Is Benzodiazepines legal in Uganda?
- Legal status
- Controlled under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 2016 (Act No. 3 of 2016) — possession (s.4) carries imprisonment (substantial fixed terms up to ~25 years by substance/quantity); trafficking/smuggling/dealing (s.5 and related) up to life imprisonment; the maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment, and the separate provisions for the gravest non-drug crimes do not extend to drug offences; the maximum penalty is life imprisonment
- Consequences if caught
- Benzodiazepines is controlled in Uganda under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 2016 (Act No. 3 of 2016). In Uganda, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 2016 (Act No. 3 of 2016). Possession (s.4) carries imprisonment — substantial fixed terms up to around 25 years depending on the substance and quantity — while trafficking, smuggling and dealing (s.5 and related provisions) carry up to life imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment; the separate provisions for the gravest non-drug crimes do not extend to drug offences. A later 2023 consolidation/amendment of the drug law has been reported; this entry states the 2016 Act as in force and any subsequent amendment should be confirmed.
- If prescribed or medical
- Not a prescribed traveller medicine in this form.
- Documentation
- In Uganda, drugs fall under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 2016 (Act No. 3 of 2016). Possession (s.4) carries imprisonment — substantial fixed terms up to around 25 years depending on the substance and quantity — while trafficking, smuggling and dealing (s.5 and related provisions) carry up to life imprisonment. The maximum penalty for drug offences is imprisonment; the separate provisions for the gravest non-drug crimes do not extend to drug offences. A later 2023 consolidation/amendment of the drug law has been reported; this entry states the 2016 Act as in force and any subsequent amendment should be confirmed. Cannabis is controlled under the same Act, with no legal recreational or medical regime. Carry any controlled medicine with its prescription and confirm requirements with your embassy before travel.
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 2016 (Act No. 3 of 2016), ss.4–5
- media.ulii.org
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Uganda’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →