Where is Uganda Located?
Where is Uganda located on the map? Uganda is an independent nation located in Eastern Africa. Check out the following images to see location of Uganda on maps.
Uganda Location in World Map
Uganda is located in East Africa and is 241,040 square kilometers and thus about two thirds the size of Germany. The name Uganda goes back to the Kingdom of Buganda. As a partially independent province, it is still part of Uganda today and lies within the territory of the state of Uganda. It occupies an area in the south on Lake Victoria.
Uganda borders in the south with Rwanda and Tanzania, in the west with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the north with South Sudan and in the east with Kenya. In the west of the country lies the western branch of the East African Rift, which formed millions of years ago. There are several lakes in this wide depression.
Uganda is in East Africa. On this map you can see which countries Uganda borders and how big Lake Victoria is.
Location Information of Uganda
Uganda is a landlocked country situated in East Africa. It is bordered by South Sudan to the north, Kenya to the east, Tanzania to the south, Rwanda to the southwest, and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the west. The country also shares a part of its southern border with Lake Victoria, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, which is shared with Kenya and Tanzania. Uganda is known for its diverse landscapes, including savannas, forests, and mountains, and its rich cultural heritage.
Latitude and Longitude
Uganda is located between 4° and 1° North latitude and 29° and 35° East longitude. The country lies on the equator, which contributes to its varied climate and ecosystem. Uganda’s central position on the African continent places it as a key transit country for regional trade and travel.
Capital City and Major Cities
Capital City: Kampala
Kampala is the capital and largest city of Uganda. Located near the northern shores of Lake Victoria, Kampala is the political, cultural, and economic center of the country. With a population of over 1.5 million in the city proper and approximately 3.5 million in the metropolitan area, Kampala is a bustling urban center. It is characterized by rolling hills and vibrant markets, with numerous government buildings, cultural sites, and modern infrastructure.
Key landmarks in Kampala include:
- Kasubi Tombs: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the tombs are the burial grounds of Ugandan kings and a significant cultural site.
- Uganda National Mosque: Located on one of the city’s hills, it is one of the largest mosques in East Africa.
- Makerere University: One of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious universities, with a beautiful campus offering stunning views of the city.
- National Museum of Uganda: A place to explore Uganda’s diverse cultures, artifacts, and natural history.
Major Cities
- Entebbe: Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe is home to Entebbe International Airport, the main gateway to Uganda. It is a smaller, quieter city compared to Kampala, with notable attractions like the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre and Entebbe Botanical Gardens.
- Mbale: Situated in eastern Uganda near the foothills of Mount Elgon, Mbale is a key regional town known for its agricultural output, particularly in crops like coffee and bananas. It also serves as a base for tourists visiting Mount Elgon National Park.
- Gulu: Located in northern Uganda, Gulu is the largest city in the region and is known for its recovery from the violent Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency that plagued the area for decades. It is also an important center for trade, particularly in the agricultural sector.
- Mbarara: Situated in southwestern Uganda, Mbarara is a vital commercial and trade center. It is close to several national parks and wildlife reserves, making it a popular stop for tourists visiting the southwestern regions.
- Kampala Suburbs: The outskirts of Kampala, including Wakiso District, are home to fast-growing residential areas, housing a large portion of the city’s population. Suburban districts also serve as hubs for industry and commerce.
Time Zone
Uganda operates on East Africa Time (EAT), which is UTC +3 hours year-round. The country does not observe Daylight Saving Time, meaning the time remains the same throughout the year. The time difference between Uganda and major U.S. cities is as follows:
- New York City (Eastern Standard Time): Uganda is 8 hours ahead of New York during standard time and 7 hours ahead during daylight saving time in the U.S.
- Los Angeles (Pacific Standard Time): Uganda is 11 hours ahead of Los Angeles during standard time and 10 hours ahead during daylight saving time in the U.S.
Climate
Uganda’s climate is classified as tropical, with variations due to its proximity to the equator, altitude, and terrain. While Uganda is known for having a relatively mild and temperate climate compared to many African countries, it still experiences distinct wet and dry seasons. The country’s highland regions and proximity to the equator create a diverse climate profile.
- Tropical Rainforest Climate: The western and central parts of Uganda, particularly areas near Lake Victoria, experience a humid, tropical rainforest climate, with high rainfall throughout the year. These regions can experience temperatures between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) year-round.
- Savanna Climate: In the northern and eastern regions, Uganda experiences a more pronounced dry season, with lower rainfall. The temperatures in these areas can range between 25°C and 30°C (77°F and 86°F), and the rainfall is more seasonal, typically occurring between March and October.
