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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Short skirts are often not appreciated. Even very conspicuous dresses with a large neckline should be worn with caution.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 - 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.
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.
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.
The Museum of Uganda has been operating in Kampala since 1908.
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%.
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