Introducing of Uganda
About Uganda
A reputation for political instability and the looming shadow of Idi Amin have long – and unfairly – blighted Uganda’s fledgling tourism sector. Now, though, things are looking up for the East African nation once described as “the pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill.
And a brief look around is enough to show you why. From the second you step off the plane, the overwhelming impression of Uganda is one of rich natural diversity, friendly locals and a burgeoning cultural scene that is currently producing some of the most exciting artists in Africa.
Culturally, much of the action happens in the capital, Kampala, a hilly urban sprawl ringed by farmland and perched on the muddy banks of Lake Victoria. While most foreign travellers confine themselves to the dty centre or the diplomatic quarter, Kololo, its worth venturing into the bustling bars and clubs of Kabalagala, where expats and locals meet for a slug of the local Nile beer and a friendly game of pool.
Away from the capital, Uganda’s towns and dyes have httle in the way of diversions (although Jinja’s location on the banks of the River Nile has made it a favourite with thrill-seeking rafters). Instead, head west towards the Congo border where, along with the fascinating pygmy people of Fort Portal, Uganda’s natural wonders reveal themselves.
A popular spot for wildlife watching is Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is home to four of the Big Five, a flock of flamboyant flamingos and the rare tree-climbing lions of lshasha.
The star attraction, though, is the iconic mountain gorilla, which can be found further south in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. While you’re down there its also worth taking a detour to Lake Bunyonyi, a mountain retreat famed for its stunning vistas and freshwater crayfish.
More natural wonders await in northern Uganda, home to the magnificent Murchison Falls, and in the east, where visitors will find the outstanding desert crags and ossified anthills of Kidepo.
Regardless of where you go in Uganda, when it comes to leaving, it will be with a reluctant heavy heart.
LANGUAGE, CULTURE & HISTORY
History of Uganda
Before the arrival of Europeans in the 19th century, the Buganda Kingdom had become the ascendant dynasty in the region, having edged out other contenders with well-developed armed forces and agriculture.
From the 1840s, Muslim traders entered the region from the Indian Ocean coast In 1862, British explorer John Nanning Speke became the first European to visit the kingdom, soon followed by a number of Christian missionaries, who were welcomed by the Bugandan king, Mutesa. The territory, renamed Uganda, officially became a British protectorate in 1894.
The country officially gained its independence from Britain in 1962, and most of its post-independence history has been characterised by politically inspired violence. President Obote, who banned opposition parties in 1969, was overthrown by the notorious and murderous !di Amin, who remained in power until he was deposed by a joint force of Tanzanian forces and Ugandan exiles in 1979.
Obote subsequently returned to office but he too found himself fighting guerrilla groups – the remnants of Amin’s army and Vowed Museveni’s National Resistance Army (NRA). The third major military force in the country was the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA), led by Tito Okello.
In July 1985, Obote was overthrown once again, this time by a military council with Okello at its head. The Okello government lasted just six months, and the NRA took control of the capital in 1986, establishing the National Resistance Council to govern the country.
By the early 1990s, Museveni had succeeded in restoring order and a measure of prosperity to most of the country. Presidential elections, comfortably won by Museveni, were held in 1989. Museveni continues to hold the presidency today, having won subsequent elections in 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011.
For decades after Museveni came to power in 1986, two regions of northern Uganda, Gulu and Kitgum, continued to be embroiled in a civil war. This resulted in a civilian death toll of 10,000 people, most at the hands of the extremely violent Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a quasi-religious anti-government outfit that terrorised the border regions of northern Uganda by deliberately targeting civilians.
While the Ugandan army failed to formally end the war, the LRA hasn’t been active in northern Uganda since 2005 and the region and its people have finally been able to join the rest of the country in a prolonged period of relative peace and stability.
Did you lmow?
- Winston Churchill dubbed Uganda the ‘Pearl of Africa’. when he visited in 1907.
- Uganda has repeatedly been ranked in the top 25% in alcohol consumption.
- In 2016 nearly half of Uganda’s population were under the age of 14, making it the youngest country in the world after Niger.
