UGANDA
Compiled from the January 2005 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.
Official Name:
Republic of Uganda
PROFILE
Geography
Area: 241,040 sq. km. (93,070 sq. mi.); about the size of Oregon.
Cities: Capital—Kampala (2002 pop. 1.2 million). Other cities—Jinja, Gulu, Mbale, Mbarara.
Terrain: 18% inland water and swamp; 12% national parks, forest, and game reserves; 70% forest, woodland, grassland.
Climate: In the northeast, semi-arid—rainfall less than 50 cm. (20 in.); in southwest, rainfall 130 cm. (50 in.) or more. Two dry seasons: Dec.-Feb. and June-July.
People
Nationality: Noun and adjective—Ugandan(s).
Population: (2003) 26.4 million.
Annual growth rate: (2004 est) 4.0%.
Ethnic groups: African 99%, European, Asian, Arab 1%.
Religions: Christian 66%, Muslim 16%, traditional and other 18%.
Languages: English (official); Luganda and Swahili widely used; other Bantu and Nilotic languages.
Education: Attendance (2000; primary school enrollment, public and private)—89%. Literacy (2003)—70%.
Health: Infant mortality rate—86/1,000. Life expectancy—45.3 yrs.
Government
Type: "Movement" system, with limited operation of political parties.
Constitution: The current constitution was ratified on July 12, 1995, and promulgated on October 8, 1995. The constitution provides for an executive president, to be elected every 5 years. Parliament and the judiciary have significant amounts of independence and wield significant power. President Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, was elected under the new constitution in 1996 and reelected in 2001. The constitution limits the president to two terms. However, an effort is underway to revise the constitution and eliminate the term limit.
Independence: October 9, 1962.
Branches: Executive—president, vice president, prime minister, cabinet. Legislative—parliament. There are 214 directly elected representatives and special indirectly elected seats for representatives of women 56, youth 5, workers 5, disabled 5, and the army 10. The president may also appoint up to 10 ex-officio members. Judicial—Magistrate's Court, High Court, Court of Appeals, Supreme Court.
Administrative subdivisions: 56 districts.
Political parties: (note: political party activity is highly restricted) Uganda People's Congress (UPC), Democratic Party (DP), Conservative Party (CP). There also are political alliances, such as the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), that are not registered as parties.
Suffrage: Universal adult.
National holiday: Independence Day, October 9.
Economy
GDP: (purchasing power parity, 2003) $34.7 billion; (current prices, 2003) $7 billion.
Inflation rate: (2003) 5.1%.
Natural resources: Copper, cobalt, limestone, phosphate.
Agriculture: Cash crops—coffee, tea, cotton, tobacco, sugar cane, cut flowers, vanilla. Food crops—bananas, corn, cassava, potatoes, millet, pulses. Livestock and fisheries—beef, goat meat, milk, nile perch, tilapia.
Industry: Types—processing of agricultural products (cotton ginning, coffee curing), cement production, light consumer goods, textiles.
Trade: (2003) Exports—$628 million: coffee, fish and fish products, tea, electricity, horticultural products, vanilla. Major markets—EU, Kenya, South Africa, U.K., U.S. Imports (2003)—__BODY__.34 billion: vehicles, petroleum, chemical, machinery. Major suppliers—OPEC countries, Kenya, EU, India, South Africa, U.S.
Fiscal year: July 1-June 30.
PEOPLE AND HISTORY
Africans of three main ethnic groups—Bantu, Nilotic, and Nilo-Hamitic—constitute most of the population. The Bantu are the most numerous and include the Baganda, which, with 18% of the population, constitute the largest single ethnic group. Individual ethnic groups in the southwest include the Banyankole and Bahima, 10%; the Bakiga, 8%; the Banyarwanda, 6%; the Bunyoro, 3%; and the Batoro, 3%. Residents of the north, largely Nilotic, include the Langi, 6%, and the Acholi, 4%. In the northwest are the Lugbara, 4%, and the Karamojong, 2%, occupy the considerably drier, largely pastoral territory in the northeast. The Basoga, 8%, are among ethnic groups in the east. Europeans, Asians, and Arabs make up about 1% of the population with other groups accounting for the remainder.
