Uganda Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Uganda, State of East Africa; 236,000 km², 42.7 million residents (2019).Uganda borders east to Kenya, south to Tanzania and Rwanda, west to Congo (Kinshasa) and north to South Sudan. The capital is Kampala (1.7 million residents, 2016).

Country facts

Republic of Uganda / Republic of Uganda
Country abbreviation: UG
Area: 236 000 km²
Population (2019): 42.7 million residents
Capital: Kampala
Main languages: English, Swahili
State: Republic
Head of State and Head of Government: Yoweri Museveni (President)
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 643
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 620
Currency unit: 1 Ugandan shilling = 100 cents
Currency code: UGX
Country number (telephony): 256
Internet domain name: ug
Time difference compared to Sweden: 0
National Day: October 9 (Independence Day, 1962)

Nature

Land use: forest (32%), agricultural land (35%), other (33%)
Highest mountain: Margherita (5 119 m above sea level)
Largest lake: Lake Victoria (69 800 km² )

Population

Population density (2019): 181 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 3.2%; birthrate 39 ‰, deathrate 7 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (47%), 15-64 (51%), 65- (2%)
Average life expectancy (2019): men 60 years, women 65 years
Infant mortality (2019): 47 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 89 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.516 (place 162 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 24%
Most populous cities (2016): Kampala (1.7 million residents), Mbarara (202,800), Gulu (161,200)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2017): agriculture (28%), industry (21%), service (51%)
Exports (2017): US $ 3,339 million
Main export products: coffee, fish, tea
Main exporting countries: Kenya, Congo (Kinshasa), Rwanda
Imports (2017): US $ 5,036 million
Main import products: machinery, means of transport, oil
Main Importing Countries: China, Inden, United Arab Emirates
Railway network (2014): 1 200 km

Geography of Uganda

Location

Uganda is a landlocked country located in East Africa. It is bordered by Kenya to the east, Tanzania to the south, Rwanda to the southwest, Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and South Sudan to the north. Uganda also lies near the equator, which influences its climate and biodiversity. The country covers an area of approximately 241,038 square kilometers (93,065 square miles), making it one of the smaller countries in Africa. Kampala is the capital city of Uganda, located in the central region of the country near the shores of Lake Victoria, which is the largest lake in Africa and a vital resource for the nation.

Topography

Uganda’s topography is diverse, ranging from the lowland areas around Lake Victoria to the highlands in the west. The central region, where the capital city is located, consists mainly of flat land and low hills. The western region, which includes the Rwenzori Mountains, features some of the country’s highest elevations. The Rwenzori Mountains, often referred to as the “Mountains of the Moon,” reach an altitude of 5,109 meters (16,763 feet) at Mount Stanley, the highest peak in Uganda. The eastern part of the country is characterized by rolling hills, and the southwest is home to volcanic mountains, such as those in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which are famous for being the habitat of the endangered mountain gorillas.

Uganda’s landscape is punctuated by several important lakes, including Lake Albert in the northwest and Lake Kyoga in the east. Rivers such as the Nile, which begins at Lake Victoria, are crucial to the country’s water supply and agriculture. Uganda’s varied topography supports a rich range of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests and wetlands to savannas and grasslands.

Natural Resources

Uganda is endowed with abundant natural resources that play an important role in its economy. The country has fertile soils, particularly in the central and southwestern regions, which are ideal for agriculture. Uganda is one of Africa’s largest producers of coffee, and the agricultural sector, including the cultivation of tea, bananas, cassava, maize, and tobacco, is a major contributor to the country’s GDP. Additionally, Uganda is known for its large herds of livestock, which provide meat, milk, and leather.

In terms of mineral resources, Uganda has deposits of gold, copper, tin, tungsten, and cobalt. The discovery of oil in the western regions of Uganda has the potential to boost the country’s economy, although oil extraction and exploration remain in development stages. Uganda also has significant forests, which contribute to the timber industry, and the country’s many rivers and lakes support both fishing and hydroelectric power generation. Despite its natural wealth, the country faces challenges in fully harnessing these resources due to issues related to infrastructure and political stability.

Climate of Uganda

General Climate

Uganda has a predominantly tropical climate, due to its location near the equator. However, the climate varies significantly across the country, depending on altitude, with the lowland areas experiencing warmer temperatures, while the higher altitudes are cooler. The average temperature in Uganda ranges from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) year-round. The climate supports a wide variety of ecosystems, ranging from savannas to rainforests.

