Uganda
At A glance
Capital City: Kampala
Land size: 197,100 sq km
Population: 46,205,893 (2022 est.)
Official languages: English and Swahili
Currency: Ugandan Shilling (USh / UGX)
UNESCO properties and sites:
- Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/uganda/
Uganda offers a perfect blend of rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Begin your journey in the vibrant capital city of Kampala, where modernity meets African traditions, and experience the lively atmosphere that surrounds you. Embark on a small cruise on Lake Victoria, to see the source of the Nile River.
Uganda's breathtaking beauty and unique experiences provide a thrilling adventure for every traveler.
A horse-riding holiday through Uganda is the best way to uncover its hidden gems, meet its friendly people, and create lifelong memories. Journey to Mabira Central Forest Reserve, and ride through lush rainforests to witness the majesty of ancient trees. Explore the tranquil waters of the Nile River and ride along its banks to witness wildlife thriving in abundance.
Brief History
As early as 1200, fertile soils and regular rainfall in the south fostered the formation of several large centralized kingdoms, including Buganda, from which the country derives its name. Muslim traders from Egypt reached northern Uganda in the 1820s, and Swahili merchants from the Indian Ocean coast arrived in the south by the 1840s. The area attracted the attention of British explorers seeking the source of the Nile River in the 1860s, and this influence expanded in subsequent decades with the arrival of Christian missionaries and trade agreements. Uganda was declared a British protectorate in 1894. Buganda and other southern kingdoms negotiated agreements with Britain to secure privileges and a level of autonomy that were rare during the colonial period in Africa. The colonial boundaries demarcating Uganda grouped together a wide range of ethnic groups with different political systems and cultures, and the disparities between how Britain governed southern and northern areas compounded these differences, complicating efforts to establish a cohesive independent country.
Uganda gained independence in 1962 with one of the more developed economies and one of the strongest education systems in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it descended within a few years into political turmoil and internal conflict that lasted more than two decades.
In 1966, Prime Minister Milton OBOTE suspended the constitution and violently deposed President Edward MUTESA, who was also the king of Buganda. Idi AMIN seized power in 1971 through a military coup and led the country into economic ruin and rampant mass atrocities that killed as many as 500,000 civilians. AMIN’s annexation of Tanzanian territory in 1979 provoked Tanzania to invade Uganda, depose AMIN, and install a coalition government. In the aftermath, Uganda continued to experience atrocities, looting, and political instability and had four different heads of state between 1979 and 1980.
OBOTE regained the presidency in 1980 through a controversial election that sparked renewed guerrilla warfare. Gen. Tito OKELLO seized power in a coup in 1985, but his rule was short-lived, with Yoweri MUSEVENI becoming president in 1986 after his insurgency captured the capital.
MUSEVENI is widely credited with restoring relative stability and economic growth to Uganda but has resisted calls to leave office. In 2017, parliament approved the removal of presidential age limits, making it possible for MUSEVENI to remain in office for life.
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/uganda/
Cultural Insights
Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting.
Casual dress is considered appropriate in the daytime and evening.
Etiquette is important at family meals. When a meal is ready, all the members of the household wash their hands and sit on floor mats. Visitors and neighbors who drop in are expected to join the family at a meal. Normally a short prayer is said before the family starts eating. During the meal, children talk only when asked a question. It is considered impolite to leave the room while others are eating. Leaning on the left hand or stretching one's legs at a meal is a sign of disrespect. When the meal is finished, everyone in turn gives a compliment to the mother.
Source: https://www.everyculture.com/To-Z/Uganda.html
Transportation
By Air
Most international travelers enter the country by flying into Entebbe International Airport.
Entebbe International Airport lies astride the equator at latitude 00.020 North and longitude 320 East, for which reason it has often been described as the “Airport on the Equator”.
The airport at Entebbe was commissioned in 1951 with the splendor and presence of the Queen of England.
