Monday, 12 July 2010
Explosions in Kampala
It was with shock this morning we heard of two explosions in Kampala where sadly 64 people have lost their lives. Our prayers and
thoughts are with the families of those who have lost loved ones. I have spoken to The British High Commission in Kampala this
morning(12th July) and a summary of what they say is copied below. They assure me that these were isolated incidents planned to cause maximum carnage as many were gathered to watch the world cup final.
I have also spoken to our staff on the ground and have been assured that everyone is safe. Jim McAnlis from Northern Ireland is also in our office and if you have any queries please feel free to call him on +256 774 683 599 and you can also contact me on +353 879812025.
Trevor Stevenson
British High Commission Statement
Uganda
Still current at: 9 August 2010
Updated: 9 August 2010
This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary (two explosions in Kampala). The overall level of the advice has not changed; we currently advise against all travel to some areas of Uganda
Travel Summary
- We advise against all travel to Karamoja region in north eastern Uganda (Kotido, Moroto, Nakapiripirit, Katakwi, Kaabong, Abim, Kapchorwa and Bukwa Distsricts) with the exception of trips to Kidepo Valley National Park, which we recommend should be made by air. See the Local Travel (North East Uganda) and National Parks section of this Travel Advice.
- We advise against travel by road outside of major towns at night except between Kampala and the airport at Entebbe.
- In July and August 2010 two passenger ferries sank. The first accident was on Lake Victoria (near Wakiso) and killed 50 people. The second was on Lake Albert in western Uganda and killed around 70 people. See the Marine Travel section of this Travel Advice.
- On 11 July there were bomb attacks in Kampala - one device at a restaurant in Kabalagala (Tank Hill Road) and two at a rugby club in Lugogo (Jinja Road). There are over 70 dead and significant numbers injured. A fourth device, which failed to detonate, was also found in the Makindye area. British nationals should follow the advice of local authorities, exercise caution while travelling around the city and avoid large social gatherings.
- There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
- Around 15,000 British tourists visit Uganda every year (Source: Ugandan Immigration Department). Most visits are trouble-free. The main types of incident for which 18 British nationals required consular assistance in Uganda in the period 01 April 2009 – 31 March 2010 for the following types of incident: arrests, for a variety of offences (4 cases), death (2 cases), hospitalisation (2 cases) and replacing lost or stolen passports (47 cases). See the Crime section of this Travel Advice.
- We strongly advise that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See the General (Insurance) section of this Travel Advice.