There has been an increasing crime rate in Uganda especially Central region, that is being carried out mostly by attackers and boda boda riders. The U.S. Embassy Kampala has reminded individuals especially the US citizens to remain vigilant of the high risk of crime in Kampala.
It should be noted that, recent reports include pedestrians being attacked and robbed by boda boda riders, particularly along Tank Hill Road. These incidents have mostly occurred at night, but several have also been in broad daylight and two such attacks have resulted in hospitalizations and death.
However much the Uganda Police Force (UPF) is aware of these incidents and doing its work which includes twelve arrests that have so far been made, the perpetrators are still at large. And here are the personal security measures to follow as given by the U.S Embassy Kampala.
You must lock all doors and windows, both in your car and at home. If you have an alarm system, use it. More so, stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Watchfulness makes you look like a “hard target.”
Furthermore, you should exercise caution when traveling anywhere in Uganda, especially on foot or bike. This makes you a soft target for the perpetrators and they will harm you. Again, gather as much information as possible about a route before traveling.
More to this, always be unpredictable at all times and vary your routine by changing routes and times that you travel. Don’t make yourself a target by traveling at specific times and not using the same traveling areas and routes.
U.S Embassy Kampala continues to say that, one should use caution when driving at night and avoid walking after dark. More to this, you can walk in groups when possible and avoid drawing attention to yourself.
More importantly, do not travel with anything of substantial value or that you do not want taken from you and trust your instincts. Always depart or change direction if you become suspicious of others.
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And lastly, if you are being robbed, do not resist. Give up your property and get away. Your life is worth more than your money. For assistance or information about services to U.S. citizens in Kampala, please consult American Citizen Services (ACS).
The statement also involved the emergency lines to contact in case one is attacked and they are; U.S. Embassy Kampala, Plot 1577 Ggaba Road. Kampala, Uganda.
Recently, the Uganda Police released a statement saying that the crime rate reduced by more than 1% in 2023. But the rate at which 2024 crimes are increasing, Uganda Police Force may face a hard time to curb it.
