Uganda is a generally safe country. Visitors must however remember that safety is of utmost importance at all times. Therefore like in any other country, ample safety measures must be taken, a trip to Uganda can be a delightful experience.
For many people, the name Uganda is synonymous with Idi Amin. However, Uganda is free of Idi Amin who died in 2003 and Uganda is far different from what it was during his regime. The political climate of the country is largely stable and visitors are welcomed warmly. People have overcome the hard times and are hospitable towards all. ‘Hello Mzungu’ is a greeting you will soon get used to while exploring Uganda. Ugandans are a truly wonderful community of people.
Is Uganda Safe?
Many people wonder and ask this question: Is a Uganda a Safe Destination for Holiday? Uganda is a safe destination to visit. For over thirty years, Uganda has forgotten its turbulent history and lasting peace has been attained in the whole of Uganda. Even the Kony Wars in the Northern Part of the Country are no more and many travelers visit and stay in the North.
Uganda is now a secure and safe destination since 1986 when the National Resistance Movement (NRM) came into power under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Much emphasis was put on better economic policies in which past regimes of Idi Amin Dada and Milton Obote had totally failed to achieve. Uganda now enjoys a conducive policy environment, the country’s infrastructure and stability has been restored, the cornerstone of all development is now focused in Uganda. Under the leadership of president Museveni, the country has had security, international and regional confidence restored. This has given a boost to the Tourism Industry.
The Hospitality of Ugandan People
Uganda’s reputation as ‘Africa’s Friendliest Country’ stems partly from the tradition of hospitality common to its culturally diverse populace, and partly from the remarkably low level of crime and hassle directed at tourists. But this amiable quality extends beyond the easygoing people.
Uganda’s Eco-friendliness is attested to by the creation of six new national parks under the present administration, as well as a recent mushrooming of community-based eco-tourism projects at the grassroots level, while the mood of social enlightenment is characterized by the progressive and much lauded policies towards curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS and promoting women’s rights.
Safety Tips for Uganda Travelers
Take care of your valuables like watches, necklaces, cameras, money. In case of any problem, the police should be called immediately to help by dialing 999 from landlines and 112 from cellular phones.