Uganda Destination at a Glance
Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa. It is bordered by Kenya to the east, South Sudan to the north, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, Rwanda to the south-west, and Tanzania to the south.
Located in the African Great Lakes region and lying within the Nile basin, Uganda has a varied equatorial climate. The southern part of the country includes a substantial portion of Lake Victoria, which is shared with Kenya and Tanzania. The capital and largest city is Kampala.
Uganda was a Protectorate of the British Empire from 1894 to 1962. This arrangement began in 1893 when the Imperial British East Africa Company transferred its administration rights of territory, consisting mainly of the Kingdom of Buganda, to the British government.
Protectorate in 1894
The IBEAC relinquished its control over Uganda after Ugandan internal religious wars had driven it into bankruptcy. In 1894, the Uganda Protectorate was established, and the territory was extended beyond the borders of Buganda by signing more treaties with the other kingdoms (Toro in 1900, Ankole in 1901, and Bunyoro in 1933 to an area that roughly corresponds to that of present-day Uganda.
Let’s Explore Uganda
Uganda Wildlife Authority, (UWA) is Uganda’s Government agency are responsible for the management and protection of Wildlife in and outside protected areas. The agency is supervised by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.
Uganda Wildlife Authority, (UWA) manages (10) National Parks ;( 12) Wildlife Reserves; (5) Community Wildlife Management Areas; and (13) Wildlife Sanctuaries. The ten National Parks include Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, Kibale, Mount Elgon, Rwenzori Mountains, Semuliki, Mgahinga Gorilla, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks. These parks display the best in East Africa. Their Rift Valley landscapes and tropical forests make dramatic backdrops to an extensive variety of flora and fauna.
The ten national parks include:
- Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.
- Queen Elizabeth
- Lake Mburo
- Murchison Falls
- Kidepo Valley
- Kibale
- Mount Elgon
- Rwenzori Mountains
- Semuliki
These parks display the best in East Africa. Their Rift Valley landscapes and tropical forests make dramatic backdrops to an extensive variety of flora and fauna.
Giraffe
Gorilla
Birds
Lion
about Uganda Safari
Geographically, Uganda is diverse, with volcanic hills, mountains, and lakes, including Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest freshwater lake. The country has significant natural resources, including fertile agricultural land and untapped oil reserves, contributing to its economic development. The service sector dominates the economy, surpassing agriculture. Uganda’s rich biodiversity, with national parks and wildlife reserves, attracts tourism, a vital sector for the economy.
Uganda is a country in East Africa that boasts of rich wildlife and diverse natural habitats. Forests are home to the great apes which are the greatest tourism attraction in the country. Mountain Gorilla tracking and Chimpanzee viewing top the list with Gorilla tourism reported to contribute more than 50% of tourism revenue in Uganda. The country is home to several wildlife sanctuaries that offer visitors an opportunity to experience the country’s unique flora and fauna up close.
Forests and Wildlife play a significant role in national development through their contribution to the ecological balance, energy and industrial activities. Other important Wildlife resources of Tourism value include the Big Cats (Lions, Leopards and cheetahs); Elephants; Hippopotamus; Pangolin among others majority of which are in National Parks, Wildlife reserves and Forest reserves.
Population
- 50,581,757 Million People
The current population of Uganda is based on interpolation of the latest United Nations data.
Currency
- Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
Bank of Uganda started issuing Uganda’s first currency in 1966 when it was established. Uganda Currency has changed seven times since 1966. The 1966, 1973, 1979, 1983 and 1986 issues.
History of the Uganda shilling (UGX)
Prior to 1966, Uganda shared the East African shilling with neighbouring countries. However, with the establishment of the Bank of Uganda in 1966, the nation introduced its official currency, the Ugandan Shilling (UGS).
The first issue of the Ugandan Shilling replaced the East African shilling at par in 1966. Notably, in 1987, a revaluation occurred, leading to the introduction of a new shilling with the currency symbol UGX, valued at 100 old shillings. The Ugandan Shilling is a floating currency, and in 2010, the Bank of Uganda released shilling banknotes with enhanced security features
Language
- Luganda, Swahili and English
In Uganda the most spoken language in the capital city is Luganda, followed by English (also the official language since 1962), as all schools in Uganda use it in their studies due to the introduction of English during the colonial period. English is also the language of business and judicial matters. Most spoken after Luganda and English is Swahili. This language is more common in neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania. Swahili is taught in schools as an optional additional language and it is mostly spoken by the Ugandan army. In 2005, there were talks to include Swahili as the second official language as it was seen as neutral, however this is still not ratified by the government. Swahili is used among some communities bordering South Sudan and Kenya.
Uganda is a multilingual country with over 70 generally estimated languages spoken. The (43) of its living languages fall into four main families—Bantu, Nilotic, Central Sudanic and Kuliak.
Protectorate in 1894
The IBEAC relinquished its control over Uganda after Ugandan internal religious wars had driven it into bankruptcy. In 1894, the Uganda Protectorate was established, and the territory was extended beyond the borders of Buganda by signing more treaties with the other kingdoms (Toro in 1900, Ankole in 1901, and Bunyoro in 1933 to an area that roughly corresponds to that of present-day Uganda.
Uganda pride in Cultural Exhibitions
wildlife uganda experience
Two Giraffe Bulls in fight home range discovery
Gorilla Trekking, Uganda wild experience
The Crowned Cranes, Uganda endemic bird watching safaris
Lion cub on Tree hunting view experience
uganda a destinations regions
When to Visit Uganda
January is a hot month and this weather is perfect for encountering chimpanzees and the endangered mountain gorillas, in some of the best places to visit in Uganda. The skies are clear, there is less rain and more sunshine. You can observe families on the move through the lush forests, a spectacularly connective experience with Mother Nature.
The March month marks the beginning of the first rainfall season. This is the perfect opportunity to spot the animals in the parks giving birth to their young and birdwatchers will be treated to an array of colourful, winged beauties. April is by far the wettest month of the year. Many roads may be closed due to the consistent downpour and the parks are far quieter. June is one of the best times to visit Uganda and it is the start of the peak season for luxury Uganda safaris. When it comes to booking a gorilla trek, we advise that you book well in advance, especially for permits, to avoid any unnecessary hassles. July is one of the best months for gorilla trekking and safaris in Uganda. The wildlife often tend to congregate around water sources.
uganda safari activities
Cultural Dance
Go gorilla trekking in Bwindi
Discover the legends of Murchison Falls
Let’s go birding with Uganda’s finest guides
What to Experience on Uganda Safaris
Cultural Dance
gorilla trekking
Discover Murchison
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