As we plan to host you at Makerere University, Kampala, from July 20th to 24th, 2026, for DSA 2026, we want to ensure your journey to Uganda is as smooth as possible. Below you will find essential information regarding visas, health requirements, flights, and accommodation.
🛂 1. Visa Information
Some international visitors require a visa to enter Uganda.
- Visa Exempt Countries or Regions: Please visit the official GoU website
- How to Apply: Uganda has fully transitioned to an electronic visa system. You must apply in advance via the Official Uganda E-Visa Portal. Note: Visas are not issued on arrival at Entebbe Airport anymore.
- Invitation Letters: You should have received your official DSA invitation letter. If you have not and require an official invitation letter for your visa application, please email us at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
💉 2. Health & Vaccination Requirements
To ensure a safe entry, please make sure your medical documents are up to date.
- Yellow Fever: A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is strictly mandatory for all travelers entering Uganda. You must upload this during your online e-visa application and present the physical "Yellow Card" at airport immigration.
- Medical Insurance: We strongly advise all attendees to secure comprehensive international travel and health insurance for the duration of their stay.
- Ebola Virus: Please refer to the Ministry of Health website for the latest updates about the Ebola situation. The safety of our participants is our highest priority. We are continuously reviewing guidelines from the Uganda National Task Force and WHO. Any changes regarding event format, international travel restrictions, or physical event protocols will be communicated immediately via email and updated on this page.
✈️ 3. Flights & Getting to Kampala
- Primary Airport: Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is the main gateway into Uganda, located roughly 40 km (25 miles) from Kampala. Uganda Airlines offers direct flights to Entebbe for some countries.
- Airport Transfers: The drive from Entebbe to Kampala takes approximately 45 to 90 minutes via the Entebbe-Kampala Expressway, depending on traffic.
- Official DSA Shuttles: Complimentary airport pick-up shuttles will be operating on July 19th and 20th for registered attendees. Look out for the DSA 2026 banners at the arrivals exit.
- Ride-Hailing & Taxis: SafeBoda (for motorcycle taxis!), SafeCar, Uber, Bolt, and others operate extensively in Entebbe and Kampala. Alternatively, you can use authorized airport taxis (yellow striped) available right outside the terminal.
🏨 4. Accommodation
We have identified several hotels near Makerere University and around Kampala that offer discounted rates for DSA 2026 attendees.
|
Hotel Name |
Proximity to Venue |
Price Range (USD) |
|
Makerere University Guest House |
On Campus |
$40 - $60 / night |
|
Protea Hotel by Marriott Kampala |
10 mins drive |
$130 - $180 / night |
|
Kolping Hotel |
8 mins drive |
$40 - $80 /night |
|
Onomo Hotel |
8 mins drive |
$90 - $150 / night |
|
Micasa Suites |
2 mins drive |
$50 - $ 70 / night |
|
The Grand Global Hotel |
5 mins drive |
$50 - $80 / night |
|
Fairway Hotel & Spa |
8 mins drive |
$100 - $200 / night |
|
Hotel Lagrande |
5 mins drive |
$30 - $80 / night |
|
Arcadia Suites |
8 mins drive |
$100 - $130$ / night |
|
Humura Resorts |
8 mins drive |
$125 / night |
|
Bamus Sarova Portico |
1 mins drive |
$110 - $200 / night |
💡 5. Other Practical Quick Facts
- Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and upscale restaurants, but cash is king for local transport and small markets. U.S. dollar bills printed before 2013 are widely rejected, so bring newer notes.
- Mobile Connectivity: You can easily purchase a local eSIM or physical SIM card (MTN or Airtel) at Entebbe Airport using your passport. Data connectivity in Kampala is generally fast and reliable.
- Power Plugs: Uganda uses Type G British 3-pin plugs. The standard voltage is 240V at 50Hz. Bring a universal adapter if needed.
- Weather in July: July is generally a dry, pleasant month in Kampala. Temperatures typically range from a comfortable 18°C (64°F) to 26°C (79°F). A light jacket is recommended for cooler evenings.
- Language & Communication: English is the official language of Uganda and is widely spoken in Kampala, alongside Luganda. To help you navigate the city and connect with the community, we highly recommend using Sunflower, a translation tool developed by our sponsor, Sunbird AI. You can access it at sunflower.sunbird.ai to easily translate local languages on the go. There is also a Speech version speech.sunbird.ai
