The national currency is the Ugandan shilling.sometimes written as Ush. Some bigger hotels and restaurants do accept US dollars as payment, and safaris and rafting activities These activities can be paid in UGX, but a poor exchange rate is often offered. Also, there is often an extra fee typically around 4% on the use of credit card. This means that it can be useful to bring USD to cover these activities. You should move along with enough dollars on you.
ATMs accept debit and credit cards throughout the country. VISA-branded cards are accepted by all ATMs, while MasterCard/Maestro/Cirrus cards are accepted at KCB, Eco bank Stanbic Bank, Barclays Bank, Equity bank, and ATMs. Withdrawing shillings from the airport ATMs is the easiest option.
ATMs may close due to lack of money or system problems. It is safer to bring VISA cards in case of ATMs issues. MasterCard is not accepted in ATMs, but they can be accepted in major banks for a fee. In Kampala, watch out for pickpockets who follow tourists from one bank’s ATM to another when cards are not accepted.
Credit cards are accepted at a few businesses, usually the larger hotels and supermarkets. As for your American Express card: you can now use it to get cash from any Barclays bank ATM. AMEX can also be used at major hotels and with airlines.
Cashing traveller’s checks can be difficult. Do not bring them into Uganda.