Pader, Uganda

By: Larry Greenlee

Senior Analyst
For: Naomi Wheeler
05/11/2015

The information contained in this report should be used as open source information and in connection with other
sources of information such as local contacts, organization experience and up to date government alerts. Never take one
source of information as an absolute. Always know before you go.

Trip Reference Number: T15009

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 05/11/2015

General Information
Country Name: Republic of Uganda
Government: Uganda is governed under the constitution of
1995 as amended. The president, who is both head of state
and head of government, is elected by popular vote for a
five-year term. The unicameral legislature consists of the
332-seat National Assembly, whose members also serve
for five years; 215 of the members are directly elected, and
the rest are nominated from women, the army, and other
groups. Administratively, the country is divided into 80
districts, grouped into four regions (Northern, Western, Central, and Eastern).
Terrain: Most of Uganda consists of a fertile plateau with an average elevation of 4,000
feet. The plateau is bounded on the West by the western branch of the Great Rift
Valley, including lakes Albert and Edward (in each case about half of the lake is in
Uganda) and the Albert Nile River. In the Southwest it is bounded by the Ruwenzori
Range, including Margherita Peak with an elevation of 16,794 feet, which is Uganda's
highest point. To the South is the Virunga Mountains by Lake Victoria, about half of
which is in Uganda. The eastern mountains include Mt. Elgon (14,178 feet), part of
which is in Kenya, and Mt. Moroto (10,114 feet). Altogether, about 18% of Uganda is
made up of water surface and about 7% comprises highland situated at more than
5,000 feet.
Pader is bordered by Pajule to the north, Parabong to the northeast, Lira Palwo to the
east, Puranga to the south, and Awere to the west. The town is located approximately
56 kilometres (35 mi), by road, southeast of Kitgum, the nearest large town.

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Trip Reference Number: T15009

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 05/11/2015

Climate: Uganda's equatorial climate provides plentiful sunshine, moderated by the

relatively high altitude of most areas of the country. Mean annual temperatures range
from about 61 F in the southwestern highlands to 77 F in the northwest; but in the
northeast, temperatures exceed 86 F about 254 days per year. Daytime temperatures
average about eight to ten degrees warmer than nighttime temperatures in the Lake
Victoria region, and temperatures are generally about fourteen degrees lower in the
southwest.
Except in the northeastern corner of the country, rainfall is well distributed. The southern
region has two rainy seasons, usually beginning in early April and again in October.
Little rain falls in June and December.
In Pader, the district has tropical type of climate with two seasons of dry and wet
seasons The wet season extends from April to November with highest rainfall peaks in
April and August.
Language: Uganda is a multilingual country. Forty of its living indigenous languages fall
into three main families - Bantu, Nilotic, and Central Sudanic, with another two
languages in the Kuliak family. English, inherited from the colonial period, and Swahili,
which is regionally important, are official languages.
Population: According to the 2014 estimates, the population of Uganda is around
39,234,256, up significantly from 2013s estimate of 33,640,833. The number of ethnic
groups present in Uganda is very
large, making it one of the most
ethnically diverse countries in the
region. The main ethnic group is
called the Ganda, which makes up
16.9% of the population, followed by
the Nkole, Soga and Kiga tribes,
which make up 9.5%, 8.4% and
6.9% respectively. There are many
other tribes; however, they constitute
a very small percentage of the total
population.
The population of Pader, Uganda is
approximately 183,723 according to
2014 estimates.
Religions: The people of Uganda are
mainly Roman Catholic, who make up 47.9% of the total population. Anglican, Muslim
and Pentecostal believers represent 35.9%, 12.1% and 4.5% of the total population
respectively.

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Trip Reference Number: T15009

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 05/11/2015

Culture: As a nation, Uganda is an amalgamation of ancient kingdoms and

independent chieftains. Among the indigenous kingdoms are the Baganda, Bunyoro,
Toro, Ankole and Busoga. The Kingdoms were suppressed in the times of the troubles
that razed the country in the two decades after 1967. Today they have been restored
with their ancient privileges shorn and play only a ceremonial role in the life of the
nation. The Baganda king, the Kabaka, whose domicile is Kampala has historically been
the most prominent. His lineage stretches back to the 14th century.
Although there are no castes, there is a relatively high degree of social inequality. In the
mid-1990s, 55 percent of the population lived below the poverty line. The top 10 percent
owned about one-third of the available wealth, while the bottom 10 percent owned 3
percent. Wealth distribution is governed by class position. The richest people live mostly
in the capital, Kampala. Social stratification is governed primarily by level of education
and status derived primarily from employment. Among the elites, English is the
language of communication, and these people dress in a modern Western fashion.
Others tend to wear traditional dress.
Local cuisine consists of matoke (a staple based on green bananas), millet bread,
cassava, sweet potatoes, chicken, goat and beef stews and freshwater fish. Ugali, the
maize meal based filler popular in east Africa is used as an accompaniment for meat or
vegetable dishes.

