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Country Commercial Guides for FY 2000: Uganda Report prepared by U.S. Embassy Kampala, released July 1999   Note*

IX. BUSINESS TRAVEL

Business Customs

Business decisions are often made by a group. Ugandans like discussing business issues with others before making decisions. Ugandans want to get to know people they are dealing with and beginnings of meetings are generally occupied with introductory conversation about people's backgrounds and families. Refreshments are served at business meetings. Good gift choices to bring from abroad would be business-related items such as the item the company makes or wishes to sell.

Ugandans are quite conservative in the way they dress. outlandish clothing or the exposure of large areas of one's body are uncommon. Women conventionally wear dresses; men wear business suits.

It is not uncommon for Ugandans to arrive late for an event, and for meetings to run over their scheduled time.

Travel Advisory and Visas

The current Consular Information Sheet, dated July 1, 1999, is reprinted below.

Country Description: Uganda is a developing east African nation. Tourism facilities are adequate in Kampala, the capital, but are limited in other areas.

Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Ugandan authorities are temporarily issuing visas upon arrival at Entebbe Airport, near Kampala. However, Ugandan officials have stated that visa issuance at the port of entry may not be available at a later date. All travelers to Uganda are urged to procure a visa from the nearest Ugandan Embassy or Consulate at their earliest convenience as processing delays are possible as Ugandan missions expand their visa-issuing infrastructure.

Further information may be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda, 5909 16th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011; telephone (202) 726-7100, or the Ugandan Permanent Mission to the United Nations, telephone (212) 949-0110. Overseas, inquiries may be made at the nearest Ugandan Embassy or consulate.

Safety/Security: U.S. citizens living in or planning to visit Uganda should be aware of threats to their safety from insurgent groups, originating both within and outside of Uganda, particularly in northern and western Uganda. They have at times specifically targeted U.S. citizens. These groups have engaged in murder, armed attacks, kidnapping and the placement of land mines. In March 1999, one of these groups murdered eight foreign nationals, including two U.S. citizens. Incidents occur at random with little or no warning. Ongoing hostilities between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DROC) and rebels in that country could prompt military attacks in Uganda, a supporter of the rebels in the DROC. Also, several incidents of banditry and armed robbery have occurred in the northern and western districts of Uganda.

Travelers who track gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest remain subject to the risk of continued rebel attacks, such as the one in March 1999. Those who track gorillas in Bwindi are advised not to stay overnight in the park despite the increased presence in the park of the Ugandan Army, who often accompany tourists on gorilla tracking.

Areas of Instability: U.S. Government employees must have permission from the Chief of Mission to visit the following districts: Kotido, Moroto, Apac, Lira, Gulu, Kitgum, Kisoro, Rukungiri, Kasese, Moyo, Arua, Nebbi, Adjumani, Bundibugiyo, and Kabarole. Currently, there are districts not on the preceding list which border or are near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Travelers are reminded that although rebel activity from the DROC is often unpredictable, safety is usually enhanced by increased distance from that border. This list includes districts containing all or part of several national parks and is subject to change at any time. Tourists contemplating travel in any of these districts are advised to contact the U.S. Embassy in Kampala for the latest security information.

Political Violence: Grenade attacks have occurred occasionally at various public places in Kampala since July 1998. In addition, bombings with fatalities occurred in outdoor restaurants in April 1998, July 1998, and February 1999. U.S. citizens in Kampala are urged to exercise extreme caution when visiting both indoor and outdoor public facilities, including but not limited to bars, restaurants, hotels, and markets.

In August 1998, bombs were detonated on three commercial intercity buses originating in Kampala, killing more than 30 people. Travelers should avoid travel by intercity coach bus. Thus far, local and intercity public van service ("Matatus") have not been affected by the bombings.

Due in part to the violence described in this section and an assessment of the specific safety requirements of Peace Corps Volunteers, the Peace Corps suspended operations in Uganda in May 1999. In addition, most of the persons conducting primate research in Kibale Forest, Kabarole District, temporarily departed the forest in May 1999 due to continued rebel activity in the area. There has been no withdrawal of U.S. Embassy personnel from Uganda.