Uganda's population is predominately rural, and its population density highest in the southern regions. Until 1972, Asians constituted the largest nonindigenous ethnic group in Uganda. In that year, the Idi Amin regime expelled 50,000 Asians, who had been engaged in trade, industry, and various professions. In the years since Amin's overthrow in 1979, Asians have slowly returned and now number around 30,000. Other nonindigenous people in Uganda include Arabs, Western missionaries, NGO workers, diplomats and business people.
When Arab traders moved inland from their enclaves along the Indian Ocean coast of East Africa and reached the interior of Uganda in the 1830s, they found several African kingdoms with well-developed political institutions dating back several centuries. These traders were followed in the 1860s by British explorers searching for the source of the Nile River. Protestant missionaries entered the country in 1877, followed by Catholic missionaries in 1879.
In 1888, control of the emerging British "sphere of interest" in East Africa was assigned by royal charter to the Imperial British East Africa Company, an arrangement strengthened in 1890 by an Anglo-German agreement confirming British dominance over Kenya and Uganda. In 1894, the Kingdom of Buganda was placed under a formal British protectorate.
Britain granted internal self-government to Uganda in 1961, with the first elections held on March 1, 1961. Benedicto Kiwanuka of the Democratic Party became the first Chief Minister. Uganda maintained its Commonwealth membership. A second round of elections in April 1962 elected members to a new National Assembly. Milton Obote, leader of the majority coalition in the National Assembly, became prime minister and led Uganda to formal independence on October 9, 1962.
In succeeding years, supporters of a centralized state vied with those in favor of a loose federation and a strong role for tribally-based local kingdoms. Political maneuvering climaxed in February 1966, when Prime Minister Milton Obote suspended the constitution, assumed all government powers, and removed the ceremonial president and vice president. In September 1967, a new constitution proclaimed Uganda a republic, gave the president even greater powers, and abolished the traditional kingdoms. On January 25, 1971, Obote's government was ousted in a military coup led by armed forces commander Idi Amin Dada. Amin declared himself president, dissolved the parliament, and amended the constitution to give himself absolute power.
Idi Amin's 8-year rule produced economic decline, social disintegration, and massive human rights violations. The Acholi and Langi ethnic groups were particular objects of Amin's political persecution because they had supported Obote and made up a large part of the army. In 1978, the International Commission of Jurists estimated that more than 100,000 Ugandans had been murdered during Amin's reign of terror; some authorities place the figure much higher.
In October 1978, Tanzanian armed forces repulsed an incursion of Amin's troops into Tanzanian territory. The Tanzanian force, backed by Ugandan exiles, waged a war of liberation against Amin's troops and Libyan soldiers sent to help him. On April 11, 1979, Kampala was captured, and Amin fled with his remaining forces.
After Amin's removal, the Uganda National Liberation Front formed an interim government with Yusuf Lule as president. This government adopted a ministerial system of administration and created a quasi-parliamentary organ known as the National Consultative Commission (NCC). The NCC and the Lule cabinet reflected widely differing political views. In June 1979, following a dispute over the extent of presidential powers, the NCC replaced Lule with Godfrey Binaisa. In a continuing dispute over the powers of the interim presidency, Binaisa was removed in May 1980. Thereafter, Uganda was ruled by a military commission chaired by Paulo Muwanga. December 1980 elections returned the UPC to power under the leadership of President Obote, with Muwanga serving as vice president. Under Obote, the security forces had one of the world's worst human rights records. In their efforts to stamp out an insurgency led by Yoweri Museveni's National Resistance Army (NRA), they laid waste to a substantial section of the country, especially in the Luwero area north of Kampala.
Obote ruled until July 27, 1985, when an army brigade, composed mostly of ethnic Acholi troops and commanded by Lt. Gen. Basilio Olara-Okello, took Kampala and proclaimed a military government. Obote fled to exile in Zambia. The new regime, headed by former defense force commander Gen. Tito Okello (no relation to Lt. Gen. Olara-Okello), opened negotiations with Museveni's insurgent forces and pledged to improve respect for human rights, end tribal rivalry, and conduct free and fair elections. In the meantime, massive human rights violations continued as the Okello government murdered civilians and ravaged the countryside in order to destroy the NRA's support.
