CIS PLANNING #3

PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO UGANDA

FIRST THINGS FIRST

   Monkey Pox

Uganda is currently witnessing a recent surge in Mpox cases across the country. As of 28 January 2025, Uganda has reported a cumulative total of 2,479 confirmed Mpox cases, with 552 recorded in the last 14 days. The total number of recorded deaths stands at 16. Additionally, 33 Mpox cases have been reported as co-infected with HIV, highlighting the need for individuals with underlying conditions to take extra precautions.

Symptoms of MPOX include Fever, Headache, Muscle aches, Back pain, Swollen lymph nodes, Chills, Exhaustion, and a rash that begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body, evolving from macules to pustules before crusting and falling off. Symptoms typically appear between 5-21 days after exposure.

We are actively monitoring the situation and strongly encourage all participants to adhere to the following health and safety protocols:

·        Avoid Close Contact: Avoid physical contact with individuals showing signs or symptoms of MPOX.

·        Maintain Personal Hygiene: Regularly wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before and after touching sores, open wounds, or potentially contaminated surfaces.

·        Do Not Share Personal Items: Avoid sharing clothing, bedding, or other personal items with anyone who is infected.

·        Use Protective Gear: Wear face masks and gloves when in close contact with individuals who may be infected.

·        Avoid Animal Contact: Steer clear of handling animals that could be carriers, such as rodents or primates.

·        Self-Isolate if Symptomatic: If you experience symptoms, seek medical attention immediately and self-isolate until further guidance is provided.

In case you develop symptoms:

·        Seek Medical Attention: If you notice any of the symptoms listed above contact the Medical Officer on duty on mobile # 0757708099 for guidelines.

·        Contact ESB Clinic: While at RSCE, you can also call the ESB Clinic for consultation on ext. 3888.

·        Self-Isolate: Stay in your residence and avoid contact with others until you have been evaluated by a healthcare provider.

·        Notify Authorities: Inform your supervisor and follow all guidelines provided by health authorities.

·        The Ministry of Health's public Mpox hotline can be reached at 0800100660, or via the toll-free lines for Kampala (0800299000) and Kasese (0800255200).

FLIGHTS

 All participants from UNSOS and UNIFIL missions will be using the commercial flights, and you will receive the tickets Once’s issued by travel units at RSCE, you are required to check if it has your correct name and respond to the email promptly.

All Participants from UNISFA will be using the UN flights to and from the missions to RSCE, you are all required to send the approved MOP to the UNCAP generic email unc4isracademy@un.org

Under no circumstances will UNCAP reimburse you for a self-booked ticket. Flights are booked in Economy Class. Once the ticket is issued, any changes must be made directly with UNCAP and the travel unit.

Please note that the United Nations cannot make or process any amendments to your schedule. We are under strict travel regulations and rules. Please make sure that your personal information (including name and date of birth) is stated correctly (as it appears in your passport) in the air ticket and reach out to UNCAP if there are any problems.

Please let us know immediately if you have not yet received your flight details from the UN travel unit by Monday 14 April 2025.

VISA REQUIREMENTS

Since October 2021, the Host country authorities have updated the immigration regulations to require that all travelers to Uganda, except those from specifically listed Visa exempt countries, obtain a visa prior to arriving in the country. The acquisition of visas, if necessary, is the participant's responsibility. Please check your Visa requirements through the site https://visas.immigration.go.ug.

Also, for those participants having a stopover in a third country, it would be advisable to check for visa requirements prior to departure.Please use the official calling/invitation fax and the response fax or email nominating you to attend the course as your supporting documentation:

·       National passport

·       Calling/invitation fax

·       Fax or email confirming your nomination/acceptance to the course.

·       Recent passport photo (less than 6 months old)

·       Vaccination Certificate (Yellow Fever)

Staff travelling to Uganda on official travel and bearing a valid UN Laissez-Passer are eligible to obtaining  a  visa  at  no  charge  but  must  pre-register  their  official travel  at this website: https://visas.immigration.go.ug and choose “Diplomatic and Official Visa” as the type of visa they are applying for.

Staff travelling on valid UN Laisser Passer will be required to upload the following documents:

·       Copy of UN Laissez-Passer, data, and cover pages, with at least 6 months’ validity

·       Recent passport photo (less than 6 months old)

·       Vaccination Certificate (Yellow Fever)

·       UN TTS Note Verbale or letter of invitation, establishing official travel.

OTHER TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

·            Vaccination Cards

A valid Yellow Fever vaccination card must be shown upon entry to Uganda.

Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for Uganda. Please refer to Medical Information and discuss it with your doctor.

·            Health insurance

Participants must a have valid health insurance coverage while attending the course in Uganda. While first aid services are available at the Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE), the provision of health insurance is an individual responsibility.

·            Extra Copies of Important Documentation

Make copies of important documents, such as your passport and any visas; carry one set of these copies with you and leave another set outside of the duty station with your family or friends. Other items that you may consider making copies of prior to travel, are credit cards, driver’s license and traveler cheque numbers.

