US President Donald Trump during US Campaigns, April 7, 2024. Photo POTUS
By Kenyans
The United States government has issued its highest travel warning for four East African countries, including Uganda, urging its citizens and other foreigners to avoid visiting them because of security and health concerns.
In a travel advisory issued on Monday, November 9, the U.S. Department of State placed Uganda, Somalia, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under Level 4, the highest category in its four-level travel warning system.
The four countries were flagged over terrorism, violent crime, kidnapping, political unrest and health risks, with the U.S. warning that its ability to provide emergency assistance to Americans in affected areas was limited.
Uganda was specifically flagged over terrorism, armed robberies, home invasions, sexual assaults and the ongoing Ebola outbreak, which the U.S. government said had made it difficult to provide emergency assistance.
The advisory also warned of possible terrorist attacks targeting religious institutions, schools, government buildings, police stations, transport centres and tourist attractions, particularly in major cities such as Kampala.
On political stability, the U.S. warned that demonstrations could erupt without warning, especially during political events, adding that security officers had previously used tear gas, batons and rubber bullets against protesters.
The U.S. government further raised concerns about Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023, which criminalises consensual same-sex relations and applies to both citizens and foreigners, with offenders facing life imprisonment.
Somalia was also placed under Level 4 due to the risks of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, health concerns and landmines, with the U.S. government advising foreigners against travelling there for any reason.
Other concerns raised by the U.S. included the systematic mistreatment of women and gay people, piracy, abuse of residents in rehabilitation centres and confiscation of passports by family members.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was also listed at Level 4 because of health concerns, crime, unrest, terrorism, and kidnapping, making it one of the countries foreigners have been advised to avoid.
For Americans already in these countries, the U. S. government advised them to register with its Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and make it easier for diplomatic officials to contact them during emergencies.
President Donald Trump’s administration also urged its citizens in the affected countries to avoid demonstrations, remain alert in public places, exercise caution when walking or driving at night and prepare emergency departure plans.
Uganda, Somalia, South Sudan and the DRC join 22 other countries on the U.S. travel advisory system’s Level 4 list, including Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Myanmar, the Central African Republic, Chad, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Niger, North Korea, Russia, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine and Yemen.
“We issue Travel Advisories with Levels 1 to 4. Level 4 means do not travel. We assign Level 4 based on local conditions and our limited ability to help Americans there. These places are dangerous. Do not go for any reason,” the U.S. government stated.