Negotiations between the Okello government and the NRA were conducted in Nairobi in the fall of 1985, with Kenyan President Daniel Moi seeking a cease-fire and a coalition government in Uganda. Although agreeing in late 1985 to a cease-fire, the NRA continued fighting, seized Kampala in late January 1986, and assumed control of the country, forcing Okello to flee north into Sudan. Museveni's forces organized a government with Museveni as president.
Since assuming power, the government dominated by the political grouping created by Museveni and his followers, the National Resistance Movement (NRM or the "Movement"), has largely put an end to the human rights abuses of earlier governments, initiated substantial economic liberalization and general press freedom, and instituted economic reforms in accord with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and donor governments.
A referendum was held in March 2000 on whether Uganda should retain the Movement system or adopt multi-party politics. Although 70% of voters endorsed retention of the Movement system, the referendum was widely criticized for low voter turnout and unfair restrictions on Movement opponents. Museveni was reelected to a second five-year term in March 2001. Parliamentary elections were held in June 2001, and more than 50% of contested seats were won by newcomers. Movement supporters nevertheless remained in firm control of the legislative branch. Observers believed that the 2001 presidential and parliamentary elections generally reflected the will of the electorate; however, both were marred by serious irregularities, particularly in the period leading up to the elections, such as restrictions on political party activities, incidents of violence, voter intimidation, and fraud.
A Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) issued a report proposing comprehensive constitutional change in December 2003. The government, however, took issue with many CRC recommendations and made counterproposals in September 2004. The government currently proposes the introduction of a full multiparty system, an increase in executive authority vis-à-vis the other branches, and the lifting of presidential term limits. The elimination of term limits would clear the way for Museveni to run again in 2006, and there are increasing signs that he wishes to do so. However, this proposal and other suggested constitutional changes have also produced significant controversy. It is not yet clear when or how the constitution will be changed.
The vicious and cult-like Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) continues to murder and kidnap civilians in the north and east. Although the LRA does not threaten the stability of the government, LRA violence has displaced 1.4 million people and created a humanitarian crisis. The Uganda Peoples Defense Force (UPDF) launched "Operation Iron Fist" against LRA rebels in northern Uganda in 2002 and conducted operations against LRA sanctuaries in southern Sudan with the permission of the Sudanese Government. The Sudanese Government had previously given support to the LRA.
In 1998, Uganda deployed a sizable military force to eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), ostensibly to prevent attacks from Ugandan rebel groups operating there. There were widespread allegations that Ugandan military and civilian officials were involved in the illegal exploitation of DRC natural resources. After much international pressure, Uganda withdrew its troops from DRC in June 2003.
GOVERNMENT
The 1995 constitution established Uganda as a republic with an executive, legislative, and judicial branch. The President of Uganda who is the head of state and head of government leads the executive branch. Legislative responsibility is vested in the 305-person Parliament, whose members were elected in June 2001. The Ugandan judiciary operates as an independent branch of government and consists of magistrate's courts, high courts, courts of appeals, and the Supreme Court.
Principal Government Officials
Last Updated: 1/26/05
President: Yoweri Kaguta MUSEVENI
Vice President: Gilbert Balibaseka BUKENYA, Dr.
Prime Minister: Apollo NSIBAMBI
First Dep. Prime Min.: Moses ALI, Lt. Gen.
Second Dep. Prime Min.: Henry KAJURA
Min. for the Presidency: Beatrice WABUDEYA
Min. in the Prime Minister's Office: George Mondo KAGONYERA
Min. of Agriculture, Animal Industry, & Fisheries: Janat MUKWAYA
Min. of Defense: Amama MBABAZI
Min. of Disaster Preparedness & Refugees: Moses ALI, Lt. Gen.
