About Uganda

Uganda is a landlocked state in the East African Community with a diverse landscape encompassing the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and immense Lake Victoria. Its abundant wildlife includes chimpanzees as well as rare birds. Remote Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a renowned mountain gorilla sanctuary. Murchison Falls National Park in the northwest is known for its 43m-tall waterfall and wildlife such as hippos. Water, with swampland, covers nearly 20% of the surface area. Uganda is popularly known as the ‘the Pearl of Africa’.

Climate: Warm equatorial, tempered with breezes and showers. Cooler in the higher areas. Heavy rain from March to May, and in October and November; mostly dry in the north-east.

Environment: The most significant issues are: draining of wetlands for agricultural use; overgrazing, soil erosion and deforestation; water hyacinth infestation in Lake Victoria; and poaching.

Vegetation: Much of the country, being so well-watered, is richly fertile; there is arid semi-desert in the north-east. Most of the country’s vegetation is savannah with tropical forests in areas of high rainfall. Drought-resistant bush, grasses and succulents grow in the north-east. Forest covers 14% of the land area, having declined at 2.3% p.a. 1990-2010. Arable land comprises 35% and permanent cropland 11% of the total land area.

Wildlife: Uganda has 7,200 sq. km of national parks and game reserves, reflecting the extraordinary diversity of the country which comprises lakes, swamps, dense grassland, woodland, rolling plains, forests and mountains, there is a rich variety of wildlife.

Culture: Ugandan culture is rich and diverse, with many traditions, including music, dance, food, clothing, and building styles. The country is also multicultural, with many ethnic groups speaking their own languages, including Luganda, Bantu, Swahili, Nilotic, and Lumasaba. Christianity is the dominant religion, but Islam and smaller communities of Sikhs and Hindus also play a role.

Family: is very important in Ugandan culture, and people often ask about family members, such as whether you're married or have children. In many African cultures, people consider kinship through ancestry, not just blood or marriage.

Humor: Ugandans enjoy jokes and humor plays a big role in communication, but sarcasm may not be well understood.

Personal space: Ugandans tend to have minimal personal space, especially when communicating, and often talk close to each other.

Greetings and etiquette: Greetings and small talk usually happen before discussing business, and it's considered impolite to leave the room while others are eating.

Meals: It's customary to say a short prayer before eating depending religious beliefs, and children should only speak when asked a question. Leaning on your left hand or stretching your legs at the table is considered disrespectful.

Festivals and celebrations: There are many festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including weddings, births, christenings, and some but not many family gatherings. There are also holidays that are celebrated nationwide, such as Martyrs' Day, Heroes' Day, Independence Day, festivals, fairs, eids, christmas and easter among others.