TRAVEL ALERT - UGANDA

UNCLAS STATE 094924 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC ASEC KPAO PREL UG SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT - UGANDA ¶1. The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the violent demonstrations stemming from political friction between the central government and the authorities of Buganda, which is a vestige of a pre-modern kingdom located in central Uganda, inclusive of Kampala. This Travel Alert expires on November 10, 2009. ¶2. As a result of these demonstrations, travel within the downtown central business district of Kampala and surrounding areas is severely restricted, and U.S. citizens should be aware that spontaneous demonstrations can occur without notice. This potential for violent demonstrations will remain throughout the weekend of September 12-13, and may extend into the following week. ¶3. The Kampala-Entebbe road that connects the Entebbe International Airport and Kampala was closed several times on September 10, and some roads leading north from Kampala were sporadically closed. These sporadic closures are expected to continue to occur through the weekend, and perhaps beyond. This means travel to and from the airport may be severely restricted and may cause lengthy delays. U.S. citizens planning to travel out of Entebbe International Airport should be sure to give themselves at least four (4) hours to get to the airport from Kampala. ¶4. U.S. citizens should be aware that even peaceful gatherings and demonstrations can turn unexpectedly violent. U.S. citizens in Uganda should remain aware of their surroundings, monitor and assess their own security situations at all times, and avoid large public gatherings, protests, and demonstrations. U.S. citizens are encouraged to report unusual events or activities to the U.S. Embassy. ¶5. U.S. citizens with questions or concerns may telephone the Consular Section of the U.S. Mission in Uganda at (256) (0) (414) 259 791 or (256) (0) (414) 306 ¶001. In the case of an emergency outside business hours, or during any suspension of public services, U.S. citizens may reach the U.S. Mission duty officer at the same numbers. ¶6. For the latest security information, citizens living or traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Departments Bureau of Consular Affairs internet website at: http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and Country Specific Information can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. Federal Holidays). ¶7. U.S. citizens are advised to register and update their contact information with the U.S. Mission in Kampala. The U.S. Embassy is located at Plot 1577 Ggaba Road. The phone number is (256) (0) (414) 306 001 or (256) (0) (414) 259 791, fax (256) (0) (414) 258 451, email: KampalaUSCitizen@state.gov, and U.S. Embassy Kampala website: http://kampala.usembassy.gov. ¶8. Minimize considered. CLINTON