Min. of Economic Monitoring: Kweronda RUHEMBA
Min. of Education & Sports: Geraldine Namirembe BITAMAZIRE
Min. of Energy & Mineral Development: Ssyda Bumba NAMIREMBE
Min. of Finance: Ezra SURUMA
Min. of Foreign Affairs: Sam KUTESA
Min. of Gender, Labor, & Social Services: Zoe Bakoko BAKORU
Min. of Health: Jim MUHWEZI
Min. of Internal Affairs: Ruhakana RUGANDA
Min. of Justice & Constitutional Affairs: Kiddu MAKUBUYA
Min. of Local Govt.: Tarsis KABWEGYERE
Min. of Public Service: Henry KAJURA
Min. of Public Works, Housing, & Communications: John NASASIRA
Min. in Charge of Security: Betty AKECH
Min. of Trade, Industry, Tourism, Wildlife, & Antiquities: Daudi MIGEREKO
Min. of Water, Lands, & Environment: Kahinda OTAFIIRE, Col.
Min. Without Portfolio: Crispus KIYONGA
Min. of State for Agriculture: Israel Kibirige SEBUNYA, Dr.
Min. of State for Animal Industry: Mary MUGENYI
Min. of State for Communications: Tom BUTIME
Min. of State for Defense: Ruth NANKABIRWA
Min. of State for Disaster Preparedness & Refugees: Christine AMONGIN APORU
Min. of State for Economic Monitoring: Omwony OJWOK
Min. of State for the Elderly & People With Disabilities: Florence NAYIGA
Min. of State for Energy: Michael Kafabusa WERIKHE
Min. of State for Entandikwa: Agard DIDI
Min. of State for Environment: Jeje ODONGO, Lt. Gen.
Min. of State for Ethics & Integrity: Timothy LWANGA
Min. of State for Finance (General): Francis Mwesigwa RUKUTANA
Min. of State for Finance (Investments): Semakula KIWANUKA
Min. of State for Finance (Planning): Isaac MUSUMBA
Min. of State for Finance (Privatization): Peter KASENENE
Min. of State for Fisheries: Wanjusi WASIEBA
Min. of State for Gender & Cultural Affairs: Sam BITANGARO
Min. of State for Health: Michael MUKULA
Min. of State for Higher Education: Simon MAYENDE
Min. of State for Housing: Francis BABU, Capt.
Min. of State for Industry: Janet NAMUYANGU
Min. of State for Information: James Nsaba BUTURO
Min. of State for Internal Affairs: Kezimbira MIYINGO
Min. of State for International Affairs: Henry Oryem OKELLO
Min. of State in Charge of Karamoja: Peter Aparite LOKERIS
Min. of State for Labor & Industrial Relations: Henry OBBO
Min. of State for Lands: Baguma ISOKE
Min. of State for Local Government: Richard NDUHUURA
Min. of State for Luwero Triangle: Beatrice ZIRABAMUZAALE
Min. of State for Mineral Development: Kamanda BATARINGAYA
Min. of State for Northern Uganda: Grace OKELLO
Min. of State in the Office of the Vice President: Philip BYARUHANGA
Min. of State for Parliamentary Affairs: Hope Ruhindi MWESIGYE
Min. of State for Primary Education: Nyombi TEMBO
Min. of State for Primary Health Care: Alex KAMUGISHA
Min. of State for Public Service (General): Patrick OKUMU RINGA
Min. of State for Public Service (Pensions): Benigna MUKIIBI
Min. of State for Regional Cooperation: Augustine NSHIMYE SEBUTURO
Min. of State for Sports: Charles BAKABULINDI
Min. of State for Tourism, Wildlife, & Antiquities: Jovina Ayuma AKAKI
Min. of State for Trade: Igeme NABEETA
Min. of State for Transport: Andruale AWUZU
Min. of State for Water: Maria MUTAGAMBA
Min. of State for Youth & Child Affairs: Felix OKOT OGONG
Attorney General: Kiddu MAKUBUYA
Dep. Attorney General: Adolf MWESIGYE
Governor, Bank of Uganda: Emmanuel TUMUSIIME-MUTEBILE
Ambassador to the US: Edith Grace SSEMPALA
Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Francis K. BUTAGIRA
Uganda maintains an embassy in the United States at 5909 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011 (tel. 202-726-7100).
ECONOMY
Uganda's economy has great potential. Endowed with significant natural resources, including ample fertile land, regular rainfall, and mineral deposits, it appeared poised for rapid economic growth and development at independence. However, chronic political instability and erratic economic management produced a record of persistent economic decline that left Uganda among the world's poorest and least-developed countries.
