Wayzata World Factbook 1996/The World Factbook - 1996 Edition - Wayzata Technology (3079) (1996).iso/pc/text/tvltxt/uganda.tvl

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Uganda - Consular Information Sheet
September 21, 1994

Country Description:  Uganda is a developing East African nation.  Tourism
facilities are adequate in Kampala, but are limited in other areas.

Entry Requirements:  A passport is required; a visa is not required for U.S.
citizens.  Evidence of immunization for yellow fever, cholera and typhoid is
often requested.  Uganda levies a 20 US-dollar departure tax, payable in
cash (dollars or shillings) at Entebbe Airport.  Further entry information
may be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda, 5909 16th
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011, telephone [phone], or the
Ugandan Permanent Mission to the United Nations, telephone [phone].

Areas of Instability:  Because of a resurgence of rebel and bandit activity
and renewed fighting in the area along the Sudanese border, travel in the
northern part of Uganda is extremely dangerous.  There have been at least
two instances of land mine explosions in the roads north of Gulu.
Additionally, random acts of violence involving American and other tourists
have occurred in northern Uganda, such as a grenade attack at a tourist
hotel in Arua.

The area affected encompasses the entire northern part of Uganda (Arua,
Moyo, Gulu, Nebbi, Kitgum, Lira, Apac, Kotido, Moroto and Soroti districts).
 Travel in this area, whether by private vehicle, in convoys or by official
vehicle (UN program vehicle, etc.) is unsafe.  Vehicles have been stopped
and destroyed, and passengers have been robbed and/or killed.  The inability
of the Ugandan government to ensure the safety of visitors to these areas
makes travel dangerous and unwise.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities in Uganda are limited.  Medical
supplies, equipment and medication are often in short supply or not
available.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United
States.  Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage and
medical evacuation provisions has proved useful.  Information on health
matters may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international
travelers hotline, telephone [phone].

Information on Crime:  Incidents of armed vehicle hijackings and armed
highway robbery are frequent throughout the country.  Although these attacks
are often violent, victims are generally injured only if they resist.  In
Kampala, less violent crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and
thefts from parked vehicles or vehicles stalled in traffic jams are a common
problem.  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.
The pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan
Africa" provide useful information on protecting personal security while
traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general.  Both are available
from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, D.C. 20402.

Highway Travel:  Many roads in Uganda are poor, and bandit activity in some
areas is both frequent and unpredictable.  Highway travel at night is
particularly dangerous.

Photography Prohibition:  Photographing security forces or government
installations is prohibited.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in
illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences
and fines.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register in the Consular Section at the
U.S. Embassy in Kampala may obtain updated information on travel and
security in Uganda.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located on Parliament Avenue in the
capital city of Kampala, P.O. Box 7007; telephone [phone].

No. 94-222

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued August 29, 1994, to
provide new information on the dangers in northern Uganda.