The United States of America, Department of State has advised its citizens to reconsider travel to Uganda citing increased risk, which the embassy claims ‘is as a result of crime, terrorism and the recent anti-LGBTQ legislation’.

“Reconsider travel to Uganda due to crime, terrorism, and anti-LGBTQI+ legislation. Some areas have increased risk,” Read the entire travel advisory.

In the statement, the US Department of State broke down all the risks involved, explaining to the US citizens, ‘why they should not consider travelling to Uganda.’

The embassy US urged its citizens in Uganda and those planning to travel there, ‘to avoid public gatherings and remain alert due to the terrorist attacks threat.’

US Advisory -Terror Attacks

“Country summary: There remains a threat of terrorist attacks in Uganda and throughout the region. Terrorist attacks occurred in several villages in western Uganda in December 2022 and there were multiple bombings in and around Kampala in 2021.

While the attacks did not appear to target foreign nationals, anyone can be a victim. U.S. citizens should remain alert and avoid large public gatherings,” statement read. The US also claimed that home invasions, robbery and other violent attacks can happen anytime, adding that the Ugandan local police do not respond to the attacks in good time, as they lack the right resources.

US violence claims

“Violent crime, such as armed robbery, home invasion, and sexual assault, presents a serious threat to those visiting and residing in Uganda and can occur at any time, especially in larger cities, including Kampala and Entebbe, in the Karamoja region, and along Uganda’s western and northern borders. Local police may lack appropriate resources to respond effectively to serious crime in most areas,” statement added.

US LGBTQI

The Uganda travel advisory by the US also outlined the recent legislation of the anti-LGBTQI and persons, as a factor raising threats to the US citizens. The advisory further warns the US citizens that they could be at risk of harrasment and prosecution if suspected of violating the said law.

“The May 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act raises the risk that LGBTQI+ persons, and those perceived to be LGBTQI+, could be prosecuted and subjected to life imprisonment or death based on provisions in the law, and may be subject to mandatory reporting to the police if they are suspected of committing or intending to commit acts in violation of the law, and could face harassment or attacks by vigilantes.

“Supporters of the dignity and human rights of LGBTQI+ persons (including those of youth under the age of 18) could be prosecuted and imprisoned for multi-year sentences.  Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Uganda,” statement outlined.

Safety guidelines for US citizens

To US citizens travelling to Uganda, the embassy shared a list of precautions that they should take to maintain their safety.

“If you decide to travel to Uganda:

• Do not leave food and drinks unattended in public, especially in local clubs.
• Remain with a group of friends in public.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Keep a low profile.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Do not open your door for people at your hotel/residence unless you know who it is.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by foreign tourists.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Carry a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable) and secure originals in your hotel safe.
• Provide your itinerary to a family member or friend.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Be mindful that any public identification with the LGBTQI+ community, as either a member or supporter, could be grounds for prosecution, and that even private consensual same-sex relations are illegal.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Country Security Report for Uganda.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC pagefor the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel,” the list concluded.

What you need to know about Anti-LGBTQI law.

To emphasize ‘the risk posed to US citizens travelling and in Uganda, by the ant-LGBTQI legislation’, the US travel advisory also had a detailed explanation of the recent LGBTQI legislation. The explanation entailed the penalties attracted by the violation of the said law guides its citizens to get more information regarding the law and its relation to travelers from their website.

“LGBTQI+ Travelers: The May 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) includes penalties up to life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relations and capital punishment for crimes of “aggravated homosexuality” (such as serial offenders). Youth under the age of 18 could be prosecuted and imprisoned for multi-year sentences.

“LGBTQI+ persons, including youth, may be subject to forced conversion therapy – a dangerous and discredited practice that causes significant harm, including high rates of suicide-related thoughts and behaviors among LGBTQI+ youth. Social acceptance of homosexuality is very low.

“LGBTQI+ persons, or persons perceived to be LGBTQI+, could face harassment, imprisonment, blackmail, and violence, with heightened risk surrounding the passage of the AHA; The public is required to report to the police a person suspected of committing or intending to commit acts enumerated in the law.

“Hoteliers are not permitted to knowingly provide rooms to individuals who may commit acts deemed illegal in the AHA. Individuals or organizations viewed as publicly supporting the dignity and human rights of LGBTQI+ persons could be prosecuted and imprisoned for multi-year sentence, including those that attend a same-sex marriage either inside or outside of Uganda’s borders.

” LGBTQI+ organizations or those that advocate for the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons may be deemed illegal under the law. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights Report for further details,” the statement concluded.