TRAVEL SAFETY

When travelling to Uganda, please ensure that you have the most up-to-date advisory.

It is important to remember that, ultimately, each participant is responsible for his/her own safety. As a representative of your country, you are responsible for your own actions and how they may affect your security. You should be proactive and take the steps necessary to ensure that you are as safe as possible.

Developing a strong sense of awareness, considering the environment you are in and adjusting your behavior accordingly may prevent you from being subjected to an attack.

These guidelines are not designed to be comprehensive but to complement the existing mandatory security briefings and information you might have and to assist participants in taking control of their own personal safety and security.

RSCE Security Ops Centre (24hr) +256 752 755 919

MEDICAL INFORMATION

·            Vaccinations

We highlight those visitors must have their Yellow Fever vaccination up to date. A valid Yellow Fever vaccination will be required to apply for a visa and may need to be shown upon entry to Uganda. Other Recommended Vaccinations: Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis

·            Antimalarial Prophylaxes

Malaria risk predominantly due to P. falciparum exists throughout the year in the whole country including the main. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine has been reported. Prior to your departure you may wish to discuss with your doctor the following malaria prevention methods:

·                Taking prophylaxis medication. There are a variety of prophylaxis medicines used. Most common are Mefloquine, Proguanil HCT with Atovaquone (Malarone) and Doxycycline. Please consult your doctor on what medicine to take. Depending on what medicine your doctor will recommend, please note that the prophylaxis should be started a few days to one week before you travel to Uganda.

·                Using DEET-based insect repellent and minimizing body exposure by wearing long pants and sleeves to prevent mosquito bites. Sleeping in Permethrine impregnated mosquito nets has been proven to be the best way to prevent mosquito bites during the night.

·     UN Medical Clinic

There is a UN Medical Clinic located at the UN Regional Service Centre, a Level 1 facility that is meant to provide primary and emergency care. Its hours of operation are from Mon to Fri, 08:30– 17:30 hrs.

Cases requiring hospitalization refer to higher level facilities in Kampala. 

TRANSPORT ADVISORY

·            Public Transportation

In accordance with the security advisory the use of public transportation such as Matatus (mini- vans) and Boda-boda (Motorcycles) is strongly discouraged. Many of them are unlicensed, uninsured, and operated by drivers of doubtful competence.

·            Taxi Services

Use vehicle marked with “TAXI” and checkered band on the sides. Taxis can be booked directly at your hotel reception or by calling the Entebbe Airport Taxi Operator - Customer Care Services located at the Airport Arrival Lounge (H 24 service) at the following numbers:

Tel:       +256 392 890 687

Mobile:   +256 776 496 800

·     Car Rental

Car Rental companies are also available at Entebbe International Airport and can be contacted at the following numbers:

Europcar:         +256 414 237 211

Hertz:  +256 414 347 191/3

Airport Taxi: +256 392 890 687

ACCOMMODATION

The list below is all UN-approved hotels in Entebbe and kindly contact them to do your hotel booking as well as pick-up from the airport. Transportation between the hotel and the base will be provided throughout the course week by RTCC and UN Dispatch office for participants that reserve in UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) approved hotels.

WI-FI CONNECTION

Internet will be provided at the United Nations Regional Service Centre in Entebbe. Participants are encouraged to have data roaming and/or have a functioning sim card.

STATIONERY AND LEARNING MATERIAL

Please note that a notebook and a pen would be provided by the academy, its not mandatory but advisable to carry a laptop. 

DRESS CODE

Uniformed Personnel

·                Ceremonies and Official photo - ceremonial uniform

·                Training – field uniform

·                Social events – Civilian “Smart Casual”

·                Practical lessons: sun cream, hat and sunglasses plus bottle of water

Civilians

·                Day 1 and Day 10: Smart business (suit or chinos and jacket, shirt & tie)

·                Day 2 to Day 9:

·                In-classroom lessons: comfortable clothing (chinos and shirt or polo shirt)

·                Practical lessons: sun cream, hat and sunglasses plus bottle of water

GENERAL GUIDELINES

RSCE base is a non-smoking zone all smokers are expected to Smoke in designated areas only. During the course you are expected to always be punctual and adhere to the course timetable.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Kindly note, photography is restricted unless authorized and in designated areas. Filling a consent form  is mandatory, to allow UNCAP to use and publish photos during and after the course. Kindly click the link above and fill in the form before 14 February 2025.

USEFUL CONTACTS

UN CODE OF CONDUCT

The UN is committed to ensuring the highest standards of conduct, professionalism, and accountability of all its personnel deployed globally, The UN Standards of Conduct apply to all categories of personnel deployed in UN missions. The UN Standards of Conduct are based on three key principles: 

a.         Highest standards of efficiency, competency, and integrity

b.         Zero tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse

c.         Accountability of those in command and/or leadership who fail to enforce the standards of conduct.

