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East Africa

Uganda Travel Health

Reviewed by Alexander Webber, Chief Epidemiologist · Updated 2026-08

Uganda carries a high burden of malaria, which is present year-round throughout the country including at altitude. Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry, and travelers face additional risks from typhoid, hepatitis A, and schistosomiasis in freshwater environments. Travelers visiting gorilla trekking areas in Bwindi or Mgahinga should be aware of rabies risk from wildlife. Ebola and Marburg outbreaks have occurred periodically in Uganda and travelers should monitor current health advisories.

Food Safety: High Risk Tap Water: Unsafe Malaria Risk Present

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Vaccines for Uganda

Required for Entry

  • Yellow Fever (required for all travelers age 1 and older)

CDC Recommended

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Typhoid
  • Rabies (for extended stays or wildlife contact)
  • Meningococcal (for dry season travel)
  • Malaria prophylaxis

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Uganda

Malaria Risk

High risk throughout the entire country year-round, including Kampala and high-altitude areas above 2,000 m. P. falciparum is the predominant species. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine for chemoprophylaxis.

Food and Water Safety

High Risk Tap water: not safe to drink

Tap water is not safe to drink; use sealed bottled or boiled water. Avoid raw or undercooked foods, street food prepared in unsanitary conditions, and unpasteurized dairy. Avoid swimming or wading in freshwater lakes and rivers due to schistosomiasis risk, including Lake Victoria.

Key Health Tips for Uganda

  • Begin malaria chemoprophylaxis before departure and continue for the full recommended period after leaving Uganda.
  • Do not swim or wade in freshwater bodies including Lake Victoria due to schistosomiasis (bilharzia) risk.
  • Seek immediate medical attention for any animal bite, including from primates encountered during gorilla trekking, as rabies post-exposure prophylaxis must be started promptly.
  • Stay current on outbreak advisories for Ebola and Marburg, both of which have caused periodic outbreaks in Uganda.

Disease Risks in Uganda

Official Resources

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