Security Alert – Election Season in Uganda (November 19, 2020)
Location: Countrywide throughout Uganda.
Event: Ugandan presidential campaigning and election activity continue to bring large gatherings, periodic violence, and significant traffic disruptions that impact the security of U.S. Citizens. General elections are slated for January 14, 2021. Clashes at large gatherings and outbreaks of violence have occurred before, during, and after past general elections in Uganda. Police routinely use force, including tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition, to disperse protests. Demonstrations throughout Uganda are likely to remain common and may often escalate to violence.
Actions to Take:
- Avoid the areas where protests and demonstrations are occurring.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Avoid crowds.
- Avoid demonstrations.
- Keep a low profile.
- Notify friends and family of your safety.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Make contingency plans to leave.
- Review your personal security plans.
- Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
Assistance:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Country Specific Information for Uganda:https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Uganda.html
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- U.S. Embassy in Kampala, 1577, Ggaba Road; tel. +256-414-306-800 from Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +256-414-306-001.
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
