Uganda

 

Language: English, Swahili

Currency: Ugandan shilling (UGX)

Calling Code: +256

 

Uganda, officially the Republic of Uganda (in English Republic of Uganda, in Swahili Jamhuri and Uganda) is a sovereign country located in East Africa. Its form of government is that of a presidential republic, whose territory is composed of 111 districts. Its capital and most populated city is Kampala with 1,208,544 inhabitants (2002). The country borders on the southeast with Lake Victoria, on the east with Kenya, on the north with South Sudan, on the west with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and on the southwest with Rwanda and Tanzania. Uganda takes its name from the vanished Kingdom of Buganda that encompassed the southern portion of the country, including the capital, Kampala. Ugandan natives were hunter-gatherers until 1,700 to 2,300 years ago, when Bantu-speaking populations colonized the region.

 

Travel Destinations in Uganda

Regions

Central Uganda (Mkoa wa Kati). with the capital and the coast of the huge Lake Victoria.
Eastern Uganda (Mkoa wa Mashariki). Excellent trekking near the Kenya border.
Northern Uganda (Mkoa wa Kaskazini). In this beautiful area with wide, dry savannahs you can see a lot of wild animals.
Western Uganda (Mkoa wa Magharibi). Gorilla trekking in the dense rainforest on the border with Rwanda and DR Congo.

 

Cities

1 Kampala. a bustling African capital. It is the only “city” in Uganda.
2 Entebbe. a collection of a few upscale residential streets and a number of government offices on the shores of Lake Victoria, dominated by State House, the official residence of the Ugandan president. The location of Uganda's only international airport, about an hour's drive south of Kampala.infoedit
3 Fort Portal. This town in western Uganda is surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery and is a starting point for excursions to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park and the Kibale Forest National Park.infoedit
4 Kalangala. known for its beaches on Lake Victoria.infoedit
5 Kisoro. It is the nearest major town to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.infoedit
6 Jinja. the source of the White Nile, is located 80km from Kampala and can be reached by bus (Bujagali waterfalls or rapids).info edit
7 Cabal. This town in southwestern Uganda is an important base for visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to meet mountain gorillas.

 

More destinations

1 Kazinga Channel (Mtaro wa Kazinga) . A boat trip on the Kazinga Channel is recommended when you are in this area! A great abundance of birds and many crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, antelopes and elephants, which you can see from a different perspective, make a boat trip that lasts about 2 hours worth it.
2 Sipi waterfalls. Not only are the three waterfalls, which allow the water to fall down a total of almost 150 meters one after the other, impressive, but also the surrounding landscape.
3 Lake Victoria (Ziwa Victoria) . Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second largest freshwater lake in the world, surpassed only by the Caspian Sea. This huge lake stretches across the East African countries of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania and has an impressive area of approximately 68,800 square kilometers. Its formation is due to tectonic activity in the region and it plays an important role in the water and food supply in the surrounding areas. Lake Victoria is home to diverse wildlife, including numerous species of fish, crocodiles and waterfowl, and is an important fishing destination for the local population. It also plays a crucial role as the source of the White Nile, one of the two main tributaries of the Nile, which flows through Sudan and Egypt and ultimately flows into the Mediterranean. Lake Victoria is also a major tourist destination, attracting visitors with its scenic shores, islands and activities such as boating, fishing and water sports.
4 Ssese Islands (Visiwa vya Ssese) . 84 islands in Lake Victoria. The civil war left no trace there and the interested visitor gets to know a completely different side of Uganda. The few tourists who visit the islands are given a very friendly welcome by the residents. Getting there: From the bus station in Kampala take the bus to Masaka, from there the 2:00 p.m. bus to the ferry to Luku and Kalangala. There is also a ferry from Entebbe to the main island at 2:30 p.m. She returns from there at 8:00 a.m. Tickets cost UGX 10,000. Don't forget mosquito protection.
5 Lake Bunyonyi (Ziwa Bunyonyi) . Located in the highlands of the southwest, this long, deep lake full of islands offers ideal conditions for relaxation.