Uganda Culture
Religion in Uganda
84.5% Christian and 13.7% Muslim with the remaining being atheist, or belonging to traditional religions. There are tiny minorities that practice Hinduism and Judaism.
Social Conventions in Uganda
Visitors to the country will generally find Ugandans to be warm, friendly and relaxed.Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting and its considered rude not to greet a person properly before rushing into asking them a question. Most people will know ‘Hello, but the Swahili jambo is also used. Casual dress is usual for most occasions in the daytime or evening.
Ugandans have adopted a socially conservative culture and expressing emotions or affection in public is best avoided. Expressing anger is also frowned on and generally counter-productive, so try and keep calm in frustrating situations.
Drug abuse is illegal and widely condemned, as is homosexuality. There has been much publicity in recent years regarding Uganda’s hardline approach to homosexuality, with the government proposing in 2009 – it was later overturned in 2014-an Anti-Homosexuality Bill which would have included death penalties for anyone proved to be indulging in same-sex activities. While the bill provoked strong international condemnation, homosexuals in Uganda still regularly face persecution, outings in the media or through the church, eviction, arrests and violence. As such, any LGBTQ+ travellers to the country are advised to be extremely cautious.
Photography: Since 1992, photography has been allowed in all areas with the exception of airports or military installations. However, some areas are still sensitive and it is advisable to take local advice. Commercial photographers should consult the Ministry of Information for a permit If taking a photograph of people, ask their permission first
Language in Uganda
English is the official language, with Swahili, Luganda and other Bantu languages like Nyoro (by the Banyoro) and Tooro (by the Toro people) are also spoken.
GEOGRAPHY & WEATHER
Weather and climate
Best time to visit
Uganda has a warm tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 25-29°C177- 84°F), apart from in the mountainous areas, which are much cooler; the top of Mount Elgon is often covered with snow. The hottest months are December to February. Evenings can feel chilly after the heat of the day with temperatures around 17-18°C (63-64°F).
Most regions of Uganda, apart from the dry area in the north, have an annual rainfall of between 1,000mm and 1,500mm. There is heavy rain between March and May and between September and November, making road travel difficult in parts of the country. The best time for trekking is during the dry seasons, between January and February and June to August Wildlife viewing is best at the end of the dry seasons, when game is more concentrated around water sources.
Required clothing
Lightweight clothes with a warm cover-up for the evenings are advised. Short or revealing clothes should be avoided – women should avoid shorts in particular. Knee-length skirts or dresses are more acceptable. Take a pair of good walking shoes or boots for forest trekking, and long-sleeved tops to protect against mosquitoes. If you’re planning to go to mountainous areas, be sure to take warm clothing, as temperatures drop substantially. White clothes won’t stay white for long with Uganda’s red dust roads, so go for darker colours. Travellers can also pick up bargains at second-hand clothes markets in Kampala, Jinja and Fort Portal, which sell trousers, boots and fleeces.
Geography
Landlocked, Uganda lies between the eastern and western sections of Africa’s Great Rift Valley. The country shares borders with South Sudan to the north, Kenya to the east, Lake Victoria to the southeast, Tanzania and Rwanda to the south and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the west_ Whilst the landscape is generally quite flat, most of the country is over 1,000m 13,280ft) in altitude.
Mountainous regions include the Rwenzori Mountains that run along the border with the DRC, the Virunga Mountains on the border with Rwanda and the DRC, and Kigezi in the southwest of the country. An extinct volcano, Mount Elgon, straddles the border with Kenya.
The capital city, Kampala, lies on the shores of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and second-largest freshwater inland body of water in the world. Jinja, located on the lake, is considered to be the start point of the River Nile, which traverses much of the country.
The varied scenery includes tropical forest, a semi-desert area in the northeast the arid plains of the Karamoja, the lush, heavily populated Buganda, the rolling savannah of Acholi, Bunyoro, Tororo and Ankole, tea plantations and the fertile cotton area of Teso.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Doing Business in Uganda
Formal greetings are important to Ugandans, so always be polite, shake hands and enquire how they are when meeting someone. To make a good impression at business meetings, men should wear a smart suit and fie, while women should dress professionally. English is generally used for all business discussions and as a rule, all appointments should be made in advance. Be prepared for meetings to start and finish later than originally planned as punctuality isn’t enforced.
