Top 10 Things you need to know before you leave for the Implementers’ Meeting in Kampala

1. Provide Your Flight Details
If you have not already done so, please log in to your account summary page to enter your travel details. This information will be provided to Immigration Authority at Entebbe Airport to assist with entry into Uganda. The travel portion of the website will be open until May 27th. If you are unable to submit your information by this date, please email your travel dates to the Conference Secretariat at hivimplementers@courtesyassoc.com.

2. Contact your hotel about transportation from the airport
Please contact your hotel directly to arrange for transportation from Entebbe airport. Be sure to inquire about all fees incurred.

3. Avoid Lines and Security Delays…Check in at Registration Early
We strongly encourage all participants to check-in and collect their materials prior to June 3. H.E. President Museveni is scheduled to speak at the Opening Ceremony and necessary security measurers may cause delays and longer lines than at others times during the week. Onsite Registration Times are posted at the bottom of this list. Registering early will allow participants to go directly to the opening ceremony on June 3rd. Speaker registration is located in the Speaker Ready Room/Lily B at the Imperial Royale. The hours remain the same as general registration, which is located in the Lobby Bar at the Imperial Royale.

4. Health Considerations – Please visit the meeting Web site for important medical information and entry requirements for Uganda.

Uganda requires a certificate for yellow fever vaccination for admittance into the country. You will need to obtain an exemption certificate if a physician concludes that for medical reasons, you should not receive a yellow fever vaccine. This exemption will typically allow you entry into one country, but if your flight requires a layover stay in another country that requires yellow fever vaccination, you may need an additional exemption. It is advisable to obtain specific and authoritative advice from the embassies or consulates of the countries you plan to visit.

Malaria is also a health risk for those traveling to Uganda. At least 4-6 weeks before your travel, seek professional medical advice regarding the preferred anti-malaria drugs for Uganda at that time. In addition to taking anti-malaria drugs, it is important to avoid mosquito bites between dusk and dawn when the anopheles (malaria-carrying) mosquito is most active.

Your doctor or health care provider will determine if there are additional vaccinations and/or medications you will need depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities.

5. Money in Kampala
Most Ugandan merchants and banks will not accept U.S. currency printed before the year 2002. We highly recommend that all travelers bring only newer notes if bringing cash for use in Kampala.

The only banks in Uganda with Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) that accept international credit cards are the Standard Chartered Bank (across from the Grand Imperial Hotel), Crane Bank (Speke Hotel), Orient Bank and Barclays Bank (across from the Imperial Royale). ATMs are not always secure or reliable, so it is best to use them during business hours in case problems occur.

Please note that financial fraud and related financial crimes occur in Uganda. Please remember to advise your credit card and banking institutions that you will be traveling in Uganda and place limits on your card’s use. You should also plan to carefully review and banking statements and receipts to ensure accuracy.

6. Bags at the Conference
Conference Bags will not be distributed at the meeting. Please feel free to bring a tote bag.

7. Communication
U.S. Blackberries may not offer reliable service in Kampala. Cell phones will be available for purchase in the Registration Area at the Imperial Royale Hotel. Airtime and SIM cards will also be available for purchase. Calling rates are approximately UGX (Ugandan Shilling) 1,000-2,000 per minute for international calls and UGX 200-900 for local calls. A complimentary Cyber Café for conference attendees will be set up in Lilly A, at the Imperial Royale, and will be available for use during registration hours. In addition to internet access, copies will be available for 100 UGX. Exact change is much appreciated.

8. Reconfirm flights
You MUST reconfirm your departing flight from Kampala three days in advance or your reservation could be cancelled. However, if you are traveling on KLM or British Airways, reconfirmation is not required. Assistance will be provided at the reconfirmation desk in the Registration Area in the Imperial Royale for delegates to confirm their airline reservations prior to leaving Kampala.

9. Packing Considerations

• Outlet converter/ adapter plug
• Light colored and breathable clothing – including, a light jacket as the evenings in Uganda can be a bit chilly. Please note that dress in Uganda is generally smart casual
• Comfortable and versatile shoes
• Travel kit
• Sunglasses
• Battery operated alarm clock
• Flashlight
• All necessary Uganda entry requirements, and additional copies

10. Important Numbers in Uganda
As of May 26, please contact the Conference Secretariat at one of the numbers below for onsite assistance (You do not need to dial 256 from within Uganda and do not need to dial 0 from outside Uganda.).

Conference Line ....................... (256) 0 714 632 002
Housing .................................. (256) 0 714 632 003
Conference Shuttle................... (256) 0 714 632 004