festivites
1. Independence Day - Celebrated on October 9th each year, Ugandans commemorate the country's independence from British colonial rule in 1962. Celebrations typically involve parades, speeches, and cultural performances, with the main event taking place in the capital city of Kampala.
2. Eid al-Fitr - This Muslim holiday marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with special prayers, feasting, and gift-giving. It falls on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, which varies each year according to the lunar cycle.
3. Christmas - As a predominantly Christian country, Christmas is widely celebrated in Uganda with church services, carol singing, and festive gatherings. Many families exchange gifts and prepare special meals, and it's also common to see Christmas trees and decorations throughout the country.
4. Martyrs' Day - Observed on June 3rd, this national holiday commemorates the execution of 22 Christian converts who were burned alive for their beliefs by the king of Buganda in 1886. Millions of people make a pilgrimage to the Namugongo Martyrs' Shrine outside Kampala to honor their sacrifice and attend religious ceremonies.
5. Nyege Nyege Festival - This four-day music festival takes place every September at the Nile Discovery Beach in Jinja and showcases some of the best African and international artists across multiple stages. It's known for its lively atmosphere, diverse lineup, and celebration of all things African.
6. Kasubi Tombs Festival - Held annually in March or April, this cultural festival honors the Buganda kingdom's traditional burial practices. Visitors can witness royal regalia, dance performances, and other rituals at the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses the remains of the former Bugandan kings and queens.
7. Kabaka's Birthday - The reigning king of Buganda, one of Uganda's largest kingdoms, celebrates his birthday on April 13th each year. The occasion is marked with public events such as music and dance performances, speeches, and feasts, with the king himself often participating in the festivities.
8. Labor Day - Celebrated annually on May 1st, this international holiday recognizes the contributions of workers worldwide. In Uganda, it's a public holiday and typically observed with parades, speeches, and other events organized by labor unions and government officials.
seasons
There are two main tourist seasons in Uganda:
1. High Season: This season runs from June to September, and December to February. During this time, wildlife is easier to spot because the vegetation is less dense, and the weather is generally dry and sunny. However, prices are higher, and national parks can be crowded.
2. Low Season: This season runs from March to May and October to November. The weather is wetter, and some roads may be impassable, but prices are lower, and there are fewer tourists. Wildlife may be harder to spot due to denser vegetation.
Recommendations:
- If you're looking for the best chances of spotting wildlife and don't mind crowds and higher prices, visit during the high season.
- If you want to avoid the crowds and save money, visit during the low season. However, be prepared for wetter weather and potentially trickier travel conditions.
- Regardless of when you visit, bring appropriate clothing for both hot and wet weather, as Uganda's climate can be unpredictable.
visa
Here are some special VISA rules for citizens of certain countries who want to visit Uganda:
1. Visa on Arrival: Citizens of most countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Entebbe International Airport or at the land border crossings. The cost of a single-entry visa on arrival is USD 50 per person, while a multiple-entry visa costs USD 100.
2. eVisa: Citizens of select countries can also apply for an eVisa online before traveling to Uganda. The cost of a single-entry eVisa is USD 50, while a multiple-entry eVisa costs USD 100.
3. East African Tourist Visa: Citizens of Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania can apply for an East African Tourist Visa that allows them to travel freely between the three countries, as well as to Uganda. The cost of an East African Tourist Visa is USD 100.
It's important to note that visa fees may vary depending on the applicant's nationality and the type of visa applied for. It's recommended to check with the Ugandan embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and fees.
souvenirs
Some of the best souvenirs to buy from Uganda include:
1. Batik fabrics: These brightly-colored hand-dyed fabrics are perfect for clothing, tablecloths, or wall hangings. Prices vary depending on size and intricacy, but expect to pay around $15-$40. You can find them in markets like Owino Market in Kampala or at craft stores.
2. Crafts and carvings: Uganda is known for its beautiful woodcarvings, baskets, and other crafts. Prices vary widely depending on the item and quality, but expect to pay around $5-$50. You can find them in markets like Buganda Road Craft Market or at craft stores.
3. Coffee and tea: Uganda produces some of the best coffee and tea in the world, so consider bringing some home with you. Prices vary depending on the brand and quantity, but expect to pay around $5-$20. You can find them at supermarkets or specialty stores.
4. Ugandan art: Uganda has a vibrant art scene, so consider buying a painting or sculpture to bring home with you. Prices vary widely depending on the artist and piece, but expect to pay around $50-$500. You can find them at galleries like Afriart Gallery or at craft stores.
5. Jewelry: Uganda has a thriving beadwork industry, so consider buying some beaded jewelry to bring home. Prices vary depending on the piece, but expect to pay around $5-$20. You can find them at markets like Nakasero Market or at craft stores.
It's always a good idea to haggle when shopping in markets and street vendors, but be respectful and fair.
