Emergency Numbers & Access
International Hospital Kampala (IHK) for emergencies. For gorilla trekking areas, lodge staff arrange emergency evacuation.
Response time: 15-30 min in Kampala. Rural/national parks: hours or unavailable.
Cost: Public ER: minimal fees. Private ER: $50-300.
Healthcare System
Uganda has a developing healthcare system with significant quality gaps. Private hospitals in Kampala (International Hospital Kampala, Norvik Hospital) are the best facilities. Mulago National Referral Hospital is the main public facility. Gorilla trekking areas (Bwindi, Mgahinga) are extremely remote — evacuation is the only option for serious cases. English is widely spoken.
Designed for: Residents. Tourists use private hospitals in Kampala.
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in at private clinics. Cash payment expected.
Typical wait: Private: same-day. Public: hours.
Availability: Good in Kampala. Very limited outside.
GP Visit
$25-60 private GP visit
Private GP
$25-60
ER Without Insurance
$50-500. Surgery: $1,000-5,000. Evacuation to Nairobi: $5,000-15,000.
Medication
Affordable. Pharmacies in Kampala are well-stocked. Outside Kampala, availability is limited. Counterfeit drugs are a risk.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-7pm. Hospital pharmacies longer hours.
OTC: Good in Kampala. Limited elsewhere.
Controlled substances: Carry prescriptions. Drug laws are strict. Homosexuality is criminalised — be aware.
Practical Tips
- International Hospital Kampala (IHK) — best private hospital, English-speaking, 24hr
- Norvik Hospital (Kampala) — modern private facility
- Mulago National Referral Hospital — main public hospital (overcrowded but handles complex cases)
- Gorilla trekking (Bwindi/Mgahinga): carry full first-aid kit, altitude medication, and evacuation insurance
- Altitude at Bwindi: 1,160-2,607m — mild altitude effects possible during treks
- Malaria prophylaxis essential everywhere, including Kampala
- Drink only bottled/purified water
Who can get care in Uganda?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Uganda treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
The public system does not cover visitors, so care is paid privately or through insurance.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Walk-in at private clinics. Cash payment expected. Typical cost: $25-60 private GP visit. Typical wait: Private: same-day. Public: hours.
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: $50-500. Surgery: $1,000-5,000. Evacuation to Nairobi: $5,000-15,000..
Documents worth having ready
- Passport
- Yellow Fever certificate (mandatory)
- Travel insurance with evacuation
- Visa (e-visa)
- Gorilla permit if applicable
Local contacts in Uganda
Emergency services
999 (police) / 112 (ambulance/general) / 0800-100-066 (toll-free emergency)
International Hospital Kampala (IHK) for emergencies. For gorilla trekking areas, lodge staff arrange emergency evacuation.
Pharmacies
Mon-Sat 8am-7pm. Hospital pharmacies longer hours.
Good in Kampala. Limited elsewhere.
What is the emergency number in Uganda?
999 (police) or 112 (ambulance/general) or 0800-100-066 (toll-free emergency) in Uganda. International Hospital Kampala (IHK) for emergencies. For gorilla trekking areas, lodge staff arrange emergency evacuation.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Uganda?
$25-60 private GP visit. Private consultations: $25-60.
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Sources: Uganda Ministry of Health, WHO Uganda, CDC Travelers' Health 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare