The medical care in the country cannot be compared to Europe and can be problematic in terms of technology, equipment and/or hygiene. It is recommended to take a first-aid kit with you. Before entering the country, you should inquire at the embassy whether the import is subject to a fee. Travel health insurance with emergency repatriation is strongly recommended. Check findjobdescriptions for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required for all travelers over one year old. Regardless of official regulations, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended for all travelers as Uganda is considered a country with yellow fever infection areas. [2] A certificate of vaccination against cholera is not an entry requirement, but there is a risk of infection. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel. To protect yourself, you should practice careful drinking water and food hygiene. Vaccination is only recommended in rare cases. [3] Malaria protection against the more prevalent form, Plasmodium falciparum, is required year-round in all parts of the country, including the towns of Fort Portal, Jinja, Kampala, Mbale and parts of Kigezi. Chloroquine resistance has been reported. Drug prophylaxis is strongly recommended. [4] Due to the risk of possible infections, careful drinking water and food hygiene must be ensured. Water should generally either be boiled or otherwise sterilized before it is used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice cubes, or it should be bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is not pasteurized and should also be boiled. Only mix dry and canned milk with sterile water. Avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Meat and fish dishes should only be well cooked and served hot. Pork, raw salads and mayonnaise should be avoided. Vegetables should be boiled and fruits should be peeled.
Other risks
Schistosomiasis pathogens are found in ponds and rivers nationwide, particularly around Lake Albert as far north as Pakwach in the northwest, so swimming and wading in inland waterways should be avoided. Well maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe. Filariasis caused by insects also occurs nationwide. Travelers reduce the risk of transmission if they use an effective insect repellent. Hepatitis A and E as well as hepatitis B occur nationwide. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/AIDS is widespread and a great danger for everyone who takes the risk of infection: sexual contact, unclean syringes or cannulas and blood transfusions can pose a significant health risk. Outbreaks of hemorrhagic fevers caused by Ebola and Marburg viruses occur periodically in Uganda. It is advisable to avoid contact with sick people and, in the case of the Marburg virus, with bats (bat holes!). Measles occur. Travelers should definitely check their vaccination protection before traveling to Uganda and refresh it if necessary. Epidemic outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis occur nationwide, particularly in the Northwest and Northeast from December to May. To protect yourself, you should get vaccinated and avoid large crowds. The plague is sporadic in Nebbi to the west and Arua in the north, but there is a low risk of infection. Protection against rats and fleas through safe sleeping places and more frequent linen changes as well as keeping away those who are already sick reduce the risk of infection. If you work in areas affected by the plague, it is advisable to take antibiotics prophylactically. Sleeping sickness occurs primarily between northern Lake Victoria to north of Lake Kyoga and in the border area north of Lake Edward in the Lira District. Careful mosquito protection measures are recommended. Rabies occurs nationwide. Carriers include dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tick bite fever occurs nationwide. Protective measures are skin-covering clothing and insect repellent. In case of tick infestation, consult a doctor if in doubt.
Money
Currency
1 Uganda shilling. Currency code: USh, UGS (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000 USh, coins in denominations of 1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50 USh. The US dollar is the preferred form of payment, but only banknotes from 2006 or later are accepted.
Credit cards
Credit cards (usually Visa, sometimes Mastercard and Diners Club) are accepted by hotels, restaurants, tour operators and airlines. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank cards With a credit card (usually only with Visa, sometimes also with Mastercard) and a pin number, money can be withdrawn from the ATMs of some banks (including Stanbic Bank) in large cities. The Girocard (formerly ec card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. It can be used at a few ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol. The maximum amount that can be withdrawn is between 250,000 and 700,000 UGX per day. To be on the safe side, travelers should always have an alternative source of money such as cash. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money,
Travelers cheques
Travelers checks are not accepted in Uganda.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sat sometimes also 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
Unlimited import and export of foreign currencies and local currency. There is no obligation to declare.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies such as Euros and Dollars can be exchanged at the Central Bank, commercial banks or bureaux de change at Entebbe Airport, in Kampala and in some major cities. The recommended exchange currency is the US dollar, which can be changed without any problems as long as the bills are new (from 2006).