If you have 1 week
Oh, Uganda! What a beautiful country with so much to offer! From its stunning natural landscapes to its bustling cities, there's truly something for everyone. Here's my suggested one-week itinerary:
Day 1: Visit Murchison Falls National Park. This national park is home to breathtaking waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and scenic views that will take your breath away. You can go on a game drive to see animals such as lions, giraffes, and elephants, or take a boat safari along the Nile River to spot hippos and crocodiles.
Day 2-3: Head over to Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda. Here, you can go white-water rafting on the Nile River, bungee jump off the Nile High Bungee Tower, or visit the Source of the Nile, where the world's longest river begins.
Day 4-5: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can go on a game drive to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, and more. The park also offers a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.
Day 6-7: End your trip in Kampala, Uganda's vibrant capital city. Visit the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to learn about the Buganda Kingdom's history and culture. Take a walk through the colorful Owino Market, where you can find everything from clothes to fresh produce. Finally, make sure to try some delicious Ugandan cuisine, such as matooke (steamed plantains), chapati (flatbread), and rolex (a tasty omelet wrap).
I hope you enjoy this itinerary! These destinations provide an excellent mix of adventure, nature, and culture, giving you a taste of everything Uganda has to offer. Safe travels!
[đź”’CLASSIC] Uganda is a beautiful country with many natural wonders and cultural landmarks to explore. Some popular attractions you may want to consider visiting include Murchison Falls National Park, Jinja, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kampala. Each of these destinations offers unique experiences that will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation of Uganda's rich history and culture.
If you have 2 weeks
Wonderful! Uganda is a beautiful country with so much to offer. I have planned an exciting two-week itinerary for you, filled with adventure and cultural experiences.
Day 1-3: You should start your trip by visiting the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, where you can go gorilla trekking. This incredible experience will allow you to see some of the last remaining mountain gorillas in the world in their natural habitat. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should not be missed.
Day 4-5: After your gorilla trek, head over to Jinja town which is famously known as the adventure capital of East Africa. Here you can participate in activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping or kayaking on River Nile. You can also visit the Source of the Nile, which is a major tourist attraction.
Day 6-8: Next stop is the Kidepo Valley National Park located in north eastern Uganda, home to a wide range of wildlife including lions, elephants, giraffes and many more. You'll love the stunning landscapes and the opportunity to explore one of the remotest parks in the country.
Day 9-11: From Kidepo, make your way to Ssese Islands, a group of 84 islands located in Lake Victoria. The islands are known for their beautiful beaches, clear waters and amazing sunsets. You can go fishing, swimming, or simply relax on the beach.
Day 12-14: Finally, you can end your trip in the bustling city of Kampala, Uganda's capital. Here you can visit the famous Kasubi Tombs, the Uganda Museum or take a food tour to sample some of the best local cuisine. You can also shop for souvenirs or just take a stroll around the city, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.
I hope you enjoy this itinerary and have an amazing two weeks in Uganda, filled with adventure and unforgettable experiences.
Culture
Owing to the large number of communities, culture within Uganda is diverse. Many Asians (mostly from India) who were expelled during the regime of Idi Amin have returned to Uganda.
Uganda has a number of media outlets that broadcast domestically and globally. They cover news, magazines, sports, business and entertainment.
Popular Ugandan newspapers include:
* ''New Vision
* Daily Monitor
* Bukedde
* The Observer
* East African Business Week
* Red Pepper''
The most popular television stations in Uganda include:
* Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC)
* NTV
* NBS Television
* Sanyuka TV
* Baba TV
* Top TV
* Spark TV
All of the media is controlled and regulated under the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
Football is the national sport in Uganda. The Uganda national football team, nicknamed "The Cranes" is controlled by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations. They have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals. Their best finish in the African Cup of Nations was second in 1978. Among clubs, SC Villa are the most successful, having won the national league 16 times and reached the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1991, a feat also achieved by Simba SC in 1972. KCCA are second in national league wins with 13.
, Uganda at the Olympics has won a total of two gold, three silver, and two bronze medals; four of which were in boxing and three in athletics. Uganda at the Commonwealth Games has collected 13 gold medals and a total 49 medals, all in boxing and athletics.
The Uganda national boxing team is called The Bombers. They have won four medals at the Summer Olympics from 1968 to 1980, as well as two medals the 1974 World Amateur Boxing Championships. Notable boxers include Cornelius Boza-Edwards, Justin Juuko, Ayub Kalule, John Mugabi, Eridadi Mukwanga, Joseph Nsubuga, Kassim Ouma, Sam Rukundo and Leo Rwabwogo.
In athletics, John Akii-Bua won the first Olympic gold medal for Uganda. At the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, he won the 400m hurdles race with a world record time of 47.82 seconds. 400 metres runner Davis Kamoga earned the bronze medal at 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and the silver medal at the 1997 World Championships. Dorcus Inzikuru won the 3000 m steeplechase at the 2005 World Championships and the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Stephen Kiprotich has won the marathon at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and the 2013 World Championships, and finished second at the 2015 Tokyo Marathon. Joshua Cheptegei has won 10 km races at the World Championships, World Athletics Cross Country Championships and Commonwealth Games, and has set world records in 5 km and 15 km. Halimah Nakaayi won the 800 meters race at the 2019 World Championships.
