganda, including Kampala, are limited and not equipped to handle most emergencies, especially those requiring surgery.

Outside Kampala, hospitals are scarce and offer only basic services.

Recently, U.S. citizens involved in automobile accidents required immediate evacuation from Uganda, as surgery could not be performed due to insufficient blood supplies at the hospital where they sought treatment.

Equipment and medicines are also often in short supply or unavailable.

Travelers should carry their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines.

Malaria is prevalent in Uganda.

Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area and up to one year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and what antimalarials they have been taking.

In July and November 2012, Uganda experienced outbreaks of Ebola hemorrhagic fever, and in October 2012 an outbreak of Marburg hemorrhagic fever occurred.

There have been recent outbreaks of pneumonic plague, meningitis, yellow fever, and other types of infectious diseases.

U.S. citizens are advised to be aware of the potential for disease outbreaks in Uganda and to always follow health guidelines to minimize risk or exposure.

Due to a polio outbreak, children under the age of five crossing from endemic neighboring countries such as Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Kenya (as well as Nigeria, India and Pakistan where the disease is also prevalent), may be required to receive an oral polio drop vaccination upon entry if not already vaccinated.

In December 2010, as many as seven districts in northern Uganda reported occurrences of yellow fever - including two possible cases from southern Sudan.

Almost all of the reported severe cases (characterized by fever, vomiting and bleeding) continue to be concentrated in three districts, namely Abim (specifically Morulem sub-county), Agago (Omiya P’Chua, Adilang and Paimoi sub-counties), and Kitgum (Orum, Namokora and Kitgum Town Council).

In light of these findings, the U.S.

Mission in Kampala recommends that U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Uganda avoid travel to these areas of Northern Uganda unless they have been vaccinated against yellow fever within the past 10 years.

If vaccinated recently, do not travel to Northern Uganda for at least 10 days after receiving the vaccination.

(Yellow fever vaccinations do not take effect for 10 days.) U.S. government officials who have not been vaccinated for yellow fever are not permitted to travel to the affected areas.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Uganda.

Traffic Safety

While in Uganda, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Uganda is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

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.

Small vans and large buses are often poorly maintained, travel at high speeds, and are the principal vehicles involved in the many deadly single and multi-vehicle accidents along Ugandan roads.

Accident victims have included U.S. citizens traveling in small vans and personal cars, passengers on motorcycle taxis locally known as "boda bodas" (see Crime above), and pedestrians.

Large trucks on the highways are often overloaded, with inadequately secured cargo and poor braking systems.

Alcohol frequently is a contributing factor in road accidents, particularly at night.

Drivers are advised to take extra care when driving.

Nighttime driving and road transportation should be avoided whenever possible.

Pedestrians often walk in the roads and may not be visible to motorists.

Large branches or rocks in the road sometimes indicate an upcoming obstruction or other hazard.

Highway travel at night is particularly dangerous, including the road between Entebbe Airport and Kampala.

The

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Airports - total

47

Airports with Paved Runways

5

Railways

13,433 Miles 21,619 Kilometers

Roadways- total

12,427 Miles 20,000 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

2,028 Miles 3,264 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Entebbe, Jinja, Port Bell

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Telephones

233,500

Cell Phones

4,195,000

Internet Users

2,000,000

Internet Country Code

.ug

Internet Hosts

19,927

Broadcast Media

• public broadcaster, Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), operates radio and TV networks
• Uganda first began licensing privately owned stations in the 1990s
• by 2007 there were nearly 150 radio and 35 TV stations, mostly based in and around Kampala
• transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available in Kampala

Telephone System

• assessment: mobile cellular service is increasing rapidly, but the number of main lines is still deficient; work underway on a national backbone information and communications technology infrastructure; international phone networks and Internet connectivity provided through satellite and VSAT applications
• domestic: intercity traffic by wire, microwave radio relay, and radiotelephone communication stations, fixed and mobile-cellular systems for short-range traffic; mobile-cellular teledensity about 50 per 100 persons in 2010
• international: country code - 256; satellite earth stations - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) and 1 Inmarsat; analog links to Kenya and Tanzania

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

2,068,000,000

Electricity Exports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

30,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

1,160,000,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

14,160,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

16,930

Oil Reserves- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

2,500,000,000

Anthem History

adopted 1962

Anthem Lyrics English

Oh Uganda! may God uphold thee, We lay our future in thy hand.

United, free, For liberty Together we'll always stand.

Oh Uganda! the land of freedom.

Our love and labour we give, And with neighbours all At our country's call In peace and friendship we'll live.

Oh Uganda! the land that feeds us By sun and fertile soil grown.

For our own dear land, We'll always stand: The Pearl of Africa's Crown.