 

National Parks

Ruwenzori Mountains (Safu ya Ruwenzori) . This park protects the Rwenzori Mountains, known as the "Mountains of the Moon" and featuring some of the highest peaks in Africa. It is of ecological importance and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The peaks of the mountain range, which are up to 5,109m high, are glaciated. The beautiful landscape with its waterfalls and mountain lakes is rich in flora and provides a habitat for endangered animal species.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park  (Hifadhi ya Taifa ya Bwindi) . This park is known worldwide for its significant population of mountain gorillas and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It plays a crucial role in protecting this endangered primate species. You can book a gorilla tour here for $500. It extends from an approximately 1160m high plain with its rainforests to the mountain forests at an altitude of 2607m. Around 160 different trees grow in the park and there are around 100 ferns. You can find many different birds and butterflies and especially the endangered mountain gorilla. The original inhabitants, the Batwa Pygmies, were forcibly relocated when the park was created. On the edge of the park they eke out an uprooted existence and offer pitiful souvenirs.
Mount Elgon National Park (Hifadhi ya Taifa ya Mlima Elgon) . Mount Elgon (4321 meters above sea level) is located right in the border area. Some of the peaks of this former volcano are in Kenya, from where elephants are also known to come from far away, enter a cave and eat salty earth in the dark. A mosaic of grassland, moors and mountain rainforest characterizes the character of this landscape.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Hifadhi ya Taifa ya Gorilla Mgahinga) . The main attraction of this park is mountain gorillas, which are also protected in Bwindi National Park. The Mgahinga Gorilla National Park covers the portion of the Virunga volcanoes in Uganda. Nine isolated, forested and active volcanoes form the Virungas, in which the border triangle between Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo lies.
Kidepo Valley National Park (Hifadhi ya Taifa ya Bonde la Kidepo) . It is dry savannah. Their fauna is rarely or not at all found elsewhere in Uganda. The greater kudu and cheetah are permanent residents, while herds of elephants and herds of African buffalo frequent the otherwise dry park in search of temporary watering holes.
Queen Elizabeth National Park (Hifadhi ya Taifa ya Malkia Elizabeth) . This park is one of the most famous in Uganda and is home to an abundance of wildlife including lions, leopards, elephants and numerous species of birds. It is also known for the Kazinga Channel, which attracts a high concentration of animals and birds. You can get to know the local flora and fauna of this national park better on a boat tour led by conservationists.
Murchinson Falls National Park. The huge national park the mighty Murchison Falls, where the Nile falls through a narrow gorge. It is famous for its predators such as lions and leopards as well as hippos and crocodiles.
Semuliki National Park. Located in the West Nile region, this park is known for its geothermal springs, hot springs and abundant birdlife. It borders the Ituri rainforest in Congo and offers a unique ecology.
Kibale National Park (Hifadhi ya Taifa ya Kibale) . 13 species of primates live in the park. A large population of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) lives in the forests and has their most important refuge in Uganda here. In addition to the black and white mantle monkey (also black and white colubus, Colobus guereza), the Uganda colobus monkey (also red guereza or red colubus, Piliocolobus tephrosceles) also occurs. Forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) and other large mammals live in the forests.
Semliki National Park. Eight different species of primates occur in the park, the most common being black and white colobus monkeys, but also their relatives the Uganda colobus monkey. Other monkey species include grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkey, Brazza monkey, diadem monkey, southern green monkey and anubis baboon. The forest is also home to forest elephants, African buffalo, bush pig, white-bellied duiker and batesbuck. However, you are more likely to see tree-climbing fire-footed squirrels and red-footed sun squirrels. The fig trees attract the giant blue turaco and the smaller Ross turaco, as well as up to nine species of hornbills. Sitatungas can be observed at the hot springs near Sempaya in the park and hippos can be seen in the rivers.
Lake Mburo National Park (Hifadhi ya Taifa ya Ziwa Mburo) . Uganda's smallest national park protects an animal-rich habitat made up of a mosaic of acacia forests, open grasslands, swamps and several small lakes. There are no lions in the park, making it suitable for a short, walking or cycling safari.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The chimpanzee island in Lake Victoria can be reached in about 40 minutes from Entebbe. The island is natural and largely covered with rainforest. A small part is reserved for the station with staff accommodation, overnight cages, visitor center and guest tents. There are over 40 chimpanzees living on the island that were captured by poachers or confiscated as illegal contraband. They are offered the most natural environment possible in which they can develop. The aim is a reintroduction program.infoedit
see also national parks in Uganda.

