Is It Safe To Walk Around Kampala, Uganda? 15 Essential Safety Tips
Walking is a great way to get around Kampala. There are plenty of things to see and do in the city, but spending hours sitting in traffic can eat up a lot of time in your day. You may be wondering though, “Is it safe to walk around Kampala, Uganda?”
Follow our guide for the best safety tips before going out to explore the city by foot.
Is Kampala Safe?
Kampala is the capital and largest city of Uganda. It is also the country’s economic and political center.
The crime rate in Kampala is relatively low compared to other major cities in Africa. However, like any large city, there are areas that are more dangerous than others.
When walking around Kampala, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe in an area, it is probably best to avoid it.
Is Kampala Safe For Tourists?
Overall, Kampala is a safe city for tourists.
Is Uganda Safe For Solo Female Travelers?
Uganda is a beautiful country with a lot to offer solo female travelers. With its stunning landscapes and friendly people, Uganda is the perfect place to explore on your own.
Uganda can be a bit of a culture shock for some women. There are areas of the country that are conservative, and women are expected to dress modestly and behave conservatively in public. In some of the larger cities, like Kampala or Gulu, you will find women dressing in a Western fashion.
Check out our popular post about clothing in Uganda for more details on packing for your trip.
It is also important for female travelers to be aware of the cultural differences and to take them into account when interacting with locals, especially men. While hand holding is seen in Uganda, it is not common between opposite sexes. Showing affection in a romantic way is also not seen in much of Uganda.
Younger Ugandans, especially in urban settings may be an anomaly to these behaviors. There is unfortunately a perception that Western women are overly sexual, so it is best to err on the side of caution to prevent cultural differences leading to mixed signals being sent.
Drinking is very common in Uganda. For women who are planning to travel to a more rural setting, having a drink or two in a local bar (dukka) will be generally accepted. If you plan to spend time at any of the safari lodges or popular hotels and hostels that are accustomed to foreigners, you should feel free to have that third glass of wine if your heart desires!
The people you will meet in Uganda are likely going to be kind, friendly, and extraordinarily fun. You can always let the hotel staff know when you are coming and going, or entrust your local driver/guide to keep an eye on you to ensure your safety. They will also be a great resource if you have any questions about cultural appropriateness.
15 Essential Safety Tips For Kampala
Whether you’re walking or using public transportation, there are safety concerns that you should be aware of.
Here are our essential tips if you want to walk around Kampala safely:
1. Bags
Wearing some type of bag is common to help hold all of your belongings. In Uganda you will often see women and men carrying a bag.
When it comes to travelers, it is often females who are seen carrying a bag. Because of this, thieves tend to target females who are likely to be carrying all of their belongings over their shoulder.
Here are some of our tips for carrying bags to mitigate crime:
2. Valuables
You should not carry around valuables that would attract petty thieves. Valuables can be things like new phones, jewelry, lots of cash, and cameras.
While it may be difficult to not walk around without your phone for instance, you should at least keep it tucked away where thieves can’t get to it. You’ll want to think about keeping items like this in a money belt or interior shirt pocket rather than a back pocket as you are walking. This is the best way to keep yourself and your things safe if you plan to walk around Kampala.
When venturing out we often tell people not to bring anything that they wouldn’t want to lose.
3. Important Documents
In addition to valuables, it’s not recommended to carry all of your important documents with you every time that you venture out.
It is not likely that you will need to use your passport or a credit card frequently (if at all) while walking around. We recommend making a photo copy of your passport and visa to carry with you.
Keep all of your important documents in your luggage at your hotel. You’ll also want to lock your luggage that has important documents and valuables inside, especially if you are staying in a hostel that has many people freely moving in and out.
4. Walk Far From The Road
Whether you are on a sidewalk or shoulder of the road, it is best to walk far from the road whenever possible.
By giving some distance between you and traffic on the road, it will keep you from being run into by passing vehicles, boda bodas, or bicycles.
Walking further from the road also makes snatching difficult if someone is intending to take your bag.
5. Walk Against Traffic
In Uganda, driving is on the left side of the road. Pedestrians usually keep left while walking on streets and sidewalks.
If possible, you should consider walking against the traffic pattern so that you can see who and what is coming towards you. It is easier to avoid problems and make quick decisions if you can see what is coming.
6. Walking At Night
It is not suggested that you walk at night, especially alone. If you are not familiar with Kampala, you could end up in some parts of the city that would be better avoided.
