Overview of Uganda

Profile

Water kingdom where about 18% of territory comprises lakes, with White Nile sourcing from Lake Victoria. Despite equatorial location, average elevation of 1,100m highland terrain provides year-round mild, comfortable climate. Main industry agriculture, with prosperous exports of coffee, tea, vanilla, and flowers. Safari tourism resources concentrated in ten national parks including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park known for gorilla trekking. Against backdrop of widespread English education and political stability, emerging industries like ICT and oil development also growing in recent years.

Official name: Republic of Uganda
Common name: Uganda
Numeric code: 800
Alpha-3 code: UGA
Alpha-2 code: UG
Population: Approx. 48 million (2024)
Population density: Approx. 229/km2
Primary languages: English, Swahili
Major religions: Christianity (Catholic 42%, Protestant 36%), Islam 12%
National anthem: Oh Uganda, Land of Beauty
Calling code: +256
Internet TLD: .ug

History

Gained independence as Commonwealth realm in 1962, experienced coups and civil war, with Museveni administration governing long-term since 1986.

Soon after independence, political strife over federalism intensified, with Milton Obote abolishing kingdoms in 1966. 1971 Idi Amin military regime experienced reign of terror and economic collapse. Following Amin regime collapse in 1979, military rule and civil war continued, with Yoweri Museveni's National Resistance Movement (NRM) seizing power in 1986. 1995 constitution adoption and 2005 multi-party system introduction advanced formal democratization, though northern conflicts with Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) prolonged. Recently activating regional diplomacy against backdrop of East African Community integration and oil development.

Geography & climate

Giant lakes and wetlands scattered across average 1,100m elevation highlands, with western Great Rift Valley mountains, southwestern dense forests, and northern savanna.

Tropical savanna and tropical rainforest climate (highland areas temperate highland)

Area: Africa / 241038 km²
Capital: Kampala
Largest city: Kampala
Coastal status: No
Major lakes: Lake Victoria, Lake Kyoga, Lake Albert, Lake Edward, Kazinga Channel near Lake Victoria
Bordering countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan

Natural resources

Petroleum, Copper, Cobalt, Phosphate rock, Limestone, Salt, Gold, Natural gas, Hydropower, Fertile volcanic soil, Forest resources, Freshwater fish resources, Tourism resources (wildlife)

Politics

Government: Presidential republic

Economy

Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX)

GDP (nominal): 49.4 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 146.0 billion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English, Swahili

Time zone: EAT

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Baganda, Banyankole, Acholi, Lango, Teso, Banyankole, Lugbara, Basoga, Bakonzo

Life expectancy

63.7 years

Literacy rate

78％

National sports

Football, Athletics, Boxing, Rugby, Cricket, Netball