Uganda

Continent

Africa

Best States to Visit

Abim
Masaka
Kampala
Hoima
Gulu

Best Cities to Visit

Jinja
Mbale
Fort Portal
Entebbe
Kasese

Size

241,037 KM²

Population

44,300,000

GDP

$36,484,000,000

Spending Budget

$51 - $709

Famous For

Uganda embraces many ecosystems, from the tall volcanic mountains of the eastern and western frontiers to the densely forested swamps of the Albert Nile River and the rainforests of the country’s central plateau.

Best Time to Visit

June
July
August
September

History

Uganda is named after the Buganda kingdom, which encompasses a large portion of the south of the country, including the capital Kampala. The residents of Uganda were hunter-gatherers until 1,700–2,300 years ago. Bantu-speaking populations, who were probably from central Africa, migrated to the southern parts of the country. According to oral tradition, the Empire of Kitara covered an important part of the great lakes area, from the northern lakes Albert and Kyoga to the southern lakes Victoria and Tanganyika. Arab traders moved inland from the Indian Ocean coast of East Africa in the 1830s for trade and commerce. The Protectorate of Uganda was a protectorate of the British Empire from 1894 to 1962. In 1893 the Imperial British East Africa Company transferred its administration rights of territory consisting mainly of the Kingdom of Buganda to the British government. Uganda gained independence from the UK on 9 October 1962 with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state and Queen of Uganda. In October 1963, Uganda became a republic but maintained its membership in the Commonwealth of Nations. Uganda's immediate post-independence years were dominated by the relationship between the central government and the largest regional kingdom Buganda. Colonial governors had failed to come up with a formula that worked. This was further complicated by Buganda's nonchalant attitude to its relationship with the central government. Buganda never sought independence but rather appeared to be comfortable with a loose arrangement that guaranteed them privileges above the other subjects within the protectorate or a special status when the British left.

Present Day

Uganda officially the Republic of Uganda is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa. It is bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south-west by Rwanda, and the south by Tanzania. The southern part of the country includes a substantial portion of Lake Victoria, shared with Kenya and Tanzania. Uganda is in the African Great Lakes region. Uganda also lies within the Nile basin and has a varied but generally a modified equatorial climate. The country possesses a rich tradition of theatre, ranging from the very active National Theatre in Kampala to hundreds of small, local theatrical groups. Owing to a large number of communities, culture within Uganda is diverse. Ugandan cuisine consists of traditional and modern cooking styles, practices, foods and dishes in Uganda, with English, Arab, and Asian (especially Indian) influences. Uganda has 60 protected areas, including ten national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwenzori Mountains National Park are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kibale National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Semuliki National Park.

Future

The Uganda Vision 2040 aims to transform the Ugandan society from a peasant to a modern and prosperous society. This National Development Plan (NDP) is the third in a series of six NDPs that will guide the nation and deliver the aspirations of the people of Uganda, as articulated in Uganda Vision 2040. NDPIII (2020/21 – 2024/25) aims to build on the progress made, learn lessons from the planning and implementation experiences of NDPI and NDPII, and also seek to surmount some of the challenges encountered. At the end of its implementation, the country will be halfway through Vision 2040 30-year’s timeframe. As Uganda advances the implementation of its plans, it is committed to ensure no one is left behind. As the Government fast-tracks progress on the 2030 Agenda, it has embraced the global wave of digital transformation which presents significant opportunities. This is through strengthening the capacity of the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation as well as the National Information Technology Authority to minimize possible exclusions that could be posed to some population segments with limited capacity to embrace it. Whereas the 2030 Agenda is strongly anchored on environmental integrity and sustainability, there are increasing effects of climate change reducing Uganda’s natural capital. Therefore, the NDPIII sets out ambitious climate actions through the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

Must Visit Places ------------

Lugazi

Located in the Buikwe city in Central Uganda on the Kampala-Jinja Highway, this city is locally referred to as Kawelo. It is an important place culturally and is also a hub for educational institutes, sports, and business houses. Lugazi is surrounded by the thick Mabira rainforest that has a rugged yet beautiful terrain and is dotted with several tabletop hills and lush valleys. It is quite fascinating to see Roman architecture in Africa. Another interesting adventure to enjoy here at Lugazi is leisurely walking through its dense banana and coffee plantations.

Mityana

This is a compact quintessential African city located in Central Uganda along the Kampala-Fort Portal highway. It is a city buzzing with commercial and administrative activity. Mityana has an impressive as well as interesting plateau landscape that comprises hills with gentle slopes and vast open U-shaped valleys. Mityana is one of the few Ugandan places that house stunning architectural landmarks. One of the best such places is The Roman Catholic Diocese of Kiyinda-Mityana known for its beautiful and rustic architecture. If you are looking for natural wonders to explore, you can visit the nearby 4000-year-old Lake Wamala to see its several islands and wildlife like Wild pigs, Hippos, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, Guinea fowl, Catfish, Lungfish, etc.

