Welcome to Uganda 😊

Quick Facts About Uganda

Money and Finances

The currency of Uganda is the Ugandan shilling (UGX) with denominations of coins ranging from 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 shillings. Notes are issued in 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 shillings.

ATM Network

ATMs can be found in major cities and towns throughout Uganda, but may be limited in rural areas. It's advised to bring enough cash when travelling to remote areas.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and restaurants in larger cities like Kampala, but it's recommended to carry cash when travelling throughout the country. Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than AMEX.

Internet and Phones

In Uganda, the average internet speed for uploads and downloads is relatively slow at 4.27 Mbps and 6.43 Mbps respectively. There is no significant government interference in internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

MTN Uganda and Airtel are the two major telco companies in Uganda. The average cost for a mobile phone plan is around UGX 50,000 per month. There are no known sim compatibility issues in Uganda.

Dialling to Uganda

To call Uganda from another country, dial the international access code followed by the country code +256 and then the phone number. Within Uganda, area codes are used for landline numbers with the most common being 041 for Kampala and 039 for Entebbe and Mukono.

Transport Around Uganda

Air Travel

Uganda has one major international airport, Entebbe International Airport, which is located about 35km from the capital city of Kampala. There are also several domestic airports scattered throughout the country.

Train Travel

There is no inter-city train network in Uganda.

Metro / Local Trains

There are no metro systems in Uganda.

Buses

Buses are the primary mode of long distance transport in Uganda, with several bus companies operating throughout the country. Example ticket prices for a bus ride from Kampala to Jinja range from 10,000 to 15,000 Ugandan Shillings, and the journey takes around 2 hours.

Rideshare

Rideshare companies such as SafeBoda and Uber operate in Uganda, with average travel prices varying depending on distance and time of day.

Driving by Car

Driving in Uganda can be quite challenging due to poorly maintained roads and aggressive drivers. The speed limit in urban areas is 50km/h and 80km/h on highways. Uganda drives on the left side of the road.

Local Customs

In Uganda, it is not customary to tip, but it is appreciated when given. Locals usually greet each other with a handshake, although some may bow. When speaking with strangers, it is important to use formal language and titles until a familiarity is established. Men and women address each other using formal titles, such as 'sir' or 'madam'.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Uganda's public health system is underfunded and lacks resources, leading to often poor healthcare outcomes for citizens. Private clinics and hospitals offer better quality care, but can be expensive. Medical insurance is recommended for travelers to Uganda and can cost around $50 USD per month. A visit to a doctor can cost between $10-50 USD depending on the type of care required.

COVID Situation

Uganda has taken strict measures to control the spread of COVID-19, including lockdowns, curfews, and mandatory mask wearing in public. As of August 2021, Uganda has reported over 92,000 cases and over 2,400 deaths. Vaccines are available to the public, with over 2 million doses administered.

Common Health Risks

Malaria is a common risk in Uganda, particularly in rural areas. Travelers are advised to take prophylaxis medication and use insect repellent and mosquito nets. Food and waterborne illnesses are also a concern, so it is important to drink only bottled water and avoid street food that may be improperly prepared.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Uganda, alcohol consumption is legal and widely accepted. However, there are certain restrictions on the sale of alcohol, particularly to minors and pregnant women. In addition, public intoxication is generally prohibited and can result in fines or imprisonment.

Recreational Drugs

Drug use in Uganda is illegal, and possession of even a small amount of drugs can result in severe punishment, including long prison sentences or even the death penalty. This includes soft drugs such as cannabis or party drugs.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Although pre-marital relationships are common in Uganda, there are legal and cultural restrictions on pre-marital sex. Some traditional and religious communities view pre-marital sex as immoral and unacceptable. However, there is no specific legislation criminalizing it and it is not actively enforced.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

The Penal Code in Uganda criminalizes homosexuality. The LGBTQ community in Uganda is marginalized and faces significant discrimination and legal persecution. Same-sex marriage and other same-sex relationships are illegal, and individuals who identify as LGBTQ can face imprisonment.

Firearms / Guns

In Uganda, the use of firearms is regulated by law. A permit is required to own or possess firearms, and the illegal possession of firearms can result in lengthy prison sentences. The use of firearms in self-defense is legally permissible only in limited circumstances.