Regional Terrorism: One of the many rebel factions in the Great Lakes Region has committed, and continues to threaten, violence against U.S. citizens and interests. This faction was responsible for the March 1999 kidnapping and murder of several Western tourists in Uganda. A rebel faction was responsible for the kidnapping of four foreign nationals in August 1998 in a region of the Democratic Republic of Congo that borders Uganda. Rebel factions are known to operate in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo and the surrounding areas, including sections of Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi.

Crime Information: Incidents of armed vehicle hijackings and armed highway robbery are frequent throughout the country. Although these attacks are often violent, victims are generally injured only if they resist. In October 1998, U.S. Embassy employees were advised against using back roads at night in Kampala after a series of incidents on secondary roads in which vehicles were fired upon without warning or provocation. Females traveling alone are particularly susceptible to crime, as an American woman was murdered in 1998 in a four-star Kampala hotel. Several violent attacks occurred in Kampala and other parts of the country in 1998. Crimes such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and thefts from parked vehicles or vehicles stalled in traffic jams are common. These offenses also occur on public transportation. Passengers should not accept food or drink from a stranger, even a child, as such food may contain narcotics used to incapacitate a victim and facilitate a robbery.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The pamphlets A Safe Trip Abroad and Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa provide useful information on personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available at the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page, http://travel.state.gov, and from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 or via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs.

Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Uganda, including Kampala, are extremely limited and not equipped to handle most emergencies, especially those requiring surgery. Hospitals are scarce and extremely basic outside of Kampala. Equipment and medicines are often in short supply or unavailable.

Medical Insurance: Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, and U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the Untied States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. Check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including a provision for medical evacuation. Ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor, or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Travelers to Uganda are strongly urged to consider supplemental medical/travelers' insurance, with specific coverage for medical evacuation from overseas and for disposition of remains in case of death, as these policies are inexpensive when compared to the costs of a medical evacuation.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via its home page at http://travel.state.gov and autofax at (202) 647-3000.

Other Medical Information: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international traveler's hotline at telephone: 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or by visiting the CDC Internet home page at http://www.cdc.gov.

Road Safety Conditions And Domestic Travel Hazards: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions which differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Uganda is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Poor Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor

Bandit activity in some areas is both frequent and unpredictable. Accidents are common and often fatal. Highway travel at night is particularly dangerous.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service by local carriers at present, or economic authority to operate such service, between the U.S. and Uganda, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Uganda's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa.htm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the Pentagon at (703) 697-7288.

Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Ugandan laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Uganda are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Photography Prohibition: Photography in tourist locations is welcome. It is inadvisable, however, to take pictures of military/police installations or personnel. Military and police officers have also detained tourists for taking photographs of part of Entebbe Airport and of the area around Owen Falls Dam.

Children's Issues: For information on international adoption of children, international parental child abduction, and international child support enforcement issues please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone (202) 736-7000.

Y2K Information: U.S. citizens contemplating traveling or residing abroad in late 1999 or early 2000 should be aware of potential difficulties. U.S. citizens may wish to consider taking practical precautions against possible disruptions of services triggered by the Y2K computer phenomenon. Monitor the home page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs for updates on Y2K issues.

Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Kampala and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Uganda. The U.S. Embassy address is: P.O. Box 7007, 10-12 Parliament Avenue, Kampala; telephone: 256-41-259-792/3/5.

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 12, 1999 to update Safety/Security and Political Violence as well as to add the Children's Issues section.

Holidays

The Government of Uganda does not celebrate a holiday on the workday before or after the actual holiday if it falls on a weekend. Businesses, however, may be closed and many business people unavailable on such a day. Major holidays celebrated in Uganda include:

New Years Day January 1 Liberation Day January 26 Good Friday * Easter Monday * International Women's Day March 8 Labor Day May 1 Idd-el-Fitr * Iddi Aduha * Uganda Martyr's Day June 3 National Heroes Day June 9 Independence Day October 9 Christmas Day December 25 Boxing Day December 26

* Date changes annually

Business Infrastructure

The primary road network in Uganda is generally good, but maintenance is a problem. Roads in Kampala are being improved, although many are still filled with potholes. The secondary road system needs a great deal of work, and some unpaved roads become nearly impassable in the rainy seasons. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended.