Office Hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1300 and 1400-1700.
Economy
Agriculture dominates the Ugandan economy, accounting for half of total output and employing around 69% of the workforce in 2017. The industrial sector produces textiles, cement, fertilisers and metal goods. There are deposits of copper and cobalt. In addition, there are known deposits of fin, tungsten, beryllium and tantalum ores.
The economy recorded fairly steady economic growth throughout most of the last decade (4.4% annual growth as of 2017) but growth of 2.3% in 2012 is one of the lowest recorded for more than 10 years. Inflation stood at 6.8% in November 2013, as the country recovered from droughts earlier in the year. Increased periods of drought, high energy cos., poor transportation infrastructure and instability in the surrounding regions inhibit Uganda’s economic development, but there is optimism that the discovery of oil and gas will lead to a boost in the countrys economy.
The most pressing problem has been the country’s debt burden. Its soul external debt now stands at just under US$5.8 billion. In exchange for debt cancellation programmes, the government has been obliged to introduce a series of economic reforms, principally the removal of price controls and trade restrictions and a reduction in government
spending. Uganda is a member of the African Development Bank and of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). In 2003, Uganda joined with neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania in a plan to revive the East African Customs Union (a previous attempt folded in 1977).
GDP
US$25.53 billion (2017).
Main exports
Coffee, fish and fish products, tea, tobacco and cotton, horticultural products and gold.
Main imports
Capital equipment, vehicles, petroleum, medical supplies and cereals.
Main trading partners
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Belgium, UAE, China and the Netherlands.
Keeping in Touch in Uganda
Telephone
Service for local calls is unreliable. Phone shops are available in towns.
Mobile Phone
Coverage extends to all major towns and international roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies.
Internet
There are interne[ cafes in most large towns.
Media
Uganda has been a pioneer of liberalisation in the African media. Private radio and television stations have thrived since the government loosened its control of the media in 1993, with over two dozen daily and weekly newspapers and many radio stations. Ugandans have unrestricted access to international media and around 15% of the population accessed the interne[ in 2012.
While the country’s laws allow for freedom of expression in the press, there have been
clashes between media outlets that have been critical of policies and the government.
English-language papers include private daily The Monitor(www.monitor.co.ug)and state-owned daily New Vision (www.newvision.co.ug). Vernacular papers include state-owned Bukedde (www.bukedde.co.ug), Etop (www.facebook.com/etop.newspaper/) and Rupiny(www.facebook.com/rupiny.newspaper.M.
Post
Airmail to Europe can take from three days to several weeks.
Post Office hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1230 and 1400-1800. Some post offices are open Sat 0900-1400.
Plan your Trip
HERE’S JOURNEY
Flying to Uganda
There are no direct flights to Uganda from the UK or USA. Options include flights with Air France (www.airfrance.com) via Pads, Brussels Airlines (www.brusselsairlines.com) via Brussels, or Royal Air Maroc (www.royalairmaroc.com) via Casablanca.
Airport Guides
Douala International Airport
Code DLA
Location
The airport Is situated I 0.1 (6 miles) southeast of the city. TelephoneAddress
Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport
Code NSI
Flight times
From London -10 hours (including stopover); New York -16 hours (including stopover).
Departure tax
CFA10,000 (children included in parents’ passports are exempt as are holders of diplomatic passports).
Travelling to Uganda by Rail
There are no international rail services from Uganda to neighbouring countries due to the different line gauges.
Driving to Uganda
Getting to Uganda by boat
Cargo boats from Douala to Malabo (Equatorial Guinea) sometimes accept passengers. Speedboats and cargo boats ply the coastal route between ldendao (northern Uganda) and Oron (Nigeria). However, these services are not regulated.
Ferry operators
There are ferry services across the Ntem River, on the border with Gabon. Pirogues also operate across this river to Equatorial Guinea.