- Mountain Climate: The mountainous regions of the southwestern part of Uganda, such as those surrounding Mountains of the Moon and Mountains of Elgon, have cooler climates, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), due to higher altitudes.
- Dry and Wet Seasons: Uganda has two main rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May and the short rains from September to November. The dry season usually lasts from December to February and June to August.
Rainfall varies widely by region, but overall, Uganda experiences annual rainfall ranging from 800 mm to 1,800 mm (31 inches to 71 inches).
Economic Status
Uganda’s economy is largely based on agriculture, although there has been increasing diversification into services, manufacturing, and tourism. The country remains one of the poorest in East Africa but has experienced steady economic growth over the past two decades, driven by exports, infrastructure development, and agricultural productivity.
- Agriculture: Agriculture is the backbone of Uganda’s economy, contributing to over 25% of GDP and employing the majority of the population. Major agricultural exports include coffee, tea, tobacco, cotton, and bananas. Uganda is also one of Africa’s largest producers of maize and cassava.
- Services and Industry: The services sector, particularly tourism and financial services, is growing rapidly. The tourism industry, in particular, is being boosted by Uganda’s abundant natural resources and wildlife. Additionally, industries such as cement production, textiles, and food processing are emerging as key contributors to the economy.
- Oil and Gas: Uganda has discovered significant oil reserves in the western part of the country, particularly in the Lake Albert region. These reserves are expected to play a critical role in Uganda’s future economic growth. However, oil production has yet to begin, and it is anticipated to contribute significantly to national revenue.
- Infrastructure: Uganda has made strides in improving infrastructure, particularly in roads, telecommunications, and electricity generation. However, there are still significant gaps in infrastructure development, particularly in rural areas.
- Challenges: Despite growth, Uganda faces several economic challenges, including high poverty rates, corruption, political instability, and poor infrastructure. The country has a relatively high dependence on foreign aid, which complicates its development.
Tourist Attractions
Uganda is a popular tourist destination due to its wildlife, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. The country’s diverse ecosystems include forests, savannas, and wetlands, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Some of the major tourist attractions include:
1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Located in southwestern Uganda, this UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for being home to more than half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Tourists can embark on gorilla trekking adventures, one of Africa’s most thrilling wildlife experiences. The park is also known for its biodiversity, offering birdwatching and hiking opportunities.
2. Queen Elizabeth National Park
This park is Uganda’s most visited national park and is located in the western region. It is known for its diverse wildlife, including lions, elephants, hippopotamuses, and buffaloes. The park also boasts tree-climbing lions, a rare phenomenon, and Kyambura Gorge, home to chimpanzees.
3. Murchison Falls National Park
Located in the northwest, Murchison Falls is Uganda’s largest national park. The park is home to the Murchison Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world, and features diverse wildlife such as giraffes, leopards, zebras, and crocodiles.
4. Lake Bunyonyi
Often referred to as “The Place of Many Little Birds,” Lake Bunyonyi is a picturesque highland lake located in southwestern Uganda. It is known for its calm waters, surrounding hills, and several islands. It is a popular spot for boat trips, kayaking, and birdwatching.
5. Kidepo Valley National Park
Situated in the northeastern part of Uganda, Kidepo Valley is one of the most remote and wild parks in Africa. The park is known for its spectacular landscapes, including savanna and mountainous terrain, and is home to species such as cheetahs, lions, and wild dogs.
6. The Nile River
Uganda is home to the source of the Nile River at Jinja, a town near Lake Victoria. The area is a popular destination for white-water rafting and safari tours.
Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens require a tourist visa to visit Uganda. Visas can be obtained through the Ugandan Embassy or online via the e-visa system. The visa is typically valid for a stay of up to 90 days. Additionally, travelers must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay and proof of yellow fever vaccination.
For longer stays, such as for work or study, different visa categories apply, and applications must be made in advance.
Distance to New York City and Los Angeles
- Distance from Kampala to New York City: Approximately 12,400 km (7,700 miles), with a flight time of about 16-18 hours.
- Distance from Kampala to Los Angeles: Approximately 13,100 km (8,100 miles), with a flight time of about 18-20 hours.
Uganda Facts
Size | 241,040 km² |
Residents | 44.3 million |
Languages | Swahili and English, in the Kingdom of Buganda Luganda |
Capital | Kampala |
Longest river | Victoria Nile |
Highest mountain | Margherita Peak in Mount Stanley (5,109 m) |
Currency | Ugandan shilling |