U.S. Urges Citizens to “Reconsider Travel” to Uganda Ahead of 2026 Elections
December 21, 2025
The United States has issued a stark warning to its citizens planning to visit Uganda, advising them to reconsider their travel plans due to escalating security concerns ahead of the country’s general elections. The advisory highlights the risk of violence, political unrest, and a government crackdown on opposition and media.
🔍 Key Points of the Advisory
The U.S. Department of State’s official Travel Advisory for Uganda remains at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, citing four primary risk indicators: Crime (C), Terrorism (T), Civil Unrest (U), and Other (O).
· Election-Related Unrest: The advisory directly links the warning to the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections on January 15, 2026. It notes that Ugandan security forces have recently used force, including live ammunition, tear gas, and batons, to control crowds at political rallies.
· A Pattern of Violence: U.S. officials warn that past elections in Uganda have been marked by violent outbreaks. Citizens are told to avoid all large gatherings, demonstrations, and political events.
· Broader Security Threats: Beyond the election, the advisory warns of high risks of violent crime, terrorism targeting public spaces, and the severe dangers posed by the country’s Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA), which prescribes harsh penalties including life imprisonment.
🛡️ Specific Safety Instructions for Travelers
For U.S. citizens who choose to travel, the Embassy provides a detailed list of actions to take:
· Avoid Politics: Do not engage in political events or demonstrations. Avoid wearing clothing in colors associated with Ugandan political parties (red, yellow, purple, blue).
· Prepare for Disruptions: Past elections have seen disruptions to internet, mobile networks, and social media. Establish a communication plan with family and ensure you have cash, as ATMs and mobile money may not work.
· Shelter-in-Place Readiness: Prepare 5-7 days of food, water, and medicine in case you need to remain indoors.
· Enroll in STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive direct security updates from the U.S. Embassy.
🌍 International Concern Over Election Conduct
The U.S. warning aligns with growing international alarm. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, recently deplored the “intensifying crackdown” on opposition and media ahead of the vote.
· UN reports cite over 550 arrests of opposition members and supporters since the beginning of the year, with more than 300 arrested since campaigning began in September.
· Security forces have been deployed at opposition rallies, and there are credible reports of arbitrary detentions, torture, and the use of unmarked vehicles (“drones”) to transport people to unofficial detention sites.
🤝 Ugandan Police Response
The Uganda Police Force has acknowledged isolated violent incidents during campaigns but states that the process remains “relatively calm.” In a security brief, it referenced a December 6 incident in Gulu involving opposition candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, where reports of officers “caning civilians” were deemed “regrettable, undesirable and unfortunate”.
The police call for all candidates to avoid inflammatory statements and promise to investigate any security personnel found acting outside lawful limits.
🧭 Guidance for Travelers
The U.S. is not alone in its caution. The Government of Canada also advises travelers to “exercise a high degree of caution” in Uganda, citing the threat of terrorism, high crime, and political tensions ahead of the elections.
American citizens in Uganda are urged to monitor local news, follow instructions from authorities, and stay aware of their surroundings. In case of emergency, they should contact the U.S. Embassy in Kampala.
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