The country generally experiences two rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May and the short rains from October to December. These wet seasons contribute to the country’s agricultural productivity, particularly in the production of coffee, maize, and vegetables. The dry seasons, which occur from June to September and December to February, are typically hot, particularly in the northern and eastern regions.

Uganda’s proximity to the equator means that it is less likely to experience extreme temperature variations compared to other countries located further from the equator. However, the combination of rainfall, altitude, and proximity to the equator means that Uganda’s climate supports a wide variety of biodiversity.

Rainfall and Seasonal Variations

Rainfall in Uganda is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, though regional variations exist. The western regions, particularly around Lake Albert, the Rwenzori Mountains, and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, receive the most precipitation, contributing to the lush, tropical rainforests found in these areas. Central Uganda, where Kampala is located, receives a moderate amount of rainfall year-round, and the southern regions, including areas near Lake Victoria, also experience regular rain throughout the year.

The northern and northeastern regions of Uganda, particularly the areas bordering Sudan, are drier, with more defined wet and dry seasons. The seasonal rainfall patterns are important for agriculture, especially the production of crops like maize, beans, and sorghum, which are critical to food security in the country.

People of Uganda

Population and Ethnic Composition

Uganda has a population of about 46 million people, with the population being highly diverse in terms of ethnicity, language, and religion. The largest ethnic group in Uganda is the Baganda, who primarily reside in the central region. Other ethnic groups include the Banyankole, Basoga, Bakiga, Banyarwanda, and many smaller groups such as the Lugisu, Bakonjo, and the Nilotic-speaking ethnic groups in the north, like the Acholi, Langi, and Jaluo.

The country is home to over 50 different ethnic groups, each with its own language, traditions, and cultural practices. Although these groups are spread across the country, most Ugandans live in rural areas, where farming is the primary occupation. In the urban centers, such as Kampala, the population is more cosmopolitan, with significant numbers of people from various regions of Uganda, as well as expatriates from neighboring countries and other parts of the world.

Language

Uganda is a multilingual country, with over 50 languages spoken. The official language of Uganda is English, which is used in government, education, and business. English became the official language during the colonial period when Uganda was a British protectorate.

In addition to English, Swahili was declared a second official language in 2005, particularly to foster regional integration with neighboring countries in East Africa. Swahili is widely spoken, particularly in the eastern and western parts of Uganda, and it is used as a lingua franca in many areas.

Uganda is also home to numerous indigenous languages, with the most commonly spoken ones being Luganda, Runyankore, Lusoga, Lunyoro, and Luo. The diversity of languages in Uganda reflects its rich cultural heritage and the complex history of migration and settlement within the region.

Religion

Uganda is predominantly Christian, with approximately 85% of the population identifying as Christian. Of these, the majority are Roman Catholic, followed by a significant Protestant community, especially Anglican. There are also smaller groups of other Christian denominations, such as Pentecostals and Seventh-day Adventists.

Islam is the second-largest religion in Uganda, with Muslims making up about 14% of the population. Most Muslims in Uganda are Sunni, with a small minority adhering to the Shia branch of Islam. The Muslim population is concentrated in the eastern and central regions, particularly around the capital, Kampala.

There are also small indigenous religious groups, and traditional beliefs continue to play a role in the cultural practices of certain communities. These indigenous religions are centered around the worship of ancestors, spirits, and nature.

Economy of Uganda

Economic Structure

Uganda has a mixed economy, with a large agricultural sector, a growing services sector, and a smaller industrial sector. The economy has been growing steadily over the past two decades, fueled by foreign aid, investments, and strong agricultural output. Agriculture is the backbone of Uganda’s economy, providing employment to the majority of the population and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP.

Uganda is one of the world’s largest producers of coffee, and it remains an important export. The country is also known for its production of tea, maize, beans, and tobacco. Other key agricultural products include cassava, bananas, and sugarcane. The government has made efforts to diversify the economy by improving infrastructure and increasing investment in other sectors such as mining, manufacturing, and services.

Industry and Manufacturing

Uganda has a developing industrial base, with industries such as textiles, food processing, cement, and beverages playing a significant role in the economy. The country has also begun to focus on value-added industries that utilize the country’s agricultural products, such as the processing of coffee, tea, and cocoa.

The mining sector in Uganda is underdeveloped but holds considerable potential, with the discovery of significant reserves of gold, copper, and other minerals in the southwestern and eastern regions of the country. Oil exploration is another sector of growing importance, particularly in the Albertine Rift region, which is believed to have substantial oil reserves. The extraction of these natural resources could become a significant economic driver in the future.

