Before independence, Uganda was a protectorate of the British Empire from 1894 to 1962. In 1893 the Imperial British East African Company transferred its administration rights of territory consisting mainly of the kingdom of Buganda to the British government.
The capital city by then was Entebbe and the common languages were English which was also official language, Luganda, Swahili, Southern Luo and Runyakitara which were widely spoken. The Protectorate was established in 1894 then self-government in 1961 and finally independence was received on 9th October 1962.
Geography of Uganda.
Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa. It is boarded to the East by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, West by Democratic Republic of Congo, South-West by Rwanda and the South by Tanzania. It covers a total area of 241,038km². 93,0633sqmi is covered by land while 15.39% of Uganda’s land is covered by water.
Uganda’s time zone is abbreviated as EAT (East Africa Time) and UTC-GMT offset is Uganda is GMT +3h Standard Time. Uganda’s capital city known as Kampala and other 8 regional cities spread across the country.
Climate of Uganda.
Uganda’s climate is largely tropical with two rainy seasons per year, March to May and September to December. The Northern region, which forms one quarter of the country lies outside the tropical belt, and hence experiences only one rainy season, March to October. The rest of the country lies within relatively humid equatorial climate zones, and the topography, prevailing winds, lakes and rivers cause large differences in rainfall patterns across the country.
Uganda’s location in the tropics and across the equator results in the country’s weather and seasonal being determined by the large-scale Indian monsoon , Congo air mass Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
Top 6 reasons for visiting Uganda.
- Equator.
The equator is a circle of latitude, about 40,075km in circumference that divides Earth into the Northern and Southern hemispheres. It is an imaginary line located at 0⁰ latitude, half way between the north and the south poles.
The equator in Uganda is located on the Mbarara – Masaka – Kabale highway, marking an important and famous stop over for travelers heading for Uganda Safaris to the southern and western based national parks.
2. Source of River Nile.
The R. Nile is the major north-flowing river in north western Africa. It is historically considered the longest river in the world, though it has been contested by research suggesting that the Amazon River is slightly longer. It is about 6,650km (4,130mi) it covers countries such as Tanzania, Uganda, Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Sudan but with it starts its journey right from Uganda, in L. Victoria.
3. Mountain gorillas.
Uganda has two places where mountain gorillas can be seen; Mgahinga gorilla national park, a stunning area of volcanoes and component of the Virunga chain of towering volcanoes that extend into the DRC and Rwanda.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is also another gorilla destination harboring over 18 gorilla families, well habituated for tourism and consisting 53.9% of total mountain gorilla population worldwide. Both destinations are interesting spots for doing gorilla safaris in Uganda and worldwide.
4. Culture of Uganda.
There is a wide range of ethnic groups in Uganda with many different languages spoken namely Luganda (commonly spoken in the capital), English (spoken by the elite) and Swahili. The Bantu is the largest ethnic group here with many tribes including the Baganda, Bagishu, Basoga and Banyakitara speakers. There are 56 tribes in Uganda and each tribe presents unique traits, norms, economic activity, languages and lifestyle.
Most men in Uganda wear Kanzu which is a white or cream-coloured robe that reaches the ground and women put on a long dress called a gomesi with a sash tied around their waists. We also have different cuisines depending on the different tribes and the dances.
5. Nature of Uganda.
Uganda is gifted with diverse nature which includes water bodies such as lakes and rivers, mountains including volcanic, Block Mountains and small hills, man-made and natural forests and National parks. This is a nature based destination.
Uganda boasts eight major rivers including Victoria Nile, the Achwa, Okok, and R. Nile in the north, Kafu, Katonga and Mpanga, Kazinga channel in the west and 165 lakes in Uganda. The forests cover 24% of the total area and national parks are 10 in number. Uganda is as well home to 2802 mountains.
6. Food in Uganda.
The most common dish prepared in Uganda is the Matooke; this is prepared by steaming the matooke which is wrapped in plantain leaves, mashed and then served when it is ready. It gives a beautiful aroma and most commonly served with ground nuts, meat and Eshabwe. It is common because it is prepared by different ethnic groups however, there other food crops and these include cassava, sweet potatoes, white potatoes / Irish potatoes, yams, pumpkins and many others. Each ethnic group / tribe has a different cuisine depending on its culture.
Where to stay when you visit Uganda?
There are diffent hotels in Uganda ranging from Luxury, mid-range to Budget hotels and campsites where you can have the best accommodation services offered to you. Some of the luxury hotels in Uganda include Serena hotel in Kampala, Sheraton hotel, Pearl of Africa hotel and others.
Mid-range hotels include Africana hotel in Kampala capital city, Source of the Nile Suites in Jinja, Pakuba Safari lodge in Murchison falls national park, Twin lakes safari lodge in Queen Elizabeth national park, etc.
A range of Budget hotels are also available to offer pocket – friendly accommodation options, including Via Via Travelers Café, Airport Guesthouse, Boma Guesthouse, Sunset Hotel and blue monkey guesthouse in Kampala and Entebbe, and many others.
How to get to Uganda?
Uganda has international boarders that are open and the best way to travel is by air through Entebbe Airport but there other alternative land borders such as through Kenya (at Malaba, Busia), South Sudan ( at Afogi, Nimule).
While traveling to Uganda, visitors must possess a valid yellow fever certificate which is required part of the visa application.
What is the best time to visit Uganda?
The best time to visit Uganda is during any of the two dry seasons; that’s between December and February and between June and September when it’s favorable to trek and see the mountains, chimpanzees and gorillas and other rare animals.
To carry out all other activities smoothly, one should consider visiting during the dry season to get the best experience.
