Facts about Uganda
Uganda Culture
Area:
236,580 sq km but 20% of this is covered by water.
Capital City:
Kampala. Other important towns: Jinja, Entebbe, Mbale, Mbarara, Gulu, Arua, Fort Portal.
Country code:
+256
Currency:
Ugandan Shillings (UShs/UGX)
Climate:
It is tropical; generally rainy with two dry seasons (December – February and June – August), and semi arid conditions in the Northeast.
Terrain:
It is mostly plateau with rim of mountains. The lowest point is Lake Albert at 621 metres above sea level and the highest is Margherita peak on Mount Rwenzori, at 5109 metres above sea level.
Natural Resources:
Many minerals are available such as copper, cobalt, limestone, salt and others. Water is also available for the generation of Hydro-electric Power. The land is arable for farming Land use is at 21.6% for arable land, 8.9% for Permanent crops and 69.5% for others. Irrigated land is 90 sq km.
Population:
30,262,610.(2008 estimates) Explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to HIV/AIDS; this can result into lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected.
Geographically:
Landlocked, fertile, well watered country with many lakes and rivers.
Ethnic Groups:Baganda 16.9%, Banyankole 9.5%, Basoga 8.4%, Bakiga 6.9%, Iteso 6.4%,Langi 6.1%, Acholi 4.7%, Bagishu 4.6%, Lugbara 4.2%, Banyoro 4.2%, others 29.6%
Time Zone:
GMT +3 hours
Type of Government:
Republic, with direct presidential elections. The presidential term is five (5) years.
Independence:
9th October 1962; from the British who were our colonizers.
Public holidays:
| January 1: | New Year’s Day |
| March 8: | Women’s Day |
| May 1: | Labour Day |
| June 3: | Martyrs’ Day |
| June 9: | Heroes Day |
| October 9: | Independence Day |
| December 25: | Christmas Day |
| December 26: | Boxing Day |
| Movable dates: | Good Friday, Easter Monday, Idd (Eid) |
Driving:
Driving is on the left, third-party insurance is compulsory. All drivers must carry a valid driving permit.
Emergency Contacts:
The following contacts are available 24 hours a day;Police: 999 (Toll free for landlines) and 112 (Toll free for mobile phones)Police Hotline:0414-256366International Air Ambulance: 0312-200508AAR Health Services: 0312-263071