The US Department of State has kept Uganda at Level 4, the top tier of its four-level travel warning system. Citizen Digital reported that the advisory, issued on Monday, tells American citizens not to go to Uganda "for any reason". It cites four risk indicators: crime, health, terrorism and civil unrest. Kenyans.co.ke and Hiiraan Online reported that Somalia, South Sudan and DR Congo were also placed at Level 4.
The advisory warns that violent crime can happen at any time. According to Citizen Digital, the highest risk is in major urban centres, the Karamoja region and areas along Uganda's western and northern borders. Kenyans.co.ke said the advisory also flags armed robberies, home invasions and sexual assaults. The advisory names religious venues, schools, government buildings, police stations, transport hubs and tourist sites, including national parks, as possible terror targets.
On unrest, the US says protests can break out with little or no warning, especially around political and election-related events. Kenyans.co.ke reported that the advisory notes security officers have used tear gas, batons and rubber bullets on protesters in the past. It also points to Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023. The law criminalises consensual same-sex relations, applies to foreigners too and carries a penalty of life imprisonment.
Health weighs heavily. Citizen Digital reported that the US raised Uganda from Level 3 to Level 4 on May 17, 2026. The move followed the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in Ituri Province in DR Congo. A June 4 update kept the top level. The US says the Ebola outbreak limits its ability to give emergency consular help to Americans in Uganda.
Roads are another concern. The State Department says 25,808 people were casualties of road crashes in Uganda in 2024, including 5,144 reported deaths. It warns against highway travel after dark. US Embassy staff may not drive at night on roads outside major cities and towns, except on the Kampala-Entebbe airport road.
Somalia was listed over crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, health concerns and landmines. DR Congo was flagged for health, crime, unrest, terrorism and kidnapping. According to Kenyans.co.ke, Americans already in these countries are advised to register with the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program, avoid demonstrations and prepare emergency departure plans. Other Level 4 countries include Sudan, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan and North Korea.