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Uganda Health Care and Vaccinations
| Title | Special precautions |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria |
Yes |
| Hepatitis A |
Yes |
| Malaria |
Yes |
| Rabies |
Sometimes |
| Tetanus |
Sometimes |
| Typhoid |
Yes |
| Yellow Fever |
Yes* |
Healthcare facilities in Uganda vary considerably. Private hospitals and clinics in Kampala, such as those in Kololo and Nakasero, offer a reasonable standard of care and are well-equipped by regional standards. Outside the capital, medical facilities become more limited, and in rural areas and near national parks, access to healthcare can be very restricted.
Pharmacies are available in cities and larger towns, stocking common medications. However, visitors should bring an adequate supply of any personal prescription medication, along with a copy of the prescription. Counterfeit or substandard medication can be a concern, so purchasing from reputable pharmacies is advisable.
Comprehensive travel insurance, including cover for medical evacuation, is strongly recommended. Private hospitals typically require proof of insurance or upfront payment before treatment. In the event of a serious medical emergency, evacuation to Nairobi or further afield may be necessary.
Malaria is a risk throughout Uganda, including in Kampala and at altitude. Antimalarial medication and mosquito-bite prevention measures, including treated nets and repellents, should be used. Altitude sickness is a consideration for those trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains.
Tap water is not safe to drink in Uganda. Visitors should use bottled, filtered or boiled water. Milk is often unpasteurised outside commercial dairies, so caution is advisable. Food prepared at established restaurants and hotels is generally safe, but visitors should take care with raw foods, salads and uncooked items at informal roadside stalls, and ensure that food is freshly prepared and thoroughly cooked.
Visitors should be aware of general safety considerations, particularly in urban areas. Petty crime, such as bag-snatching and pickpocketing, can occur in Kampala and other towns. Caution should be exercised when walking at night, and valuables should not be displayed. Use of reputable transport and ride-hailing apps reduces risk.
Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present in many of Uganda's freshwater bodies, including Lake Victoria, and swimming in untreated lakes and rivers should be avoided unless local advice confirms it is safe. Lake Bunyonyi is generally considered free of bilharzia. Insect-borne diseases, including malaria, dengue and chikungunya, require appropriate precautions, particularly during the rainy seasons.
When visiting national parks and wildlife reserves, animals should be observed from a safe distance and only in designated areas or with experienced guides. Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and other primate encounters have specific rules, including maintaining a minimum distance of 7 metres from gorillas, to protect both animals and visitors.
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