UGANDA WILDLIFE GUIDE

Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa, bordered by Kenya to the east, Tanzania to the south, Rwanda to the southwest, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and South Sudan to the north. The capital and largest city is Kampala.

Uganda has a population of over 45 million people, and its official languages are English and Swahili. The country is known for its diverse wildlife, including gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, and hippos, as well as its scenic landscapes, including the Nile River, which runs through the country.

Uganda has a rich cultural heritage, with more than 50 different ethnic groups, each with their own traditions and customs. The country has a vibrant music scene, with popular genres including reggae, gospel, and traditional folk music. Ugandan cuisine is also diverse, with dishes such as matooke (mashed plantains), posho (maize meal), and groundnut stew.

In terms of its economy, Uganda is primarily agrarian, with agriculture accounting for a large share of its GDP and employing the majority of its workforce. The country is also rich in mineral resources, including gold, copper, and oil, and has been making efforts to develop its tourism industry in recent years.

Uganda has had a turbulent history, marked by periods of political instability and conflict. However, in recent years, the country has made progress in areas such as economic development and human rights, and has emerged as a regional leader in promoting peace and stability.

Country Code: +256.

Currency: Ugandan Shilling.

Electricity: Type G (3-pin rectangular, triangular pattern).

Latitude and Longitude: 1.3733° N, 32.2903° E.

LGBT: Uganda is known for having some of the harshest anti-LGBT laws in the world. In 2014, the country passed the Anti-Homosexuality Act, which criminalized homosexuality and prescribed life imprisonment for those found guilty of “aggravated homosexuality.”

Although the law was later struck down by the Ugandan Constitutional Court on a technicality, the government continues to discriminate against LGBT people through various means. For example, the Penal Code Act criminalizes same-sex relationships, and the government has used this law to arrest and prosecute LGBT individuals.

Furthermore, the government has introduced other laws that restrict the rights of LGBT people. For instance, the Public Order Management Act of 2013 requires anyone organizing a public meeting to obtain permission from the police, and this has been used to prevent LGBT groups from holding events.

There is also societal discrimination against LGBT people in Uganda, and they often face harassment, violence, and discrimination in their daily lives. Additionally, the government and media have contributed to the stigmatization of LGBT people by spreading misinformation and propaganda about them.

Population: 45.85 million (2021).

President: Yoweri Museveni.

Weather: Uganda weather is largely influenced by its location near the equator. As a result, Uganda experiences a tropical climate with temperatures that remain relatively consistent throughout the year.

However, there are two distinct seasons in Uganda: a rainy season and a dry season. The rainy season typically occurs from March to May and again from September to November, while the dry season runs from December to February and from June to August.

During the rainy season, Uganda experiences heavy rainfall, particularly in the central and western regions of the country. This can lead to flooding in some areas, but it also helps to support agriculture and vegetation growth. Temperatures during the rainy season generally range from 20°C (68°F) to 27°C (81°F).

In the dry season, temperatures in Uganda are generally a bit warmer, ranging from 23°C (73°F) to 29°C (84°F). This is also the peak tourist season, as the weather is generally more comfortable and there is less rainfall, making it easier to travel and explore the country.

Gorilla trekking and conservation are both incredibly important topics in Uganda, as the country is home to some of the world’s last remaining populations of endangered mountain gorillas. Because of that, I gave the gorilla trekking its own section in this travel guide.

Gorilla trekking is a popular activity in Uganda and involves visitors hiking through the country’s dense forests to observe wild gorillas in their natural habitat. There are two national parks in Uganda where visitors can go gorilla trekking: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, with around 480 individuals living in the park. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to a smaller population of around 80 gorillas, but still offers a unique and immersive gorilla trekking experience.

To go gorilla trekking in Uganda, visitors must obtain a permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which has varied costs. A gorilla trekking permit is $700.00 USD for foreign non-residents (most people), $600.00 USD for foreign residents, and 250,000 Ugandan Shillings for residents/citizens (around $66.00 USD today).

The permit allows visitors to spend one hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat, under the guidance of trained rangers. Conservation efforts are critical for the survival of mountain gorillas in Uganda, as well as other endangered species in the country.

There are several organizations working to protect gorillas and their habitats in Uganda.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA): UWA is responsible for managing Uganda’s national parks, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. UWA works to protect gorillas from poaching, habitat destruction, and other threats, as well as to promote responsible tourism in gorilla habitats.

The Gorilla Doctors: The Gorilla Doctors are a team of veterinarians who provide medical care to wild gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They work to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries in gorillas, as well as to monitor the health of gorilla populations.

The International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP): The IGCP is a partnership between the African Wildlife Foundation, Fauna & Flora International, and the World Wide Fund for Nature. The organization works to protect gorillas and their habitats in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, through initiatives such as community outreach, education, and research.

Uganda has a number of beautiful national parks that are home to a variety of wildlife and natural landscapes. Here are some of the most popular national parks in Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:

Located in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi is home to over half of the world’s remaining population of mountain gorillas. Visitors can take guided tours to see the gorillas up close and also enjoy hiking and birdwatching in the park.

Kibale National Park:

Located in western Uganda, Kibale is home to one of the largest populations of chimpanzees in the world, as well as other primates like colobus monkeys and baboons.

Kidepo Valley National Park:

One of the most remote and beautiful parks in Uganda, home to various wildlife species.

Lake Mburo National Park:

Famous for its zebra herds and other wildlife.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:

Another great place for gorilla trekking.

Murchison Falls National Park:

Located in northwestern Uganda, Murchison Falls is known for its spectacular waterfall and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and hippos.

Queen Elizabeth National Park:

Located in southwestern Uganda, Queen Elizabeth is known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. Visitors can go on safari to see elephants, lions, hippos, and more, and also enjoy boat tours on the Kazinga Channel.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park:

Located in western Uganda, the Rwenzori Mountains are known for their stunning peaks and glaciers. Visitors can go hiking and trekking in the mountains and also enjoy birdwatching in the park.

Semuliki National Park:

Famous for its hot springs and bird watching.

Uganda, also known as the “Pearl of Africa,” offers a wide range of natural beauty and cultural experiences for tourists. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Uganda.

Entebbe:

A scenic town on the shores of Lake Victoria, famous for its wildlife sanctuary and botanical gardens.

Fort Portal:

A charming town surrounded by hills, offering great views and cultural experiences.

Jinja:

This town is located on the shores of Lake Victoria and is known as the “adventure capital” of Uganda. Visitors can go white-water rafting, bungee jumping, or take a boat trip to the source of the Nile River.

Kampala:

Uganda’s capital city is a vibrant and bustling metropolis that offers a range of cultural experiences, including markets, museums, and historical sites.

Kasubi Tombs:

UNESCO World Heritage site and the burial grounds for the kings of Buganda.

Kibiro Salt Gardens:

A fascinating natural site where salt is extracted from hot springs.

Lake Bunyonyi:

This beautiful lake is surrounded by hills and offers stunning views. Visitors can take boat trips, go kayaking, or simply relax on the lakeshore and enjoy the scenery.

Ngamba Island:

A chimpanzee sanctuary on an island in Lake Victoria.

Ssese Islands:

A popular destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.

Sipi Falls:

A stunning series of waterfalls in Eastern Uganda.

Uganda Martyrs Shrine:

A pilgrimage site honoring the 22 Christian martyrs who were killed in the late 1800s.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:

The only place in Uganda to see rhinos in the wild.