Uganda is slightly smaller than the State of Oregon in the USA, with a total area of 236,040 sq km, bordered by Kenya to the East and Tanzania to the South – all in the EA Community. To the West and North, she is bordered by DR Congo and the Sudan respectively, making it a landlocked country.
Uganda lies at 1 00 N, 32 00 E. The country is well watered and fertile. Although it lies at the Equator, it receives about three rainy seasons a year, with Lake Victoria, The Nile, the loads of forests and the Rwenzori mountains determining much of the climate. In forest ecosystems it rains almost daily and weather is unpredictable.
Water covers 36,330 sq km, about 15% of Uganda’s area. The country is rich in wildlife, game, birds, and a vast culture of over 50 tribes occupying this beautiful, green country. Although it lies astride the equator, most of Uganda is on a plateau 3,600-6,000 ft/900-1,830 m above sea level.
Uganda achieved independence from the UK in 1962. It went through turbulent years under the dictatorial regime of the now dead Idi AMIN (1971-79), and the guerrilla war under Milton OBOTE (1980-85). From the late 1980s, the new National Resistance Movement government led by President Yoweri MUSEVENI brought about peace, prosperity and many investors have accepted to participate in the country’s reconstruction.
In Uganda alone a birder will enjoy twelve percent of bird species of the world, a tracker will find half of the world’s gorilla population; an explorer will have an opportunity to see more than 7% of the world’s mammals. For the discerning traveller the potential for Ecotourism here is enormous, and the judicious have tapped into it.