Services and Trade

The services sector has been growing rapidly, driven by areas such as tourism, telecommunications, and banking. Uganda’s tourism industry is a critical part of the economy, with the country’s natural attractions, including national parks, wildlife, and scenic landscapes, attracting visitors from around the world. The country is home to diverse wildlife, including mountain gorillas, lions, and elephants, and national parks such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Murchison Falls National Park are popular destinations for safari tourism.

The banking and telecommunications sectors have also seen substantial growth in recent years, with mobile phone penetration increasing rapidly across the country. Uganda has a growing digital economy, and innovations in mobile money have transformed access to financial services for millions of people.

Government of Uganda

Political System

Uganda is a presidential republic, where the president is both the head of state and head of government. The president is elected every five years through popular vote. The current president, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has been in power since 1986, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in Africa.

The Ugandan parliament is unicameral, consisting of the National Assembly, with 529 members elected by direct popular vote. The parliament is responsible for making laws, approving the national budget, and overseeing the executive branch. The judiciary in Uganda is independent, with the Supreme Court being the highest court in the country.

While Uganda is a multiparty democracy, political power has been largely dominated by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, led by President Museveni. The political landscape has been marked by significant debate over democracy, political freedom, and the ability of opposition parties to operate effectively in the country.

Political History

Uganda’s political history has been marked by periods of instability, military coups, and dictatorship. After gaining independence from Britain in 1962, Uganda faced political turbulence, and in 1971, Idi Amin came to power through a military coup. Amin’s brutal regime lasted until 1979, during which tens of thousands of Ugandans were killed, and the economy and infrastructure were devastated.

In 1986, Yoweri Museveni and his National Resistance Movement (NRM) seized power after a five-year insurgency. Since then, Museveni’s government has presided over significant economic growth and political stability, although the political system has been criticized for suppressing opposition, curtailing political freedoms, and extending presidential term limits.

Governance Challenges

Uganda faces several challenges related to governance, including political repression, corruption, and human rights abuses. The dominance of the NRM party and President Museveni has limited the political space for opposition parties. There have been reports of harassment and arrests of opposition leaders, and the country has faced criticism from international human rights organizations for its lack of political pluralism and freedom of expression.

Economic challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and unemployment, persist despite significant economic growth in recent years. The government has implemented reforms in education, health, and infrastructure, but issues such as land tenure, access to education, and inadequate healthcare remain challenges.

Culture of Uganda

Traditional Music and Dance

Uganda has a rich musical heritage, with music playing an important role in the country’s cultural life. Traditional music is deeply rooted in the various ethnic communities, and different regions have their own unique styles of music and dance. Drums are central to Ugandan music, with traditional drumming playing a prominent role in ceremonies, celebrations, and storytelling.

The bakisimba dance, performed by the Baganda people, is one of the most iconic traditional dances in Uganda. Other dances, such as the abataka from the Bunyoro region and the emikolo from the Banyankole community, are performed during cultural and religious events.

Art and Craft

Uganda’s cultural expression is reflected in its arts and crafts, which include beadwork, pottery, basket weaving, and painting. Traditional crafts are often produced by local artisans and are used for both practical purposes and decorative items. Uganda’s art scene is also flourishing, with contemporary artists gaining recognition both within the country and abroad. Ugandan artists explore themes of identity, politics, and social change through their work.

Cuisine

Ugandan cuisine is varied, with dishes that reflect the country’s diverse ethnic groups. Staple foods include matoke (plantains), posho (maize porridge), cassava, and rice. Meat, such as chicken, beef, and goat, is commonly consumed, and dishes like luwombo (a stew made from meat, vegetables, and peanuts) are popular in many regions.

Chapati, a type of flatbread, and rolex, a Ugandan street food made from eggs, vegetables, and chapati, are beloved foods in urban areas. Uganda’s food culture is influenced by the availability of local ingredients and the agricultural practices of various regions, making it a rich and diverse part of Ugandan identity.

Festivals and Celebrations

Uganda celebrates numerous cultural and religious festivals. Independence Day, celebrated on October 9, marks Uganda’s independence from Britain in 1962. Christmas and Easter are widely celebrated by the Christian majority, with large gatherings and feasts taking place across the country.

The Nile Festival, held annually in Jinja, celebrates Uganda’s connection to the Nile River, and the Bayimba International Festival of the Arts in Kampala showcases Ugandan and international music, dance, theater, and visual arts. Omukama’s Coronation Day, celebrated by the Banyoro people, honors their traditional leader, and other regional festivals focus on the harvest or cultural rites of passage.