Kampala Warnings and Dangers

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Kampala is a Malarial area. It only takes one bite from one mosquito to contract malaria and die. We have already lost one member of VT in Africa to malaria. Please don’t be the second. If you do get malaria and live, at the very least your travels are over and your adventure ruined. You need to start most anti-malarial drugs weeks BEFORE you go. Doxycycline can be taken 1-2 days before travel. The most effective way to avaiod malaria is not to get bitten. I recommned mosquito repellent with 100% DEET and good moqsuoto nets. If your accomosdation has airconditioning, you do not need to use a net.

There is a link here explaining more about DEET:

DEET INFORMATION

Please take precautions!

Kampala is in a malaria zone, even though the city is located above 1100 metres. It is imortant to take anti-malaria drugs, even in the dry season. There are more mosquitos during the rainy season.

I have good experience with Doxycyclin tablets, and have never been sick on my trips to several African countries. 1 tablet a day, and no side effects. I usually buy a large number of the Doxycyclin tablets in Thailand for 10 cent a tablet. Instead of buying the overpriced Malarone tablets or the spooky Lariam tablets which can cause hallucination.

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The security has been very strict after the terror bombs in Kampala in July 2010. All people with bags are subject to be stopped by the police or a soldier. The suspiciousness towards terrorists are noticeable. However the police are friendly towards tourists, but you will be checked as all the others.

Malaria is a real danger in Uganda.

On my last trip I was feeling a bit iffy so thought I'd best check for malaria. The nearest clinic laboratory to wher ei was staying was the Ebenezer clinic in the building right oposite the old taxi park on Ben Kiwanuka st.

The blood test cost me 5,000 UGX and it was carried out with a brand new needle.

Thankfully the test was negative so the Dr recomended Flagyl for my "running stomach".

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Kampala has a very dangerous and weird way of making sure people and birds don’t go where they are not wanted. This extends to large logs with huge nails left in the road (pictured) so you don’t walk or park a car. This was in front of the Police Station! They also love to put razor sharp and lethal spikes in windows so you won’t sit there. Watch where you walk, sit and climb or Kampala will leave a permanent mark on you!

Ouch!

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Last time I was in Kampala I had only just arrived and was whisked away to a graduation party. I was expecting a night out on the lash with a bunch of students; oh no Muguruki that’s not what was going to happen! What actually happened was a real formal do with a gazebo, and outside caterers.

As you can guess from the photo I was dragged up to make a speech just when I thought I had got away with it. After the speeches and lovely food we drank beer as well as Ajono and danced to the full on sound system blasting Ugandan charts and everybody’s favourite Teso tunes.

A top night out was had by all!

To me Kampala is very safe place, nothing to be concerned about happened in my two weeks stay. I stayed out, most of the time, untill late hours coming to my apartment in the outskirts of the town and yet, felt easy in my mind. The only danger could be getting wett of sudden rain because most of my days I had bad weather.
Is there any warning for Kampala? Yes of course there is. In most of the bars locals girls could approach to you asking to pay them a drink. Usually, they drink bottled Tusker beer which cost about 300 shillings. But soon after, her friend will come asking you to pay her drink too. If you do that be prepare to pay another round or even more because they just cannot stop drinking. So, what can you do about? Tell her or them you don't need company and ask them politely to leave.