 

Archaeological sites

Tombs of the Buganda Kings (Kasubi). The "Kasubi Tombs" were created in the capital Kampala after 1884. They are the tombs of the kings of Buganda and are a spiritual sanctuary for the Baganda people. The graves were built according to old traditions from wood, wattle and clay. In March 2010 they almost completely burned down and were therefore placed on the red list. Their reconstruction is planned.

 

Getting here

Entry requirements
Almost all Europeans are required to have a visa in Uganda. Since July 1, 2016, visas can only be applied for online. Most visas cost US$ 100; depending on the type of visa, the electronic application must be accompanied by, among other things, a copy of the passport, yellow fever vaccination and a passport photo. The holidaymaker must then print out an “Entry Permit” sent back by email and take it with him when entering the country. The East Africa Tourist Visa (EAC tourist visa), which is also available in this way, is a joint visa for Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya that has existed since 2014. All ID cards must be valid for at least 6 months.

When entering from a third country that is considered a yellow fever endemic area, a valid yellow fever vaccination is required. When entering Uganda directly (from Europe), a yellow fever vaccination is not required, although with the new visa system, yellow fever vaccination seems to be generally required.

Weapons, drugs and pornographic writings are not allowed to be imported. The duty-free amount of spirits is one bottle of wine or higher proof alcohol.

Foreign currencies are not subject to declaration and may be imported in unlimited amounts. Uganda shillings are not allowed to be imported or exported.

By plane
Entebbe International Airport is served from Europe directly by British Airways from London Heathrow Airport and by SN Brussels Airlines from Brussels. However, connections via Cairo with Egypt Air, via Dubai with Emirates or via Addis Ababa with Ethiopian are much cheaper and more flexible (as there are daily connecting connections). KLM/Kenya Airways offers the best connections (twice daily) from all German airports with changes in Amsterdam and Nairobi. Tickets are available from Ethiopian from €560 (incl.) and from other airlines from €750 (incl.) (as of July 2010).

By boat
Ferry services to Kenya and Tanzania across Lake Victoria were discontinued after the last remaining passenger ferry sank in 2004. There are a few cargo ships that occasionally take passengers. There should be no demands on minimum standards of accommodation and sanitary facilities.

 

Transport around

By train
[Uganda Railways] resumed passenger services around Kampala in February 2018. With Chinese help, new lines in standard gauge are planned.

Bus/taxi
The central bus station in Kampala is the ideal starting point for destinations throughout the country. The organized chaos is an experience in itself. There are various competing bus companies competing on the route for passengers waiting on the side of the road. The roads from Kampala-Mbarara-Kasese or Kampala-Rwanda come off worst in the accident statistics.

Boda-Bodas (motorcycle taxis). Just sit on the back and say where you want to go. The price should be negotiated beforehand; You should also make sure that the brakes and both lights are working and that the driver is not drunk. For longer distances, it is not unusual for the driver to first drive to the gas station and an advance payment has to be paid directly at the gas station (according to the drivers, they rent their Boda and often live from hand to mouth that there is neither money for several liter of petrol is still available in change); In principle, however, payment is only made upon arrival. On average, three people die in motorcycle accidents every day in Uganda.

Otherwise, there are thousands of taxis, all of which start from a central taxi park to their destinations and then drive back again. In Kampala there is the Old Taxi Park and the New Taxi Park, from which minibuses go all over the city and the whole country respectively. So-called special hires are taxis in the European sense; say the destination, negotiate the price, get in.

In general, both buses and taxis are filled until no one can fit in - four people in the front and five in the back of a taxi or 35 people in a minibus are also possible. If you have more space or don't want to wait for additional passengers, you can usually pay an extra charge.

The drivers often only know their own district and the center, but always answer "yes" when asked if they know the way; Therefore, if you don't know the destination itself, it is better to ask open questions about the path that cannot be answered with "yes" or "no".

