Kampala is a busy, crowded capital, and the sensible precautions are the ones you would take in any big city: keep valuables out of sight, choose your transport carefully, and be cautious after dark. Serious violent crime against visitors is uncommon, but petty theft and road accidents are real risks. This guide covers practical habits for solo travelers in Kampala and elsewhere in Uganda.
Key Highlights
- Petty theft, including phone and bag snatching, is the most common problem in busy areas
- Road accidents are a bigger risk than crime, so choose transport with care
- Agree a fare before any boda boda or taxi ride, or use a ride-hailing app
- Avoid walking alone at night, and stay in well-lit, busy areas
- Check government travel advisories before you go and again nearer departure
The Overall Picture
Most visitors to Uganda travel without any trouble. The risks that do arise are usually opportunistic, such as a phone grabbed from a hand or a bag taken from an open car window in slow traffic. Traffic itself is a hazard, so many of the most useful precautions are about how you move around. Conditions change, so read current advice from your government’s travel advisory before you leave.
Getting Around Kampala
Boda bodas, or motorcycle taxis, are fast in traffic but carry a higher accident risk, and many travelers prefer cars. Ride-hailing apps operate in Kampala, and using one gives you a recorded route and price, though availability and terms can change. For unmetered vehicles, agree the fare before you set off. If you do take a boda boda, insist on a helmet and ask the rider to go slowly. Our guide on getting around Uganda on a budget covers the options.
Phones, Bags and Valuables
Keep your phone and camera out of sight in crowds, and do not hold them near the road or at a car window. Carry a small bag on the side away from the street, and leave passports and spare cash in the hotel safe, carrying a copy instead. If you are in traffic, keep windows up and doors locked. Use a money belt or a zipped pocket for cash.
After Dark
Take a licensed taxi or a booked ride rather than walking at night, even for a short distance, and do not go alone into poorly lit areas. Choose accommodation in a well-regarded area with secure entry, and check whether the lodging has its own recommended drivers. Be careful with drinks, and do not accept food or drink from strangers.
Money and ATMs
Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres in daylight, and be aware of your surroundings while you withdraw. Do not count large sums in public. Our guide to common scams explains currency exchange and fare tricks to watch for.
Beyond Kampala
Outside the capital, the risks shift to roads and health. Avoid long night drives, use reputable transport, and follow the guidance of park rangers and lodges. Rural areas are generally welcoming, but ask locals or your accommodation about anything unusual before you go somewhere new. Avoid political gatherings and demonstrations, which can become tense, and keep informed through local news and your embassy.
Preparing Before You Go
Share your itinerary with someone at home, keep digital copies of your documents, and note the local emergency numbers and your embassy’s contact details once you arrive. Take out travel insurance that includes medical care and evacuation. Registering with your embassy is an option for some nationalities. For meeting other travelers, our guide to meeting other travelers helps, and women should also see the solo female safety guide and traveler experiences.
Solo Safety FAQ
Are these tips specific to Kampala?
No. They are standard precautions for any large city, with the addition of road safety, which matters more in Uganda than in many places.
Should we agree on boda boda fares first?
Yes, always agree the price before the ride begins, or use a ride-hailing app that shows the price.
Is it safe to walk in Kampala at night?
It is best avoided. Use a licensed taxi or booked ride, especially if you are alone.
How often should we check travel advisories?
Before booking and again shortly before you leave, and keep an eye on updates while you are in the country.
Plan a Well-Prepared Solo Trip
Tell us your route and we will help you arrange safe transfers, sensible accommodation and a plan for each stage. Our solo female backpacking experiences guide shares what other travelers report.