Since assuming power in early 1986, Museveni's government has taken important steps toward economic rehabilitation. The country's infrastructure—notably its transportation and communications systems which were destroyed by war and neglect—is being rebuilt. Recognizing the need for increased external support, Uganda negotiated a policy framework paper with the IMF and the World Bank in 1987. It subsequently began implementing economic policies designed to restore price stability and sustainable balance of payments, improve capacity utilization, rehabilitate infrastructure, restore producer incentives through proper price policies, and improve resource mobilization and allocation in the public sector. These policies produced positive results. Inflation, which ran at 240% in 1987 and 42% in June 1992, was 5.4% for fiscal year 1995-96 and 5.1% in 2003.
Investment as a percentage of GDP was estimated at 20.3% in 2003 compared to 13.7% in 1999. Private sector investment, largely financed by private transfers from abroad, was 14.9% of GDP in 2002. Gross national savings as a percentage of GDP was estimated at 6.4% in 2003.
The Ugandan Government has also worked with donor countries to reschedule or cancel substantial portions of the country's external debts.
Agricultural products supply nearly all of Uganda's foreign exchange earnings, with coffee (of which Uganda is Africa's leading producer) accounting for about 19% and fish 17% of the country's exports in 2002. Exports of non-traditional products, including apparel, hides, skins, vanilla, vegetables, fruits, cut flowers, and fish are growing, while traditional exports cotton, tea, and tobacco continue to be mainstays.
Most industry is related to agriculture. The industrial sector is being rehabilitated to resume production of building and construction materials, such as cement, reinforcing rods, corrugated roofing sheets, and paint. Domestically produced consumer goods include plastics, soap, cork, beer, and soft drinks.
Uganda has about 30,000 kilometers (18,750 mi.), of roads; some 2,800 kilometers (1,750 mi.) are paved. Most radiate from Kampala. The country has about 1,350 kilometers (800 mi.) of rail lines. A railroad originating at Mombasa on the Indian Ocean connects with Tororo, where it branches westward to Jinja, Kampala, and Kasese and northward to Mbale, Soroti, Lira, Gulu, and Kapwach, though the routes west of Kampala and north of Mbale currently are not in use. Uganda's important road and rail links to Mombasa serve its transport needs and also those of its neighbors-Rwanda, Burundi, and parts of Congo and Sudan. An international airport is at Entebbe on the shore of Lake Victoria, some 32 kilometers (20 mi.) south of Kampala.
FOREIGN RELATIONS
The Ugandan Government generally seeks good relations with other nations without reference to ideological orientation. Relations with Rwanda, Congo and Sudan have sometimes been strained because of security concerns. President Museveni has been active in attempts implement a peace agreement Burundi and has supported peace initiatives in Sudan and Somalia.
In the past, neighbors were concerned about Uganda's relationship with Libya, which had supplied military equipment and bartered fuel to Uganda. In addition to its friendly ties to Western nations, Uganda has maintained ties with North Korea. Uganda's has strained relations with Sudan because of past Sudanese support for the LRA. The LRA seeks to overthrow the Uganda Government and has inflicted brutal violence on the population in northern Uganda, including rape, kidnapping, torture, and murder. In 2002 Uganda and Sudan reestablished diplomatic ties and signed a protocol permitting the UPDF to enter southern Sudan and engage the LRA. The protocol must be renewed periodically.
Another rebel group operating in western Uganda and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, near the Rwenzori Mountains, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), emerged as a localized threat in 1996 and inflicted substantial suffering on the population in the area. It has largely been defeated by the UPDF and the affected areas of western Uganda have been secured. Remnants of the ADF remain in eastern Congo.
DEFENSE
The Uganda Peoples Defense Force (UPDF)—previously the National Resistance Army—constitutes the armed forces of Uganda. Prior to 2000, U.S. military forces participated with the UPDF in training activities under the African Crisis Response Initiative. U.S. military assistance was terminated in 2000 as a result of the Ugandan incursion into the DRC. Following the June 2003 UPDF withdrawal of troops from the DRC, the U.S. has restarted limited nonlethal military assistance.