On the street
The main routes from Kampala to the north (Gula), east (Tororo), west (Fort Portal) and southwest (Kabale) are tarred and easily accessible by car. For most other routes, especially the numerous slopes, a four-wheel drive vehicle is absolutely necessary. After rain, these slopes are e.g. T. very slippery. In general there are a lot of potholes or speed bumps. Vehicles can be rented in the capital, but should be reserved in advance if possible, as the more reliable rental companies in particular are often fully booked. Gasoline is available in all (medium) large towns. Riding at night should be avoided at all costs, as the numerous unlit bicycles and vehicles pose a significant risk of accidents!

 

Language

Approximately 70 different languages. English as an official language. In central Uganda (around Kampala) the residents speak Luganda. Swahili is common, but some people don't like to hear it because it is the language of the military in Uganda. Every soldier must know Swahili and English.

 

Shopping

The Uganda shilling has been reasonably stable since the currency reform, and inflation is around 5%. In October 2023 there were around 4000 UShill per euro.

Owino market in Kampala - keep your eyes open and through. Everything a person needs is offered in this incredibly huge market. However, bags should always be tightly closed. In Kampala there are shopping centers such as: Shoprite or Garden City. Small shops that sell basic foodstuffs, soap, etc. are a dime a dozen, supermarkets with an acceptable selection only in larger cities, mostly run by Indians.

 

Eat

For the hunger in between: Chapati, flatbread baked in oil. (300 - 500 UGX on the street). The cheapest meal is the chikomando, cut up chapati with lentil stew. (1,200 - 1,700 UGX) Samosas, fried dumplings, are also sold. These are filled with rice, peas or minced meat. This food is sold on the street.

Rolex (the name comes from rolled eggs) consists of a chapati with a rolled omelette and sometimes also tomato pieces and onions. (approx. UGX 1,500).

Traditional wholesome food is called “local food.” Local food usually consists of at least one main course and one sauce. The main course is matooke (plantain), pocho (cornmeal porridge), rice, sweet potatoes, so-called Irish potatoes (equivalent to normal potatoes), cassava, pumpkin. Often several dishes are served together. There is also the sauce. This can be a lentil or pea stew, goat meat, chicken or beef. It is advisable to wash your hands before eating; you often have to use your fingers (especially with chicken).

Many medium-sized restaurants also serve more western food such as fries with fried chicken, fish or pressed meat (chaps), as well as sandwiches or burgers. In Germany this meal may be referred to as fast food, but in Uganda a burger is a real order and not necessarily prepared quickly. Quickly available food is actually only Chapati or Rolex. Kampala also has Italian food restaurants and Indian fast food outlets.

Uganda Breweries and Nile Breweries are the local beer producers. Wines are expensive because they are imported. Waragi is a liquor made from millet that tastes similar to bad gin. Uganda Waragi (UG or “Spirit of Uganda”) is the most popular brand, but there is also a lot of black distillation. When drunk straight it is called kasezi bong. There are flavored brands under other names.

Uganda is a major coffee producer. For some unknown reason, it is hardly drunk in the country.

 

Nightlife

There are a few clubs and bars in Kampala. Beer costs between UGX 3,500 and UGX 5,000. The following bars are worth mentioning: Indigo with a view of the taxi park, MishMash in Kololo... The following clubs are worth mentioning: Iguana (Kololo/Kamwokya), HiTable (City Square), Rouge (Railwaystation), Alfredoz (Bukoto).

 

Activities

Gorilla Trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda are home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Watching these fascinating animals in their natural environment is one of the most exciting things to do in Uganda.

Safari: Uganda is also known for its wildlife, particularly in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park. Here one can see lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and a variety of birds in the wild.

Chimpanzee Tracking: Watch chimpanzees and other primates on guided hikes in Kibale Forest National Park.

Rafting on the Nile: In Jinja, on the upper reaches of the Nile, you can experience exciting white water rafting. This is a paradise for adventure sports enthusiasts.

Culture and History: The Buganda Royal Palaces in Kasubi Tombs are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Uganda Museum and the Ndere Cultural Center showcase the country's rich culture and history.

Lake Victoria Boat Trip: Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and you can take a boat trip to enjoy the breathtaking views and wildlife.

Mountaineering: The Rwenzori Mountain Range in Uganda offers challenging mountain hiking and mountaineering. The highest peak, Margherita Peak, is the third highest mountain in Africa.

Bird Watching: Uganda is a bird lover's paradise with over 1,000 species of birds. Visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park for some of the best bird watching.