Mbarara

While the city has more of an urban landscape, the moment you get of its limits, you will be rewarded with stunning natural beauty and a landscape that’s rich in wildlife and offers stupendous experiences. Mbarara is one of the best Uganda tourist spots when it comes to exploring the country’s unique and beautiful history and heritage. Some of the best places to do so are the Igongo Cultural Center and Eriijukiro Museum to learn about the country and its ancient tribes like the Batooro and Bakiga.

Lake Mutanda

The beauty of this compact freshwater lake needs to be seen to be believed. The fact that not many people visit here, makes the lake even more elusive and beautiful beyond imagination, making it one of the most scenic Uganda tourist spots. With the Virunga Mountains looming large over it and punctuated by several small isles, this is the perfect place to relax and savour the famous African sun and wilderness.

Rubaga Cathedral

This is one of the most revered places to visit in Uganda, this twin-towered cathedral was built as a shrine to 22 Ugandan martyrs who refused to denounce Christianity. These people were hacked to death by Kabaka Mwanga II in 1885. It also holds the remains of the first African Catholic Bishop and the first Archbishop of Kampala. This hilltop cathedral is a must-include in the itinerary of anyone visiting Uganda for the stunning views of the Kampala city that it offers.

Mount Elgon National Park

This spectacular national park protects Mt. Elgon, the largest volcanic base in the world and also the oldest and largest East African volcanic mountain. Declared as a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve, this park houses duiker, antelope, forest monkeys, black

Sipi Falls

Named after the ‘Sep’ plant, this scenic waterfall is a cluster of three tall cascades of water tumbling down the lower slopes of Mt. Elgon. They can be reached by a thrilling 7-kilometer long hike that’s dotted with sharply falling and rising gradients, farms, rugged patches, and dwindling ladders. Adventure enthusiasts must not miss trying abseiling and hiking here. This area is famous for the Bugisu Arabica coffee plantations.

Semuliki National Park

This scenic national park, one of the top Uganda tourist spots,houses the only tract of lowland East African forests and Ituri Forest that survived the Ice Age. This park houses ethnic tribes like Bwamba, Bakonjo, Bakutu, and Batwa pygmies. At the main watering holes i.e. the rivers Semliki and Lamia, you can spot Scaly-tailed flying squirrels, Hippos, Mona monkeys, Duiker, etc. The water of the springs is so hot that you can cook eggs in it.

Ssezibwa Falls

This waterfall is a beautiful cultural and heritage site where people come to seek blessings for a child, money, and a good harvest. This 7-meter high cascade of water is surrounded by thick greenery that houses several bird species like Vervet, Red-tailed monkeys, African cobra, Horned adder, etc. You can enjoy activities like village walks, canoeing, primate walks, and rappelling here.

Rwenzori National Park

The 1000 kilometer long Rwenzori National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects the iconic Mountains of the Moon and their enchanting landscape of moorland, montane and bamboo forests, waterfalls, lakes, glaciers, and acres of everlasting flowers. The park, one of the top Uganda tourist spots,is home to around 70 mammal species and 217 bird species like Rwenzori turaco, Hyrax, Black and white colobus, etc. People visit from all over the world to summit Margherita peak and enjoy hiking and village walks here.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

This sanctuary plays a very important role in safe-breeding rhinos and re-introducing them into the national parks and is the only place where you can see wild rhinos in the whole of Uganda, making it an important Uganda tourist place. Besides rhinos, you can also see monkeys, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. While here, you cannot miss on-foot rhino and shoebill trekking, canoe rides, birding, and nature walks to see the beautiful sights and sounds of the African wilderness.

Lake Mutanda

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The fact that it is the smallest Ugandan National Park, doesn’t take away from the fact that how spectacular it is! It is amongst the most scenic Uganda tourist places that protect almost 300 mountain gorillas, Golden monkeys, bush pigs, side-striped jackals, etc. Amidst its vast Albertine Rift montane and bamboo forests, it also houses hundreds of bird species like Handsome spurfowl, Regal Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Montane nightjar, etc. One of the most striking features here is the three extinct conical volcanoes in the Virunga range.

Lake Katwe Explosion Crater Drive

These fascinating million-year-old volcanic craters were created by explosions violent enough to create these humongous dents in the earth that resulted in saltwater lakes or lush meadows. You can’t miss getting on what’s called the most scenic drive in Uganda to see dozens of these grass-filled craters, lakes where salt is extracted, views of the iconic Rift Valley, Kazinga Channel, and the Rwenzori Mountain chain.This 27-kilometer long drive also offers stupendous views of vast savannah plains, huge elephants

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

This spectacular national park is nestled in rainforests that date back almost 25,000 years and have around 400 plant species. What makes this park amongst the best Uganda tourist placesis that almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla lives here. Besides, it houses Red-tailed monkeys, Chimpanzees, Vervets, Cream-banded swallowtail, side-striped jackal, African civet, etc. There are almost 348 bird species and 220 species of butterflies here. This is one of the few parks to be accessible only on foot

Kasubi Tombs

One of the most enthralling Uganda tourist places, Kasubi Tombs is an active heritage and religious place that stands as a symbol of spirituality, remembrance, and peace. This was the palace of King Kabaka built in 1882 and became his burial place two years later, which now stands as the main tomb known as Muzibu Azaala Mpanga. See the thatched-roof houses and their decoration using bark cloth made from fig trees.