Make plans to stay on roads that are well lit and relatively busy. By walking in the dark or in isolated spots, you become a target for crime.
COVID-19 also brought a curfew to Uganda, which is heavily enforced by the police and military. You do not want to find yourself in an altercation with law enforcement when movement is not allowed.
If you do find yourself needed to make it back to your hotel as the sun is setting, opt to take a private hire or Uber. Ideally you should use transportation with others.
7. Be Aware Of Surroundings
Being aware of your surroundings and staying alert to what is going on around you is an important safety tip whether you are walking around Kampala or taking public transportation.
Walking while talking on your phone or listening to music on headphones is a distraction that could potentially invite theives. This is especially true if you are using a nice phone or some other device like a tablet or laptop.
If you are in busy areas like markets, bus parks, malls, arcades, or while riding in vehicles or on boda boda, you will want to be alert and keep valuables away for potential pick-pocketers or snatchers.
8. Being Followed
If you think you are being followed, cross the road or go into a shop and stay there until
you are sure you’re safe.
We can’t say that this is a common occurrence, but it has happened. It is better to be safe than sorry while walking around Kampala.
9. Confrontation
If you find yourself confronted by an assailant you must remember that while screaming
and struggling may in some instances frighten off the assailant, in most instances you
may further antagonize the assailant and bring forth a more violent reaction.
10. Riots
Riots and political demonstrations are not frequent, but they do happen in Uganda, especially in the capital of Kampala.
Tear gas is often used by law enforcement during these demonstrations, as well as rubber bullets when things escalate.
When these events are unfolding, it is best to avoid the area entirely or quickly get away from scene if you happen to be around while it is unfolding.
We recommend following local Ugandan news sources for the most up to date information about any riots or demonstrations happening. The Daily Monitor and New Vision have active Facebook pages and Twitter accounts that you can read about current events and stories.
11. Infrustructure
There has been a lot of infrustructure updates in Uganda over the past few years. This is very welcomed given the increase in road users and development of new cities and economic ventures in the country.
There are still many areas that are either not paved or are badly in need of repaving. Some areas also see a lack of sidewalks which puts pedestrians in the roads.
Depending on where you plan to walk in Kampala, these roads may be unavoidable. Our best recommendation is to wear shoes that will keep your feet comfortable and safe from potentially uneven terrain.
12. Cars
Walking on busy streets in Uganda can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Traffic safety is a big issue in this country, and pedestrians are often at risk of being hit by cars or motorcycles. If you want to be safe while walking around Kampala, be sure to stay alert and look out for traffic.
You should walk on the sidewalk whenever they are available. Crossing the street can be tricky, so be sure to look both ways before stepping into the road.
13. Boda Bodas
Motorcycles are a very popular form of transportation in Uganda. There are many motorcycle taxis, or boda bodas, as they are called in Uganda, which provide transportation for people around the city.
The Ugandan government has been working to improve the safety of motorcycle transportation in recent years. In 2015, the government launched a campaign to promote the use of helmets and other safety gear among motorcycle riders. The campaign has been successful in reducing the number of accidents and injuries associated with motorcycle transportation.
While safety is improving for boda drivers, pedestrians should still be mindful of the weaving motorcycles. It is common to find bodas driving not only on the road, but also making their way onto any available shoulder or sidewalk to dodge traffic. You should make sure to look both ways crossing the road, even one way streets!
The swiftness of the boda bodas has been admired by some of the thieves around Kampala. If you are walking around the city, you can prevent yourself from being a target by following many of the above safety tips like walking against traffic, walking away from the road, keeping valuables away, and wearing your bag in an appropriate position.
14. Taxis
There are two main types of taxis in Uganda: the “special hire” taxi and the public taxi, commonly referred to as a “matatu”. Special hire taxis are privately owned vehicles that can be hired for a specific journey, while public taxis operate on a fixed route and charge a set fare.
If you’re using a matatu in Uganda, it is not uncommon to have more than the “licensed to carry 14 passengers” that you see painted on the vehicle’s body. With this crowding, it is important to keep all of your valuables in sight, including your pockets.
One trick that some drivers have gotten away with is offering passengers the uncrowded from seat of the taxi. The extra room is a relief until you’re asked to help adjust the mirror and your belongings are removed from your pocket. By time you realize what has happened you are likely at your destination and the driver and taxi are long gone.
Before boarding a matatu, you should also take not of the license plate number on the front and back of the taxi, as well as the painted number on the side of the vehicle. Also be conscious of who, if anyone, is in the taxi. If you feel uneasy about the driver, conductor, or other passengers, wave them away or get off. Plenty of other taxis will be passing by you in minutes.
