US Maintains Highest Level 4 Travel Warning for Uganda Despite Ebola Outbreak Ending

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By Enock Katamba | Uncovered UG

The United States has maintained its highest travel advisory for Uganda, urging American citizens to avoid visiting the country despite the government having officially declared the recent Ebola outbreak over.

In a November 9, 2026 reminder shared through its TravelGov account, the US State Department included Uganda among countries facing a Level 4 travel warning, the highest category in its travel advisory system.

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Uganda appeared on the list alongside Iran, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Also Read: Uganda confirms six new Ebola cases, total infections rise to 15

The decision means American travellers are still being advised against visiting Uganda because of concerns relating to security, crime, terrorism, civil unrest and health risks.

Uganda has remained under the Level 4 classification since May 17, 2026, with Washington maintaining the warning during its June 4 advisory update.

US travel warning for Uganda as the country remains under Level 4 advisory. — **The United States continues to advise its citizens against travelling to Uganda.**

Why the US is warning against travel to Uganda

According to the US State Department, several security and public safety concerns contribute to its decision to maintain the highest travel warning.

These include crime, terrorism, civil unrest and health-related risks.

The advisory raises concerns about armed robberies, limited police resources and the possibility of attacks in public places, including areas frequented by foreign visitors and tourists.

Washington also warns that its ability to provide emergency assistance to American citizens in Uganda may be limited.

The Level 4 classification carries the message “Do Not Travel”, indicating that the US government considers the potential risks serious enough to discourage travel altogether.

Ebola outbreak ended, but concerns remain

Uganda was initially placed under the highest travel warning in May following an outbreak of Bundibugyo Ebola, which was linked to neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo.

However, the country’s health authorities later announced a major breakthrough in the fight against the disease.

On July 28, 2026, Uganda’s Ministry of Health officially declared the Ebola outbreak over after the country met the required conditions for ending the outbreak.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) welcomed the announcement on August 27, noting that Uganda had gone 42 days without recording a new confirmed case following the discharge of the last patient.

In October, the Ministry of Health reported that no additional confirmed cases had been recorded in Uganda.

However, health officials continued monitoring the situation, particularly because Ebola transmission was still being reported across the border in the DRC.

Uganda remains on Washington’s highest-risk list

The continued Level 4 classification means the end of Uganda’s Ebola outbreak has not yet resulted in the removal of the country’s highest travel warning.

While the Ebola situation was a major factor behind the advisory’s introduction in May, the US State Department continues to cite crime, terrorism, civil unrest and other security concerns.

The latest reminder therefore places Uganda among a group of countries that Washington considers particularly dangerous for American travellers.

For Uganda’s tourism and hospitality industry, the continued warning could raise concerns about how international visitors perceive the country’s safety, particularly as the country seeks to attract more tourists and strengthen its position as a regional travel destination.

The advisory remains an American government travel recommendation and does not amount to a general international travel ban on Uganda.

written by @enock katamba

enock katamba

Enock Katamba is a Ugandan Journalist and Founder of Uncovered UG, an independent digital news platform covering Uganda and international developments. He reports on politics, national affairs, entertainment, sports, business, education and other stories of public interest.