Location
The Republic of Uganda is a land locked country located in the Great Lake Region of East Africa. It is bound by Sudan in the North, the Democratic Republic of Congo in the West, Rwanda in the Southwest, Tanzania in the South and Kenya in the East. It gained its independence on 9 October, 1962 from Great Britain.
Geography
Uganda’s topography can be described as unique. Much of the country’s landscape is classified as a plateau punctuated with a multitude of small highlands and depressions (valleys), and extensive savannah vegetation. The south is tickly forested while the north is largely savannah with some pockets of barren areas in the north east. The outlay of Uganda’s landscape is a major determinant in residents’ settlement.
People and Culture
Ugandans are warm welcoming People with over 70 different dialects. There is a lot of respect attached to dressing in public. Cultural attire is put on during traditional functions. All Uganda have identity with their cultural background with a leader to whom they oblige loyalty once they gather before him.
Religion
Christianity is Uganda’s dominant religion and incorporates the Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Pentecostals and Orthodox. The other religions include Islam and the Baha’i faith.
Climate
Uganda experiences an equatorial climate. In reality, Uganda’s climate can be categorized into 3 sub-climatic division mainly differentiated by altitude. Most of the country is a plateau more than 1,000m above sea level bounded by mountain ranges of Rwenzori in the West and Elgon in the East. The lowland areas of the country as well as the lake shores enjoy a warm climate. It is becomes cooler as you move towards the highlands.
The country experiences two distinct rainy peak seasons namely; March to May and October to late November.
Major Cities and Towns
Kampala City; this is the capital city of the country with a population of about 2.2 million residents; and it is the principal administrative and commercial centre of most transactions. It has an altitude of approximately 1,189m and 1,400m above sea level. It is bounded by several hills including Muyenga, Kololo, Kasubi and many others. Other towns include Arua, Entebbe, Jinja, Kasese, Masaka, Mbale, Mbarara, Soroti, Gulu.
Tourist Attractions
Anybody who is a serious traveler and a seeker of the finest places to visit would know that the Uganda has everything that would constitute a great traveler’s paradise. Uganda is blessed with a multitude of tourism assets ranging from historical monuments, national parks, mountain ranges to water bodies such as Lake Victoria – the largest tropical lake in the world and river Nile – the world’s longest flowing water body.
The variety of Uganda biodiversity is immense; it is flavoured rare species; prolific populations that it’s attractively compelling. The most spectacular feature within this gifted area is the rare Mountain Gorillas popular in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park and Mgahinga Gorilla NP. Several other primates common here include a wide range of Monkeys and Chimpanzees. Kibale Forest National Park boasts a dozen of such primates. Other National Parks that offer adventure activities include Queen Elizabeth, Semiliki, Lake Mburo and Rwenzori Mountains.
Other tourist attractions include over 1,000 bird species, breathtaking water falls such as the Murchison Falls in Northwest and Semliki Falls in the west; scenic mountain ranges e.g. Rwenzori, Elgon and Virunga volcanoes; Historical sites- Buganda Kingdom Kasubi Royal Tombs, Hindu Temple, Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, the Equator Line; Monuments – Karambi Tombs, Mparo, Nyero Rock Paintings and Bigo Bya-mugenyi in Ntusi.
Accommodation
Accommodation facilities in Uganda are ample and range from hotels, privately managed lodges, tented camps, hostels, Guest houses to self-catering apartments. In the capital, you can choose from a number of classy hotels for instance Kampala Serena Hotels, Sheraton Hotel Kampala, Hotel Triangle, Equatorial Hotel, Grand Imperial Hotel, Hotel Africana and so much more. There are also several classy accommodation options in serene environments upcountry. Travellers here are advised to make their reservations well in advance.
Getting There
All flights to Uganda touch at Entebbe International Airport, located 40km south of the capital city. Over 15 airlines service Uganda. The major airlines with flight to Entebbe include Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Egypt Air, Air Emirates, South Africa Airways, SN Brussels, British Airways, Air Tanzania, Rwandair and East African Airways
Over land travel is through the border points of Katuna, Mirama (Rwanda), Busia, Malaba (Kenya), Mpondwe, Goli (DRC) and Orabo (Sudan). Several other routes are also open at the borders.
Entry Requirements
Travellers are issued with a single visa to Uganda and on arrival you will be given a traveller’s pass depending on how long your stay will be in the country. Multiple entry visas are granted to business executives who make several visits to the country for business dealings.