Nowadays, it offers direct flights to other major international airports in Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
Source: https://caa.go.ug/entebbe-international-airport/
Money
ATMs are widely available and credit cards widely accepted in Kampala and in other main towns.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/uganda
Health
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Medical facilities in Uganda are limited and only equipped to handle minor medical emergencies. Outside Kampala, hospitals are scarce and offer only basic services. Travelers should carry their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. A list of medical providers is available at the U.S. Embassy website.
If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Embassy of Uganda to ensure the medication is legal in Uganda. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.
Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Uganda. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you, and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary. The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst in the dry season (December-February and June-July).
Only use boiled or bottled water, and avoid ice in drinks. Don’t eat food prepared by unlicensed vendors or where you have concerns about kitchen hygiene.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/uganda
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Uganda.html
Electricity
Uganda operates on a 220V supply voltage and uses type G plugs.
The Type G electrical plug has three rectangular blades in a triangular pattern and has an incorporated fuse (usually a 3 amps fuse for smaller appliances such as a computer and a 13 amps one for heavy duty appliances such as heaters). British sockets have shutters on the live and neutral contacts so that foreign objects can’t be introduced into them.
Source: https://www.iec.ch/world-plugs
Communication
Time zone in Uganda: East Africa Time (GMT+3)
International country code – 256
A series of reforms within Uganda’s telecom sector have provided the country with one of the most competitive markets in the region. In line with the regulator’s licensing requirements by which Uganda-based companies should be broadly owned by Ugandans by mid-2022.
Consumers have largely depended on mobile infrastructure to provide voice and broadband services. There is sufficient capacity with LTE infrastructure to match data demand during the next few years. Uganda has anticipated the migration to 5G, having held trials in early 2020 though the roll out of 5G is not expected until later in 2022.
Source: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/uganda/
Phrasebook
| English |
Swahili |
| Hello! |
Salama |
| Goodbye |
Kwa heri/ Kwa herini (more than one person) |
| Good morning |
Habari za asubuhi |
| Good evening |
Habari za jioni |
| Good night |
Lala salama |
| Please |
Tafadhali |
| Thank you |
Asante |
| Yes |
Ndiyo |
| No |
Hapana |
Source: https://www.tripsavvy.com/swahili-or-kiswahili-for-travelers-1454482
Entry Requirements
Ugandan tourist visa costs $ 50. A valid passport and a visa are required for travelers coming into the country.
Tourist visa applications can be completed and paid for online at
https://visas.immigration.go.ug/.
Source: https://www.exploreuganda.com/about-us/visa-application
Embassies and Consulates
U.S. Embassy in Kampala
1577 Ggaba Road
Kampala
Tel: 256 414 259-791
Consulate of Canada in Kampala
Jubilee Insurance Centre
14 Parliament Avenue
Kampala
Tel: 256 414 258-141 / 256 414 348-141 / 256 312 260-511
Source: for USA https://www.usembassy.gov/
For Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates
UNESCO Sites
Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi
The Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi constitute a site embracing almost 30 ha of hillside within Kampala district. Most of the site is agricultural, farmed by traditional methods. At its core on the hilltop is the former palace of the Kabakas of Buganda, built in 1882 and converted into the royal burial ground in 1884. Four royal tombs now lie within the Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, the main building, which is circular and surmounted by a dome. It is a major example of an architectural achievement in organic materials, principally wood, thatch, reed, wattle and daub. The site's main significance lies, however, in its intangible values of belief, spirituality, continuity and identity.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Located in south-western Uganda, at the junction of the plain and mountain forests, Bwindi Park covers 32,000 ha and is known for its exceptional biodiversity, with more than 160 species of trees and over 100 species of ferns. Many types of birds and butterflies can also be found there, as well as many endangered species, including the mountain gorilla.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park covers nearly 100,000 ha in western Uganda and comprises the main part of the Rwenzori mountain chain, which includes Africa's third highest peak (Mount Margherita: 5,109 m). The region's glaciers, waterfalls and lakes make it one of Africa's most beautiful alpine areas. The park has many natural habitats of endangered species and a rich and unusual flora comprising, among other species, the giant heather.
Source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/ug