U.S.-UGANDAN RELATIONS
Although U.S.-Ugandan relations were strained during the rule of Idi Amin in the 1970s, relations improved after Amin's fall. In mid-1979, the United States reopened its embassy in Kampala. Relations with successor governments were cordial, although Obote and his administration rejected strong U.S. criticism of Uganda's human rights situation.
Bilateral relations between the United States and Uganda have been good since Museveni assumed power, and the United States has welcomed his efforts to end human rights abuses and to pursue economic reform. Uganda is a strong supporter of the global war against terrorism.
The United States is helping Uganda achieve export-led economic growth through the African Growth and Opportunities Act and provides a significant amount of development assistance. At the same time, the United States is concerned about continuing human rights problems, the pace of progress toward the establishment of genuine political pluralism, and indications that Museveni may seek to change the constitution and seek another term.
U.S. development assistance in Uganda has the overall goal of reducing mass poverty. Most U.S. program assistance is focused in the areas of health, education and agriculture. Both the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have major programs to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Other programs promote trade and investment, curb environmental degradation, encourage the peaceful resolution of local and international conflicts, and promote honest and open government. The United States also provides large amounts of humanitarian assistance to populations without access to adequate food supplies because of conflict, drought and other factors.
U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers are active in primary teacher training and HIV/AIDS programs. The Department of State carries out cultural exchange programs, brings Ful-bright lecturers and researchers to Uganda, and sponsors U.S. study and tour programs for a wide variety of officials from government, non-governmental organizations and the private sector. Through Ambassador's Self-Help Fund, local groups in poor areas receive assistance for small projects with a high level of community involvement. U.S.-Ugandan relations also benefit from significant contributions to health care, nutrition, education, and park systems from U.S. missionaries, non-governmental organizations, private universities, HIV/AIDS researchers, and wildlife organizations. Expatriate Ugandans living in the U.S. also promote stronger links between the two countries.
Principal U.S. Embassy Officials
KAMPALA (E) Address: 1577 Ggaba Road, Kampala, Uganda; Phone: 256-41-259791/2/3/5, 234142; Fax: 256-41-259794; Workweek: 7:30-4:45 MTh; 7:30-12:30 Friday; Website: usembassy.state.gov/Kampala/
| AMB: |
Jimmy Kolker |
| AMB OMS: |
Pearl Drew |
| DCM: |
William Fitzgerald |
| DCM OMS: |
Michelle Stokes |
| PO: |
Post One |
| POL: |
Nathan Holt |
| POL/ECO: |
Andrew Herrup |
| CON: |
Peter Hancon |
| MGT: |
John Lipinski |
| AFSA: |
Michael Gonzales |
| AID: |
Vicki Moore |
| CLO: |
Linda Lipinski |
| DAO: |
Rick Orth |
| ECO: |
Andrew Herrup |
| EEO: |
Mark Nichols |
| FMO: |
Kevin Crews |
| GSO: |
Jan Sittel |
| ICASS Chair: |
Vacant |
| IMO: |
Stella Bulimo-Crews |
| ISO: |
Stella Bulimo-Crews, Kevin Inglis |
| ISSO: |
Shawn Franz |
| PAO: |
Mark Schlachter |
| RSO: |
Bruce Warren |
| State ICASS: |
Andrew Herrup |
| Last Updated: 10/28/2004 |
TRAVEL
Consular Information Sheet
July 8, 2004
Country Description: Uganda is a landlocked developing country in central/east Africa. Infrastructure is adequate in Kampala, the capital, but it is limited in other areas.
Entry/Exit Requirements: A passport, visa and evidence of yellow fever vaccination are required for entry. Travelers should obtain the latest information and details from the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda, 5911 16th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011; telephone (202) 726-7100; Internet site: http://www.ugandaembassy.com; e-mail: ugembassy@aol.com. Travelers may also contact the Ugandan Permanent Mission to the United Nations, telephone (212) 949-0110. Overseas, inquiries may be made at the nearest Ugandan embassy or consulate.
Safety and Security: U.S. citizens living in or planning to visit Uganda should be aware of threats to their safety from insurgent groups, particularly in the northern region near the border with Sudan, along the western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, and in the southwest near the border with Rwanda. Insurgent groups have at times specifically targeted U.S. citizens. They have engaged in murder, armed attacks, kidnapping, and the placement of land mines. Although isolated, incidents occur with little or no warning. In March 2004, two Americans were murdered in northwestern Uganda in Yumbe District; the motive was not immediately clear. Armed banditry is common in the Karamoja region in northeastern Uganda.