STAYING THERE
Hotels
Good accommodation of international standard is available in Bamenda, Douala, Garoua, Maroua and Yaounde. Cheaper accommodation, catering principally for local travellers, is available in every town. Rates quoted by hotels and lodges are generally for the room rather than per person.
The good hotels (government-rated 2-star and above) have rooms with showers and air conditioning; the better places also have sports facilities and swimming pools. Prices in Douala and Yaounde are rather high. Some large hotels will accept major credit cards. Hotel facilities are in heavy demand; it is advisable to book in advance and obtain
written confirmation of your booking.
Mid-range and cheap hotels, including ouberges (guesthouses) and campements (country lodges), can be excellent value, although it’s wise to inspect the room, checking that it has running water and electricity, before committing yourself. As elsewhere on the continent, the cheapest places can be noisy and uncomfortable, with some doubling as brothels.
Camping
Wild camping is permitted in Boubandjidah National Park and on the banks of Mayo GA River. Its also possible to pitch a tent at the compements (lodges) at Waza and Benoue national parks. Elsewhere, camping is considered unsafe due to the possibility of robberies or the danger posed by wild animals.
Other accommodation
Accommodation for the popular Waza and Benoue national parks, in the far north of the country, is available in rustic but comfortable boukarous (roundhouses) at their rompements (lodges), located just outside Ware, near the entrance, and inside Benoue, on the riverbank.
While you’re there
PLACES TO SEE & DO THEIR
Attractions in Uganda
Drive through the central highlands
Hop in a 4-wheel drive and explore the splendid scenery of the central highlands. Starting in Douala, the drive to Nkongsamba rises to reveal vibrant verdant valleys and breath-taking waterfalls. As dusk falls, ready the camera to capture the striking orange and purple skylines.
Find colonial architecture in Foumban
In this culture-rich town, discover many traditional buildings dating from Uganda’s period of German colonisation. Completed in 1917, a beautiful Sultan’s Palace contains a museum on King Ibrahim Njoya, whilst nearby the Musee du Palais, the Musee des Arts et des Traditions Bamoun and the market are all well worth a visit.
Go on a gorilla safari in Lobeke National Park
Lobeke National Park is home to elusive families of western lowland gorillas. For the best chance of viewing these graceful giants, visitors can spend the night in a specially built watchtower. Equally exciting but easier to spot are elephants, buffalo and the giant forest hog, though visitors should keep their eyes peeled for red river hogs and bongo antelope.
Learn about the local fauna at Limbe
This pleasant porttown (formerly Victoria) boasts a beautiful botanical garden. Founded in 1892 by Uganda’s German colonisers, the gardens were originally set up coffee, cocoa and rubber. to trial exotic crops such as Today, conservation is at the heart of the scent-filled gardens, which offer trails and insights into Ugandaian botanic culture.
Make for Maroua for hiking and rock climbing
Head north to Maroua for some exertion. Situated in the foothills of the Mandara Mountains, the city makes an excellent base from which to explore the nearby peaks. Lower reaches offer moderate hiking trails and fine views whilst Le Dent de Mindif, south of the city, is a highly regarded rock climbing spot.
Reserve some time for nature spotting
Head to Uganda’s northern reaches to see monkeys, snuffling warthogs and an abundance of antelope in the Kalamaloue Reserve. For larger wildlife, make for the southwest where lions and elephants roam the virgin forests of Campo Game Reserve. Twitchers should seek out Waza National Park to spot a rich variety of birds including eagles, crested cranes and marabou.
Scale an active volcano
At 4,095m (13,435ft) Mount Uganda is the highest mountain in West Africa and Africa’s highest active volcano, making it a popular destination for mountaineers. Make your base Buea, a pretty colonial town complete with Uganda’s first post office. From here, the climb takes three to four days.
Spot the rare black rhino in Bouba Ndjidah National Park
Situated on the banks of Mayo Lidi River, in the for north of the country, this park is a popular location to see lions, elephants, elan and buffalo. Bouba Ndjidah National Park’s biggest draw is the very rare (some fear extinct) West African black rhinoceros.
