Western Uganda (08/10/07)

Warden Message

Kampala, Uganda

August 10, 2007

The U.S. Embassy in Kampala wishes to alert American citizens residing and traveling in western Uganda to two recent incidents that occurred along the Ugandan border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). 

On August 8, 2007, a group of armed assailants entered Uganda from the DRC and raided Butogota, a town in Kanungu District.  Three Ugandans were killed, and many others assaulted during the violent raid.  The perpetrators of the attack are unknown, but Ugandan officials believe the attackers may be members of one of the various militia groups operating in southeastern DRC, or possibly remnants of the “Interahamwe,” a group that participated in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and also responsible for the 1999 attack on Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.  The 1999 Bwindi attack killed four Ugandans and eight foreign tourists.  This most recent attack on Butogota is in an area frequented by tourists traveling to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a popular gorilla trekking destination.  Given the recent insecurity, the U.S. Embassy now requires that Mission employees traveling to Kanungu, Kisoro, or Kabale Districts in southwestern Uganda first obtain Chief of Mission authorization to travel to the affected districts.

On August 2, 2007, a British citizen employed by an oil exploration company was killed in an area further north.  The British citizen was killed during a firefight between the Ugandan Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) and an armed Congolese group on Lake Albert in western Uganda.  The firefight took place on Lake Albert when the Congolese group attacked an oil exploration barge, and the UPDF responded and pursued the attackers.

Americans are advised that areas bordering the DRC are subject to violent incursions by various armed groups.  Although isolated, incidents can occur with little or no warning.  Insurgent groups have engaged in murder, armed attacks, kidnapping, and placement of land mines.  Travel in areas in close proximity to the border brings an inherent safety and security risk.  American citizens choosing to travel in these areas are advised to exercise caution, restrict movement to main travel routes, and only travel during daylight hours.

American citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Kampala at (256) (41) 4 306 001 or (256) (41) 4 259 791.  In the case of an emergency outside business hours, or during any suspension of public services, American citizens may reach the embassy duty officer at the same numbers.

American citizens are advised to register and update their contact information with the U.S. Embassy in Kampala.  The U.S. Embassy is located at Plot 1577 Ggaba Road.  The phone number is (256) (41) 4 306 001 or (256) (41) 4 259 791, fax (256) (41) 4 258 451, email: KampalaUSCitizen@state.gov, and travel registration website: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/. 

For the latest security information, Americans 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, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings 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. or 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 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. Federal Holidays).