Due to potential security concerns, U.S. government employees must have permission from the Chief of Mission to visit the following districts: Kotido, Moroto, Nakapiritpiriti, Apac, Lira, Gulu, Kitgum, Pader, Arua, Nebbi, Kisoro, Kanungu, Yumbe, Moyo, Adjumani, and Bundibugyo. The above-named districts include all or part of several national parks. Tourists contemplating travel in any of these districts are advised to seek the latest security information from Ugandan authorities, tour operators, and the U.S. Embassy. Until further notice, the Embassy recommends that all American citizens resident in Yumbe District consider leaving the district as a precaution.
Due to the recent movement of elements of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in northern Uganda, particularly the districts of Apac, Lira, Gulu, Kitgum, Pader and Adjumani, the level of violence associated with these incursions and an order to target Americans issued in May 2004 by the leader of the LRA, the Embassy strongly recommends against travel to and residence in these districts. Americans resident in these areas should review whether the LRA threats are grounds for temporarily leaving the area.
The Government of Uganda has taken significant steps to improve security in national parks in recent years. The Ugandan army, charged with the safety and welfare of travelers, accompanies tourists on gorilla tracking visits and has greatly increased its presence in the parks. However, there are security concerns associated with pre-dawn and nighttime driving if accommodations are located far away from the gorilla parks. In addition to the general risk of higher accident rates, pre-dawn and nighttime driving also increases the risk of banditry.
The U.S. Embassy recommends against travel to Murchison Falls National Park due to continued activity by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in and around the park. Americans should avoid all road travel in Gulu and Kitgum districts, where the park is located. Prior activity in Murchison Falls National Park in 2001 included at least one incursion into the northern part of the park, when a number of Ugandan tourists were killed.
Rwenzori National Park, on the western border with Congo, was reopened by the Ugandan Government in 2001 in response to decreased rebel activity on the eastern slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains and environs. However, continuing instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo and parts of northern Rwanda make parks in the western border area of Uganda potentially vulnerable to incursion by rebel and vigilante groups operating in Congo and Rwanda.
The U.S. Embassy recommends that visitors seek up-to-date security information from park authorities before entering Mgahinga National Park and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, both in the southwestern corner of Uganda, due to sporadic rebel activity across the Congo/Rwanda border. Rwandan rebel factions with anti-Western and anti-American ideologies are known to operate in areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo that border Uganda. One such rebel group is believed to be responsible for the March 1999 kidnapping and murder of two American and six other tourists in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in western Uganda, as well as the August 1998 abduction of three tourists in a Democratic Republic of Congo national park contiguous with Uganda's Mgahinga National Park.
Crime: Home burglaries do occur and sometimes turn violent. It is not uncommon for armed groups to invade homes. In November 2003, an American citizen was robbed and beaten after leaving a popular nightclub. Incidents of armed vehicle carjackings and armed highway robbery occur throughout the country, especially in urban areas. Although these attacks are often violent, victims are generally injured only if they resist. U.S. Embassy employees are also advised against using roads at night in non-urban areas. Females traveling alone are particularly susceptible to crime. Crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and thefts from parked vehicles or vehicles stalled in traffic jams are common. These offenses also occur on public transportation. Passengers using public transport should under no circumstances accept food or drink from a stranger, even a child, because such food may contain narcotics used to incapacitate a victim and facilitate a robbery.
There has been a recent, marked increase in financial crime, including wire transfer fraud and fraud involving checks. We recommend using money orders for all fund transfers and safe guarding account information.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends, and to explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlets, A Safe Trip Abroad and Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa, for useful information on personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.
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. Equipment and medicines are often in short supply or unavailable. Travelers generally should carry their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. A list of medical providers is available at the U.S. Embassy.
Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the United States may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.
