Introduction to Uganda

Geography

Also referred as the pearl of Africa, Uganda is landlocked East African country .It is bordered by five countries. Sudan borders it to the north, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Rwanda and Tanzania to the south while Kenya borders Uganda to the east. The country has a total area of 236,040 sq km.The capital city is Kampala. Uganda’s populalation is about 32 million people. Baganda, Bunyoro, Lugbara, Bagisu, Acholi, Langi, Iteso, Bakiga, Basoga and Banyakole make up Uganda ethnic groups.

Climate

Although generally equatorial, the climate is not uniform as the altitude modifies the climate. Southern Uganda is wetter with rain generally spread throughout the year. At Entebbe on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, most rain falls from March to June and the November/December period. Further to the north a dry season gradually emerges; at Gulu about 120km from the Sudanese border, November to February is much drier than the rest of the year. The north eastern Karamoja region has the driest climate and is prone to droughts in some years. Ruwenzori in the south west on the border with Congo (DRC) receives heavy rain all year round. The south of the country is heavily influenced by one of the world's biggest lakes, Lake Victoria, which contains many islands. It prevents temperatures from varying significantly and increases cloudiness and rainfall. Most important cities are located in the south, near Lake Victoria, including the capital Kampala and the nearby city of Entebbe.

Attractions.

Uganda is contains many lakes which include; besides Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga, there is Lake Albert, Lake Edward and the smaller Lake George. Uganda is famous all over the world for its Montain Gorillas found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National parks. Half of the world’s remaining population of gorillas make their home in the forest of Bwindi.Cimpanzees can also be found in Kibaleforest,Budongo forest and Queen Elizabeth National park.The magnificent Murchison falls and Lake Victoria,the second largest fresh waterlake lake in the world also make their home in Uganda. Uganda is a true African birding destination. Located at the center of the continent, Uganda attracts migrants from the North and South. Uganda is the richest country for birds in Africa. It has almost half the species known on the African continent and over ten percent of those recorded throughout the entire world.