Updated
Uganda has no formal dress code for tourists, but people generally dress neatly and fairly conservatively, especially outside Kampala. Light, modest clothes that cover the shoulders and knees are the safest choice in towns, villages and religious sites; shorts and vests are fine at lodges and on safari. Traditional dress, such as the women’s gomesi and the men’s kanzu, is worn at weddings, ceremonies and church, and visitors are welcome to wear it if invited.
What Ugandans wear
In towns, people dress smartly: shirts and trousers or suits for men, dresses, skirts or trousers for women, with clean shoes valued even on dusty roads. In rural areas, women often wear long skirts or wraps of colourful kitenge cloth. Many Muslims wear the kanzu and cap or headscarves, and church on Sunday brings out people’s best clothes. Untidy or very revealing clothing can be seen as disrespectful, though Ugandans are usually polite to visitors.
Traditional dress
The gomesi is a floor-length, brightly coloured dress with high puffed shoulders and a wide sash, worn by Baganda and many other Ugandan women at weddings and ceremonies. The kanzu, a long white robe, often worn with a suit jacket, is the formal dress for men in Buganda and beyond. In the north-east, Karamojong men wear checked blankets and women wear layers of beads. See our guides to the gomesi and the kanzu.
What tourists should wear
For towns and markets, light trousers, knee-length skirts or shorts, and T-shirts with sleeves work well. Cover shoulders and knees at churches, mosques, royal sites and in villages, and carry a scarf for mosque visits. Avoid military-style camouflage clothing, which is restricted for civilians. On safari, neutral colours are best, and nights can be cool, especially in the south-west. For gorilla trekking you need long trousers, long sleeves, waterproofs, gloves and sturdy boots. See our guide to what to wear for gorilla trekking.
Buying local clothing
Tailors in every town can make clothes from kitenge fabric in a few days at reasonable prices, a popular souvenir. Markets also sell ready-made gomesi and kanzu. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guide to craft shopping.
Frequently asked questions
No formal code, but modest, neat clothing is appreciated, especially outside Kampala.
Yes at lodges and on safari; knee-length is better in towns and villages.
Avoid it; military-style clothing is restricted for civilians.
The gomesi for women and the kanzu for men, especially in Buganda.
