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UGANDA
THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA
A landlocked country, Uganda was described by Winston Churchill as “The Pearl of Africa.” This beautiful tropical country is bordered by Sudan to the North, Tanzania to the South, Kenya to the East, Democratic Republic of Congo to the West , and Rwanda to the South East.
Climate: Sunny weather conditions all year-round, with maximum temperatures at 290 C. Slight weather variations may occur, mainly influenced by altitude and rainfall. Most of the land is 1,000m above sea level. While the topography is predominantly undulating, with wide belts of savannah plains, Uganda is home to mountain ranges in both the East and the West, standing above 3,000m.
Political History: Historically, Uganda was a protectorate of the British Government, until October, 9, 1962, when the country gained independence. The country now enjoys a modern democracy, with an elected Government, Cabinet, and Legislative Assembly.
Capital City: Kampala
Major Airport: Entebbe International Airport
Official language: English.
Luganda, a Bantu language, is commonly spoken in Kampala city. However, the country has over 50 indigenous groupings, with various local languages. |
VISITING UGANDA? |
A number of African countries are visa-exempt. However, most international visitors are required to have entry visas. |
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS |
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January 1 |
New Year’s Day |
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January 26 |
Liberation Day |
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March 8 |
Women’s Day |
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May 1 |
Labour Day |
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June 3 |
Martyrs’ Day |
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June 9 |
Heroes’ Day |
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October 9 |
Independence Day |
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December 25 |
Christmas Day |
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December 26 |
Boxing Day |
Changing Dates |
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Eid-ul Adhuha |
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Ei-ul-Fitr |
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Easter Monday |
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Good Friday |
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Islamic New Year |
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Prophet’s Birthday |
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BUSINESS HOURS |
Hours of Business |
Monday-Friday, 8.00 hrs hours –17.00 hrs. |
Banks & Financial Services |
Monday-Friday, 8.00 hrs -15.00 hrs. A few banks work up to 16.00/17.00 hours, and a few Forex Bureaux close much later. Hotel-based Bureau de Change operate 24 hours. |
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CURRENCY |
The Uganda Shilling (UGX)-convertible into all major foreign currency units at variable rates. |
BANKING |
9 International banks
6 six local banks
2 Development banks (East Africa Development Bank, Uganda Development Bank).
72 Micro Finance Institutions (both local and International) |
HEALTH ISSUES |
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Preventive treatment against malaria is strongly recommended to visitors. Immigration authorities also require foreign visitors to present a certificate of Immunization against yellow fever. |
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ACCOMMODATION ** |
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While in Kampala, visitors may choose hotel accommodation, ranging from first class to tourist/budget hotels. These facilities are available in city and upcountry as well. |
ENERGY |
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Uganda generates 260MW of hydro electric power, from the Owen Falls Dam, and Nalubale/Kira Dam. |
FORMS OF TRANSPORT |
Air |
Major local companies offer flight charter services. |
Road |
Highways are well-paved. Country side destinations are mainly accessible through feeder-roads. |
Car Rentals |
Self-drive service, or chauffeured. |
Bus service |
Mainly for countryside destinations. Cheap rates. |
Commuter taxis |
Privately owned, with organized Trade Associations. Most commuter taxis are under Uganda Taxi Operators and Drivers’ Association (UTODA). Rates are generally affordable. |
Special Hire taxis |
Specially designated sedans for private hire. While some providers have fixed rates, negotiable rates mainly apply. |
Motorcycles |
Motorcycle transportation is popular and cheap. Negotiable rates apply. |
Railway |
Uganda Railways Corporation (UR), mainly for cargo. |
COMMUNICATIONS |
PHONE COMPANIES: Recognized for the highest Tele-density in major developing countries, Uganda boasts of a thriving Communications industry. MAJOR Providers: Uganda Telecom Ltd. (UTL); Mobile Telecommunications Network (MTN); Celtel Uganda.
INTERNET SERVICES: Available in Kampala city, and also in most district cities. Dial-up, LAN, and Broadband available. |
CULTURE
Courtesy is a shared cultural aspect across all community groupings. However, most communities express their culture through unique dances, songs, and other cultural practices. |
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS |
Wildlife: Uganda has captivating scenery, plus several National Parks and game reserves.
Major National Parks: Queen Elizabeth National Park; Murchison Falls/Kabalega National Parks, Elgon, Kidepo, Semuliki, Mburo and Mgahinga National Parks. Spectacular species include the African elephant, lion, Impala, and the leopard.
Stunning Flora: woodlands, grasslands, wetlands, plantation hardwoods and softwoods, plus a water mass with a geographical coverage of 3.690.254ha.
Bird life: More than (500) five hundred bird species abound.
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SOME HISTORICAL/CULTURAL LANDMARKS |
Uganda Martyrs Shrine-Namugongo; The Kabaka’s Palace at Mengo; Kasubi Royal Tombs; Bigo bya Mugyenyi; Nakayima Tree in Mubende; Nyero Rock Paintings in Ngora; and Nkokonjeru Tombs. |
Religion & places of Worship |
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Freedom of worship is a constitutional right. Christianity, the dominant religion, co-exists with Islam and other traditional religions.
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REGIONAL & DISTRICT INFORMATION
Divided into four main geographical blocks of Northern, Central, Western, and Eastern regions, the country has a total of 56 districts.
Population: As per the ………National census, the total population was 24.551.021 million people. |
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Government Universities:
- Makerere University
- Kyambogo University
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology
- Gulu University
Private Universities:
- Bugema University
- Busonga University
- Islamic University in Uganda, Mbale
- Kabale University
- Kampala International University
- Kampala University
- Nakaseke University
- Namasagali University
- Ndejje University
- Nkumba University
- Mukono University
- Uganda Christian University
- Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi University
Colleges…………………….
National Research Centers:
- Makerere Institute of Social Research
- Economic Policy Research Centre of Makerere University
- Kawanda Agricultural Research Centre
- Namulonge Research Centre.
- National Council for Science and Technology
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