Heightened Security Awareness

This Warden Message is to remind all U.S. citizens living in Uganda of heightened security concerns over travel in the Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda.  These concerns are mentioned in the Department of State's Country Specific Information for Uganda.

An armed attack targeting a two-vehicle NGO convoy took place on February 12 in the Nakapiripirit district of Karamoja.  The two vehicles, traveling from Nakapiripirit to Moroto, were hit by gunfire, causing three fatalities.  Preliminary reports indicate that the attackers were Karamajong warriors, seen in the immediate vicinity of the attack site.  Both the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces and Police are actively investigating the incident, and the U.S. Mission is closely monitoring the investigation.

The U.S. Embassy continues to restrict the travel of Embassy staff and family members to Karamoja, and is also in the process of reassessing security in the Karamoja region for all official travel.  During this assessment period, in addition to current restrictions, U.S. Embassy staff traveling to Karamoja will use air charter in and out of the region when feasible, and will be required to wear ballistic vests and helmets when traveling outside major towns in Karamoja.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to adopt similar precautions if travel to the area is necessary.

U.S. citizens are advised to register and update their contact information with the U.S. Embassy in Uganda.  The U.S. Embassy is located at Plot 1577 Ggaba Road.  The phone number is (256) (0) (414) 306 001 or (256) (0) (414) 259 791, fax (256) (0) (414) 258 451, email: KampalaUSCitizen@state.gov, and travel registration website: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs internet website at: http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and Country Specific Information can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. Federal Holidays).