Most trips to Uganda land at Entebbe and combine gorilla trekking in Bwindi or Mgahinga with chimpanzees in Kibale, a safari in Murchison Falls or Queen Elizabeth National Park, and rafting at Jinja, near the source of the Nile. Distances are long and many journeys are made with a driver-guide. As Uganda lies outside the EU's Roam Like at Home area, a European SIM roams there at its operator's own prices, often billed by the day.
Key facts for Uganda
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: Airtel (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: 999
- Embassies: in Kampala
Security in the west
The UK warns that terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Uganda, and western Uganda near the border with DR Congo has seen a series of them, including in national parks. In October 2023, two tourists and their driver were killed in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and attacks in Kasese and Bundibugyo in November 2025 took place close to tourist areas. Travel with an established operator, follow its security briefings, and check the travel-safety page before visiting the western parks.
Gorillas, chimpanzees and safaris
The lodges near Bwindi, Kibale and Murchison Falls usually have some coverage or Wi-Fi, but in the forest and on game drives the signal is patchy at best. Gorilla permits are limited, so book well ahead, and download maps and your permits before setting off.
Kampala, Entebbe and Jinja
Coverage is strong in Kampala, Entebbe and Jinja. Thieves target visitors who look wealthy, so carry little cash and avoid walking after dark. It is illegal to give money, food or clothes to children living on Kampala's streets.
Roads, boda-bodas and boats
Driving standards are poor and accidents are frequent, so avoid travelling outside the main towns after dark, apart from the road between Kampala and Entebbe airport. Motorbike taxis, called boda-bodas, do not meet basic safety standards, and passengers have been mugged. Ferry accidents on Lake Victoria and Lake Albert have killed many people, so use reputable companies and avoid overloaded boats.
Laws to know
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal under the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023, which carries life imprisonment and, in some cases, the death penalty. Photographing military, official or diplomatic sites, including the Owen Falls Dam near Jinja, is forbidden, and you should ask before photographing people.
Paying
The currency is the Ugandan shilling. Cards work in larger hotels and lodges, mobile money is everywhere, and US dollars are useful for park fees and tips. Use cash machines indoors, and get transport arranged when you withdraw cash.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM is best added before you leave: it picks up a Ugandan network on landing at Entebbe, while your regular line stays reachable for texts and one-time bank codes. An Africa plan also covers Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
Ugandan prepaid SIMs from MTN or Airtel can be bought on arrival at Entebbe or in town, and registration requires your passport.
Consular protection: who to call in Uganda
- 999 reaches the police, an ambulance or the fire brigade.
- Embassies are in Kampala. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- If you are an EU citizen and your country has no embassy or consulate in Uganda, the embassy of any other EU country must help you on the same terms as its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- English is one of Uganda's official languages, along with Swahili, so you can explain what happened without a phrasebook.
Questions travellers ask about Uganda
Does my EU plan work in Uganda?
Not under Roam Like at Home: expect your operator's own roaming charges.
Is it safe to visit the national parks in the west?
Attacks have taken place near the DR Congo border, including in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Go with an established operator and check the latest advice first.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in Uganda?
Airtel, with 4G and 5G where available.
What is the emergency number?
999, for the police, an ambulance or the fire brigade.
The short version
Set up the eSIM before departure, secure your gorilla permits early, travel the west with an established operator, stay off roads and boda-bodas after dark, and save 999.
Related reads:
Ready to stay connected without surprises?
Activate your eSIM in seconds and travel connected in 200+ countries and territories.
See plans