Country:
Republic of Uganda
President:
H. E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
Land Area:
236,000 sq. km
Population:
30,262,610
Capital:
Kampala
Political Parties:
NRM O, FDC, UPC, DP, CP, JEEMA, PPP
Getting to Uganda
Regular flights from Europe, Asia and other African countries make it easy to get to Uganda.
Airports
Entebbe International Airport is Uganda’s main point of entry by air and major air port. Other airfields / airstrips include Kasese air field, Mweya Air strip, Kayonza airstrip, Kisoro air strip, Pakuba air strip and Apoka air strip.
Passport & VisasNationals of countries other than those listed above should contact their nearest Ugandan embassy to obtain visas in advance of their visit though they can also be obtained from the countries entry points.
Border Posts
Uganda operates as many as 15 border posts with its five neighbours; Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Uganda – Rwanda
Katuna
Kyanika
Uganda – Tanzania
Kikagati
Mutukula
Uganda – Kenya
Busia
Malaba
Suam
Karita
Amudat
Uganda – Sudan
Nimule
Uganda – Democratic Republic of Congo
Bunagana
Kasindi
Ishasha
Goli
Vurra
Driving
Driving in Uganda is on the left and all drivers are required to have a photo copy of their driving licenses at all times. The law however allows 24 hours within which an original permit must be produced. Speed limit within high population areas is 50 kph and 100 kph on open roads.
A log book is required for vehicle cross border movements. Third party insurance is compulsory for travel in Uganda and may be purchased at the border.
Time Zone
GMT +3 hrs
When to Visit
Any time, though gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and forest walks are more challenging during the rains which generally peak over mid September to November and March to May.
What to wear
Day time temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing. Evenings are cooler, especially at high altitudes so carry a couple of light sweaters too. Those who hike in the mountains will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly.
Weather
Although Uganda straddles the Equator, it is green and sunny all year round with two distinct rainy seasons and temperatures averaging 27°C with the highest being 31ºC in the Karamoja and Kasese regions and lowest being 15°C in Kabale. Kampala temperatures range from 21°C to 28ºC.
Health
Inoculation against yellow fever and cholera are advisable but not mandatory. It is imperative that anti malarial prophylactics be taken before, during and after your visit. Bottled water available through out the country is recommended. Do not also get sun burnt! This is Uganda where the sun is at times harsh. Apply sun screen before going out into the sun.
Business hours:
On week days, Government offices and businesses are usually from 08h00 to 17h30, closing for lunch from 13h00 to 14h00. Bank hours vary from bank to bank but most are open from 08h30 - 16h00 Monday to Friday and from 09h00 – 12h00 on Saturday.
Currency
The Uganda shilling is the unit of currency. However all major currencies are accepted with the US dollar being the most common. The Uganda shilling is divided into denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 for coins while paper notes are in the denominations of 1,000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000.
The 5, 10 and 20 shilling coins are however largely obsolete. There are no restrictions on money transfers in and out of Uganda.
Credit Cards
Major credit cards such as Visa and master card are accepted in some major towns and hotels. However, most remote areas only accept cash.
Language
The official language is English though Kiswahili is also spoken
Communication
Country Phone Code: +256
Area Name Area Code
Arua 476
Bombo 414
Bushenyi 485
Busia 454
Entebbe 414
Fort Portal 483
Hoima 465
Iganga 434
Jinja 434
Kabale 486
Kampala 414
Kapchorwa 454
Kasese 483
Kisoro 486
Kumi 454
Lira 473
Malaba 454
Masaka 481
Masindi 465
Mbale 454
Mbarara 485
Mityana 464
Mpigi 414
Mubende 464
Rukungiri 486
Soroti 454
Tororo 454
Wobulenzi 414
Cell Phones: Zain Uganda, MTN Uganda, Orange, Uganda Telecom (Mango) and Warid Telecom operate cellular Networks on the 0752, 0753, 0756; 0772, 0782, 0776; 079; 0712 and 0702 prefixes respectively.
Uganda is generally a peaceful country. However, just like in any other country visitors are advised to be on the alert for handbag snatchers and pick pockets. Exercise caution by keeping your vehicle locked, never leaving valuables when parking in towns. Cameras, electrical equipment, tickets, passports and excess cash can be left in the safe at your hotel when you are out sight seeing.
Electrical Appliances
All run on 220 / 240 volts. Outlets are of the round 3 pin, 15 amps type.
Photography
Avoid being discourteous to the local people by trying to “steal” a photograph. Your driver will seek permission for you and where possible can negotiate a fee. You are not allowed to photograph military and air force installations.
Tipping & Porterage
It is customary to tip safari drivers, guides, porters and waiters.
| January 1st | New Years Day |
| January 26th | NRM Anniversary Day |
| February / March (*) | Idd–el–Fitr |
| 8th March | Women’s Day |
| March / April (*) | Good Friday - Easter Monday |
| May 1st | Labour Day |
| June 3rd | Martyrs Day |
| June 9th |
Heroes Day |
| October 9th | Independence Day |
| (*) | Idd Adhua |
| December 25th | Christmas Day |
| December 26th | Boxing Day |
| (*) No fixed date | |
