Kampala expats share their experiences and advice about moving to Uganda with a young family. (It’s mostly very positive!)
I regularly receive questions about moving to work in Uganda and about expat life in Kampala. There are so many great things to say about Uganda but visiting for a couple of weeks isn’t the same as living here. If you’re travelling to the country on safari, or to track the gorillas, you may bypass the capital city entirely, but I love Kampala! It may be intense but the buzz can be addictive.
Is Uganda safe to visit? FOR COMMENTS ON LATEST NEWS, scroll down to the post comments
Below is a typical question I received via WhatsApp recently, in response to my popular post “Uganda for beginners – a guide for new expats.” My posts have hundreds of questions from readers – and I reply to them all – however, I thought it would be useful to share answers to this common question. Names have been withheld but all comments are genuine.
“I am moving to Kampala in a few months with my wife and our 3 year old daughter. Of course the worst thing you can do is Google ‘is Uganda safe?’ Lots of words like terrorism and don’t travel. Can you give any info or advice on safety for a young family. I have been to Angola and Uganda for short periods by myself and must admit I felt very comfortable in Kampala. Are the current precautions in place by other governments just that or are there real issues ongoing? Thank you in advance.”
I have my own views and experiences (since moving here in 2009) but was interested in what the expat community would advise. Here are some of their comments.
Is Uganda safe? Uganda is very safe in my opinion. Crowded areas are – as everywhere in the world – places where you’ve to pay more attention but Ugandans are very homely and friendly. For me the most dangerous thing is the road in the sense of accidents.
Kampala Expat
The muzungu: I agree. Traffic and road safety are likely to be the biggest daily concern.
Crowded places are safer than empty streets in terms of violent crime, though you might get your pockets picked
Kampala Expat
One expat added “I wouldn’t recommend that women walk alone at night.”
In my humble opinion the biggest threats are the night clubs and overnight church services… and traffic. Other than that, it’s a great place to live and there is plenty for kids to do. The key in Kampala at least is to live close to work and school.
Kampala Expat
Is Uganda safe? Yes, road safety and electronic-device-thefts are the two primary concerns. Terrorism is no more a threat here than in the countries which issue the warnings – indeed is probably even less of a concern here – but is a possibility anywhere in the world, sadly. I feel like my children are safe from threat of kidnapping and such. Now the trash burning and air quality in Kampala are pretty bad. If they have any lung issues (allergies, asthma, etc.) that’s something to consider. I’m personally having health issues because of it.
Kampala Expat
Another person agreed that “The overall air quality in Kampala is bad. Wish someone had told me so I could have made a decision about it beforehand.”
I find Uganda massively child friendly having moved here from London 2 years ago. We were here for the bombs which were scary but didn’t feel like they directly targeted us. You can be in the wrong place at the wrong time but more of that kind of thing has happened in my home city than here so I guess it depends where you are coming from. My main concerns here for the kids are them getting seriously sick (not happened as yet), traffic accidents outside of Kampala as traffic is slow moving in the city so unlikely to hurt a child in a car.
Kampala Expat
The muzungu: I agree the bombings were very scary but I worked in London when we had bombs on the buses and Tube… It’s a reminder that terrorism can strike anywhere…
A mother agreed that “My kids have a much more carefree existence here in Uganda than in London.”
Thanks to all of you for the unbiased review of Uganda. Life in Uganda can be quite addictive. Once in you may find it hard to leave.
Kampala Expat
“Best practice is to forward government travel advisories straight to the bin”
Is Uganda safe? I personally stopped reading the travel advise as it makes you scared for no reason. I feel the general travel advise given by western governments about developing countries is based on the 60’s and 70’s and not much has been updated. So i generally tell people to give Uganda a trial period of 3 months as you can either love it or hate or be in the middle as the advises based on individual persons are so biased and not a representation of the local populace and country or counties. above all they should see Uganda with the local lenses.
Kampala Expat
“Uganda is a beautiful country full of really nice and friendly people. Come and have a very enjoyable life experience. Most of the above comments are correct and good advice.”
We have just arrived in Kampala 3 weeks ago. We are still finding our way around, but we generally feel safe, my biggest issue is the traffic and crazy driving and the vendors at traffic lights. Bring a car seat. Also visit the house you want to rent at night… nightclubs are 7 days a week and no mercy on the volume. Lol. We are moving already 臘♀️. But it’s not a bad place, delicious fresh fruits and vegetables from the markets, people are very friendly too. I had the same concerns coming here with my kids (3 & 7).
Kampala Expat
Is Uganda safe? The most beautiful & the most crazy. We live in a pollution-free part of Kampala, no humidifiers necessary or air cleaners & I love it so much I haven’t been back to England since I’ve left. Cost of living is amazing & the ability to grow a business & also retire at the same time is amazing. Opportunities here are in abundance & just like anywhere in the world just have to focus on your child’s habit of learning outside of the education curriculum. I wish to be able to fall in love with this city all over again outside of when initially did when I first arrived ❤️
Kampala Expat
“Is Uganda safe? Kampala is relatively safe for a city of its size and nature. It has some rough edges, but I wouldn’t say it’s dangerous except for the roads.”
