Location and size

Uganda is a landlocked country astride the equator, about 800 kilometers inland from the Indian Ocean. It lies on the northwestern shores of Lake Victoria, extending from 1 south to 4 north latitude and 30 to 35 east longitude.

Uganda is bordered by Tanzania and Rwanda to the south, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the west, Sudan to the north, and Kenya to the east. With a land surface of 241,139 square kilometers, Uganda occupies most of the Lake Victoria Basin, which was formed by the geological shifts that created the Rift Valley during the Pleistocene era. The Sese Islands and other small islands in Lake Victoria also lie within Uganda’s borders. Ecologically, Uganda is where the East African savannah meets the West African jungle.

Weather and Climate

Uganda has the gift of Holiday weather year around.  There are two reasons, one is its location on the equator and the other is its elevation.  Both of these give Uganda the gift of perfect weather. The majority of the country has a tropical climate which varies according to altitude; during the year the hottest months are from December to February when the temperature reaches 29 degrees Celsius while rainy seasons are from April to May and October to November; with the wettest month being April. Even during the two rainy seasons, the sun is out most of the time and rain often occurs with a most delightful thunderstorm and when it rains, it pours but soon the sun’s rays have dried up the earth once again.

Temperatures in some parts of the country can be quite cool owing to the country’s high altitude, despite its position on the equator. The mountain areas become much cooler and the tops of Mount Elgon and Rwenzori Mountains are often covered in snow. Other parts of the country are much warmer.

Population:

Uganda has the world’s youngest population with a median age of 15. The country’s estimated population 2007 was 30.9m.

People and Culture

Uganda has a very strong culture heritage. It is composed of many regions, each with different cultures. The recent restoration of kingdoms in has boosted up cultural sites. These include Buganda, Busoga, Bunyoro and Toro. Ugandans hail from a diversity of rich cultures and life styles and are remarkably hospitable. Each tribe has its own traditional dance; the banyankole perform their Kitaguriro dance, the Banyoro have their Runyege, Acholi have the Bwila and Otole dances. The Alur have the Agwal dance and the Bagisu have the Imbalu dance during circumcision ceremonies.

Culture and traditions are also expressed through a wide range of arts and Crafts made from wood, Papyrus reeds and local materials. These include black smithimplements, beaded Jewelry, wood carvings and batiks. They can be found all over the city in village bazaars, gift shops, hotels, urban galleries and the National Theatre Craft Market. While on your Uganda travel or safari, consider taking on a cultural tour to the known destinations