Uganda, officially known as the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country located in East Africa. It is bordered by South Sudan to the north, Kenya to the east, Tanzania and Rwanda to the south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. The equator crosses through the southern part of Uganda.
Geography
Climate
Uganda has a diverse climate due to its varied terrain, ranging from tropical rainforests to savannas and mountains. The country experiences a wet season from March to May and a dry season from June to September. Average temperatures range from 25°C to 29°C throughout the year.
Fauna
Uganda is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is home to a wide variety of fauna, including elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and chimpanzees. The country’s national parks, such as Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offer opportunities for wildlife viewing and safaris.
Longest Rivers
The longest river in Uganda is the White Nile, which flows through the country from Lake Victoria in the southeast to Lake Albert in the northwest. The Victoria Nile, a major tributary of the White Nile, originates from Lake Victoria and is an important source of water and hydroelectric power.
Highest Mountains
The Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon, are the highest mountains in Uganda. The highest peak, Margherita Peak, rises to an elevation of 5,109 meters (16,763 feet) above sea level.
History
Prehistory
Uganda has a rich archaeological history, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 50,000 years. The earliest inhabitants were hunter-gatherers, followed by Bantu-speaking agriculturalists who migrated into the region around 2,000 years ago.
Colonial Era
Uganda came under British rule in the late 19th century, initially as a protectorate and later as a British colony. The colonial period saw significant social and economic changes, including the introduction of cash crops such as coffee, cotton, and tea, as well as the construction of railways and infrastructure.
Independence and Modern Age
Uganda gained independence from Britain on October 9, 1962, with Sir Edward Mutesa II as its first president. Since independence, Uganda has experienced periods of political instability, including the rule of Idi Amin from 1971 to 1979 and the civil war in the 1980s. The country has made strides in economic development and democracy in recent years, although challenges such as poverty, corruption, and political unrest persist.
Demographics
Uganda has a population of approximately 46 million people, making it one of the most populous countries in East Africa. The population is ethnically diverse, with over 50 different ethnic groups, including the Baganda, Banyankole, Basoga, and Acholi. The official languages are English and Swahili, with Luganda also widely spoken. The majority of Ugandans practice Christianity, with Islam and traditional African religions also present.
Administrative Divisions
Uganda is divided into four administrative regions: Central, Eastern, Northern, and Western. Each region is further divided into districts, counties, sub-counties, and parishes. The administrative divisions and their populations are as follows:
- Central Region – Population: 12 million
- Eastern Region – Population: 10 million
- Northern Region – Population: 8 million
- Western Region – Population: 16 million
10 Largest Cities by Population
- Kampala
- Wakiso
- Mbale
- Mukono
- Jinja
- Gulu
- Mbarara
- Masaka
- Kasese
- Hoima
Education Systems
Education in Uganda is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16. The country has a three-tier education system consisting of primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. There are several universities in Uganda, including Makerere University, Uganda Christian University, and Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Transportation
Airports
Uganda has several airports, with Entebbe International Airport being the largest and busiest. Other major airports include Gulu Airport, Jinja Airport, and Arua Airport.
Railways
Uganda has limited railway infrastructure, with a single railway line connecting Kampala to the port of Mombasa in Kenya. The total length of railways in Uganda is approximately 1,300 kilometers.
Highways
The road network in Uganda is extensive, with the country being served by a network of highways and paved roads. The total length of highways in Uganda is approximately 21,000 kilometers.
Ports
Uganda is landlocked and does not have any major seaports. However, the country has access to the Port of Mombasa in Kenya, which serves as a major gateway for Uganda’s international trade.
Country Facts
- Population: 46 million
- Capital: Kampala
- Languages: English, Swahili, Luganda
- Religion: Christianity, Islam, Traditional African religions
- Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
- ISO Country Codes: UG, UGA
- International Calling Code: +256
- Top-Level Domain: .ug