Uganda, also known as “The Perl of Africa” is a country gifted by nature with friendly people and diverse cultures. Uganda measures 241,559 sq with about 34% of the country covered in wetlands with a dense network of rivers, lakes and swamps. Uganda is a landlocked country bordered by Kenya in the east, Sudan in the north, Democratic Republic of the Congo in the west, Rwanda in the southwest and Tanzania in the south.
The natural wonders of Uganda include snow-capped mountain peaks that include Africa’s biggest and tallest mountain range – The Rwenzori Mountains. Uganda has varied landscapes that include: plains teeming with wild life, and tropical forests spiced by the biggest concentration of water bodies not found anywhere else on the African continent.
The country is the source of the Nile, the longest river in the world which was the mother of human civilization in ancient Egypt. The southern part of the country includes a substantial portion of Lake Victoria, which it shares with Kenya and Tanzania. . Generally, the country is endowed with fertile soils. Uganda has some of the largest lakes on the continent including Lake Albert and Lake Victoria. The average temperature is about 26 degrees C, with a maximum of 18-31 degrees and minimum of 15-23 degrees depending on the part of the country.
The rain season is March-May. Light rain season is November and December. Wet seasons are March –May and October-November; dry seasons are December to February and June to August. Rainfall ranges between 500mm to 2500 mm and the relative humidity is 70 – 100%.
The varied habitats have enabled the country to host 1060 recorded bird species representing 50% of the birds in Africa and 11 % of the birds’ global population in addition to 364 species of mammals Uganda is also home to half of the global population of the endangered Mountain Gorillas. Most of the country’s wild life and natural endowments are found in its 10 National Parks, Wildlife Reserves and Sanctuaries.
FACTS ABOUT UGANDA
Population: 35.6 million
Area: 241,038 sq km (93,072 sq miles)
Languages: English (official),
Ethnic groups: Baganda, Banyankole, Bahima, Bakiga, Banyarwanda, Bunyoro, Batoro, Langi, Acholi, Lugbara, Karamojong, Basoga, Bagisu, and others.
Major religions: Christianity, Islam
Life expectancy: 54 years (men), 55 years (women)
Currency: Ugandan shilling
The Government type: Republic.
Constitution: Ratified in July 12, 1995 and promulgated October 8, 1995.
Branches: Executive–president, vice president, prime minister, cabinet. Legislative–parliament. Judicial–Magistrates’ Courts, High Court, Court of Appeals (Constitutional Court), Supreme Court.
National holiday: Independence Day, October 9.
Investment And Trade
Uganda Investment Authority:
The Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) is a semi-autonomous government agency operating in partnership with the private sector and Government of Uganda to drive national economic growth and development.
Chamber Of Commerce
The Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI) draws its membership from the entire private sector, particularly the sectors of ; tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, hospitality, construction, import- export, transport, financial services, Small and Medium Enterprises etc.
Uganda is a member of the UN, the Commonwealth of States, member of AU, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the World Trade Organistion (WTO), COMESA, East African Community (EAC)
Tourism
Uganda Tourism Board serves the country in ensuring the success and growth of tourism in Uganda in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.
