Uganda is a landlocked country that situated in East Africa where it shares its borders with five other countries Kenya in East, Democratic Republic of Congo in West, South Sudan in North, Rwanda and Tanzania in south. Uganda has a population of almost 40 million, ranking it as the 35th largest country in the world in terms of population. With an area of over 93,000 square miles, it is the 81st largest country in the world by area. The capital city is Kampala, and it is also the largest city in Uganda. It has a dominant-part semi-presidential republic government with a president, vice president, and prime minister. The country’s motto is “For God and My Country,” and its currency is the Ugandan shilling. The country’s flag has bands of red, gold, and black with a bird featured prominently in the center
Climate
Uganda has a warm tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 25-29°C (77- 84°F), apart from in the mountainous areas, which are much cooler; the top of Mount Elgon is often covered with snow. The hottest months are December to February.
Time in Uganda
There is no time difference between winter and summer months in Uganda; it’s always three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3).
Uganda International Dialing Code
Rwanda’s International Dealing Code is +256. Calling from Uganda, you need to dial 0044 for the UK, or 001 for the United States, followed by an area code and local number.
Visas for Uganda
We understand that travelers of all nationalities need to purchase a visa when travelling to Uganda; currently (Apr 2018), this costs US $ 50 and can be obtained on arrival. However, always check with your local Uganda Embassy for the latest regulations; UK nationals will find details on the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in London website.
Political history
Uganda gained her independence on October 9th 1962. Since 1894 she was a British protectorate that was put together from some very organized kingdoms and chieftaincies that inhabited the lake regions of central Africa. At independence, Dr. Milton Apollo Obote, also leader of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) became the first Prime Minister and head of the government. President Sir Edward Luwangula Walugembe Muteesa II 09 Oct 1963 – 02 Mar 1966, President Apollo Milton Obote 15 Apr 1966 – 25 Jan 1971, President Idi Amin Dada 25 Jan 1971 – 11 Apr 1979, President Yusuf Kironde Lule 13 Apr 1979 – 20 Jun 1979, President Godfrey Lukongwa Binaisa 20 Jun 1979 – 12 May 1980, President Apollo Milton Obote 17 Dec 1980 – 27 Jul 1985, President Tito Okello Lutwa (General) – President Tito Okello Lutwa President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni 1986 up to now
Attractions in Uganda
Nicknamed The Pearl of Africa, the landlocked country of Uganda attracts many visitors each year who become fascinated with its rich culture, diversity of people, exotic wildlife and rich ecosystems. The country boasts some beautiful national parks that are home to a variety of plants, birds and animal species. We feature ten national parks that will make you fall in love with Uganda.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda; Queen Elizabeth National Park was named after the royal Queen Elizabeth II of England and was established in 1954. Famous for its exotic wildlife, the park is home to many elephants, hippos, Congo lions, African Leopards, chimpanzees and 95 species of mammals. Bird-watchers will be delighted to learn that the park also house 500 species of birds. Come see two of the park’s main attractions: the tree-climbing lion and its volcanic features, like volcanic cones and deep craters. Services that are available include a telecenter, boat launches, park lodges, games and scenic drives.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
Rwenzori Mountains National Park is home to one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Located in the Rwenzori mountains and nearly 1000 kilometers square (386 square miles) in size, the park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its extraordinary natural beauty. Come and experience the most fulling hike of your life, as the mystical park boasts breath-taking waterfalls, high glaciers, the valley of nine lakes, a variety of flora and fauna, many endangered species and other captivating scenery.
Lake Mburo National Park
Spanning 370 kilometers square and within close proximity of the capital city of Kampala is Lake Mburo National Park. A perfect scenery for photographers and bird enthusiasts, Lake Mburo is home to a variety of leopards, hippos, zebras, hyenas, impalas and others animals, and to 350 species of birds. But the adventurous park doesn’t only showcase animals. Underneath the park’s surface are ancient Precambrian metamorphic rocks that are over 500 million years old, making for a geologist’s dream tour. Together with 13 other nearby lakes, Lake Mburo forms part of a 50 kilometer wetland system and has much woodland.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that forms part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of the richest ecosystems in Africa. This park is perhaps one of Uganda’s most remarkable destinations for visitors. Come with your cameras and observe over 200 different species of trees, 120 species of mammals, 27 species of frogs, geckos and chameleons, 220 species of butterflies, 348 species of birds and other endangered species in their natural habitat. And of course, take advantage of the opportunity to see mountain gorillas and elephants up close.
Semuliki National Park
Semuliki National Park is one of the newest National Parks in Uganda, made famous by the Sempaya Hot Springs. But the hot-springs are not for bathing as the water temperature is over 1000C. Try boiling an egg in it as a test. It should be hard-boiled after ten minutes. If you love a good nature tour, the park has primate creatures like grey-checked mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, elephants, chimpanzees, De Brazza’s monkey, pygmy antelope and many diverse species of birds. It also houses a lowland tropical forest showcasing some of the richest and most diverse flora and fauna in Africa.
Murchison Falls National Park
If you are in the mood for a good safari tour on an epic river Nile adventure, then Murchison Falls National Park is a good place to visit. Spreading inland from the shore of Lake Albert around the Nile, Murchison Falls National Park forms part of the Murchison Falls Conservative Area (MFCA). Come see four of the ‘big five’ (elephant, lion, leopard and Cape buffalo) just above the Nile. Then have a peek at the famous Murchison Falls where the waters of the Nile squeeze through a narrow gorge to make a beautiful waterfall.
Kibale National Park
Kibale National Park is a home to one of Uganda’s most beautiful tropical forests, and is a haven for chimpanzees with over 7000 chimps in number and other wildlife, which makes for a great safari tour. Witness firsthand the density and diversity of primates, including endangered species in their natural habitat. The northern section of the park experiences plenty of rainfall during the months of March to May and September to November, so be sure to take along a raincoat during those wet months. A simple bus ride from Kampala will get you to the park any day of the week.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park is the most isolated national park in Uganda. Nevertheless, it is worth the long journey through the wild frontier region of Karamoja to witness such splendid beauty. Kidepo Valley lies in the rugged savannah between Uganda’s borders with Sudan and Kenya. The park houses over 77 species of mammals and more than 475 species of birds. If you are up for some game viewing, then this park is ideal. Game viewing is made possible with vehicles that travel on dirt roads in the park during any weather condition.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Located way up in the clouds close to the Kisoro region is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The park is a dense forest and a natural habitat for the rare mountain gorillas and the endangered golden monkey. Not only is a tour around the park an exciting opportunity to see rare animals, but it is a significant cultural experience. The indigenous Batwa pygmies, a tribe of hunter-gatherers, were the forest’s ‘first people’ and used to call it home. Come and be impressed by Mgahinga’s three conical extinct volcanoes, providing an outstanding backdrop to the already wonderful scenery.
Mount Elgon National Park
Intersecting the border of Kenya and Uganda, Mount Elgon National Park is an extinct volcano with the largest surface area of any extinct volcano in the world. The Kenyan part of the park was gazetted in 1968, and the Ugandan part in 1992 covering 1110 square kilometers (430 square miles). Bird-watchers and photographers will have opportunities to see mammals as well as birds, invertebrates and beautiful flora and fauna. There is also a cave with ancient paintings near the trailhead, and the hot-springs in the former volcano craters are a must see.