KAMPALA, UGANDA: 12 January 2026— With Uganda’s presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for January 15, 2026, the United States Embassy in Kampala has issued a comprehensive security alert, urging U.S. citizens to prepare for potential unrest, communication blackouts, and significant daily disruptions.
The alert, released on January 8, highlights a growing pattern of force used by Ugandan security entities to control political gatherings over the past month. It warns that demonstrations—which have historically turned violent in Uganda—could occur “before, during, or after” the upcoming polls.
Key Warnings and Preparations
The Embassy has advised Americans currently in the country to take immediate proactive measures to ensure their safety:
- Shelter-in-Place Readiness: Citizens are encouraged to stockpile 5 to 7 days of food, water, and essential medications.
- Communication Blackouts: Highlighting past election cycles, the alert warns of potential disruptions to the internet, mobile networks, and social media. The Embassy recommends establishing a family communication plan that does not rely on digital connectivity.
- Financial Precautions: As internet outages often disable ATMs, credit card machines, and mobile money apps, the mission advises keeping a sufficient supply of cash on hand.
- Neutrality in Dress: In a specific advisory, the Embassy warned against wearing colors associated with Ugandan political parties, including red, yellow, purple, and blue, to avoid being mistakenly targeted or identified with a political faction.
A Climate of Repression
The U.S. security alert coincides with mounting international pressure. Recent reports from the United Nations and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights have described an environment of “widespread repression” and “shrinking civic space.”
”Ugandan security entities have used force to control crowds at political gatherings in Kampala and throughout the country… Past elections have also seen outbreaks of violence.”
— U.S. Embassy Kampala Security Alert
Observers point to a series of high-profile incidents in the lead-up to the vote, including the detention of opposition figures like Kizza Besigye, Sarah Bireete, and reports of physical assaults on journalists. On election day, many local businesses, including grocery stores and restaurants, are expected to remain closed. Government has also gazetted polling day and the day after polling as public holidays to allow citizens to fully participate in the elections.
The government however maintains that elections will be peaceful and any attempt to disrupt elections will be met with full force from the army and other security agencies. On Saturday, the army deployed heavily across the capital city of Kampala and within major urban centers. The Ministry of Defense says the deployment of armoured vehicles and troops on foot patrols is to ensure peace and stability during the election period.
Actions for U.S. Citizens
The State Department has maintained a Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory for Uganda. Those remaining in the country are urged to:
Avoid all large gatherings and political rallies.
Monitor local media for sudden changes in the security situation.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time emergency updates.
The African Union (AU) and other international bodies have already deployed observation missions to the country, with preliminary findings on the election’s conduct expected by January 17.