The muzungu: government travel advisories are always very cautious, since if anything goes wrong, your government will have a responsibility to protect you. Sometimes, I can’t recognise the country advisories are writing about! And they are always skewed against developing countries. It is always best to check with local people if you have any doubts about the security of a destination.
The muzungu writes one last thought: Uganda has a thriving expat community of many different nationalities. You will find plenty of support for you and your family. If you’re a tourist, rest assured no-one is going to advise you to come to Uganda and put you at any known risk. Keep asking questions, listen to – and take heed of – local advice and you will have a fantastic experience!
Ref EBOLA [outbreak contained].
“It’s the American government, drunk with power” an American expat commented to me today after the announcement below from CDC.
But first, a German doctor who works in Kampala:
“I was just listening into the ongoing WHO Africa press conference:
In the last 3 days only one new case [of Ebola] emerged and Dr. Yonas Tegegn WOLDEMARIAM – who is the WHO country representative for Uganda – is positive that this outbreak will very soon be under complete control. He stated that development partners as well as the [Ugandan] Government are pulling together all available resources.
The total [Ebola] cases now stand at 44 and are still fully contained to the initial regions. Still no case in Kampala or immediate surroundings.”
And what has CDC said?
DESPITE the fact that Ebola appears to be contained (and specifically, NOT in the capital and NOWHERE NEAR the airport OR any tourist areas) the American Center for Disease Control announced Health Alert – Enhanced Screening at Designated U.S. Airports.
“As of October 6, at 11:59p.m. EST, all U.S.-bound passengers who have been in Uganda in the 21 days prior to their arrival will be routed to one of the following designated airports: New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), or Washington (IAD) for enhanced screening. Out of an abundance of caution, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will apply new layers of screening at these five U.S. airports in response to the Ebola outbreak in Uganda.”
“Out of an abundance of caution” CDC have wiped out jobs and plunged a recovering post-pandemic tourism industry back into despair. It’s outrageous and as someone who lives in Uganda – and who drives through Mubende District fairly regularly – I tell you honestly: the feeeling here is that we have this under control. Uganda has a very well-documented history of managing Ebola outbreaks. If you’re planning a trip to Uganda, please don’t be put off.
This act of ‘pulling up the drawbridge’ puts me off visiting the US again, I tell ya!
Got a question?
Or more advice to share?
All questions get a personal response.
I can only say thanks for such a wonderful write since I am thinking to visit Uganda every year. Settle there? I don’t know yet but is a possibility so again, thanks for your review. You are the best.
Muchas gracias Mario!
You know what I always say about Uganda: people like you and me stay – or we keep coming back 😉
Looking forward to meeting up with you on your next trip to the Pearl of Africa.
Ref EBOLA [outbreak contained]
President Museveni has announced strict (temporary) travel restrictions in and out of the area where the Ebola outbreak started.
Here’s my take on this:
It doesn’t mean the situation is necessarily getting worse, only that we are being super vigilant. Travelers on the Fort Portal / Mubende / Kampala road report that today the travel restrictions are being strictly enforced.
Mubende is a long way from the airport, a long way from Kampala; it’s not a tourist area.
Thank you so much for this beautiful article. It was a delight to read. Uganda is truly a wonderful place and quite addictive too. Everyone should disregard the foreign travel advisories. You might miss out on one of the friendliest place & people. ❤️
Hi Edgar Thanks for dropping by.
Glad you liked the article – it’s simply (an unedited) reflection of how expats view life in Uganda.
Travel advisories do have their place but they frequently cause far more long-term collateral damage than necessary.
Beautifully said.
Thanks or dropping by Edgar 🙂
Uganda is one of the most vibrant places you could hope to visit. The lovely great smile from my boda boda driver this morning reminded me of that!
But let’s be honest:
Ebola…
Passing of the Anti-homosexuality Bill…
Suspected ADF rebels attack a school near a border with the DRC…
2023 is proving to be a difficult year for Uganda.
1. Ebola has been completely contained. WHO has confirmed that.
2. Tourists are very unlikely to be affected by the Anti-homosexuality Bill (despite what the law says).
3. The ADF incident of June 17th is two hours from Kasese / Queen Elizabeth National Park and no reason to postpone a trip. The UPDF, police (and the world) are now closely watching this corner of the country.
If you have any concerns, you’re welcome to message me directly.
2023 hasn’t been the best year for security in Uganda, but we’re confident this period of insecurity will end very soon.
We in the tourism industry always wince when we see bad news about Uganda (or any other African country to be honest). Remember, travel advisories always err on the cautious. For the latest intelligence, always contact a local or a resident like me.
Here on the edge of Kibale Forest we have regular patrols. You might say “the chimps are protecting us.” The presence of chimpanzees means we see tourists and armed rangers daily.
Did you know that in 2023 Uganda was voted Best African Safari Destination by travellers and Africa travel experts? That speaks volumes about her welcoming people and the country’s fabulous landscapes and wildlife.