Uganda is urging the United States to lift its “Do Not Travel” warning, as tourism operators report significant financial losses since the advisory was issued in May.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, announced in Parliament that the government will engage in further discussions with Washington, following an initial round of talks that did not yield the desired outcome for Kampala. “Now that the first engagement has not worked, we shall continue with more discussions,” he stated, assuring Members of Parliament that he would keep them updated.
Hon. Kasolo was responding to Kole South legislator Boniface Okot, who highlighted that the travel advisory is negatively impacting both the tourism industry and ordinary Ugandans. The Level 4 advisory is the most severe in the U.S. State Department’s four-tier system and is issued when security or health risks are deemed significant or when the U.S. government’s ability to assist its citizens in an emergency is limited. The advisory’s blunt warning advises, “Do not go for any reason.”
On November 9, the State Department reaffirmed Uganda’s Level 4 classification, which has been in place since May 17, 2026.
The advisory was updated on June 4, citing concerns about crime, health issues, terrorism, and unrest. Uganda was previously at Level 3, “Reconsider travel,” as of late 2025.
The health concerns primarily stem from an Ebola outbreak that occurred in May, linked to the Bundibugyo strain and cross-border movement from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulting in 20 cases before being declared resolved.
Uganda has since reported that the last patient has been discharged, and the World Health Organisation has declared the country Ebola-free; however, the travel advisory remains unchanged.
Uganda finds itself listed alongside countries such as Iran, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Afghanistan, and the DRC under the Level 4 classification.
Other African nations, including Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Libya, Mali, and Niger, are also at Level 4. One tracking service noted that there are currently 23 countries categorised as Level 4 as of November 9.
Ugandan officials and commentators have expressed frustration with this classification, arguing that a country with a viable tourism industry and a strong history of managing Ebola should not be grouped with active conflict zones.
The timing of the advisory is particularly unfortunate, as Uganda recorded 1.64 million international arrivals in 2025, generating approximately Shs 5.83 trillion ($1.62 billion) from tourism, indicating a strong start to 2026.
North American visitors constitute about 18.5% of long-haul arrivals, and the negative impact of the advisory extends beyond government policy. Travellers often face complications with insurance, employer travel policies, and concerns from family members when a “Do Not Travel” notice is issued.
According to Hon. Kasolo, a meeting on August 28 between Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare and the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State resulted in a commitment from both sides to enhance cooperation. U.S. officials commended Uganda’s response to Ebola, and both parties agreed to continue collaboration on health matters and issues related to sovereignty.
The upcoming round of discussions will address the travel advisory, health cooperation, and sovereignty, although no date has been set yet. Until the advisory changes, tour operators indicate that they will continue to bear the financial burden.