Money:
The official currency is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX), which is
divided into 100 cents. Foreign currency, like US dollars, Euros or
Pounds Sterling, can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change.
Travellers cheques are not widely accepted outside of Kampala. ATMs
are available in Kampala. Credit cards are only accepted at major
hotels, shops and restaurants, usually only in the cities.
Time:
Local time in Uganda is GMT +3.
Electricity:
Electrical current in Uganda is 220 volts, 50Hz.
Three-pin, rectangular blade plugs are in use.
Language:
English is the official national language in Uganda.
Luganda is also widely spoken and is the most common of the
numerous indigenous languages.
Health:
Travellers' diarrhoea is the most common complaint for visitors
to Uganda. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and
typhoid; a Hepatitis E outbreak in northern Uganda since the end of
2007 has killed over 60 people so far and infected thousands more,
and visitors are advised to take precautions if visiting the area.
All visitors require vaccination against yellow fever. Cholera
outbreaks occur occasionally, but most travellers are at low risk
for infection; bottled water is widely available. Malaria and
HIV/AIDS are widespread. Outbreaks of the plague and meningitis
occur and visitors should insure that vaccinations are up to date.
A recent outbreak of Ebola has killed 37 people in western Uganda;
it is spread through direct contact with blood or secretions of an
infected person. Incidents of sleeping sickness are on the rise,
carried by tsetse flies. Limited health facilities are available
outside of Kampala. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.
Tipping:
At local hotels and restaurants in Uganda, tipping is not
common, but tips of 5-10% are expected at tourist-orientated
establishments. It is customary to tip guides and drivers.
Safety:
Most national parks are safe to visit and a holiday to Uganda is
generally trouble-free. Kampala, the capital, is a relatively safe
city, although visitors should take sensible precautions against
opportunistic crime and at night. Theft of EU passports has been on
the increase. There has been an increase of political
demonstrations and protests in and around Kampala, which can become
violent. Travellers are advised to avoid all large public
gatherings. Several bombs were set off in Kampala in 2010 by the
Al-Qaeda linked Al-Shabaab group.Due to the risk of banditry and attacks by other rebel groups,
and tribal clashes, most foreign governments advise against all
travel to Karamoja (Kotido, Moroto, Nakapiripirit, Katakwi Kaabong,
Abim, Kapchorwa and Bukwa Districts) in the northeast. Travellers
in the northwest near the border with Sudan and the DRC are also at
risk of banditry, and travel outside of the main towns is to be
avoided after dark.Areas bordering Sudan in the north, the region known as West
Nile in the north west (except Arua town, which can be visited by
air), and the Karamoja region of north eastern Uganda are insecure
and pose a serious risk to travellers. Kidepo Valley National Park
should be visited by air only. Gorilla trekking excursions that
cross over into the DRC should be avoided.Despite recent publicity, there has been no activity by the
Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda since 2006.
Customs:
Visitors to Uganda are advised not to take photographs of
military or official sites, including Owen Falls Dam. Homosexual
practices are frowned upon and public displays of affection should
be avoided.
Business:
Uganda has one of the fastest-growing economies and is one of
the most liberal countries in Africa. Agriculture is the largest
sector of the economy and coffee the chief export. Uganda is most
welcoming for foreign investment and business is steadily on the
increase. Appointments should always be made prior to business
meetings. Formal dress attire is to be observed, and the shaking of
hands is expected on introduction. Business is usually conducted in
English. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday
with an hour taken over lunch.
Duty Free:
Travellers to Uganda over 17 years of age do not have to pay
duty on 200 cigarettes or 227g tobacco, or a combination of 227g
tobacco products; 1 bottle of wine or spirits; and 500ml of perfume
or eau de toilette.
Communications:
The international dialling code for Uganda is +256. The outgoing
code is 000 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00027 for
South Africa). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)41 for Kampala.
There is extensive cellular telephone network coverage over most of
the country with GSM 900, and Internet facilities are available in
most large towns.