Uganda

Uganda is one of the poorest countries in the world. 35 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line, and more than half of the people exist on less than $1 per day. Healthcare and education are poorly resourced, and there is no pension system. While the government does have policies for healthcare and education, it often falls to local people to provide the means to deliver these.

More than half the population is under 16 years old, and only half complete primary school. This has led to low literacy rates, with only 62 per cent of the population being able to read and write after age 15.

Over one million people are living with HIV and AIDS, resulting in a life expectancy of just 44 years. There is also a high infant mortality. Kalapata children need your  support to raise awareness of HIV, AIDs and other sexually transmitted diseases in Eastern Uganda.

Uganda is situated in the centre of the African continent. Landlocked, it borders the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Tanzania, Sudan, Kenya and Rwanda. Its official language is English, although many people use various native languages including Lugwere, Swahili and Arabic.

It has a population of approx. 30 million people. The principal industry is agriculture, which employs 80 per cent of the workforce. In addition to its main export of coffee, Uganda produces tea, fish, cotton and horticultural products.

The Capital City of Uganda is Kampala and the main airport is situated at Entebbe.

Religions in the country include; Roman Catholic 33%, Protestant 33%, Muslim 16% and indigenous beliefs 18%.

The climate is tropical; generally rainy with two dry seasons (December to February, June to August). Average daily temperatures rarely exceed 29 Celsius (84 F). The most recommended times to visit Uganda are; June – August and December – February.

Uganda’s Main Attractions:

Winston Churchill referred to Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa” for its “magnificence, for variety of form and colour, for profusion of brilliant life”. While Uganda’s political turmoil during the 1970’s and 1980’s caused it to lag behind neighboring Kenya and Tanzania as prime tourist destinations, this lovely country is staging a comeback with its excellent attractions, here’s a sampling:

Gorilla Safaris are a huge draw for tourists visiting Uganda. You can see rare mountain gorillas in two of Uganda’s National Parks; Bwindi and Mgahinga, click here for more information.

Uganda’s National Parks offer excellent safaris and fantastic birding opportunities. Two of the best parks include Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park.

Rwenzori Mountains, one of Africa’s finest trekking destinations, the “Mountains of the Moon” offer snow-capped peaks and fantastic trails.

Kampala, Uganda’s capital is a pleasant place to base your visit from, with good nightlife and friendly restaurants and bars.

Travel to Uganda:

Uganda’s International Airport: Entebbe International Airport (Airport code EBB) is located just outside the town of Entebbe on Lake Victoria and 21 miles (35 km) from Kampala, Uganda’s capital.

Getting to Uganda from Cairns: There are several routes you can take. Discuss this with your travel agent.

Uganda Embassies/Visas: Australian’s require a visitors’ visa to Uganda. Cost $150.00 Aus-dollars, your travel agent can organise this on your behalf.

Immunisation: Require yellow fever shot (can get this from the Reef Medical Centre on Sheridan St, opposite Toobruk swimming pool and Lariam tablets for malaria which you need to start taking two days before your departure.