Introduction:
Uganda is commonly referred to as the ‘The Pearl of Africa’ and is located in East Africa and lies along the equator. It is a land-locked country bordered by Kenya in the East, Tanzania in the South, Rwanda in the Southwest, the Democratic Republic of Congo in the West, and South Sudan in the North. The southern part of the country includes a substantial portion of Lake Victoria, shared with Kenya and Tanzania, situating the country in the African Great Lakes region. Uganda also lies within the Nile basin and has a varied but generally equatorial climate. Uganda takes its name from the Buganda kingdom, which encompasses a large portion of the central part of the country including the capital Kampala.
GOVERNMENT
The President of Uganda, currently Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, is both head of state and head of government. The President appoints a Vice-President, currently Maj Jessica Alupo, and a prime minister, currently Robina Nabbanja, who aid him in governing. The parliament is formed by the National Assembly, which has 520 members. 104 of these members are nominated by interest groups, including women and the army. The remaining members are elected for five-year terms during general elections.
Uganda is divided into districts, spread across four administrative regions: Northern, Eastern, Central (Kingdom of Buganda) and Western. The districts are subdivided into counties. Parallel with the state administration, five traditional Bantu kingdoms have remained, enjoying some degrees of mainly cultural autonomy.
HOSPITALITY & CULTURE
Ugandans are known for their hospitality and friendliness towards each other and visitors alike according to the 2017 BBC report which ranked Ugandans among world’s friendliest people. However, it is advisable to be cautious when dealing with strangers. Police officers are very helpful and are easily identified by their uniforms. Like everywhere in the world valuables should always be safeguarded or left in the hotel safe box. If you do not know where to obtain a certain service or you are not sure always contact the Hotel Information Desk. Uganda has a very strong cultural heritage. Some regions in Uganda have kingdoms including Buganda, Busoga, Bunyoro and Toro. Ugandans are remarkably hospitable and hail from a diversity of rich cultures and lifestyles. Culture and traditions are also expressed through a wide range of arts and crafts.
GEOGRAPHY
Uganda, covers 241,038 km² land size, in East Africa. It is bordered on the west by Congo, on the north by Sudan, on the east by Kenya, and on the south by Tanzania and Rwanda. The country, which lies across the equator, is divided into three main areas swampy lowlands, a fertile plateau with wooded hills, and a desert region. Lake Victoria forms part of the southern border. Despite being on the equator Uganda is more temperate than the surrounding areas due to its altitude. The country is mostly a plateau with a rim of mountains. This has made it more suitable for agriculture and less prone to tropical diseases than other nations in the region.
HEALTH AND SAFTY
Anti-malaria tablets are recommended throughout Uganda. Visit your local travel clinic to determine which type is best for you. Even if you are taking anti-malarial, you should still wear insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts, and closed shoes. All accommodations in high-risk areas will have mosquito nets so be sure to use them. Bring all prescription medications with you as they may not be readily available in Uganda. Be sure to purchase travel insurance before you begin your trip, including medical evacuation in case of an emergency. All visitors require vaccination against yellow fever.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
This visa is granted to travelers coming to Uganda for tourism, medical treatment, family visit etc. this is a single entry visa and can be granted up to 3 months.
Where to apply: the visas are available online through the Immigration portal.