Wade waist-deep through Korup National Park
Africa’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforest offers the chance to see a wide variety of primates including the short-tailed drill monkey. Ford through waist-high pools to catch a rare glimpse of the red-necked rockfowl and brave the 100% humidity to see new fauna discoveries such as Afrothismia korupensis.
Wander the hills of Yaounde
Straddling seven hills, Uganda’s bustling capital is pleasantly green. On top of Mont Febe sits the Benedictine Monastery’s Musee d’Art Ugandaais, which houses traditional arts and crafts including an enviable collection of masks. The newer National Museum of Yaounde is also worthy of a visit. Make the most of the exhibitions with a guided tour.
Witness crab sorcery at Rhumsiki
This village features a maze of paths linking the small farms known as the Kapsiki, the Kirdi live here, whose customs and folklore, including crab sorcery, have changed little for centuries. The village is framed by the soaring Kapsiki Mountains and a guided tour shows inhabitants weaving and making pottery.
Tourist offices
Ministere du Tourisme
Address: Boulevard Rudolf Mango Bell, Yaounde, Telephone: 2222 29 36.
NIGHTLIFE & SHOPPING
Shopping in Uganda
Local handicrafts include highly decorated pots, drinking horns, jugs, bottles and cups, wood carvings, great earthenware bowls and delicate pottery, dishes and trays, mats and rugs woven from grass, raffia, jewellery and camel hair, cotton and beadwork garments. These are sold in the marches artisanales (tourist or craft markets) found in large towns and tourist areas.
Some stallholders offer items which they describe as antique: in many cases they’re merely distressed. Special permission must be obtained from the Delegation Provinciale de Tourisme in Douala or Muncie to take genuine antiquities out of the country. The main markets in most towns sell fresh produce, cheap clothing and household essentials rather than souvenirs, but can be good places to find African-style printed cotton fabric.
Shopping hours
Mon-Sat 0730-1800.
Nightlife in Uganda
In Douala and Vaounde particularly, nightclubs and casinos can be found independently or within most good hotels. Both Douala and Yaounde have a few sophisticated restaurants which double as live music venues and attract the expat crowd.
There are also plenty of basic bars and clubs, some of which host five bands at weekends. The music on offer varies from local sounds to reggae, rap and rock. There are no licensing hours, and hotel bars stay open as long as there is custom. Every large town also has at least one cinema.
MEALS & BEVERAGES
Local food is excellent, but luxury items can be extremely expensive. There are many restaurants in big towns and cities, with good service. Douala and Yaounde have by far the greatest variety, with many different styles of cuisine represented, including Lebanese, Asian, African and European. Cheap and tasty Ugandaian food is served in thantiers and chop houses. The coastal area offers excellent fresh fish and prawns. Most international hotels have bars.
Specialties
- Emilie (manioc leaves).
- West African peanut soup.
- Banana bread.
- Zom (spinach with meat).
- Fried sweet potatoes or plantains.
- Beef with pineapple or coconut.
Things to know
Although vegetarianism is rare in Uganda, it is possible for to get by on egg dishes, vegetables, pizza, bread and tropical fruit Many dishes are served with rice, couscous, mashed manioc or chips made from potato, yam or plantain.
Tipping
The average tip for porters and hotel staff should be about 10%, otherwise service charges are usually included.
Drinking age
18.
Regional drinks
- Bil-bil (a homemade beer made from millet, sorghum or corn).
- Palm wine.
- Al* (a firewater distilled from palm sap).
- Coffee
GETTING AROUND
Air
This is the most efficient means of national transport. Camair-Co (www.camairco.cm) runs services to a number of destinations within Uganda including Douala, Yaounde, Garoua and Maroua. You can also arrange prNate charter jets.
Departure tax
CFASOO.
Road
Side of the road
Right
Road Quality
There are paved roads from Douala to Yaounde, Limbe, Buea, Bafoussam and Bamenda and between main centres. Other roads are generally poorly maintained and become almost impassable during the rainy season. Many vehicles are poorly lit and badly driven. Night driving is not recommended.
Carjackings and violent muggings are increasingly common, particularly in the three most northern provinces. Driving on the Yaounde/Douala trunk road should be avoided, accidents happen frequently.