While it is not wise to walk at night, it is also not very safe to get into any taxi at night. If you plan to go out, we recommend having a trusted special hire lined up to bring you back to your hotel.
15. Make Contacts
Uganda is a very friendly country, and the majority of people are willing to help out if they can.
We recommend making friends with a driver or asking your hotel for a trusted driver and get their number. This is a great person to have in your phone if you find yourself far from your destination and the sun is setting or you just need a break from walking some day.
Make sure to clarify with this person where they’re going or if they know where they’re going. We’ve made the mistake of assuming before and ended up circling around an area for much longer than we needed to with a driver.
Is Uber Safe In Kampala?
It’s a question many people ask, especially those who are unfamiliar with the city. Kampala is a bustling metropolis with a population of over 1.5 million people. It’s also home to a lot of traffic congestion and crime. So, is Uber safe in Kampala?
The answer is yes, Uber is safe in Kampala. There have been no reports of Uber drivers being attacked or robbed. In fact, Uber has a good reputation for safety in Kampala. In addition, all Uber drivers must go through a background check and are required to have a valid driver’s license.
However, that doesn’t mean that you should let your guard down. As with any city, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when travelling. If you’re ever feeling unsafe, you can always request an Uber driver to change the route or cancel the ride.
Overall, Uber is a safe and convenient way to get around Kampala. Just remember to use your common sense and take precautions when travelling in any unfamiliar place.
Cons With Uber:
- Their maps have not captured all of the city of Kampala. Some drivers may only know major roads so you need to be very specific with directions for pickup and drop off.
- Some drivers that do know the city well ma take longer routes in order to increase fares.
- Weather and traffic congestion can impact the fares.
Safe Boda Kampala, Uganda
Boda bodas and their drivers don’t always have the best reputation. If you do find yourself needing to use a boda boda while in Kampala, Uganda, opt for using SafeBoda.
SafeBoda is a community of boda boda drivers that was formed in 2014. Their aim was to bring safety, trust, and convenience to both boda drivers and their clients.
Unlike the majority of other boda drivers in Uganda, the SafeBoda drivers receive training to make them the safest and most professional drivers. This training includes:
- Bike Maintenance
- Road Safety: This includes traffic and road safety rules by the Global Road Safety Partnership and by the Uganda Police.
- First Aid: This includes certification by the Uganda Red Cross and the Ministry of Health in basic first aid and first response.
- Customer Care: After their training, drivers sign the SafeBoda Code of Conduct to hold themselves accountable to a higher standard of safety and service.
Other benefits of using SafeBoda:
- SafeBoda drivers also carry hairnets and a spare helmet to ensure the safety of their customer.
- SafeBoda drivers are trackable and can also be identified by their name and ID number that is both on their orange jackets and in the app.
- You get a fair price for your ride with no need to bargain.
SafeBoda is accessed through the SafeBoda mobile application. It can be downloaded for free on the Google Play and Apple App Store.
Kampala Walking Tours
On one hand, Kampala is jammed, traffic is crazy and you really need to know your way around. On the other hand, walking allows you to come across places you’d never see in a vehicle.
This is where Kampala walking tours come in.
One option for visitors is to ask the front desk staff at your hotel to show you routes to some areas of interest.
Another option is to book an organized walking tour with a local guide. Unless you’re planning a large group activity with your fellow travelers, these tours are usually just made of a few people. This is helpful for easily maneuvering busy streets, markets, and sightseeing stops. You will also feel extraordinarily safe while walking around Kampala.
A few Kampala walking tours that we highly recommend are:
Book your tour with Free Walking Tours Kampala here.
Book your tour with Immersion UG here.
What’s Next?
Now that you have the tips you need to stay safe while walking around Kampala, Uganda you’ll want to check out all of the awesome things to do in Kampala.
If you’re looking for more walkable cities in Uganda, you’ll want to check out Gulu or Entebbe.
The Wrap Up: Is It Safe To Walk Around Kampala, Uganda?
It is safe to walk in Kampala, Uganda to a certain extent.
There are things to keep in mind: the area of the city you will be walking in, what time you are walking, and what you carry with you while walking. Being prepared for your walk and aware of your surroundings will help to make your walk around Kampala a safe one.
Kampala has a lot to offer visitors, and walking is a great way to see the city. Keep our guide handy before setting out for the best (and safest) walks around Kampala, Uganda.