Waterfalls: Murchison Falls is an impressive waterfall in Murchison Falls National Park. Sipi Falls in eastern Uganda is also worth a visit.

 

Security

It is forbidden to photograph people in uniform (police, military, etc.), military facilities and public buildings.

Same-sex acts are punishable, but have hardly been prosecuted since the President failed in 2014 with a stricter criminal law before the Constitutional Court.

Drug-related offenses are punished very harshly, even if only small amounts are involved.

 

Health

See also: Healthy on the go

Before traveling, you should visit a travel medical center, e.g. B. the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute in Basel can be visited. There you will be informed in detail about the medical risks and the necessary vaccinations can be given straight away.

Uganda is a malaria endemic area, which is why good prophylaxis, mosquito nets and long clothing are strongly recommended, especially at dusk and at night. If you have any signs of fever, you should see a doctor, even up to a year after the trip. The symptoms of malaria are similar to a mild flu.

Infection with yellow fever is also possible, although there is a vaccination against it. The neighboring countries Tanzania and Kenya require a yellow fever vaccination to enter the country, and it is also required if you enter Uganda from an endemic country.

Boil tap water before drinking. Boiled water is often sold in plastic bags, Mineral Water (e.g. Rwenzori etc.) is always a good choice, however there are many counterfeits which can be identified by the fact that a hole has been drilled into the bottom of the plastic bottle and resealed .

Eating in high-end restaurants is always safe, but cheaper food prepared on the side of the road may cause diarrhea, depending on your tolerance. There is good access to very cheap Chinese and Ugandan medicines, with the Chinese being the better choice.

The last Ebola outbreak was reported by the WHO on November 30, 2007.

 

Climate

Uganda lies on a high plateau (usually over 1000 m) in the tropics. This mitigates the typical tropical heat and temperatures average between 25°C and 30°C during the day and around 17°C at night. Precipitation actually occurs all year round, with the only drier periods being December to February and June to August. The average rainfall is 100 to 1500 mm.

An exception is the northeast of the country on the border with Sudan and Kenya, which can be described as semi-arid. Savannah predominates here.

Dry Season (December to February): The dry season in Uganda extends from December to February. This is the best time to visit the country as the weather is warm and dry. It is ideal for game viewing and safaris as the animals are easier to find as they come to watering holes. The vegetation is also less dense, improving visibility.

First rainy season (March to May): The first rainy season in Uganda falls between March and May. During this time there are short, heavy rain showers that make the landscape green and lush. This is a great time for bird watching as many migratory birds come to Uganda during this time. Gorilla trekking is also possible, although the hikes through the denser forests can be a little more challenging.

Second rainy season (September to November): The second rainy season in Uganda extends from September to November. During this time, rainfall is more frequent and intense, which may make some roads and trails in the national parks impassable. However, this is still a good time for gorilla trekking and other safari activities as the landscape is very green and fresh.

 

Rules and respect

Short skirts are often not appreciated. Even very conspicuous dresses with a large neckline should be worn with caution.

 

Practical tips

Cell phones are cheap. The mobile network is very well developed. A SIM card for one of the networks costs around €1.00, and airtime is easily available. With MTN, a minute of conversation to Germany costs 10 cents. Internet credit is available from UGX 500 for 60MB for 24 hours (Airtel). The post office is slow, shipments usually arrive sooner or later.

 

Etymology

The toponym "Uganda", which is the name of the state of Buganda in Swahili, was used by the British in 1894 when creating a protectorate with the center in Buganda. The Swahili name includes the prefix y-, used to designate territories, and the basis Ganda - the name of the Bantu people, one of the most numerous peoples of the country, and thus means "country of the Ganda people."

 

History of Uganda

On March 1, 1962, Great Britain granted Uganda self-government, and on October 9, 1962, complete independence. Uganda was proclaimed a unitary state, but at the same time 4 kingdoms (Buganda, Bunyoro, Toro, Ankole) and the territory of Busog received autonomous status.

The government of Uganda was led by Obote, Milton, the leader of the Uganda People’s Congress Party. Since 1963, he also held the posts of ministers of defense and foreign affairs. The King of Uganda Mutes II was appointed President of Uganda.

