Uganda, once called the Pearl of Africa by Winston Churchill, is a country rich in diversity. With rivers and lakes aplenty, 15 national parks, more than 12 ethnic tribes, and a landscape that ranges from desert arid terrain to lush tropical forests, it is easy to see why Churchill made his statement.
Uganda is a landlocked country bordering Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The majestic Lake Victoria is situated in the southeast and forms a substantial part of the country's southern border. Apart from Lake Victoria, the other large lakes (Lake Edward, Lake Albert and Lake Kyoga) as well as the Nile River, ensure that two thirds of the country stays well watered. The far northern region bordering Sudan is mountainous arid terrain. Most of the country can be considered warm moderate with temperatures dropping toward the mountains. Evenings can be cold. There are two rainy seasons (March- May and October-November).
The international airport, located at Entebbe 22 miles southwest of the capital city, Kampala, is served by airlines from Europe and Africa. However, most people enter Uganda by road from Kenya using inter-country bus services even though a regularly scheduled train is available between Kampala and Nairobi, Kenya. Buses and shared minibuses bear the brunt of the public transportation service in Uganda, with taxis operating in Kampala. Vehicles are driven on the left on a road network that decreases in reach and quality further away from Kampala.
The communications system in Uganda can be described as adequate. All normal communication services (local and long distance phone, mobile phones, Internet cafes, fax services, television, radio) are available in and around Kampala, albeit unreliable at times. However, effective communication decreases significantly the further one travels from Kampala. Medical facilities in Uganda are limited and certainly not equipped to handle most emergencies. Similar to communications, health services decline outside Kampala.
Uganda is one of the more expensive countries to visit in East Africa. Traveler's checks and foreign currencies can be exchanged at any of the many exchange bureaus. Credit cards are not widely accepted, except for major hotels and some restaurants. English and Swahili are spoken in Uganda, in addition to 30 indigenous languages. More than 10 distinct tribes inhabit Uganda.
The northeastern region of the country is considered dangerous due an ongoing rebellion against President Yoweri Museveni's government by rebels from the Lord's Resistance Army. Armed vehicle hijackings and armed highway robbery are frequent and all road travel at night should be avoided. Petty crimes targeting travelers such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and the theft of unattended property are common.
For a free map of Uganda and more detailed information, be sure to click on the Destination Brief above.
Please note: the situation in Uganda can be dynamic and volatile. You are encouraged to purchase an Intelligence Brief ($7.50) or Destination Tracker ($25) for complete, up-to-the-minute information on the Country, Security and Health, Local Travel Alerts, Entry/exit requirements, Transportation, Communications/Technology, Legal and Financial situation, Environmental concerns and Language in Uganda.