Security Overview for Uganda

The crime rate in Uganda is high. Street crime, including petty theft, muggings, and pickpocketing, is common in Kampala. Although most incidents are not violent, assailants increasingly use knives or guns to intimidate their victims. Karimojong cattle raids, especially in the northeastern Moroto district, compromise security in rural areas. Theft is the most common crime.

The most recent incident of terrorism is related to an attack in Kampala on July 11, 2010, by Somali-based Al-Qaeda affiliated militant group Al-Shabaab that killed some 74 people and injured dozens others. Al-Shabaab continues to pose a significant threat to security in Uganda, in large part because the Ugandan government's support for the African Union mission in Somalia. The threat will likely persist until Uganda withdraws their troops from Somalia or Al-Shabaab militants lose power in Somalia.

Rebels from the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) who operate in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Central African Republic and Sudan have posed significant security threats in the region. They have carried out attacks on civilians and have been involved in a number of kidnappings even of children. Authorities also believe a shadowy rebel group, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) which was responsible for several central Kampala bombings in 2005, and later defeated, has been regrouping in the neighboring eastern DRC. LRA also complicate the situation in the Kitgum and Pader districts. Crime is most common in eastern Uganda, followed by Kampala, western, central and northern parts of the country.

Violence and random vehicle ambushes have occurred on the Gulu-Kitgum, Gulu-Nimule and Kitgum-Paicho roads. The following districts have also been subject to rebel attacks: Adujumani, Arua, Apac, Bundibugyo, Gulu, Kaberamaido, Kanungu, Kasese, Katakwi, Kisoro, Kitgum, Kotido, Lira, Moroto, Moyo, Nakapiritpiriti, Nebbi, Pader, Soroti and Yumbe. The above-named districts include all or part of several national parks.

The police have called on Ugandans to help them recover thousands of guns circulating in the country. Security officials are especially concerned about the situation in Kampala, where security forces have observed a proliferation of illegal weapons. According to nongovernmental organizations, an estimated 400,000 illegal guns are circulating in the country.

Civil unrest in the leading-up to elections is common in Uganda; protests can quickly turn violent. Travelers should exercise high degree of caution in Uganda especially in Kampala during election seasons. Marches, demonstrations and protests are common in Uganda and may occur spontaneously and become violent especially during the election season. Mass demonstrations have occurred in the lead-up to the 2006 disputed presidential polls which Musevi won. The lead up to the 2011 national elections saw increased political tensions between the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the opposition. The opposition staged several protests. Uganda sometimes hosts large international and national events. Heightened security measures, including roadblocks and personal searches, occur during large, international events and campaign rallies. They result in traffic congestion and crowded public transportation.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.