Any trip abroad requires taking certain precautions regardless of destination. Due to its climate and nature, Ouganda is home to numerous diseases and mosquitoes that transmit illnesses such as malaria. It is important to consult with your doctor before departure and ensure you are properly vaccinated.

COVID-19 Measures

Before traveling to Ouganda, it is essential to carefully inform yourself of the regulations in place in the country by referring to COVID-19 travel advisories. Tourists can enter Ouganda if they are able to provide a negative PCR test taken less than 120 hours before arrival at the airport. Face masks remain mandatory in public spaces.

If you are a French national staying in Ouganda, you can contact the French Embassy in Kampala at (+256) 0700 106 400 if you have any doubts or concerns. In case of COVID-19 symptoms, here are the local emergency numbers to call: 0 800 100 066 or 0 800 203 003.

Mandatory Vaccination

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory to enter Ouganda. The vaccine must be administered at an approved vaccination center. A copy of your vaccination certificate with proof of yellow fever vaccination will be required when submitting your electronic visa application for Ouganda.

Recommended Vaccines and Treatments

Certain vaccines are strongly recommended by the WHO for travel to Ouganda. These include vaccinations against typhoid, hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, rabies, tetanus, poliomyelitis, and pertussis.

Antimalarial preventive treatment is also highly recommended since malaria is widespread in Ouganda. You should also bring a powerful insect and parasite repellent to keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay.

Health Risks for Travelers in Ouganda

Risks Related to Environment and Behavior

• Sexually transmitted infections (HIV, hepatitis B)
• Tetanus
• Hookworm and roundworm infections (barefoot contact)
• Leptospirosis (in freshwater)
• Histoplasmosis (inhalation of spores)
• Cerebrospinal meningitis (A + C)
• Schistosomiasis (bathing in freshwater)

Risks Related to Food and Beverages

• Poliomyelitis
• Traveler's diarrhea
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis E
• Giardiasis
• Typhoid
• Salmonellosis
• Ascariasis
• Taeniasis
• Trichinosis
• Foodborne illness
• Amebiasis
• Shigellosis

Risks Related to Animals and Insects

• Trypanosomiasis (tsetse flies)
• Malaria (mosquitoes)
• Cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis (sand flies)
• Arboviral infections (dengue-like syndrome, hemorrhagic fevers)
• Yellow fever (mosquitoes)
• Borrelia (tick-borne relapsing fever)
• Rabies (dogs, all wild animals)
• Rickettsiosis (Mediterranean spotted fever)
• Envenomation (stings or bites from venomous animals)
• Lymphatic filariasis (mosquitoes)
• Echinococcosis (contact with dogs)

Key Recommendations to Remember

To minimize disease risks from mosquitoes and other insects, it is strongly recommended to purchase a powerful insect and parasite repellent. It is preferable to wear lightweight long-sleeved clothing and avoid shorts.

During your stay, be sure not to drink tap water. Take care to eat fresh, well-cooked food. Do not hesitate to bring a filtered water bottle with you to avoid any issues during your trip.