Uganda Works to Remove US ‘Do Not Travel’ Advisory Amid Tourism Worries

Uganda Seeks to Lift US ‘Do Not Travel’ Advisory Amid Tourism Concerns

Uganda is actively pursuing discussions with the United States to remove its Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory. The advisory, which discourages American citizens from visiting Uganda, was recently reissued by the U.S. State Department. Ugandan officials, including the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, have pledged to continue bilateral engagement to address the warning, which cites security risks beyond the country’s Ebola-free status.

The U.S. State Department’s advisory lists crime, health concerns, terrorism, and civil unrest as reasons for the warning. It also mentions potential risks at various public places and transportation hubs, as well as protests that can occur with little notice. The advisory also notes concerns regarding Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023. Tourism operators in Uganda are concerned about the impact of this advisory on their businesses, fearing cancellations and a significant loss of visitor spending.

Security Risks Beyond Ebola

Despite the World Health Organization declaring Uganda Ebola-free, the U.S. travel advisory remains in place. The State Department’s warning highlights several risk factors that extend beyond the recent Ebola outbreak. These include general crime, health issues, the threat of terrorism, and potential civil unrest.

The advisory specifically warns of possible attacks at locations such as religious venues, schools, government buildings, and police stations. Transport hubs and popular tourist destinations, including national parks, are also mentioned as potential targets. Furthermore, the warning points to the possibility of protests that may arise with minimal or no prior notification. The health aspect of the advisory also reflects the U.S. government’s limited capacity to provide emergency consular assistance during health crises.

Concerns Over Anti-Homosexuality Act

A significant factor contributing to the U.S. travel advisory is Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023. This law criminalizes consensual same-sex relations and carries penalties of life imprisonment. Importantly, the law applies to both Ugandan citizens and foreign nationals within the country. The inclusion of this law in the advisory indicates that the U.S. government’s concerns are not solely focused on public health or security threats but also on human rights and legal frameworks within Uganda.

Impact on Uganda’s Tourism Sector

The continued ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory is causing considerable concern among Uganda’s tourism operators. Businesses that rely heavily on international visitors, including hotels, tour guides, transport providers, and craft vendors, fear a significant downturn. They report that the negative advisory is affecting their livelihoods and the broader Ugandan economy.

There is a strong apprehension that American travelers will cancel existing bookings and that travel insurance companies may advise their clients against visiting Uganda. This situation extends beyond individual businesses, impacting communities that depend on tourism revenue. The advisory directly discourages U.S. citizens from traveling to Uganda, a move that could have long-term consequences for the country’s tourism industry and its economic recovery.

Uganda’s Diplomatic Efforts

Ugandan officials are committed to continuing dialogue with the U.S. government to have the travel advisory lifted. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Haruna Kasolo stated in Parliament that further engagements would take place following an initial meeting with the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State on August 28, 2026. While that first engagement did not result in the advisory’s removal, Kasolo assured lawmakers that Uganda would persist in its diplomatic efforts and keep Parliament updated on the progress. The U.S. State Department has not yet indicated when or if it will review the current travel warning.

Understanding the U.S. Travel Advisory Levels

The U.S. Department of State employs a four-tiered system to inform citizens about travel risks in different countries. The Level 4 advisory, currently applied to Uganda, represents the highest level of warning. This level is reserved for destinations where the U.S. government advises its citizens to avoid travel altogether.

At Level 4, the recommendation is clear: U.S. citizens should not travel to the country for any reason. For those Americans already present in Uganda, the general advice is to consider departing when it is safe to do so. The State Department encourages U.S. citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive timely security updates and alerts.

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