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Trip Reference Number: T15009

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 05/11/2015

Weather Forecast

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Trip Reference Number: T15009

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 05/11/2015

Threats and Vulnerabilities

Threats

Natural- Natural disasters in Uganda do occur, but consist mainly of drought and
periodic flooding. Other natural disasters such as disease outbreaks occur as well.
There are no severe threats to travelers that cannot be avoided with planning and
observation of weather patterns.

Criminal- The U.S. government rates Uganda as critical for crime, which is the
highest rating on the U.S. government scale. Crimes reported include home
invasions, homicides, sexual assault, robberies, and stabbings. As a result, U.S.
citizens traveling to Uganda should exercise the highest level of awareness and
caution when traveling, as crime is indiscriminant and can happen anywhere and at
anytime. Pick pocketing, purse snatching, and thefts from hotels and parked vehicles
or vehicles stalled in traffic jams are common. Financial crime is also common in
Uganda. Wire transfer, check, and credit card fraud is widespread. ATM machines
are tampered with or compromised, and advance fee fraud is perpetrated via email.
It is recommended that travelers use money orders for all fund transfers and
protecting all bank account and personally identifiable information such as social
security numbers and other types of information.

Healthcare- Medical facilities in Uganda, including Kampala, are limited and only
equipped to handle minor medical emergencies. Surgical capabilities are often
inadequate and blood supplies may be insufficient. Outside Kampala, hospitals are
scarce and offer only basic services. Travelers should carry their own supplies of
prescription drugs and preventive medicines.
Diseases of concern in Uganda include past outbreaks of pneumonic plague,
meningitis, yellow fever, polio, tuberculosis and schistosomiasis, which is a parasitic
disease endemic in Uganda. There have also been outbreaks of Ebola in Uganda in
July and October of 2012.

Transportation- Most inter-city transportation in Uganda is by small van or large

bus. Many drivers of these vehicles have little training, and some are reckless. Small
vans and large buses are often poorly maintained, travel at high speeds, and are the
principal vehicles involved in the many deadly single and multi-vehicle accidents
along Ugandan roads. Large trucks on the highways are often overloaded, with
inadequately secured cargo and poor braking systems. Alcohol frequently is a
contributing factor in road accidents, particularly at night. Drivers are advised to take
extra care when driving.

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Trip Reference Number: T15009

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 05/11/2015

Nighttime driving and road transportation should be avoided whenever possible.

Pedestrians often walk in the roads and may not be visible to motorists. Large
branches or rocks in the road sometimes indicate an upcoming obstruction or other
hazard. Highway travel at night is particularly dangerous, including the road between
Entebbe Airport and Kampala.
Traffic accidents draw crowds. Ugandan law requires that the drivers stop and
exchange information and assist any injured persons. In some cases where serious
injury has occurred, there is the possibility of mob anger and violence against the
driver perceived to have caused the accident. In these instances, Ugandans often do
not get out of their cars, but drive to the nearest police station to report the accident.

Political- The U.S. government rates Uganda as high threat for terrorism. The
potential for terrorist activity from extremist organizations such as al-Shabaab exists
in Uganda and the region. Uganda contributes troops to the African Union Mission in
Somalia and al-Shabaab has consistently threatened attacks inside Uganda in
retaliation. U.S. citizens are routinely advised to avoid high-density public
gatherings. U.S. citizens traveling to the Karamoja region in northeastern Uganda
should be aware of ongoing conflict and armed banditry in this region.

Vulnerabilities

Health- Preexisting conditions that require ongoing care should be considered

before traveling to Uganda. Medications needed should be packed in original
containers from your U.S. medical facility and instructions listed for a longer period
of time than initially planned for.

Training- Training in dealing with a Crisis Situation, Blending In, Cultural Awareness
and First Aid is recommended for travelers going to Uganda. The greatest
vulnerability for travelers to high risk regions is a lack of training and situational
awareness.

