Full country name: Republic of Uganda

Area: 237 000 km2

Population: 21 Million

Capital City: Kampala

People: Baganda, Lango, Acholi, European, Asian, Pigmy, Arab

Religion: Roman Catholic(33%), Protestant( 33%), Indigenous(18%), Muslim(16%)

Government: Republic

GDP: USD 17 Billion

GDP Per head: USD 900

Inflation: 6%

Major Industries: Coffee, Sugar, Cotton, Tea, Textiles and Tobacco.

Major Trading Partners: Comesa states, United Kingdom, Kenya and France.

Health
Malaria is a serious health risk in Uganda and visitors are advised to take their anti –malaria prophylactics. Visitors from countries infected with cholera and yellow fever must produce International Certificate of Vaccination. Uganda has had a very high prevalence of HIV and AIDS. Although much progress has been made in controlling this precaution is called for.

Immigration
Visitors to Uganda require visa except for most of the Commonwealth countries. Visas can be obtained from Uganda Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates. Always double check all visa requirements at least on month before departure as most airlines insist on them prior to departure. All visitors must hold passports which are valid at least 6 months upon entry.

International Travel
Uganda has one international airport in Entebbe, 35 km South West of the capital Kampala. Though several airlines fly direct to Entebbe, most flights to East Africa use the Kenyan capital of Nairobi as the gateway. From Nairobi, most people then travel by bus to Uganda. There are also bus services between Nairobi and Kampala. The country has two main rail lines.


Local Travel
Buses connect the major towns on a daily basis. The road network is fairly good and driving is on the left. Drivers need International Driving License. The country has two main railway lines and air transport is not very well developed.

Attractions
Uganda is a country of impressive natural, cultural and riche history. Referred to as the “ Pearl of Africa”, travelers are drawn by it’s beautiful mountains, trekking opportunities and mountain gorillas. You can vsit some of its famous national parks such as the Ruwenzori Mountains, Kabale Forest and Bwindi – one of the last remaining habitats of the mountain gorilla. Other great attractions include the Owen Falls Dam, L. Victoria – the source of the Nile and an impressive capital set amongst the “ Seven Hills’.

Climate
The heavy rain season is March to May and there are lighter rains in November and December. Generally there is some sunshine each day, even in ther rainy season From a practical point of view it is best to avoid the March-May as the roads become bogged.

Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory in Uganda; feel free to do so for exceptional service. However tipping may be necessitated by when on gorilla tracking. The best guide is to give USH 1000 for the guides.

Behavior
While on safari do not collect or buy bones, skins, horns, feathers or shells. As in much of Africa it is advisable to respect local customs and habits. Always dress decently and smartly. It is also advisable to ask some one’s permission before taking his or her photograph.