Getting around Uganda
Domestic air travel in Uganda is primarily served by Aerolink Uganda, which operates scheduled light-aircraft services from Entebbe's Kajjansi Airfield to airstrips near the major national parks. Destinations include Kisoro (for Bwindi and Mgahinga), Kihihi (for Bwindi's northern sectors and Queen Elizabeth), Kasese (for the Rwenzori Mountains) and Pakuba (for Murchison Falls National Park).
These flights are especially useful for reaching south-western Uganda, where overland journeys can take eight hours or more. Flight times are typically between 45 minutes and an hour. Eagle Air provides additional domestic services, including flights to Arua in the north-west. Chartered flights are also available for more remote destinations.
Road travel is the most common way to get around Uganda, and a vehicle, whether hired or arranged through a tour operator, offers the greatest flexibility for reaching national parks, rural areas and scenic routes. The main highways linking Kampala with major towns such as Jinja, Mbarara, Fort Portal and Gulu are generally paved and in reasonable condition, though some stretches may be potholed or under repair.
Roads leading to and within national parks are frequently unpaved, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is strongly recommended, particularly during the rainy seasons when murram roads can become muddy and difficult. Distances can be deceptive; journey times are often longer than maps suggest owing to road conditions, speed limits through towns and the occasional livestock crossing.
Fuel stations are widely available on major routes, though they become less frequent in more remote areas. It is worth filling up before heading into national parks or towards the north-east of the country. Road signs are generally adequate on main highways, with distances shown in kilometres.
Road quality in Uganda varies significantly. Main highways, particularly the Kampala–Jinja and Kampala–Masaka corridors, are generally well surfaced. However, many regional and rural roads remain unpaved, and conditions can deteriorate quickly during heavy rains. Potholes are common even on some tarmacked routes, and stretches of road leading to national parks often require a sturdy vehicle. Night driving is best avoided outside urban areas due to poor lighting, pedestrians, cyclists and the possibility of unmarked obstacles.
Uganda's road network is classified using a national system. Trunk roads, managed by the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), form the backbone of the network, linking major towns and cities. District roads serve more local areas and are maintained by district authorities. Community access roads connect villages and rural areas, though their condition can vary widely depending on the season and maintenance levels.
Car hire is available in Kampala and at Entebbe International Airport, with both international brands and local companies represented. For visitors planning to visit national parks or travel on unpaved roads, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is essential. Self-drive hire is possible, though many visitors, particularly those heading to more remote areas, opt for a vehicle with a driver-guide, which is widely offered by local operators.
When hiring a car, it is advisable to check the condition of the vehicle carefully, confirm what insurance cover is included, whether roadside assistance is available, and if gravel-road and park driving is permitted.
There is no single standard colour for taxis in Uganda. In Kampala and other cities, conventional taxis, referred to locally as "special hire", are private cars that can be booked by phone, through a hotel or hailed on the street. They are not metered, and fares should be agreed upon before starting the journey. Vehicles vary considerably in age and condition, and it is worth choosing a reputable operator or asking your accommodation to arrange one.
Shared taxi services in Uganda take the form of minibus taxis, known locally as "matatus". These operate on fixed routes within and between towns, picking up and dropping off passengers along the way. They are inexpensive and extensive, forming the backbone of public transport, but can be crowded and may not always meet expected safety or comfort standards. Boda-bodas, motorcycle taxis, are ubiquitous across Uganda and are used for short trips and navigating congested urban areas. Visitors should exercise caution if using them, as safety standards vary and helmets are not always provided.
Ride-hailing services are well established in Kampala and Entebbe. Bolt is the most widely used platform, with Uber also available in the capital. These apps are popular with visitors as fares are shown in advance and there is no need to negotiate. Availability diminishes outside the main urban centres.
Cycling as a means of long-distance transport between towns is not practical for most visitors in Uganda. Road conditions, fast-moving traffic, limited cycling infrastructure and the hilly terrain in many parts of the country make intercity cycling challenging. For experienced cyclists, certain routes can be rewarding, particularly in rural areas and around Lake Bunyonyi, but for everyday travel between destinations, other forms of transport are more suitable.
Long-distance coach services link Kampala with major towns and cities across Uganda, as well as cross-border routes to Nairobi, Kigali and Dar es Salaam. Major operators include Modern Coast, Gateway Bus, Jaguar Executive Coaches and YY Coaches, offering varying levels of comfort. Advance booking is advisable on popular routes, particularly for VIP or executive seating.
In Kampala, the main departure points for intercity coaches include the Kisenyi Bus Terminal and various operator-specific terminals along the Kampala–Jinja Highway and Namirembe Road. Operators such as Modern Coast and Gateway Bus maintain their own booking offices and dedicated departure points in the city centre. Conditions at public terminals can be hectic, and passengers should take care of their personal belongings.
Traffic in Uganda drives on the left-hand side of the road. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, 80 km/h (50 mph) on open roads and 100 km/h (62 mph) on some highways, unless signs indicate otherwise. Enforcement is variable, but speed bumps are common on approaches to towns and villages, sometimes unmarked. Seat belts are compulsory, and the use of a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless using a hands-free device.
Drink-driving laws exist, though enforcement can be inconsistent. Roadblocks and police checks are common, particularly on routes to and from national parks, and drivers should carry their licence and vehicle documents at all times. Extra caution is advisable at night, as many roads are unlit and pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles without lights are common hazards.
Uganda does not have a nationwide breakdown service equivalent to the AA. Roadside assistance in the event of a breakdown generally depends on the hire company’s own arrangements or local mechanics. Before setting off, visitors in hire cars should ensure they have the rental company's emergency contact number, understand what is covered by their agreement and carry a charged mobile phone. In the event of a breakdown on a remote road, mobile phone coverage may be limited. Major towns and trading centres typically have local garages, but parts and expertise for certain vehicle types may not always be available outside Kampala.
Foreign drivers should carry a valid national driving licence at all times. If the licence is not in English, it should be accompanied by an International Driving Permit. Uganda recognises international driving permits issued under the 1949 and 1968 conventions.
Drivers should also have their passport, rental agreement if using a hire car, and insurance documentation readily available. A yellow fever vaccination certificate may also be required at police checkpoints, particularly when travelling near borders.
In Kampala, most visitors get around by ride-hailing apps, hotel-arranged transport or special-hire taxis. The city's traffic is notoriously congested, particularly during peak hours, and journey times can be unpredictable. Matatu minibuses and boda-bodas are widely used by locals but can be daunting for first-time visitors.
Other towns such as Jinja, Fort Portal, Mbarara and Gulu are smaller and more manageable, with boda-bodas and local taxis providing the main means of getting around. In smaller towns and rural areas, walking is often the most practical option for short distances.
Domestic passenger rail services in Uganda are limited. Plans to develop a standard-gauge railway have been announced but remain in the early stages.
Domestic water transport plays a role in certain parts of Uganda, particularly on Lake Victoria and Lake Albert, where local ferries and boats connect island communities and lakeside villages. However, these services are not widely used by tourists for point-to-point travel. Boat trips are more commonly experienced as excursions, such as the Kazinga Channel cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the launch trip to the base of Murchison Falls, or canoe trips on Lake Bunyonyi.
Do you have any Feedback about this page?
© 2026 Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission, click here for information on Columbus Content Solutions.
You know where