Immediately after independence in Uganda, problems arose - inter-ethnic clashes, riots in the army, the mass departure of Europeans. Obote introduced state economic planning, expanded the state and cooperative sectors.

In early 1966, Obote ousted King Mutesu from power, arrested several ministers, and appointed himself president of Uganda. September 8, 1967 Obote proclaimed Uganda a republic, abolished all the kingdoms and the power of tribal leaders. Obote conducted nationalization in the economic sector, and created “collective farms” in agriculture. To carry out these reforms, Obote created the paramilitary “National Youth Service” in 1968.

In December 1969, at the conference of the ruling party of the NKU, the "Charter of the Common Man" was announced - the program for building communism in Uganda. In August 1970, officially, by a decision of the Uganda People’s Congress, a one-party regime was established.

On January 25, 1971, when Obote was traveling abroad, the Ugandan army carried out a coup. The military dismissed the parliament, dispersed local councils in areas of the country. The head of state was the 45-year-old Major General Idi Amin Dada of the Kakva tribe, a professional military man who had served in the colonial forces of the British Army since 1946 and had been involved in suppressing the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya.

In August 1972, Amin announced the course of "Ugandanization." First, the property of immigrants from Asia was requisitioned, and then the property of Europeans. People of Indian and Pakistani origin living in Uganda who did not have local citizenship (60 thousand people) were expelled from Uganda.

Amin reoriented Uganda's foreign policy. In 1972, Amin broke off diplomatic relations with Israel. Amin began to make friends with the Arab states, as well as with the USSR, from which he began to receive significant financial assistance. In 1973, Amin defiantly sent a group of Ugandan officers to participate in the next war of Egypt and Syria against Israel. In 1976, Amin broke off diplomatic relations with Britain.

In 1972, armed clashes broke out on the Ugandan-Tanzanian border. Amin made territorial claims against Tanzania and Kenya.

At the same time (in 1972-1975) the army was tripled, a large number of weapons were purchased (from the USSR). Due to increased government spending, Amin froze wages in the public sector, cut funding for social programs and medicine. The discontent of the population became widespread. Amin launched widespread repression. Among the physically destroyed were army officers and even ministers.

In 1975, Amin appropriated the title of Field Marshal, and in 1976 declared himself lifelong president.

In October 1978, Amin’s troops invaded Tanzania. However, the Tanzanian army, armed with Chinese weapons, expelled the invaders and transferred hostilities to Uganda. In March 1979, anti-Amina groups formed the Uganda National Liberation Front. The armed units of the Front began to work together with the Tanzanian army. Amin’s troops were defeated, in April 1979, Tanzanian troops occupied the capital of Uganda, and the Front created an interim government.

In Uganda, a power struggle has unfolded; over the course of the year, two presidents were replaced - Y. Lule and G. Binais. In May 1980, the military junta of the Front took power. She allowed activities in the country of parties, trade unions, public organizations.

In December 1980, parliamentary elections were held. Obote won the party, and he again became president of Uganda. Soon, ethnic conflicts in Uganda escalated, anti-government protests began, organized by various groups. The so-called People’s Resistance Army, led by Museveni, launched a guerrilla war in the west of the country.

In July 1985, a military coup was carried out, a military junta led by General Basilio Olara-Ochello came to power. Parliament was dissolved and the constitution suspended.

In January 1986, the military junta was overthrown by the People's Resistance Army. Museveni declared himself the president of the country.

1986 - Movement of the Holy Spirit by Alice Lakwena.
1987 - The defeat of the Movement of the Holy Spirit. Formation of the Lord's Resistance Army.
the end of the 1980s - the beginning of the civil war.
1998 - Sudanese air raids in connection with the involvement of Uganda in the Second Congo War.
2002 - peace with Sudan.
On November 14, 2004, it was reported that the president had declared a week-long truce with the rebels, which was to begin the next day.
In August 2005, parliament voted to change the constitution to remove limits on the number of presidential terms, allowing Museveni to run for a third term. In a referendum in July 2005, 92.5% supported the restoration of multi-party politics, thereby abandoning non-partisan politics. In October 2005, Museveni's main political rival Kizza Besigye returned from exile. That same month, Museveni's other rival, Milton Obote, died in South Africa.
Elections in February 2006, the first multi-party elections in 25 years, made Museveni president.
February 2006 - Opposition (supporters of Colonel Kizza Besigye of the Forum for Democratic Change) street clashes with law enforcement forces. President Museveni accused the opposition of links to terrorist groups.
February 18, 2011 - regular presidential and parliamentary elections were held. As expected, Yoweri Museveni again received the majority of the vote (68%).
In the 2016 elections, President Museveni was re-elected with a score of 60.62%.
In 2021, the resident and parliamentary elections in Uganda took place on 14 January. Incumbent head of state Yoweri Museveni has been re-elected for a sixth term. On May 12, he took the oath and took office. On June 8, the president submitted to parliament a list of members of the new cabinet of ministers.

