Uganda Facts

Interesting Facts about Uganda

This guide to facts about Uganda shares interesting information about Uganda that is good to know before you travel to Uganda's Pearl of Africa.

1. What is the official name of Uganda?

The official name of Uganda is the Republic of Uganda.

2. Where is Uganda located and how big is the country?

Uganda is a landlocked country located on the African continent in Eastern Africa and borders five countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and South Sudan. The longest border is shared with DRC, followed by Kenya. The country size of Uganda is about 241.000km2 with 26% consisting of water: lakes, wetlands, and rivers.

3. What is the flag of Uganda and what does it mean?

The flag of Uganda has horizontal stripes in the colors black, yellow, and red. The black color represents the native ethnic tribes of Africa. The red color stands for brotherhood, the connection through blood, and the color yellow refers to Africa's sunshine. At the center, you can find the national symbol of Uganda, the grey-crowned crane. The raised leg of the Grey-crowned crane is a symbol of the ongoing development of Uganda since it became independent from the British Empire in 1962.

Flag of Uganda

4. What is the capital of Uganda? 

The capital city of Uganda is Kampala. Kampala is also the largest city in Uganda and the place where most people live. Kampala is also called the 'City of Seven Hills' because the name originates from the local Bugandan name 'K'empala' which refers to the Hill of the Impala; a name that the British gave to the colonial settlement.

5. How is the weather & climate in Uganda?

The best time to travel to Uganda is from December to February and from June to September. However, temperatures are always pleasant in Uganda, with the dry season having relatively little rainfall. 

6. How many people live in Uganda?

Uganda is a fast-growing and densely populated country in Africa with over 45 million people. With the world's youngest population, Uganda keeps growing. The average age in Uganda is around 16 years.

7. What is Uganda's National animal?

The National animal of Uganda is the Ugandan Kob.

8. What is the National Bird of Uganda?

Uganda's National Bird is the Grey-crowned crane because of its elegance and beauty. The Grey-crowned crane, also known as "the Crested Crane" also shines on Uganda's flag and coat of arms.

9. What is the National dish of Uganda?

The National dish of Uganda is Matoke, steamed and mashed green banana.

10. What is the National Anthem of Uganda?

Since 1962, Uganda's National Anthem is "Oh Uganda, Land of Beauty", composed by George Wilberforce Kakoma.

11. Why is Uganda called, the Pearl of Africa?

The Pearl of Africa is a slogan from Winston Churchill in his book "my African journey".

12. What currency is used in Uganda?

The National currency of Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling (UGX), but US Dollars are also widely accepted.

13. What language is spoken in Uganda?

There are 41 living languages, but Uganda has only three official languages: Luganda, Swahili, and English. Luganda is the most spoken language among locals. However, English is Uganda's official language since its independence in 1962. Uganda is even known as the best English-speaking African country. Swahili is more symbolic as it's the most influential trans-ethnic language in East Africa. 

14. What is the time zone in Uganda?

The time zone in Uganda is the East Africa Time Zone (EAT), which is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3).

15. What National Parks does Uganda have?

Uganda has 10 official National Parks, namely:

• Lake Mburo National Park
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Kidepo Valley National Park
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Semuliki National Park
• Kibale National Park
• Rwenzori Mountains National Park
• Mount Elgon National Park

16. How many UNESCO sites are in Uganda?

Uganda has 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, The Rwenzori Mountains National Park, and the Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi.

17. What is the largest lake in Uganda?

Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Uganda and is situated in southern Uganda. It's the second-largest freshwater lake in the world and the largest tropical lake. Uganda shares Lake Victoria with Kenya and Tanzania.

18. What is the highest mountain in Uganda?

Mount Stanley in the Rwenzori Mountain National Park is the highest mountain in Uganda. The mountain is also called Mount Ngaliema and is the third highest mountain in all of Africa, after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. The Rwenzori Mountain range is also referred to as "the Mountains of the Moon".

19. What are the most important export products in Uganda?

Most Ugandans work in agriculture or as farmers. Did you know 70% of the land is used for agriculture? That is a lot! Their most important Ugandan export products are therefore coffee, tea, tobacco, cotton, corn, beans, sesame, flowers, vanilla, and fish. Crude oil, gold, and natural gas are also among the main export goods of Uganda. Important trading countries are the neighboring countries of Kenya, Congo DRC, and Rwanda. Others are China, UAE, and India.

20. Is Uganda a poor country?

The Republic of Uganda is sadly ranked as one of the poorest countries in the world. Most Ugandans live from farming or agriculture. However, the economy is growing due to Uganda's natural resources.

21. Can you find all of the Big 5 in Uganda?

Yes, you can find all of the Big Five animals in Uganda. However, you won't find rhinos in the national parks of Uganda. The only place to see the white rhino is at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where the rhinos are protected by armed rangers 24/7. Apart from that Uganda has varied wildlife and you can find for example elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, and antelopes in most of the National Parks.

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