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To stay healthy in Uganda, you should only drink bottled, boiled, or treated water and avoid eating any unpeeled fruits or vegetables. If you eat street food, make sure that you buy it from a vendor that is busy and has a high turnover of food to ensure that it’s fresh. Also, watch that the food is cooked in front of you.
Uganda has a high risk of malaria so it’s advised to take antimalarial medication. Prevent mosquito bites by using repellent on your skin and clothes, wearing long trousers and shirts in the early morning and evenings, and sleeping under a mosquito net.
There’s a risk of contracting dengue fever, chikungunya, and the Zika virus in Uganda. All three illnesses are transmitted by mosquitos but there are no preventative medications for them. Again, try to prevent mosquito bites as best you can.
There’s also a risk of contracting bilharzia – a parasitic disease transmitted by freshwater snails. Avoid swimming or wading in any fresh water (lodge swimming pools are safe).
Health Care System
Uganda has both public and private healthcare facilities. Public healthcare facilities are understaffed and lack medical equipment and drugs. If you have a health problem or medical emergency, you should visit a private clinic or hospital, where you’ll need to pay for your treatment and then get reimbursed by your travel insurance.
Medical Emergencies
If your medical emergency is not serious, then get to the closest town and try to find a private clinic or hospital. For more serious emergencies, unless you’re in Kampala and can reach a private clinic, you need to contact a medical evacuation service (such as MAF on +256 772 777 208) which will transport you by plane to the closest private hospital for treatment.