 

Geography and natural conditions

Uganda is located in the northwest of the East African Plateau, in the area of ​​the Great African Lakes, mainly in the zone of savannas and light forests of the subequatorial belt.

The surface of Uganda is a plateau with a height of 1000-1500 m, with individual mountain peaks (the Rwenzori massif, up to 5109 m high). The plateau is dissected by valleys, often swampy.

The climate is subequatorial, humid in summer, softened by a significant height above sea level. The average temperature of the coldest month is 20°C, the warmest 25°C.

The vegetation is dominated by tall-grass savannahs; small tracts of tropical forests have been preserved.

The animal world is rich, in Uganda there are elephants, hippos, buffaloes, antelopes, giraffes, lions, leopards, monkeys. There are many birds and reptiles (crocodiles, snakes), as well as insects (tsetse fly, malarial mosquito, etc.). There are many fish in the rivers and lakes.

Previously, there were quite a lot of rhinos in Uganda, but as a result of a 20-year civil war, they were gone. The last rhinoceros in the wild was seen in 1983. In 2001, 2 rhinos were brought from Kenya to the zoo in Entebbe. For breeding rhinos, the Nakasongola nursery was specially created, to which 4 rhinos were donated. In 2009, one of the females in the nursery had a cub, he became the first rhinoceros born in Uganda in the last 20 years.

 

State structure

Uganda is an authoritarian presidential republic, where all power is concentrated in the hands of the president. Since January 1986, he has been Lieutenant General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Presidential elections are held every 5 years, the number of terms of the presidency is not limited, according to the 2005 amendments to the Constitution.

Unicameral parliament - 332 deputies; 215 are elected by popular vote for a 5-year term, 104 are appointed from various groups (79 women, 10 military, 5 disabled, 5 from youth, 5 from trade unions), 13 deputies are appointed by public office.

Political parties have been allowed since 2005. The largest party in parliament (205 deputies) is the National Resistance Movement (headed by Museveni).

Rebel groups operate in the country, the largest is the Lord's Resistance Army.

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, the country in 2018 was classified on the Democracy Index as a hybrid regime.

 

Armed forces

The country's armed forces are the Uganda People's Defense Forces. The total number is 40-45 thousand people, including the ground forces and the air force. There is no universal conscription, and the armed forces are recruited on a contract basis.

 

Administrative-territorial division

Uganda is divided into 4 regions, comprising 111 districts and 1 capital district of Kampala.

In addition, the 1995 Ugandan constitution recognizes the autonomous status of the traditional kingdoms of Buganda, Toro, Bunyoro, Busoga and Rwenzururu, which are ruled by local hereditary rulers. They represent a parallel administrative system extending to the southern and central territories of Uganda, inhabited by the Bantu peoples. The kingdoms have the rights of cultural autonomies.

 

Population

Population - 34,856,813 (2014 census). The official language is English, of the African languages ​​​​the most common is Luganda (of the Ganda tribe, used as the language of interethnic communication among the Bantu tribes). Swahili is used in the field of domestic trade.

Annual growth - 3.6% (2nd place in the world).

According to the average forecast, by 2100 the population of the country will be 192.5 million people.

Birth rate - 48 per 1000 (fertility - 6.73 births per woman (2nd place in the world), infant mortality - 64 per 1000).

Mortality - 12 per 1000.

Average life expectancy is 52 years for men, 54 years for women (in 2010).

Average age - 14.8 years (The youngest country).

Infection with the immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - 6.4% (2010 estimate).

Urban population - 13% (in 2008).