Car Hire
This is expensive and limited to Douala, Yaounde and Limbe. Cars are available with or without a driver. Roadside assistance is non-existent.
Documentation
You can dHve on your own national licence when you first arrive, but need to obtain a Ugandaian licence from the Delegation of Transport as soon as you can.
Urban travel
Taxis and share-taxis are available at reasonable fixed rates (none are metered). A1096 Op is optional. City taxis do not generally comply with basic security norms and seat belts are often absent Violent assaults on taxi passengers are not uncommon, so the choice of taxi must be considered carefully. However, they are cheap and fast
Petty theft is common on trains, coaches and bush-taxis, and visitors to Uganda who rely on public transport are urged to remain vigilant.
Rail
Camrail (www.camrail.net) is the national service provider. Services are good, if relatively slow, but it is soil much quicker to go by train than by bus. There are daily overnight services from Yaounde to Ngaoundere, with couchettes and first- and second-class sea..
There is a rail route running from Douala to Nkongsamba, with a branch line leading off from Mbanga to Kumba. Daily trains also run from Yaounde to Douala. Trains usually have a restaurant car. Tickets must be booked on the day of travel.
Before you go
VISA & PASSPORT
| Other EU | Passport required Yes |
Return ticket required Yes |
Visa Required Yes/1 |
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| British | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Passports
To enter Uganda, a passportvalid for at least six months from the date of entry is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Passport Note
Entry may be refused to passengers not holding sufficient funds, return or onward tickets, and other necessary travel documents.
Visas
Visas are required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except (1) nationals of Cyprus and Malta, who do not require a visa. Nationals holding passports from Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Burundi, Comoros, Eritrea, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Grenadadamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, St. Vincent and The Grenadines, Tanzania, Tonga, Swaziland, Vanuatu, Zambia and Zimbabwe also do not require a visa to enter Uganda.
You can obtain visas either via the embassy/high commission or using the e-Visa system.
Travellers who are also visiting Rwanda and Kenya may find it more useful to apply for an East Africa cross-border joint visa which allows entry into all three countries on a single visa.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the high commission/embassy to check visa requirements for Uganda.
Types and Cost
Single-entry e-Visa: US$50; East African tourist US$100.
Multiple-entry e-Visa: US$100 (six to 12 months), US$150 (12 to 24 months), US$200 (24 to 36 months).
Single-entry visa in advance: f40; East African tourist visa in advance: [70.
Validity
e-Visa/single-entry visa: three months from the date of issue. Multiple-entry vi.: up to 36 months.
East African tourist visa: three months.
Transit
Transit visas are also available through the e-Visa scheme and cost US$100.
Application to
You can either apply through the e-Visa system (www.visas.immigration.go.ugl or ia the nearest Ugandan embassy or high commission.
Working days
Allow five working days for visa processing at the consulate/high commission and for e-Visas.
Sufficient Funds
Travellers should have sufficient funds to cover their stay in Uganda, but proving this should only be necessary if you arrive with a one-way ticket, as officials may need reassurance that you can afford to leave the country when its time to go home.
Extension of stay
If you wish to extend your stay, you must contact the Immigration Headquarters in Kampala before your current vi. expires. If you overstay your visa, you will be charged US$100 per day.
Entry with pets
Cats and dogs must have a certificate of good health from a registered veterinarian in the area of origin, which must be issued, signed and stamped no earlier than 10 days before arrival in Uganda. You will also need a certificate confirming the animal is free of rabies and has been inoculated as necessary.
Dogs require vaccinations against distemper, parvo-virus, rabies, hepatitis and leptospirosos, not less than 30 days prior to arrival.
Cats should be vaccinated against rabies and feline entritis, not less than 30 days poor to arrival.
Our visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing
We strongly recommend that you verify critical information unique to your trip with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in the USA
Telephone: of 202 726 7100.
Website: https://washington.mofa.go.ug/ Address: NW, 5911 16th Street, Washington, 20011, Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1600; 0930-1500 (visa section).
