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
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.