Ethnic composition:
Bantu peoples - only about 70%:
ganda - 4 126 093 people. — 16.9%;
nkole - 2 329 972 people. - 9.5%;
Soga - 2,062,761 people — 8.4%;
kiga - 1,679,451 people — 6.9%;
gisu — 1,117,243 people - 4.5%;
gnoro - 667,012 people — 2.7%;
konjo - 608 690 people. — 2.4%;
toro - 606 897 people. — 2.4%;
Bafumbira (close to Nyarwanda) - 488,890 people. — 1.9%;
Gwere - 408 738 people. - 1.7%;
nulli - 340 469 people. - 1.7%;
Nyarwanda - 314,598 people - 1.3%;

and others.
Nilotic peoples: (live in the north of the country) - only about 30%:
Teso - 1,566,921 people - 6.3% (East Sudanese group);
Lango - 1 483 817 people. - 6.0% (East Sudanese group);
Acholi - 1,141,097 people - 4.7% (East Sudanese group);
Lugbara - 1,022,059 people - 4.1% (Central Sudanese group);
alur — 530 110 people - 2.1% (East Sudanese group);
adola - 359,659 people. - 1.4%

(Eastern Sudanese group);
Nandi - 332,000 people. - 1.3% (East Sudanese group);
madi - 296 230 people. - 1.1%

(Central Sudanese group);
Karamojong - 258,307 people - 1.0% (East Sudanese group);
and others.

 

Economy

Natural resources: copper, cobalt, niobium, gold, tungsten, hydropower, fertile land.

GDP per capita in 2009 was $1.3 thousand (204th in the world). Below the poverty level - about a third of the population.

The main sector of the economy: agriculture (82% of employees, 22% of GDP), the main export product is coffee. Tea, cotton, tobacco, sugar cane, cassava (tapioca), potatoes, corn, millet, flowers are also cultivated; fishing; animal husbandry is underdeveloped.

Industry: (5% of employees, 25% of GDP) - sugar, brewing, tobacco, textiles.

International trade
Export - $2.9 billion in 2017: coffee, fish, tea, cotton, flowers, gold.

Main buyers: Kenya (17.7%), UAE (16.7%), Democratic Republic of the Congo (6.6%), Rwanda (6.1%), Italy (4.8%).

Imports: $4.6 billion in 2017 - manufactured goods, vehicles, petroleum products, medicines, grains.

Main suppliers: China (17.4%), India (13.4%), UAE (12.2%), Kenya (7.9%), Japan (6.4%).

It is a member of the international organization of ACT countries.

 

Education

The first schools in Uganda were created by missionaries who used the educational system adopted in Great Britain. Schools are now run by the state and private individuals. There are much more people who want to study than the number of school places. Over half of primary school graduates do not go on to secondary school, and more than a third of secondary school graduates have no opportunity to continue their education. In 1994, the adult literacy rate was 62%. Makerere University is the largest and most prestigious educational institution in Uganda. Since 1988, with the financial support of Saudi Arabia, the Islamic University has been operating in Mbala. Gradually, the advantage that males enjoyed when entering educational institutions is disappearing. In 1991, they accounted for 55% of students in elementary schools, 62% in secondary schools, and 76% in higher education.

According to the 2002 census, 76% of men and 57% of women can read and write.

 

Culture

The Museum of Uganda has been operating in Kampala since 1908.

 

Religion

There is no provision in the constitution for a state religion. Because Protestants have been favored by British officials since colonial times, the latter still retain a privileged status, followed by Catholics and Muslims. More than half of Ugandans are Christians. Muslims have less political influence. Most Ugandans respect local traditional beliefs, whether they consider themselves Muslims or Christians.

According to the 2002 census: Protestants - 42% (Anglicans - 35.9%, Pentecostals from the Assembly of God and the Church of God - 4.6%, Adventists - 1.5%), Catholics - 41.9%, Muslims - 12, 1%, other beliefs - 3.1%, atheists - 0.9%.

 

Mass media

State television and radio company UBC (Uganda Broadcasting Corporation - Uganda Broadcasting Corporation), includes UBC TV, UBC Star TV, UBC Magic TV, UBC West, UBC West Nile, UBC Radio, UBC Star FM, UBC Magic 100 FM, UBC Butebo Radio and others