Town in Central Region, Uganda
Is Entebbe safe?
The US State Department advises against all travel to Uganda.
Is Entebbe safe?
The US State Department advises against all travel to Uganda. Calmer than Kampala, with low violent crime. Watch phones and bags near the lake road at night and be careful on boda rides.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 2/5, high risk.
- US travel advisory: Level 4: Do not travel, updated 2025-12-07.
- Homicide rate in Uganda: 9.0 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Uganda: 29.4 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · All emergencies 112.
Safety in Entebbe at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 2/5 · High risk |
| Crime | Opportunistic theft of phones and bags, occasional room break-ins, and taxi overcharging around the airport. |
| At night | Quiet after 21:00. Pre-book taxis or use Uber and Bolt rather than walking dark lake roads. |
| Solo women | Generally comfortable. Expect friendly attention and some catcalling; use app taxis after dark and stay in busy lakeside areas. |
| Other risks | Bilharzia in lake shallows; Malaria; use repellent; Road crashes on the Kampala–Entebbe highway |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Airport taxi touts quoting inflated fares to Kampala
- Fake guides for botanical gardens and the shoebill swamp
- Boda drivers adding fees after agreeing a price
Take care
- Lakeshore paths after dark: isolated and poorly lit
- Swimming in Lake Victoria: bilharzia risk
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Homosexuality is criminalised under the 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act, with severe penalties
- Photographing soldiers, government buildings and the airport is prohibited
- Camouflage clothing is banned for civilians
How Entebbe compares in Uganda
Quick answers
Is Entebbe safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable. Expect friendly attention and some catcalling; use app taxis after dark and stay in busy lakeside areas.
Is Entebbe safe at night?
Quiet after 21:00. Pre-book taxis or use Uber and Bolt rather than walking dark lake roads.
What is the crime rate in Entebbe?
Opportunistic theft of phones and bags, occasional room break-ins, and taxi overcharging around the airport. Nationally, Uganda records 9.0 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Entebbe?
Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · All emergencies 112.
More about Entebbe
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (Entebbe)
- Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
- Uganda Tourism Board
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.