Murchison Falls

Also known as Kabalega Falls, this waterfall is known for its spectacularly dramatic beauty and for being one of the most ‘powerful’ waterfalls in the world. This is where the mighty Nile roars and tumbles with great force only to be squeezed into a 30 ft. gorge known as Devil’s Cauldron to crash out again in huge swathes of water. One of the most amazing experiences here is the Victoria Nile-Murchison Fall boat safari that lets you see Nile crocodiles, hippos, and the Big Five Game animals along the way.

Entebbe Botanical Gardens

This picturesque garden, established in 1898, is located close to the shores of Lake Victoria. The stunning Uganda tourist spot is an expanse of lush greenery is divided into zones like the rainforest, tropical, subtropical, and temperate, and house plants and trees native to these ecosystems. You can see more than 300 exotic and medicinal plant species along with exotic bird and mammal species like Vervet monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, Palm-nut vulture, Whilst Bat Hawk, etc. This is where you can enjoy the Mileage world music festival each year in November.

Lake Bunyonyi

Also known as the ‘Place of many little birds’, this is the second-deepest African lake reaching almost 3,000 ft. in some spots. The lake has 29 islands including the infamous Akampene (Punishment Island) where unmarried pregnant ladies were left to die. The lake is the home to the exotic De Witte’s clawed frog, Spotted-necked otter, Caridina shrimp, etc. along with almost 200 bird species. You can enjoy swimming, canoeing, horse riding, and village walks here.

The Equator

This fascinating phenomenon that has intrigued us from time immemorial can be experienced in Uganda. The imaginary line that divides the earth into two halves can be visited here and it’s surreal to see a sign that marks the location of the equator, making it one of the most fascinating Uganda tourist spots. This is where you can stand with each leg in different hemispheres of the world!

Queen Elizabeth National Park

This spectacular park has the largest variety of wildlife, more than any other Ugandan parks, making it one of the most fascinating places to visit in Uganda. This savannah reserve includes the vast forest of Maramagambo Forest, wetlands, volcanic craters, and crater lakes. The park is famous for its black-maned tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector along with a huge range of primates like the Big Five Game, Warthog, African bush elephant, Chimpanzees, etc. It has almost 500 bird species residing in its forests.

Ndere Centre

This is the only place amongst Uganda tourist spots where you can explore and see the performance of the best cultural group in Uganda i.e. the Ndere Group, which is a flute troupe.You can see performances like songs, dance, and light comedies, etc. from almost 56 Ugandan tribes to get an insight into the rich culture and traditions of Africa. You can also see art exhibits, meet artists, and enjoy traditional African food here.

Lake Victoria

Known locally as Nam Lolwe, this spectacular lake is not only Africa’s largest lake but is also the world’s largest tropical lake, making it one of the top Uganda tourist places. This lake that feeds the Nile is said to be almost 4 lac years old and is loved for its amazing biodiversity and vibrant fishing communities. It is one of the two spots in Africa where you can see a sunset without even being near the coast. It has three islands like Mfangano, Rusingo, and Ndere that are inhabited by local fishermen and are the source of fossils dating back millions of years. It is bustling with rare wildlife species like the African Clawless Otter, Defassa Waterbuck, Cichlids, Chimpanzees, Sitatunga, etc.

Mukono

This city is located in central Uganda near the Kampala-Jinja highway and is bordered by Kira and Kalangala. Mukono is visited by travellers to get a quintessential urban African experience of shopping and traditional food. This is primarily an urban city with pockets of rural settlements. These rural areas are the lushest areas that have dirt trails and traditional African thatched-roof huts. This is where you can meet beautiful people and see their famous colourful ethnic attire. Mukono is a haven for people who are out to explore the beautiful charms of Uganda.

Jinja, Start of the Nile River

Jinja might be a tiny town, but that doesn’t take away from the spectacular experiences that it offers. Jinja is the source of the Nile, the world’s longest river. It’s an amazing experience taking a boat trip here to see the Nile marker. That’s not all, Jinja is where you can have an incredible adrenaline rush of rafting in the Nile in rapids up to Grade 5, some as long as 19 kilometres. You can also enjoy kayaking, riverboarding, and see the rare African fish eagles, Open-billed storks, Crested cranes, etc.