Explore Uganda, the enchanting East African nation hailed as "The Pearl of Africa," boasting a strategic location between Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sudan.

History

Uganda, also referred to as “The Pearl of Africa,” is an East African country that sits astride the equator. This landlocked nation is bounded to the east by Kenya, to the south by Tanzania, to the southwest by Rwanda, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and to the north by Sudan. The southern

The nation is situated in the African Great Lakes region and shares a significant chunk of Lake Victoria with Kenya and Tanzania. Uganda has a variable but mostly equatorial climate and is located in the Nile basin. Uganda is named after the Buganda kingdom, which ruled over much of the southern region of the nation, including Kampala, the capital.

General Facts

• Time Zone: GTM 3
• Currency: Uganda Shilling (UGX)
• Exchange Rate: USD 1= 3,700 UGX
• Official Languages: English & Swahili
• Electricity: 220 – 240 V AC, Three pin plug
• Religion: Predominantly Christian
• Mobile Operators: MTN, Airtel, Uganda Telecom, Orange, Smile, Sure, K2 Telecom
• International Dialling Code: 256 plus code number, followed by 6 digit local number
• Fire and Police: 999 and 112
• Visa: Valid passport and visa (acquired at point of entry)

Hospitality and Culture

Ugandans are known for their hospitality and friendliness towards each other and visitors alike.However, it is advisable to be cautious when dealing with strangers. Police officers are very helpful and are easily identified by their uniforms. Like everywhere in the world valuables should always be safeguarded or left in the hotel safe box. If you do not know where to obtain a certain service or you are not sure always contact the Hotel Information Desk.

Uganda has a very strong cultural heritage. Many regions in Uganda have kingdoms including

Buganda, Busoga, Bunyoro and Toro. Ugandans are remarkably hospital and hail from a diversity of rich cultures and lifestyles. Culture and traditions are also expressed through a wide range of arts and

crafts.

Climate

Uganda enjoys a tropical climate, with abundant sunshine all year round. Uganda’s temperatures are moderate throughout the year. In Kampala, near Lake Victoria, average daily temperatures range from 18° to 28° C (65° to 83° F) in January and from 17° to 25° C (62° to 77° F) in July. The climate is tropical; generally rainy with two dry seasons (December to February, June to August). It is semiarid East Sudanian savanna in north near Sudan.

Georgraphy

Uganda, twice the size of Pennsylvania, is in East Africa. It is bordered on the west by Congo, on the north by the Sudan, on the east by Kenya, and on the south by Tanzania and Rwanda. The country, which lies across the equator, is divided into three main areas—swampy lowlands, a fertile plateau with wooded hills, and a desert region. Lake Victoria forms part of the southern border.

Despite being on the equator Uganda is more temperate than the surrounding areas due to its

altitude. The country is mostly plateau with a rim of mountains. This has made it more suitable to agriculture and less prone to tropical diseases than other nations in the region.