UGANDA IN BRIEF
Administrative divisions
111 districts across 4 administrative regions.
Area
93,065 sq km (land: 76,101 sq km, water 16,956 sq km).
Business Hours
Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.
Borders
2,698 km in total
Democratic Republic of Congo 765 km
Kenya 933 km
Rwanda 169 km
Sudan 435 km
Tanzania 396 km
Bank Hours
Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 6.00 pm;
Saturday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.
There are several local and foreign owned commercial banks under the supervision of the Central Bank. Foreign currency may be exchanged at different banks and forex bureaus.
Capital city
Kampala
Climate
Tropical.
Rainy seasons, March to May, and September to November;
Dry seasons, December to February and mid-June to mid-August.
Mean annual temperatures range from 16 degrees C (61degrees F) in the south-western highlands to 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) in the northwest; but in the northeast temperatures exceed 30 degrees c (86 degrees F) about 254 days per year.
Currency
The Shilling (UGX)
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Elevations
Highest point: Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley at 5,110 meters.
Ethnic Groups
Buganda,
Iteso
Basoga
Banyankore
Banyarwanda
Bakiga
Lango
Acholi
Lugbara
Banyoro
Batoro
Karamojong
European
Electricity
240 volts AC 50 Hz. Square plugs mostly used.
Exchange Rate
UGX 2,350 per US dollar (2011)
History
Uganda gained independence from Britain in 1962, maintaining its Commonwealth membership.
Industries
Cotton, Coffee, tea, sugar, tobacco and textiles.
Geography
Uganda is landlocked. The south of the country includes a substantial portion of Lake Victoria. The centre is dominated by Lake Kyoga.
Languages
The official language is English, although many other languages are spoken in Uganda.
Public Holidays
1 January, 26 January (Liberation Day), 8 March (International Women’s Day), Good Friday, Easter Monday, 1 May (Labour Day), 3 June (Martyrs Day), 9 June (National Hero’s Day), 30 August (Eid-al-Fitr/End of Ramadan), 9 October (Independence Day), 6 November (Eid al-Adha/Feast of the Sacrifice) 25 December (Christmas Day), 26 December (Boxing Day).
Population
33.8 million (2009 estimate).
International Dialling Code
+ 256
Time
GMT + 3
Religions:
Christian 84%
Muslim 12 %
Other 1%
None 0.7%
(2002 census).
Topography
The greater part of Uganda consists of a plateau. Along the western border are the Rwenzori Mountains. The eastern frontier is dominated by Mount Elgon, while the Western Rift Valley runs from north to south through the western half of the country.
Accommodation: In Kampala, there are several high-class hotels to choose from. A chain of hotels and lodges of a consistent standard, which are well distributed in major towns and in national parks, exist. Reservations should be made in advance whenever possible.
Inoculation: Inoculation requirement of yellow fever and cholera are mandatory in Uganda. Anti-malaria medication is necessary in most parts of Uganda, though malaria is rare in most highland areas.