Facts About Uganda

General Information
Official Name: Republic of Uganda
Form of Government: Presidential Republic
Capital: Kampala
Population: 45,711,874
Official Languages: English, Ganda (Luganda), Swahili
Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
Area: 93,065 square miles (241,038 square kilometers)

Education In Uganda

The school year typically runs from January to November. Education is highly valued as a path to success, although it is not compulsory. The government introduced the Universal Primary Education (UPE) policy to subsidize education costs for up to four children per family in government schools. Plans are underway to extend this program to secondary education. However, in rural areas, access to education remains a challenge. Makerere University, located in Kampala, is the largest and oldest university in East Africa.

Religion In Uganda

The Ugandan Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. In rural areas, some religious practices are syncretic, blending traditional indigenous beliefs with recognized religions, especially in Christian-dominant regions. Several missionary groups, including Pentecostal, Baptist, and Episcopal denominations, are active throughout the country. Private religious schools, both Christian and Islamic, are common, and public schools offer optional religious education covering world religions.

Climate and Population

Uganda’s location on the equator provides a year-round temperature ranging between 27 and 31 degrees Celsius. During the rainy season, torrential downpours can last several hours, halting daily activities. As of 2023, Uganda’s population is estimated at 48,582,334, a 2.82% increase from 2022. Over half of the population is under 15 years old, giving Uganda one of the youngest populations in the world. However, the average life expectancy remains low at 55 years. Uganda is home to hundreds of tribes.

Economy and Agriculture

Uganda’s economy is primarily agricultural, producing coffee, sugar, tea, rice, maize, millet, matoke (plantains), sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, cotton, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, provides fish like tilapia to surrounding towns. Tourist attractions include Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Sipi Falls, Kidepo Valley, Mount Elgon, and the Rwenzori Mountains, where visitors can enjoy activities like wildlife watching, gorilla trekking, and white-water rafting.

Urbanization and Health

Kampala, Uganda’s capital, suffers from high unemployment as many people migrate from rural villages in search of work. This influx has resulted in overcrowded slum areas. Malaria is widespread, and HIV/AIDS affects around 7% of the population, leaving many children orphaned. Despite these challenges, Uganda is known as one of the happiest nations in East Africa, with locals greeting one another with smiles. Visitors to Kampala are often struck by the chaotic traffic, dominated by “boda-bodas” (motorcycle taxis) and minibuses.

Dance in Uganda

Dance has always played a significant role in Ugandan culture, serving as a means of expression for events such as courtship, births, weddings, and even war. Historically, dances conveyed messages and were deeply symbolic, often mimicking hunting traditions or tribal customs. Today, dance in Uganda has evolved, with traditional dances merging with modern styles. While this fusion has made dance more entertaining, some lament the loss of authenticity, as the original footwork and meaning of traditional dances fade away.

Health

Over the period from 1991 to 2014, the life expectancy at birth in Uganda rose from 46 years to 62 years for males and 50 years to 64 years for females. In the same period, under-five mortality rate dropped from 187 to 55 deaths per 1,000 live births. Although Uganda’s progress in keeping low mortality rates for infants are noteworthy, the country is still faced with several health challenges linked to Malaria, Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, which are the leading causes of illness and death in the country

Politics

The country is a presidential republic, based on a democratic parliamentary system. The head of State in Uganda is the president. This is currently Yoweri Museveni, who won against the opposition leader Bobi Wine in the last elections held in January 2021, gaining the right to lead the country for the 6th mandate in a row. As of 2021, Museveni has held power in Uganda for almost 35 years, making him one of the longest-ruling presidents ever