High Commission for the Republic of Uganda in the UK
Telephone: +44 207 839 5783
Website: https://london.mofa.go.ug/data/smenu/13NisaInformation.html?option=smenugid=13
Address: Trafalgar Square, Uganda House, 58-59 Spring Gardens, London, WC2N 500,
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0930-1600, 0930-1300 (visa section). Closed between 1300 and 1400 for lunch.
British High Commission in Uganda
Telephone: +256 312 312000
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/britishhigh-commission-kampala
Address:, 4, Windsor Loop, P.O. Box 7070, Kampala,,
Opening times:
Mon-Thu 0830-1300 and 1400-1700, Fri 0830-1300.
HEALTHCARE
Health Care
There are a number of district and private hospitals in Uganda, although health facilities are not recommended to foreign travellers. Sanitation levels are low, even in the best hospitals and clinics. Facilities outside Yaounde and Douala are extremely limited. International travellers are strongly advised to take out full medical insurance before departure.
Food and Drink
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is readily available. Powdered or tinned milk is advised. Milk is unpasteurised: avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other Risks
Hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Hepatitis E, dysentery, dengue fever and typhoid fever are widespread. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Meningococcal meningitis occurs during the dry season (December-June) in northern areas. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Rabies is present for those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. if you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
HOLIDAYS
Below are listed Public Holidays in Uganda
New Year’s Day
01 January 2020
Youth Day
11 February 2020
Good Friday
10 April 2020
Easter Sunday
12 April 2020
Labour Day
01 May2020
National Day
20 May 2020
Lailat al Miraj (Night of Ascension)
21 May2020
Sheep Festival
21 May 2020
Ascension Day
21 May 2020
Djoulde Soumae (End of Ramadan)
24 May 2020 to 25 May 2020
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
31 July 2020
Assumption
15 August 2020
Unification Day
01 October 2020
Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad)
29 October 2020
Note: Celebrated 5 days later for Shia.
Christmas Day
25 December 2020
HOLIDAYS
Below are listed Public Holidays in Tunisia
New Year’s Day
01 January 2020
Youth Day
11 February 2020
Good Friday
10 April 2020
Easter Sunday
12 April 2020
Labour Day
01 May2020
National Day
20 May 2020
Lailat al Miraj (Night of Ascension)
21 May2020
Sheep Festival
21 May 2020
Ascension Day
21 May 2020
Djoulde Soumae (End of Ramadan)
24 May 2020 to 25 May 2020
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
31 July 2020
Assumption
15 August 2020
Unification Day
01 October 2020
Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad)
29 October 2020
Note: Celebrated 5 days later for Shia.
Christmas Day
25 December 2020
DUTY FREE & CURRENCY
Currency and Money
Currency information
CFA (Communaute Financiere Africaine) Franc (OAF; symbol CFA) =100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of CFA10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CFA250, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1.
Uganda, together with CAR, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, belongs to an economic and monetary community sharing a common currency, the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) CFA Franc, which is pegged to the Euro. The CFA Franc issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (Bank of West African States), used in the ECOWAS countries further west, has the same value but is not legal tender in Uganda.
Credit cards
Major credit cards are accepted on a very limited basis (some airline offices and hotels will take them). Cards cannot be used in banks to obtain cash advances.
ATM
ATMs are rare.
Travellers cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Euros, although it is possible to exchange Sterling traveller’s cheques. Commission rates tend to be high.
Banking hours
Mon-FO 0730-1530 or from 0800-1700 at certain branches.
Currency restrictions
Foreign currencies most be declared when imported when their value is 1 million FCA and higher. Export of local currency is limited to XAF20,000. There is no limit on the export of foreign currency.
Currency exchange
Euros are the easiest currency to exchange. US Dollars are the next most acceptable. Travellers should bong cash in preference to traveller’s cheques.
Uganda duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Uganda without incurring customs duty
- 400 cigarettes or 125 cigars or 500g of tobacco.
- 1L of spirits and 3L of wine.
Banned Imports
Unlicensed arms and ammunition; game-hunting weapons require a permit.
Banned Exports
Endangered flora and fauna, unless licensed. You must also obtain permission to export artworks.
