Explore Uganda
What to know before visiting Uganda
Winston Churchill referred to Uganda as the ‘Pearl of Africa’.
The nickname neatly sums up the East African country’s
rich beauty in three simple words, encapsulating everything from its vibrant colours and
lush vegetation to the magnificent wildlife that roams its plains.
Today, the moniker is as valid as ever, as Uganda has grown into one of Africa’s most
coveted travel sojourns.
Uganda is home to the highest density of primates and gorillas in the world.
The expansive rainforest jungles of this landlocked country in East Africa are home
to 20 species of primates,
including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys.
Visa and entry
A Single Entry Visa is $50 for most nationalities.
It is advised to get in advance from the Uganda eVisa website.
You can also get a Multi-Entry Visa and the East Africa
Tourist Visa (definitely apply in advance for these).
People & Culture
Uganda’s 34 million people are concentrated in the country’s better watered south and west with the Kampala-based Baganda the largest of the country’s many ethnic groups.
Some 40 regional languages exist but Swahili and English are Uganda’s official languages.
Religious belief is overwhelmingly Christian-based though Islam is strong in Uganda’s Asian communities.
It should be noted that Ugandans hold their ancestry in high regard.
Uganda is a conservative country and visitors would do well to adhere to local rules of behaviour.
That said, visitors often remark on the friendliness and politeness of the locals: greetings are an elaborate affair and may include inquiries as to the health of your family – perfunctory greetings and a demand for immediate action are somewhat frowned upon!
Languages
Uganda is a multilingual nation with English as the official langauge and Swahili as the natural language.
However, thre are over 40 languages spoken across the country, reflecting its ethnic diversity. Luganda, spoken by the Baganda people, is widely spoken in the central region and is often used in business and daily transactions.
Other prominent languages include Runyankole in the west, Lusoga in the east, and Acholi in the north.