Uganda: Gifted by Nature
Uganda has for long been kept secret in terns of its Wildlife beauty. The attributes that are sure to make Uganda the most memorable destination experience include the friendliness of Ugandans, the lush green vegetation, the all year round temperature climate, the nebulous attractions from the famous mountains of the moon in the western Uganda, the origin mightily River Nile. From the source of the White Nile on Lake Victoria to the snow capped Rwenzori range, the montane forests of the Virunga volcanoes to the desert plains of Karamoja. Uganda is an equatorial country of astonishing contrast. Uganda is increasingly coming to the attention of travel connoisseurs as an elegant adventure destination. Famously described by Winston Churchill as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is gifted by nature in many ways, especially by way of diversity and intensity of fauna. Charles Miller’s writing of Uganda at the turn of the nineteenth century, described the country as: “set in a diadem of roller-coaster hills, spattered with the glowing embers of tropical flowers, brightened with clouds of butterflies and sweetened with the conversation of a million tropical birds.”
The people of Uganda have survived the troubles of 1967-86 periods and emerged standing on their feet. In that short period, the country suffered under the caprice of two despots: one was the indisputably insane Idi Amin and the other, the arguably insane Milton Obote. This is now history - a testament of the dignity and endurance of her people. The transformation of the country in the period since normalcy returned is nothing short of astounding. And today, Uganda dares market herself to international visitors as a worthy safari and adventure destination.
Uganda has made tremendous progress in the development of her tourist assets. The country is mainly known for primates and jungle canopies. And deservedly so, for it is here that you find the largest number of primate species anywhere in the world. In addition, Uganda has a distinctive mix of atypical montane and lake habitats, jungle forests, open savannah and cascading waterfalls that form the basis of its attraction to adventure travelers.
LOCATION:
Uganda, the east Africa’s beauty and officially the Republic of Uganda, is a country in East Africa, bordered on the east by Kenya, the north by Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by Tanzania. The southern part of the country includes a large part of Lake Victoria.
SIZE: A landlocked country in east-central Africa, situated north and northwest of Lake Victoria, Uganda has a total area of 236,040 sq km (91,136 sq mi), of which 36,330 sq km (14,027 mi) is inland water. Comparatively, the area occupied by Uganda is slightly smaller than the state of Oregon. It extends 787 km (489 mi) NNE-SSW and 486 km (302 mi) ESE-WNW. Bounded on the N by Sudan, on the E by Kenya, on the S by Tanzania and Rwanda, and on the W by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DROC). Uganda has a total boundary length of 2,698 km (1,676 mi).
SIZE:
Uganda is 236578 square kilometres in terms of size. You can test the beauty of Africa in a country gifted by nature. Uganda is enjoying unprecedented economic growth and every effort is being made to rejuvenate the once important tourist industry. This has resulted in the development of hotels, lodges, access roads and forest trails.
CAPITAL:
Kampala, the county’s capital and business hub, is the suitable base for exploring the country. Like Rome, the city is built upon seven hills and thrives in a mix of cultures that make up its diverse populace. Kampala offers her own unique market and craft village tours, museums and living historic trips, and culture outings. You also have opportunity for golfing on the shores of nearby Lake Victoria.
While still at the lake’s shores, canoeing is a popular activity well worth taking. Local villagers occasionally hire out their boats and canoes, giving you an opportunity to canoe the traditional Ugandan way. In addition, you will find cruising, sailing and boating clubs, with good equipment for hire. Beware that dangers of Bilharzia lurk on Lake Victoria and swimming -even for adventurous spirits is not advised.
A little out of Kampala is the Kabaka’s Lake - another popular canoeing spot. Adjoining Lake Victoria, the lake was excavated in the late 19th century on Kabaka Mwanga’s orders, then King of the Baganda. This is Africa’s largest man-made lake and is the site for the exciting annual Inter-Clan Canoe Regatta. The event brings together thousands of Ugandans, each representing their clan in contest. The merry event is also open to cross cultural canoeing crews who may have no clan to paddle for.
While setting out on a canoeing adventure, do not forget to bring along some canoeing shoes, plenty of sunscreen, long sleeved cotton-wear, and a pair of gloves. Other spectacular places to go canoeing or boating include Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo, and Bujagali Falls.
Jinja is 80km from Kampala, and rests at the source of the Nile. The origin of the Nile intrigued the ancient Greeks, and was one of the great mysteries of the Victorian Age. The explorer John Speke decisively settled this mystery in 1862. Jinja, which overlooks Lake Victoria, is also known as ‘place of the flat rocks’. The city has in recent years gained popularity as a base for water sports, and other adventure activities.
At Jinja the White Nile sets off on its labouredly 6,500 km journey through Egypt and into the Mediterranean Sea. Its first attempt to cascade down the ancient water rocks is arrested at the now submerged Rippon Falls. The falls once echoed the town of Jinja with its roars before the construction of the Owen Falls Dam in the 1950’s. The filling of the reservoir raised the water level and eventually submerged the falls completely. The banks of the submerged falls today remain a small explorers’ camp.
A little downstream from Owen, the river splits into seven channels as it madly rushes to catch a glimpse of the plummet ahead. The result is the Bujagali Falls. Only 8km from Jinja, this is the first magic of the Nile. The falls plunge with a mighty and angry roar, obviously in protest against the submerging of the Rippon Falls upstream. The cascading waters are surrounded by lush vegetation along the riverbanks and adjacent islands. The spectacular scenery has an abundance of bird life.
The Ugandan Wildlife Authority (UWA) promotes a ‘catch and return’ philosophy and only issues a limited number of annual angling permits.
At the onset of the cascade, the 50 m flow narrows as the waters squeeze through a 6 m gorge, and crushes in great turmoil 43m below. You can thus imagine why anglers refer to the resulting turbulence below as ‘devil’s cauldron’. The 80 km stretch between the Karuma and Murchison Falls’ breeds the meanest, sturdiest and the most prized catches. Fish tough enough to withstand the torrents, presents the most challenging and entrancing angling in Uganda. You can hardly replicate the thrills of your day out here anywhere else in the world.
POPULATION.
Uganda has a population of about 26.8 million, according to the country’s bureau of statistics. The population growth is3.3 percent per annum, afiger higher than other countries in the region.
LANGUAGE:
There are over 56 dialects spoken in Uganda which is a reflection of Uganda’s multi-tribal society. English is the official language. Kiswahili is widely spoken. In Kampala the native language spoken is Luganda although their other different Bantu and Nilotic language because of the many ethnic tribes being the capital city inhabits from all regions.
RELIGION:
The Roman catholic add up to 33%, protestants 33%, Moslems 16%, others 17% ( including Pentecostals which has gained a lot of followers, traditional beliefs re also important).
CLIMATE:
As most of Uganda is at a fairy constant altitude, with mountains only in the extreme east (mt. Elgon), extreme west (Rwenzori mountains) and close to Rwandan boarder, the bulk of the country enjoys the same tropical climate , either temperatures averaging about 26 degrees Celsius during the day and 16 degrees Celsius. You can visit Uganda at any time of year. Each season has different advantages, and unless you have strong reasons to travel in a certain season, I would tend to let the timing of year visit be dictated by your schedule at home rather than in Uganda.
NATURAL HISTORY:
There are plenty of good reasons to visit Uganda. The beautiful people, fascinating history, magnificent scenery, but for most people, one attraction overwhelms all others, and that is the wild life. Uganda is Africa’s prime game viewing country best known for the deservedly well publicized national park and other conservation areas that cover a relatively large area of the country. There are currently 10 national parks in Uganda.
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