Experience- The travelers on this trip do have the experience necessary to react in
an appropriate manner if confronted with a crisis. Traveling in a group also
decreases the risk level and traveling with personnel who have been to Uganda also
decreases risk. Training is still recommended and one should never rely on their
own experiences exclusively.

Electronic Communications- The telephone communications system in Uganda is

described as seriously inadequate with the number of main lines is still deficient, but
with growing cell phone service and available email and internet. Internet service
can be obtained via fixed line or mobile with internet speed up to 3G.
Morton Security Solutions 9465 S Placita Nivel Vail, AZ 85641

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Trip Reference Number: T15009

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 05/11/2015

Recent Significant Events

Significant new for Pader not readily available. Check with on the ground sources for
more localized and up to date information before you travel.

April 20th, 2015 - Uganda: Bill Threatens Rights, Independent Groups

(Kampala) A proposed bill to regulate nongovernmental groups would severely
curb Ugandans basic rights, Chapter Four Uganda and Human Rights Watch
said today. The bill would subject groups to such extensive government control
and interference that it could negate the very essence of freedom of association
and expression.

April 17th, 2015 - Some Ugandan Muslims retreat in fear amid police hunt
(Kampala) - A crackdown by Ugandan police on suspected Islamic extremists
has sent a current of fear through the Islamic community, especially in the Masjid
Taqwa mosque whose imam a former Guantanamo Bay prisoner was
recently arrested.

March 17, 2015 - Sydney doctor and Ugandan presidential hopeful Aggrey
Kiyingi accused of funding murder The Ugandan government has raised the
stakes in the bizarre case of a Sydney cardiologist who is accused of funding
murder and terrorism in Uganda.

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Trip Reference Number: T15009

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 05/11/2015

Cultural Etiquette
1. Ugandan Dress Attire

DO dress conservatively.
DON'T wear shorts. They're not commonly worn in Uganda. Light pants are more
suitable.
DON'T walk around town in swim attire.

2. Ugandan Table Manners

DO wash your hands before eating.

DO sit on a floor mat during a meal.
DO expect a prayer to be said before you begin eating.
DO understand that children will only talk during a meal if asked a question.
DON'T leave the room during a meal.
DON'T lean on your left hand or stretch your legs during a meal.
DO compliment the mother after the meal is done.

3. Ugandan Tipping

DO tip about 10% in restaurants and in taxis.

4. Ugandan Body Gestures

DONT show public displays of affection.

5. Ugandan Greetings

DO shake hands upon meeting someone.

6. Ugandan Socializing and Conversation

DON'T criticize religion when conversing with a Ugandan.

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Trip Reference Number: T15009

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 05/11/2015

Important Contact Information

MSS: 1-855-572-3156
Insurance:
Local Contact: ______________
Local Emergency Numbers:

U.S. Embassy/Consulate Location and Contact Information

Address:

U. S. Embassy Kampala
Plot 1577 Ggaba Road
P.O. Box 7007,
Kampala, Uganda

Phone: +(256)(0) 414-306-001 and +(256)(0)312-306-001

Fax: +(256)(0) 414 259 794
E-Mail: KampalaUScitizen@state.gov
Web Address: http://kampala.usembassy.gov/index.html
To reach the U.S. Embassy in case of emergencies outside of our regular working
hours, please call: +(256)(0) 414-306-001 and +(256)(0)312-306-001

Operational hours:

Monday and Wednesday: 08:00-11:45 AM

Friday: 08:00-10:45 AM

Morton Security Solutions 9465 S Placita Nivel Vail, AZ 85641

CONFIDENTIAL DO NOT DISTRIBUTE

Trip Reference Number: T15009

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 05/11/2015

This report has been classified as:

Confidential
Do Not Disseminate
Leave this report at home, minus the
emergency contact information
Disclaimer: The information contained in this report should be used as open source information
and in connection with other sources of information such as local contacts, organization
experience and up to date government alerts. Never take one source of information as an
absolute. Morton Security Solutions shall not be held liable for how the information contained in this

report is used by the cusomter or how it may affect actions taken or decisions made by the customer.
It is the cusomters responsibility to learn as much as possible about the risks of international travel
and to weigh those risks against the advantages, making a decision on whether to participate. Always
know before you go.

Morton Security Solutions 9465 S Placita Nivel Vail, AZ 85641

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