Uganda Travel Guide - Key Facts

Central/East Africa.

GMT + 3.

241,038 sq km (93,065 sq miles).

30.9 million (UN estimate 2007).

128.2 per sq km.

Kampala. Population: 1.2 million (UN estimate 2003).

Uganda shares borders with Sudan to the north, Kenya to the east, Lake Victoria to the southeast, Tanzania and Rwanda to the south and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. Kampala is on the shores of Lake Victoria, and the White Nile flowing out of the lake traverses much of the country. The varied scenery includes tropical forest and tea plantations on the slopes of the snow-capped Ruwenzori Mountains, the arid plains of the Karamoja, the lush, heavily populated Buganda, the rolling savannah of Acholi, Bunyoro, Tororo and Ankole, and the fertile cotton area of Teso.

Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1962.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni since 1986.

Prime Minister Apolo Nsibambi since 1999.

Yoweri Museveni, Uganda's leader since 1986, was declared the winner of elections in February 2006, the first multi-party poll in 25 years. Officials said he took 59% of the vote versus the 37% share of his main rival, Kizza Besigye from the opposition Forum for Democratic Change. Observers said the conduct of the poll was an improvement on the 2001 vote, but critics accused the government of intimidating the opposition in the run-up. Parliament abolished a constitutional limit on presidential terms in 2005, paving the way for Museveni to seek a third elected term.

English is the official language, with Swahili, Luganda and other Bantu languages also spoken.

60% Christian, 32% animist and 5% Muslim.

240 volts AC, 50Hz.

Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. Casual dress is usual for most occasions in the daytime or evening. Ugandans have adopted a socially conservative culture and homosexuality and drug abuse is illegal and widely condemned.

Photography: Since 1992, photography has been allowed in all areas with the exception of airports or military installations. However, some areas are still sensitive and it is advisable to take local advice. Commercial photographers should consult the Ministry of Information for a permit.