During your stay in Uganda, you always represent the United Nations therefore, the UN Standards of Conduct need to be followed by UN personnel.

ADMINISTRATIVE NOTE

Keep all boarding passes and stamped MOP, any proof of payment to submit upon your return with your travel expense report.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ENTEBBE AND UGANDA

HISTORY

The pre-colonial history of Uganda is not well recorded, since genealogy was the only method employed by the early settlers in the area. At the time of the first exploration of Uganda, there were three main kingdoms, each ruled by a monarch and laws and customs of their own. The kingdoms of Buganda, Kitara (sub-divided into Bunyoro and Toro) and Karagwe are all well documented by early explorers. It is believed that these kingdoms originated around the 16th century, the land before that probably being occupied by Bushmen. The Bantu originated from the west coast of Africa, migrating along the Niger River, and occupied the northern, central and western parts of Uganda. The eastern part of Uganda, occupied some 250 years ago by the Nilo-Hamitic tribes, never formed a kingdom.

TROPICAL FOODS

There are a few unique and truly authentic recipes in the cuisine of Uganda. Most of the Ugandan recipes have main ingredients such as fresh fruits, vegetables like bananas, corn, rice, sweet potatoes, cassava, beans and indigenous vegetables, and a few pieces of meat in them. The Ugandan cuisine is generally not very hot or spicy; therefore, you will need to be careful while putting in the right number of chilies in your Ugandan cuisine. Some popular traditional Ugandan recipes include Groundnut Sauce Ugali (maize meal), Matooke (boiled and mashed green banana), Sim-Sim Cookies (sesame seeds and caramelized sugar).

LANGUAGES

 There are 5 commonly spoken languages in Uganda namely: English (official Language), Luganda (commonly used for trade and day-to-day communications), Swahili (the official language used across East Africa, Rwanda and Congo) Luo and Ateso (the last three languages are widely used in the Northern and Eastern parts of Uganda)

WEATHER 

The weather in Entebbe is equatorial, tempered by high altitude. To ensure your comfort during your stay in Uganda we invite you to consult a weather forecast website http://www.accuweather.com/en/ug/entebbe/321529/weather-forecast/321529

BANKING AND CURRENCY

The national currency of Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX). Commercial banks, hotels and international airports have facilities for exchanging the most internationally recognized currencies; and travelers’ cheques can be exchanged at the Airport or commercial banks or hotel Forex (Bureau de Change). In addition, most banks have cash ATM machines, which accept major international credit cards (except AMEX).

You may change your currency or withdraw cash at Banks located at the Airport or Entebbe Town operating hours are between 09:00 and 16:00 hrs.

In view of the increased reported fraud cases involving the use of credit cards, it is advisable not to use them for purchases at various commercial places.

Please note in Uganda US dollar notes printed before 2000 are not accepted, therefore, make sure you travel with more recent notes series.

There is an ABSA Bank branch within the United Nations Regional Service Centre in Entebbe (where the training is taking place). This ABSA Branch is open from Mon- Fri 8:30 to 16:30 and on Saturday 8:30 to 12:30.

TOURISM

Uganda, also known as the Pearl of Africa, is a country rich in spectacular natural scenery and an interesting mosaic of tribes and cultures. Travelling through Uganda, you will be captivated by its beauty, accessibility and friendliness.

Ecologically, Uganda is where the East African savannah meets the West African jungle. Where else but in this uniquely lush destination can one observe lions prowling the open plains in the morning and track chimpanzees through the rainforest undergrowth the same afternoon, then the next day navigate tropical channels teeming with hippos and crocodiles before setting off into the misty mountains to visit the majestic mountain gorillas? Uganda is the only safari destination whose range of forest primates is as impressive as its selection of plain antelopes.

Besides the wide biodiversity, Uganda is also blessed with a vast bird population of more than 1,000 species.

Some information about the most popular tourist destinations in Entebbe is listed below. For more information about tourism in Uganda, please visit the official website:

http://www.visituganda.com/index.php

ENTEBBE

·            Uganda Wildlife Education Centre

The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, set on side of Lake Victoria, is home to a wide variety of indigenous wildlife numbering well into the thousands. Contact: +256 414 322 169; www.uwec.ug

·            The Entebbe Botanical Gardens

The Entebbe Botanical Gardens are a home to more than 30 bird species, a good number of reptiles, monkeys and other animals. Additionally, the facility has a medicinal plant garden where visitors could see the herbs Ugandans use to treat ailments. Contact: +256 414 320 638; www.naro.go.ug

·            Uganda Reptiles Village

Uganda Reptiles Village is a community-based organization that was formed in 2003 by youth in Bunono, Entebbe. You can view several reptile species at the facility, which is situated in Abayita Ababiri, Entebbe and is open every day of the week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., including public holidays. Contact: +256 782 349 583 or +256 756 250 102 (no web site available).