Uganda Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Uganda
Uganda recorded 9.0 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is high by global standards. That places Uganda #44 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 18% over the past decade (from 10.9 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Uganda at Level 4 of 4: Do Not Travel.
Homicide Rate
9.0 /100k
Safety Rank
#152 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 4 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1995-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 18% over the past decade (from 10.9 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Uganda Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Uganda, the homicide rate for men is 5.0× higher than the rate for women — 15.0 vs 3.0 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Uganda has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
25(2022)
Military Spending
1.9% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Uganda:
There was no change to the advisory level or indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Advisory Summary Crime Violent crime is a real danger in Uganda. This includes armed robbery, home invasion, and sexual assault. Crime can happen anytime. It is more common in larger cities, the Karamoja region, and along Uganda's western and northern borders. Both visitors and residents face these threats. Police struggle to respond to serious crime in most places due to limited resources. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Uganda. Visit the U.S.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Uganda
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated December 11, 2025).
Northern and Eastern Uganda
: The South Sudan-Uganda border is porous, and there are frequent reports of criminal trade and movement of people across the border. Due to the influx of refugees from South Sudan into Uganda, there is a strain on the region’s health, education, and security resources. Sporadic clashes may occur along the shared border, which may be poorly demarcated; a section is under dispute in the Moyo area of northwestern Uganda, abutting the Kajo Keji area of South Sudan. Crime and conflict threat in the Karamoja region in northeastern Uganda remain volatile. The Uganda People’s Defense Force actively engages criminals in the Karamoja Region, and armed confrontation between police and criminal elements can occur. Emergency medical care and auto repair services are lacking in remote areas of the Karamoja Region. The U.S.
Southwestern Uganda/Western Uganda
: U.S. citizens traveling in southwestern Uganda along Uganda’s western border with the DRC should be aware that armed groups, including those aligned with terrorist organizations such as ISIS-CA, are active in eastern DRC, along with ongoing military operations to counter the threat in the region. Travelers should review the country information page and Travel Advisory for the DRC. Refugee flows across the border can number in the thousands, and there is a risk of incursions by armed combatants and criminals. There is a potential for violence related to ethnic and tribal tensions in the western districts of Bundibuguyo, Ntoroko, and Kasese, near the border with the DRC. U.S. citizens should be vigilant and monitor local media for the latest news. There is an uptick in terrorist activity in this specific region.
Demonstrations
: Demonstrations in Kampala and other cities periodically occur in response to local political developments Police routinely use tear gas – and sometimes live ammunition resulting in deaths – to disperse protests in urban areas. U.S. citizens are urged to monitor media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Avoid demonstrations, as even peaceful gatherings can turn violent without notice.
Involvement in Local Social Issues
: All U.S. citizen travelers to Uganda should ensure that they have the correct visa for their visit to Uganda. Missionary and NGO work frequently require a work visa. Travelers who plan to engage in religious or civil society activities should obtain the appropriate visa from the Embassy of Uganda before departing the United States. The Government of Uganda has shown an increased interest in the activities of foreigners working with non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Local authorities have been known to detain, question, and arrest foreigners in Uganda, and some visitors have been ordered removed from the country.
Crime
: Pick pocketing, purse snatching, and thefts from hotel rooms, parked vehicles, and vehicles stalled in traffic jams are common. Armed robberies of pedestrians and car jackings also occur, sometimes during daylight hours and in public places. Victims usually remain unharmed if they do not resist. Assaults and property snatching by boda boda (motorcycle operators and passengers) are routinely reported. Food and drinks should never be left unattended in public. Women have reported being drugged and taken to another location and sexually assaulted. Similar tactics are used to rob individuals on public transportation. Remain with a group of friends in public, as single individuals are more likely to be targeted.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information. Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Uganda. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include: Romance/Online dating Money transfers Lucrative sales Gold purchase
Victims of Crime
: Victims of sexual assault should seek medical assistance and counseling immediately regarding prophylactic treatment to help prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. A list of local medical providers can be found on the U.S. Embassy website. Report crimes to the local police at 999 and contact the U.S. Embassy at (256) (0) 414-306-001. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 999 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(256)(0) 414-306-001. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. citizens victims of crime overseas .
Domestic Violence
: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Uganda Population & Demographics
Population of 50,015,092, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uganda safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Uganda at Level 4 of 4 (Do Not Travel). The homicide rate of 9.0 per 100,000 is high by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Uganda?
Uganda has an intentional homicide rate of 9.0 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #44 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Uganda?
Uganda is currently at Level 4: Do Not Travel. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Uganda compare to other countries?
Uganda's homicide rate of 9.0 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Africa average of 7.6.