Uganda is a land locked country located astride the equator. With an area of 236, 580 sq. km, Uganda is bordered by Sudan in the north, Kenya to the east, Tanzania and Rwanda in the South while the Democratic Republic of Congo is to the west. It is a country blessed with varied and spectacular scenery to fill one action packed holiday and still leave scores of other experiences to be enjoyed on a return trip.
From the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains through the virgin rolling hills of the eland to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, from Lake Victoria down the mighty Nile River to Murchison falls National Park, the Pearl of Africa contains immense natural and cultural wealth.
It is in Uganda that over 50% of the worlds endangered Gorillas are still preserved; it is the same place where the mighty Nile starts its long journey to the Mediterranean Sea.
Uganda is undoubtedly renowned for its Mountain gorillas. However, the country is more than just gorillas! For magnificence, the cheetah and Ostrich in Kidepo National Park, the Giraffes and Crocodiles in Murchison falls, Zebras and Eland in Lake Mburo National Park, are a must see. The launch cruise along Kazinga channel and the Nile River famed for their close view of hippos, birds and crocodiles not forgetting the tree climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park are all true rewards to the discerning traveler.
But the magic of safari isn’t all this great country has to offer. For the more intrepid adventures bungee jumping and a climb to the snowcapped legendary mountains of the moon – Mt. Rwenzori are a must for the daring. Other interesting offers include chimpanzee tracking, birding, fishing, Kayaking and the friendly people that complete the true story of Uganda.
Cultural tourism is also a popular choice for many visitors to Uganda. History buffs will find Uganda’s story an interesting one and will delight in exploring the relics of Uganda’s unique Kingdoms.
From the friendly people, day hikes on the Virunga and Mt. Elgon, rafting on the Nile, discovering the dramatic lakes and launch cruises, Uganda truly is gifted with a wide choice of activities. With a diverse mixture of traditional tribes and cosmopolitan professionals Uganda is the place to go.
So welcome to Uganda – experience the warmth of our people and spectacular wildlife.
Quick Facts About Uganda
Here is all the essential information you need to know about Uganda;
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- People and Culture
Total Area and Size: the country has a total area and size of 236,040 sq km’s, 91,135 (SQ MI). Uganda borders 5 countries which are Sudan, Kenya, Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Rwanda.
Population: the country’s population in 2009 was estimated to be 31million people
ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS: 111 districts across four administrative regions
Area: 93,065 sq. km (land 76,101 sq. km, water 16, 965 sq. km)
Boarders:2, 698 km (Democratic Republic of Congo765 km, Kenya 933 km, Rwanda 169 km, South Sudan 435, Tanzania 396 km)
BANKING HOURS: Mon to Fri 8:30 am to 6:00 pm; Sat 9:00 am to 4:00pm.
Business Hours, Mon to Fri 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
CAPITAL: Kampala.
Climate: Tropical. Rainy seasons, March to May and September to November; dry season, December to February and mid-August. Mean annual temperatures range from about 16 degrees C (77 F) in the north-west; but in the north-east, temperatures exceed 30 degrees C about 254 days per year.
CURRENCY: The Ugandan Shilling (UGX).
ELEVATION: Highest point; Margherita peak on Mount Stanley at 5,110 metres.
ETHNIC GROUPS: Buganda, Iteso, Basoga, Banyankore, Banyoro, Banyarwanda, Bakiga, Lango, Acholi, Lugbara, Banyoro, Batoro, Karamojong, Teso Bagisu, Madi, Japhadhola, Samia, Kakwa, Nubian, Bagwere, Banyoli, Bakonzo, Alur, Kuma, and European among others.
ELECTRICITY: 240 Volts AC 50HZ. Square-pin plugs mostly used.
EXCHANGE RATES: US$ 1=UGX 3600 (Jan 2017).
HISTORY: Uganda gained Independence from Britain in 1962, maintaining its Commonwealth membership.
INDUSTRIES: Cotton, Coffee Tea, sugar, tobacco and textiles.
GEOGRAPHY: Uganda is landlocked. The South of the Country includes a substantial portion of Lake Victoria. The Centre is dominated by Lake Kyoga.
LANGUAGE: The official language is English, although many other languages are spoken in Uganda.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: 1 January, 26 January (Liberation Day) 8, March (International Women’s Day), Good Friday, Easter Monday, 1, May (Labour Day), 3 June (Martyr’s Day, 9 June (National hero’s Day), 30 August (EID al Fitr/end of Ramadhan, 9 October (Independence Day, 6 November (Eid al adha/ Feast of the Sacrifices) 25 December (Christmas Day), 26 December (Boxing Day).
POPULATION 40.9 million (2O17 estimate)
International Dialling Code +256.
TIME: GMT +3.
RELIGIONS: Christian 84 per cent, Muslim 12 per cent, other 1 percent, none 0.7 percent (2002 census).
Topography: The greater part of Uganda consists of Plateau. Along the western boarder and the Rwenzori Mountains. The eastern frontier is dominated by Mount Elgon, while the western Rift Valley runs from north to South through the western half of the country.
Climate of the region
The country’s climate is tropical having both dry and rainy seasons. Although Uganda is located on the equator its climate is worm rather than hot, and temperatures vary little throughout the year. Most of the country receives an annual rain fall of at least 30inches. In the Lake Victoria region an annual rainfall of 59 inches is distributed throughout the year, and the average annual temperature is 12.6degrees C (71 degrees F) with a daily range of 7-9degrees C (13-16degrees F).
Weather
Uganda has fine sunny and rainy weather which often does not require the wearing of warm clothing except on some chilly nights in the mountainous areas in western and eastern Uganda. Uganda is on the sunny side most of the year, especially in the central region. Rainfall comes in torrents when delayed, especially when the expected patterns are delayed for some months. Distinctive wet and dry seasons are typical of most regions in Uganda. In the southern, half of Uganda there is rainfall from March to May and again in September – November. The rest of the periods are dry. There is a well-distributed rainfall pattern around the Lake Victoria Crescent, with storms and unpredictable rainfalls during seasons when there is no rain elsewhere in the country. The temperature in Kampala ranges between 15°C-29°C all year through.
Geography
Situated in eastern Africa, Uganda is mostly a plateau, a compact country occupying an area of 236,580 square kilometers; it lies astride the Equator and has a fine mild climate with copious rainfall that is experienced three times a year and sunny months. Uganda is bordered by Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Rwanda and Sudan.
Languages
English is the official language.
Money Unit
The unit of currency is the Ugandan Shilling.
Wildlife
Uganda is a home of 10 National Parks and many game reserves. The National Parks and Game Reserves are home to many animals such as the antelopes, chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, elephants, giraffes, gorillas, leopards, lions and zebras. A thousand species of birds have been recorded. Above all the country is a home to the world’s famous biggest Ape and man’s shiest friend the Mountain Gorillas which are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Culture
The country has more than 30 indigenous languages belonging to distinct linguistic groups, and an equally diverse cultural mosaic of music, art and handicrafts. The country’s most ancient inhabitants, confined to the hilly southwest, are the Batwa and Bambuti Pygmies who were hunter-gatherer.