International flights to and from Entebbe International Airport leave daily. Sabena, British Air, and Alliance offer routes to Europe. There are no direct flights to the U.S. Air service within the country is available through private charters. In November 1997, a Delta codeshare agreement with Sabena was approved by the Government of Uganda.

Although many local languages are spoken in Uganda (the most common in Kampala being Luganda), most business is conducted in English. Swahili is often understood but not frequently used in Kampala.

The communications infrastructure is substandard. Many people and businesses do not have telephones. Substantial bureaucratic red tape must be overcome to have a telephone installed. International direct dial is expensive but generally of good quality. Billing practices, however, have been mistake-prone. Access to international long distance carriers such AT&T, MCI, and Sprint is extremely limited, even in first class hotels. Many business people in and around Kampala have mobile telephones. By the end of 1999, mobile service should extend to all major towns in Uganda; however, ground lines will remain fairly scarce. A satellite telephone is recommended for persons working outside of an urban area. Many businesses are now using fax machines and email regularly. Commercial e-mail and internet services are available. Fax and copying services are also available in shops in Kampala and at major hotels. Both telephone and fax charges at major hotels can be exorbitant.

Several different courier services compete for business in Uganda and in providing international services. DHL and Federal Express offer worldwide delivery.

Electricity problems including load-shedding and voltage fluctuations can cause problems for business machines such as computers. Stabilizers, surge protectors and even independent electrical generators may be necessary.

Housing is becoming more readily available because houses built for lease or rent are common investments in the greater Kampala area. Many of the houses aimed at western business people and organizations need significant upgrades to meet western standards.

Uganda has serious disease and health problems. malaria is endemic and is resistant to many anti-malarial drugs. Cerebral malaria is not uncommon. Most lakes and rivers are infested with bilharzia. The rate of HIV infection in Uganda is extremely high. Tuberculosis is becoming a major disease here. Although a new treatment plant for the Kampala water supply was commissioned in 1993, water from taps is not potable and should be boiled for 5 minutes and filtered before drinking. Vegetables should be soaked in chlorinated water before cooking.

Temporary Entry of Goods

Goods other than those for personal use are subject to customs duties upon arrival in Uganda. Goods brought into Uganda for exhibition at the Uganda Manufacturers' Association can be exempted from duties.

Product Pricing Structures

Pricing structures vary substantially. With Uganda's chaotic retail and distribution sectors and the prevalence of smuggled goods, pricing structures in most sectors exist informally, if at all.

A. Country Data

Population: 21 million
Population growth rate: 2.8% per annum
Religions: Christian (66%), Muslim (15%) and local religions or no religion (19%)
Government system: The President is the head of state; Parliament is the legislature. Below the Parliament is a hierarchy of elected district, county, subcounty, parish and village councils. Uganda also has a complex hierarchy of courts.
Languages: English is the official language and is used extensively for business, other languages include three major language families: Bantu, Central Sudanic and Nilotic. The most common local language in the Kampala area is Luganda. Swahili is also widely spoken.
Workweek: Monday through Friday. Shops and some businesses are open Saturday morning.

B. Domestic Economy

	FY1997	FY1998	FY1999(est.)
GDP (US$millions)	5,693	6,178	5,770
GDP growth rate(%)	4.5	5.4	7.8
GDP per capita (US$)	284	301	272
Inflation (%)	7.8	5.8	5.1
Foreign exchange Reserves (in months Of imports)	4.5	4.8	4.9
Avg. exchange Rate for US$1	1,048	1,150	1,375
Foreign debt (US$millions)	3,660	3,629	3,507
U.S. economic Assistance (US$millions)	53	50	50

C. Trade

	FY1997	FY1998	FY1999 (est.)
Total country exports (US$millions)	837.5	633.7	748.4
Total country imports (US$millions)	1246.3	1411.1	1370.5

