UK, US warns citizens against travelling to Uganda's Jinja City, cite 'growing terror threats'

The governments of the United States and Britain have issued advisories warning their citizens against visiting Jinja City in Uganda just two days before the start of the popular Nyege Nyege Festival.

In separate statements, the two nations attributed the move to "growing terror threats" in Uganda, while urging their nationals to refrain from travelling to the Eastern Uganda-located city lest it's absolutely necessary.

"The FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) advises against all but essential travel to Jinja Town. There is a growing terror threat in Uganda, including targeting of foreigners. Avoid large gatherings, including large scale worship, and music and cultural festivals in Uganda," the statement by the UK High Commission reads in part.

"Due to increased terrorist activity, U.S. Embassy Kampala recommends that individuals exercise an elevated degree of caution and reconsider attendance at upcoming large public gatherings, such as large-scale worship services and music and cultural festivals in Kampala and Jinja," the US alert reads in part.

Britain similarly reminded its citizens to be wary of Uganda's recently passed anti-homosexuality laws should they decide to travel to the President Yoweri Museveni-led nation.

"On 30 May 2023 an anti-homosexuality act was brought into law in Uganda. The act includes harsh prison sentences, and the death penalty in some cases, for same sex sexual activity and also the supporting or promotion of LGBT+ rights," the UK statement reads in part.

In October, gunmen killed three people, including two foreign tourists, at a popular Ugandan national park.

"The three were killed, and their safari vehicle burnt," police spokesman Fred Enanga said on X, formerly Twitter, at the time.

The trio were driving through the Queen Elizabeth National Park when they came under attack from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group.

"Our joint forces responded immediately upon receiving the information and are aggressively pursuing the suspected ADF rebels," said Enanga.