Location
Uganda is located in Central/East Africa.

Area
It has an area of 241,038 sq km (93,065 sq miles).

Population
Has a population of 30.9 million

Population Density
The population density is 128.2 per sq km.

Kampala (Capital city)
It has a population of 1.2 million (UN estimate 2003).

Government
Republic. Gained independence in 1962 from the UK.

Language
The official language is English. Other languages like Swahili, Luganda and other Bantu languages also spoken.

Religion
Majority are Christians with 60%, 32% animist and 5% Muslim.

Time
GMT + 3.

Electricity
240 volts AC, 50Hz.

Head of Government
Prime Minister Apolo Nsibambi since 1999.

Head of State
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni since 1986.


Telephone
The Country code is + 256. Service for local calls is unreliable.
Phone shops are available in towns.

Mobile Telephone
Coverage extends to all major towns and international roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies.

Internet
There are Internet cafes in most large towns.

Post office hours:
Mon-Fri 0830-1230 and 1400-1730. Some post offices are open on Sat 0830-1300.

Press

• The English-language papers include private daily The Monitor and state-owned daily New Vision.
• Vernacular papers include state-owned Bukedde, Etop and Rupiny.

Radio

• UBC Radio is a publicly run station that operates five stations in Uganda. It can be heard across the country in English and vernacular languages.
• Radio Simba, Capital Radio and KFM are private stations.

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2009-December 2010 period.

2009

• 1 Jan New Year's Day.
• 26 Jan Liberation Day.
• 8 Mar International Women's Day.
• 10 Apr Good Friday.
• 13 Apr Easter Monday.
• 1 May Labor Day.
• 3 Jun Martyrs' Day.
• 9 Jun National Heroes' Day.
• 9 Oct Independence Day.
• 21 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
• 28 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
• 25 Dec Christmas Day.
• 26 Dec Boxing Day.

2010

• 1 Jan New Year's Day.
• 26 Jan Liberation Day.
• 8 Mar International Women's Day.
• 2 Apr Good Friday.
• 5 Apr Easter Monday.
• 1 May Labor Day.
• 3 Jun Martyrs' Day.
• 9 Jun National Heroes' Day.
• 9 Oct Independence Day.
• 11 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
• 17 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
• 25 Dec Christmas Day.
• 26 Dec Boxing Day.

Note
Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region.


Contact Information:

Uganda Tourist Board
PO Box 7211, 13-15 Kimathi Avenue, Impala House, Kampala, Uganda
Tel: (41) 342 188.
Website: www.visituganda.com


WEATHER
The temperature, usually ranging from 21 to 25°C (70 to 77°F), can be quite cool in some parts of the country owing to the country’s high altitude, despite its position on the equator.

The mountain areas become much cooler and the top of Mount Elgon is often covered with snow. Other parts of the country are much warmer. There is heavy rain between March and May and between October and November.

Required Clothing
Lightweights and rainwear, with warm cover-ups for the evenings advised.