Searching for facts about Uganda? Here we present over 20 facts about this fascinating and beautiful country in Africa.
Geography and Natural Wonders
Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa, also known as the “Pearl of Africa.” It is bordered by five countries: Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Uganda is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, a species of the largest primates and one of humanity’s closest relatives. They are found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
Uganda is also the source of the ancient and mighty River Nile, the longest river in the world, flowing through over eleven countries. Lake Victoria, where the Nile begins, is the largest lake in Africa.
The country has the world’s strongest waterfalls, located along the River Nile. The river forces itself through a seven meter wide gap in the rocks, dropping 45 meters into Lake Albert.
Mount Elgon, located in eastern Uganda, has the largest volcanic caldera in the world.
Food and Agriculture
Bananas are a very popular fruit in Uganda. The country is also among the top producers of pineapples, bananas, and avocados in the world, with about 62 types of bananas grown.
The favorite fast food in Uganda is “Rolex,” not a watch but a chapati rolled with scrambled eggs and vegetables, sometimes with sausages. Another favorite food is nsenene, or grasshoppers, enjoyed in many parts of the country, along with white ants.
Ugandans consume more pork per person than any other African country. The beef from Ankole cows is also known for being very low in cholesterol.
Wildlife and Nature
Uganda has the largest variety of primate species in the world. Apart from mountain gorillas, it is home to chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, and many others.
Uganda is the best bird watching destination in Africa, with 1,061 bird species recorded, some of which are found only in Uganda.
Uganda has 10 national parks and 12 game reserves.
Uganda is home to 6.8% of the world’s butterfly species.
People and Culture
Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world, with 50% of its people under the age of 14.
“Boda Bodas” is the name for motorcycles in Uganda. They were originally used to carry people across the no-man’s-land between the Uganda and Kenya border posts.
In Uganda, many women work as civil engineers and builders, often constructing mud houses, also known as manyattas.
Uganda is one of Africa’s friendliest countries, and its people are known for being warm and hospitable.
The world’s smallest church is found in Uganda, located on Biku Hill in Nebbi Town. It is just 2.3 meters wide and 8 feet tall.
Size, Governance, and Tourism
In 2012, Lonely Planet rated Uganda as the best country for tourists. About 1 million tourists visit Uganda every year.
Uganda has two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry seasons run from June to September and December to February, while the wet seasons run from April to May and October to November.
Uganda is the same size as Oregon in the United States, but the populations are very different. Oregon has about 3.8 million people, while Uganda has 34.5 million people.
In Uganda, homosexuality is illegal and treated as a criminal offense under national law.
The motto of Uganda is “For God and My Country,” and the currency used is the Ugandan shilling.