D. Investment

	FY1997	FY1998	FY1999 (est.)
Total Investment As a percentage Of GDP	18.0	16.6	18.2
Private Sector Investment as a Percentage of GDP	12.8	11.5	13.0
Public Sector Investment as a Percentage of GDP	5.2	5.1	5.2

E. U.S. and Country Contacts

U.S. Embassy
P.O. Box 7007
10-12 Parliament Avenue
Kampala, Uganda
tel: 256-41-259-792 fax: 256-41-259-794

Uganda Government Agencies/Authorities

Ministry of Finance
P.O. Box 8147, Kampala
tel: 256-41-234-700/9, fax: 256-41-341-397

Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry
P.O. Box 4241, Kampala
tel: 256-41-231-104, fax: 256-41-232-971

Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries
P.O. Box 201, Entebbe
tel: 256-42-20981

Ministry of Energy and minerals
P.O. Box 7270, Kampala
tel: 256-41-233-331

Customs Department
P.O. Box 8147, Kampala
tel: 256-41-221-427

Uganda Revenue Authority
P.O. Box 7279, Kampala
tel: 256-41-221-701

Uganda Investment Authority (UIA)
P.O. Box 7418, Kampala
tel: 256-41-234-105; fax: 2S6-41-242-903

Uganda Trade Associations/Chambers of Commerce

Uganda Manufacturers Association
P.O. Box 6966, Kampala
tel: 256-41-221-034

Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry
P.O. Box 3809, Kampala
tel: 256-41-258-791; fax 256-41-258-793

Uganda Small Scale Industry Association
P.O. Box 7725, Kampala
tel: 256-41-221-785; fax: 256-41-221-038

Development Banks

Uganda Development Bank
P.O. Box 7210, Kampala
tel: 256-41-230-740; fax: 256-41-258-571

East African Development Bank
P.O. Box 7128, Kampala
tel: 256-41-230-021; fax: 2S6-41-259-763

International Organizations

International Monetary Fund P.O. Box 7120, Kampala
tel: 256-41-233-955; fax: 256-41-254-872

World Bank
P.O. Box 4463, Kampala
tel: 256-41-230-094; fax: 256-41-230-092

CARE P.O. Box 7280, Kampala
tel: 256-41-258-568; fax: 256-41-235-880

UNDP P.O. Box 7184, Kampala
tel: 256-41-233-440; fax: 256-41-244-801

World Food Program
P.O. Box 7184
tel: 256-41-244-010; fax: 256-41-251-760

Uganda Commercial Banks

Uganda Commercial Bank
P.O. Box 973, Kampala
tel: 256-41-234-710; fax: 256-41-242-694

Crane Bank Ltd.
P.O. Box 22572, Kampala
tel: 256-41-241-414; fax: 256-41-231-578

Gold Trust Bank (U) Ltd.
P.O. Box 70, Kampala
tel: 256-41-231-784; fax: 256-41-231-687

Nile Bank
P.O. Box 2834, Kampala
tel: 256-41-245-571; fax: 256-41-257-779

Barclays Bank (U) Ltd.
P.O. Box 2971, Kampala
tel: 256-41-232-594; fax: 256-41-259-467

Bank of Baroda (U) Ltd.
P.O. Box 7197, Kampala
tel: 256-41-233-680; fax: 256-41-258-263

Stanbic Bank (U) Ltd.
P.O. Box 7131, Kampala
tel: 256-41-230-811; fax: 256-41-231-116

Standard Chartered Bank (U) Ltd.
P.O. Box 7111, Kampala
tel: 256-41-258-211; fax: 256-41-231-473

F. Market Research

A complete list of market research is available on the NTDB.

G. Trade event schedule

The annual International Trade Fair, sponsored by the Uganda Manufacturers Association, is held in early October. The United States Embassy in Kampala encourages local and regional representatives of American manufactured goods to display their products at the U.S. pavilion at the fair. Please contact the U.S. Embassy for more information.