Uganda to Continue US Talks on Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ Advisory, Minister Says

Uganda said it would keep seeking the lifting of its Level 4 ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory after an earlier engagement with Washington failed. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Haruna Kasolo made the pledge in Parliament on November 11, 2026.

The US State Department republished the warning on November 9. It advises American citizens against travel to Uganda, while Americans already there are generally advised to consider leaving when it is safe.

Kasolo told lawmakers Uganda would continue bilateral engagement and keep Parliament informed. “Now that the first engagement has not worked, we shall continue with more engagements and we will keep updating Parliament,” he said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare had held talks with the US Deputy Secretary of State on August 28, 2026. The earlier meeting included commitments to strengthen cooperation, Kasolo said. He also said US officials praised Uganda’s response to Ebola and reaffirmed the countries’ partnership on disease outbreaks.

The warning cites security risks beyond the Ebola outbreak

Uganda’s Ebola-free status has not ended the US warning. The World Health Organisation declared the outbreak over after the last patient left hospital and the required period passed without new cases.

The State Department’s advisory identifies crime, health, terrorism and civil unrest as risk areas. It warns of possible attacks at religious venues, schools, government buildings, police stations, transport hubs and tourist destinations, including national parks. It also cites protests that may occur with little or no warning.

The health assessment reflects the department’s limited ability to provide emergency consular assistance during the outbreak. The advisory also raises concerns about Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023, which criminalizes consensual same-sex relations and carries life imprisonment. The law applies to citizens and foreigners.

The advisory therefore covers more than the Ebola outbreak. Uganda is seeking talks about the warning, but the US State Department has not said when or whether it will review it.

Tourism operators fear cancellations and lost visitor spending

Kole South MP Boniface Okot raised the issue in Parliament, saying tourism businesses had reported effects on them and Ugandans. “Many players in the Tourism sector claim this negative advisory in the country is affecting them and even all Ugandans, a great deal,” he said.

Hotels, tour guides, transport operators and craft sellers rely on visitors. Communities around national parks do, too. Operators fear American travelers will cancel bookings, and that insurers may advise clients against trips.

Those concerns reach beyond individual businesses. Tourism supports workers and small operators who depend on visitor spending, while the advisory warns US citizens against travel. Kasolo said the government would continue to update Parliament as talks proceed.

US citizens are advised not to travel to Uganda

The State Department uses four advisory levels, with the highest reserved for destinations it says Americans should avoid. Its warning tells US citizens not to go to Uganda for any reason.