Other Health Information: Malaria is prevalent in Uganda. P. falciparum malaria, the serious and sometimes fatal strain in Uganda, is resistant to the anti-malarial drug chloroquine. Because travelers to Uganda are at high risk for contracting malaria, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that travelers should take one of the following antimalarial drugs: mefloquine (Lariamtm), doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil (Malaronetm). The CDC has determined that a traveler who is on an appropriate antimalarial drug has a greatly reduced chance of contracting the disease. In addition, other personal protective measures, such as the use of insect repellents, help to reduce malaria risk.
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. For additional information on malaria, protection from insect bites, and antimalarial drugs, please visit the CDC Travelers' Health web site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/malinfo.htm.
Further information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith or http://www.cdc.gov/travel/
Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens 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 it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance:
Safety of Public Transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor
Most inter-city transportation in Uganda is by small van or large bus. Many drivers of these vehicles have little or no training and are often reckless. Small vans and large buses are usually poorly maintained, travel at high speeds, and are the principal vehicles involved in the many single and multi-vehicle accidents along Ugandan roads. Large trucks on the highways are often precariously over-loaded, with cargo inadequately secured. Alcohol frequently is a contributing factor in road accidents, particularly at night. Drivers are advised to take extra care when driving. Driving standards are low, vehicles are often poorly maintained, large potholes are ubiquitous, and adequate signage and shoulders are almost non-existent. Highway travel at night is particularly dangerous. 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.
Traffic accidents draw crowds. Ugandan law requires that the drivers stop and exchange information and assist any injured persons. In some cases where serious injury has occurred, there is the possibility of mob anger. In these instances, Ugandans often do not get out of their cars, but drive to the nearest police station to report the accident.
For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html. For specific information concerning Ugandan driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact the Uganda Tourist Board, IPS building, 14, Parliament Avenue, Kampala, Uganda; telephone 256-41-242-196/7. You may also wish to consult their web site: http://myuganda.co.ug.
Aviation Safety Oversight: Several weekly flights to Europe are available on international airlines. Kenya Airways has daily flights between Kampal's airport at Entebbe and Nairobi, and regional airlines operate weekly flights to other destinations in Africa such as Dar Es Salaam, Addis Ababa, Cairo and Johannesburg. As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and Uganda by local carriers at present, nor economic authority to operate such service, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Ugandan Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Uganda's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the United States at telephone 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm.
Customs Regulations: Ugandan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the importation of pets. A Ugandan import permit is required along with an up-to-date rabies vaccination certificate and a veterinary certificate of health issued by a USDA-approved veterinarian no more than thirty days before arrival. Travelers are advised to contact the Ugandan Embassy in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Ugandan laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Uganda are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Once imprisoned in Uganda, there are frequently long delays in judicial processing. Food, sanitation, and medical care in the overcrowded Ugandan prisons are poor.
Under the PROTECT Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the United States, for a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien, to engage in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18, whether or not the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien intended to engage in such illicit sexual conduct prior to going abroad. For purposes of the PROTECT Act, illicit sexual conduct includes any commercial sex act in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18. The law defines a commercial sex act as any sex act, on account of which anything of value is given to or received by a person under the age of 18.
Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act of 1998, it is a crime to use the mail or any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transmit information about a minor under the age of 16 for criminal sexual purposes that include, among other things, the production of child pornography. This same law makes it a crime to use any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transport obscene materials to minors under the age of 16.
Special Circumstances: ATM machines are available in Uganda, particularly in downtown Kampala, but most can only be used by customers who have an account with that specific Ugandan bank. Few machines function with overseas accounts. Banks and exchange bureaus have a higher exchange rate for the one hundred dollar bill and the fifty dollar bill. Bills of smaller denominations are exchanged at a lower rate. There are several offices handling Western Union transfers in Kampala.
Photography Prohibition: Photography in tourist locations is permitted. However, taking pictures of military/police installations or personnel is prohibited. Military and police officers have also detained tourists for taking photographs of part of Entebbe Airport and of the area around Owen Falls Dam.
Children's Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our web site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone (202) 736-7000.
Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Kampala and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Uganda. The chancery is located at Gaba Road, Kansanga, Kampala; telephone 256-41-234-142; fax 256-41-258-451; e-mail: ConsularKampala@state.gov. The U.S. Embassy website is http://kampala.usembassy.gov.
