The United States has maintained Uganda on its highest travel warning, advising American citizens against visiting the country because of concerns over violent crime, terrorism, health risks and possible civil unrest.
Uganda remains under Level 4, the most serious category in the US Department of State’s travel advisory system. The warning places the country among 23 destinations that the US government considers too dangerous for its citizens to travel to.
In a post published on its official TravelGov account on 9 November 2026, the State Department reiterated that Level 4 advisories apply to countries where security or other conditions pose serious risks to travellers, or where the US government has limited capacity to provide emergency assistance to its citizens.
According to the US Embassy in Kampala, Uganda’s advisory was last reviewed on 4 June 2026, with the country retaining its Level 4 classification.
The warning identifies four major concerns behind the decision.
1. Health risks and Ebola concerns
One of the concerns cited is the Ebola outbreak linked to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in May 2026.
The outbreak has affected the provision of some US consular services in Uganda and resulted in restrictions involving border crossings and public gatherings.
The US government considers these health-related developments a potential risk to American citizens visiting or living in the country.
2. Violent crime
The US Embassy also warns American citizens about violent crime, including armed robbery, home invasions and sexual assault.
The risks are considered particularly high in urban areas, the Karamoja sub-region and districts near Uganda’s borders.
The advisory further warns that Uganda’s police response capacity is limited, meaning victims of crime may not always receive timely assistance.
3. Terrorism threats
Terrorism is another major reason Uganda remains on the highest warning level.
The US government says terrorist attacks could target religious institutions, schools, government buildings, transport facilities and tourist destinations, including national parks.
The warning means American visitors are being advised against travelling to Uganda because of the possibility of attacks in places commonly used by both residents and tourists.
4. Political unrest and protests
The advisory also points to the possibility of demonstrations and political protests breaking out with little warning.
It notes that political events could trigger unrest and that security forces have used force to disperse demonstrations during previous incidents.
The US government therefore considers public gatherings and periods of political tension potential security threats to its citizens.
5. Concerns over Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act
The advisory also highlights risks associated with Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023, warning that people could face legal consequences based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation.
The law is another consideration for Americans travelling to or living in Uganda.
The US Department of State has four travel advisory levels. Level 1 advises travellers to exercise normal precautions, Level 2 recommends increased caution, Level 3 advises reconsidering travel, while Level 4 recommends that citizens do not travel to the affected destination.
The highest classification also reflects situations where the US government may have limited ability to provide assistance to its citizens during emergencies.
Uganda’s continued placement on the list is significant for its tourism industry because the United States is an important source of international visitors. The warning could discourage American tourists from visiting the country, affecting businesses that depend on international travel.
Uganda is among 23 destinations on the list highlighted in the 9 November 2026 TravelGov update.
They include Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Myanmar, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Niger, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine and Yemen.
