The US State Department issued a travel alert for Uganda on Friday that warns of possible terrorist attacks in Kampala.

The Ugandan capital was the site of terrorist bombings on July 11 that killed at least 74 people.

The travel alert mentions "the possibility of similar terrorist attacks" during the African Union Summit in Kampala.

The summit began on July 18 at the Speke Munyonyo conference site and is scheduled to end on July 27.

"U.S citizens should maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness," reads the notice.

Safety precautions

The US State Department warns travelers to avoid large public gatherings in Kampala, as they may be vulnerable to terrorist attacks.

The US Mission recently canceled one of its own events in Kampala due to the threat, according to a message posted by the US Embassy warden on Friday.

The British Foreign Office offers similar advice on its website.

"British nationals should follow the advice of local authorities, exercise caution while travelling around the city and avoid large social gatherings.

"There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers."

Americans in Uganda are encouraged to register with the US Embassy in Kamapala (click here for online registration).

The US Embassy may experience sporadic closings in response to "security developments," according to the travel alert.

Terrorists oppose African Union mission

The African Union (AU) is an organization of African nations founded in 1999 to support economic development and promote peace, security and stability in the continent.

Uganda was targeted for the July 11 terrorist attacks because it participates in the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia. Ugandans make up the majority of the mission's 6,100 peacekeepers.

Somali Islamist group Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the two bombings in Kamapala, which occurred in a crowded restaurant and a rugby club as patrons were watching the World Cup.

While the terrorist attacks were intended to pressure Uganda into withdrawing its troops, they may have had the opposite effect. President Museveni pledged to send more troops to Somalia after the bombings.

Increased security in Kampala

Uganda has increased security throughout the capital, particularly at conference venues and hotels near the African Union Summit.

However, the US Embassy reminds travelers to be alert.

"At this time, the Ugandan authorities believe the perpetrators of these acts are still at large. We must assume that they continue to have the capability and intent to repeat similar attacks," reads a message from the US Embassy warden, posted on Friday.