Hey guys -

I'm going to be studying in Uganda and Rwanda for a semester beginning next month, but lately I've started to worry about the safety in Northern Uganda. I've been reading Matthew Green's "The Wizard of the Nile" in preparation for my trip, and his descriptions make Gulu sound like a pretty dangerous place for foreigners. Do I have anything to worry about? I'll be staying with a Ugandan family there for a full three weeks.

The rest of my destinations (Kampala, Kigali, Butare) seem pretty secure, but I thought I should do some more research on Gulu. Any advice?

Has the organization that is arranging your stay in Gulu warned you of anything? They should be able to best inform you of the safety of the area.

I haven't read the book you're referring to, but I'm guessing it's about the LRA. The LRA hasn't staged an attack in Uganda for a couple of years now. They are active in DRC and Sudan, however.

I spent a month in a town near Gulu last summer. Gulu is the biggest town in the area and the various relief/development organizations have a sizeable presence there. You should be fine, but pay attention to the news just in case.