Uganda - An introduction to Uganda

Location
Uganda, with a total area of 2,36,040 sq kms, is slightly smaller than the Oregon State in the USA. The country is bordered by Kenya in the east and Tanzania in the south - all in the East African community. To the west and north, she is bordered by Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan respectively, making it a landlocked country. It lies at 1 00 N, 32 00 E.

Three wet seasons a year!
The country however, is well-watered and fertile. Although it lies at the Equator, it receives about three rainy seasons a year, with Lake Victoria, the Nile, the loads of forests and the Ruwenzori mountains determining much of the climate. In forest ecosystems, it rains regularly and weather is unpredictable. Water covers 36,330 sq kms, about 15% of Uganda's area. The country is rich in wildlife, game, birds, and a vast culture of over fifty tribes occupying this beautiful, green country.

Chequered history, thriving present and future
Uganda achieved independence from the UK in 1962. It went through turbulent years under the dictatorial regime of Idi Amin (1971-1979), and the guerrilla war under Milton Obote (1980-85). From the late 1980s, the new National Resistance Movement Government led by President Yoweri Museveni brought about peace, prosperity and many investors have accepted to participate in the country's reconstruction.

Uganda in numbers
In Uganda alone:

• A bird lover will enjoy watching twelve percent of all the bird species in the world;
• A tracker will find half of the world's gorillas;
• An explorer will have an opportunity to see more than 7% of the world's mammals.

For the discerning traveller, the potential for eco-tourism here is enormous, and the discreet have already tapped