In cricket, Uganda was part of the East Africa team that qualified for the Cricket World Cup in 1975.
The country has an increasingly successful national basketball team. It is nicknamed "The Silverbacks," and made its debut at the 2015 FIBA Africa Championship.
In July 2011, Kampala, Uganda qualified for the 2011 Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania for the first time, beating Saudi Arabian baseball team Dharan LL, although visa complications prevented them from attending the series. Little League teams from Uganda qualified for and attended the 2012 Little League World Series.
The Ugandan film industry is relatively young. It is developing quickly, but still faces an assortment of challenges. There has been support for the industry as seen in the proliferation of film festivals such as Amakula, Pearl International Film Festival, Maisha African Film Festival and Manya Human Rights Festival. However, filmmakers struggle against the competing markets from other countries on the continent such as those in Nigeria and South Africa in addition to the big budget films from Hollywood.
The first publicly recognised film that was produced solely by Ugandans was Feelings Struggle, which was directed and written by Hajji Ashraf Ssemwogerere in 2005. This marks the year of ascent of film in Uganda, a time where many enthusiasts were proud to classify themselves as cinematographers in varied capacities.
The local film industry is polarised between two types of filmmakers. The first are filmmakers who use the Nollywood video film era's guerrilla approach to film making, churning out a picture in around two weeks and screening it in makeshift video halls. The second is the filmmaker who has the film aesthetic, but with limited funds has to depend on the competitive scramble for donor cash.
Though cinema in Uganda is evolving, it still faces major challenges. Along with technical problems such as refining acting and editing skills, there are issues regarding funding and lack of government support and investment. There are no schools in the country dedicated to film, banks do not extend credit to film ventures, and distribution and marketing of movies remains poor.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) is preparing regulations starting in 2014 that require Ugandan television to broadcast 70 percent Ugandan content and of this, 40 percent to be independent productions. With the emphasis on Ugandan film and the UCC regulations favouring Ugandan productions for mainstream television, Ugandan film may become more prominent and successful in the near future.
Religion
The Roman Catholic Church had the largest number of adherents (39.3 percent, down from 41.6 in 2002), followed by the Anglican Church of Uganda (32 percent, down from 35.9 percent). The category of Evangelical/Pentecostal/Born-Again showed the most growth, rising from 4.7% in 2002 to 11.1% in 2018. Adventist and other Protestant churches claimed most of the remaining Christians, although there was also a small Eastern Orthodox community. The next most reported religion of Uganda was Islam, with Muslims representing 13.7 percent of the population, up from 12.1% in 2002.
The remainder of the population according to the 2014 census followed traditional religions (0.1 percent, down from 1% in 2002), other religions (1.4 percent), or had no religious affiliation (0.2 percent).
Demographics
Uganda's population grew from 9.5 million people in 1969 to 34.9 million in 2014. With respect to the last inter-censal period (September 2002), the population increased by 10.6 million people in the past 12 years. Uganda's median age of 15 years is the lowest in the world. Uganda has the fifth highest total fertility rate in the world, at 5.97 children born per woman (2014 estimates).
There were about 80,000 Indians in Uganda before Idi Amin required the expulsion of Ugandan-Asians (mostly of Indian origin) in 1972, which reduced the population to as low as 7,000. Many Indians, however, returned to Uganda after Amin's ouster in 1979. Around 90 percent of Ugandan Indians reside in Kampala.
According to the UNHCR, Uganda hosts over 1.4 million refugees on its soil as of August 2021. Most come from neighbouring countries in the African Great Lakes region, particularly South Sudan (68.0 percent) and Democratic Republic of the Congo (24.6%). In August 2021, Uganda received some refugees from Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover.
Swahili, a widely used language throughout the African Great Lakes region, was approved as the country's second official national language in 2005. English was the only official language until the constitution was amended in 2005. Although Swahili has not been favoured by the Bantu-speaking populations of the south and south-west of the country, it is an important lingua franca in the northern regions. It is also widely used in the police and military forces, which may be a historical result of the disproportionate recruitment of northerners into the security forces during the colonial period. The status of Swahili has thus alternated with the political group in power. For example, Idi Amin, who came from the north-west, declared Swahili to be the national language.
The Roman Catholic Church had the largest number of adherents (39.3 percent, down from 41.6 in 2002), followed by the Anglican Church of Uganda (32 percent, down from 35.9 percent). The category of Evangelical/Pentecostal/Born-Again showed the most growth, rising from 4.7% in 2002 to 11.1% in 2018. Adventist and other Protestant churches claimed most of the remaining Christians, although there was also a small Eastern Orthodox community. The next most reported religion of Uganda was Islam, with Muslims representing 13.7 percent of the population, up from 12.1% in 2002.
The remainder of the population according to the 2014 census followed traditional religions (0.1 percent, down from 1% in 2002), other religions (1.4 percent), or had no religious affiliation (0.2 percent).
Cities:
