Capital city in Central Region, Uganda
Is Kampala safe?
The US State Department advises against all travel to Uganda.
Is Kampala safe?
The US State Department advises against all travel to Uganda. Manageable with care. Phone and bag snatching and boda-boda crashes are the main dangers; violent crime against visitors is uncommon but rises at night.
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 Kampala at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 2/5 · High risk |
| Crime | Phone and bag snatching from passing motorbikes, pickpocketing in taxi parks and markets, and occasional robberies on dark streets after midnight. |
| At night | Use Uber, Bolt or SafeBoda after dark and avoid walking, even short distances. Nightlife areas are busy but thieves target drunk or distracted people. |
| Solo women | Doable with normal care. Expect catcalling and persistent attention; use ride apps at night, not street bodas, and watch drinks in clubs. |
| Other risks | Boda-boda crashes; wear a helmet and insist on one; Malaria; Kampala is lower risk but still present; Heavy rain flooding roads and drains |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Boda and taxi drivers quoting double 'muzungu' prices; agree before riding
- Fake safari agents and gorilla-permit sellers; buy from Uganda Wildlife Authority
- Fake 'police' or officials asking for on-the-spot fees
Take care
- Taxi Park and Owino Market: dense crowds, snatch thieves
- Walking with a phone in hand near roads
- Protests and election periods: police use tear gas
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 Kampala compares in Uganda
Quick answers
Is Kampala safe for solo female travelers?
Doable with normal care. Expect catcalling and persistent attention; use ride apps at night, not street bodas, and watch drinks in clubs.
Is Kampala safe at night?
Use Uber, Bolt or SafeBoda after dark and avoid walking, even short distances. Nightlife areas are busy but thieves target drunk or distracted people.
What is the crime rate in Kampala?
Phone and bag snatching from passing motorbikes, pickpocketing in taxi parks and markets, and occasional robberies on dark streets after midnight. Nationally, Uganda records 9.0 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Kampala?
Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · All emergencies 112.
More about Kampala
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Uganda Wildlife Authority
- Entebbe International Airport (CAA Uganda)
- 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.