Uganda Travel Tips

Geography: Uganda is landlocked with population of 40 million people and an area of 93,065 sq km (land: 76,101 sq km, water 16,965 sq km and its capital city is Kampala.

Languages: The official language is English, although Uganda has a lot of languages Luganda and Swahili are widely spoken too.

Currency: The Shilling (UGX

Emergency Services: As in all major cities, visitors should be aware of their personal safety. To avoid pick-pocketing, keep bags closed and never leave them unattended. For serious emergencies, call police, ambulance
Ambulance: Call +256 772 217218/+256 772 349990 Police: call 112/999

Safety & Health: Kampala is generally a safe place. As in all world cities, beware of petty theft. It is always advisable to use the safe box in your hotel. Do not drink water that has not been boiled. Use bottled water which is available.

Tipping: You won’t be expected to tip in Uganda. Bargaining is the norm when buying things from a market, street stall or craft shop, but giving a tip is recommended for good service in restaurants and hotels. Tour guides and taxi drivers will also happily accept tips.

Borders: 2,698 km (Democratic Republic of Congo 765 km, Kenya 933 km, Rwanda 169 km, Sudan 435 km, Tanzania 396 km) or 1,676 miles.

Banking Hours: Mon to Fri 8.30 am to 6.00 pm; sat 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.

Business Hours: Mon to Fri 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.

Climate: Tropical. Rainy seasons, March to May, and September to November; dry seasons, December to February and mid-June to mid-August. Mean annual temperatures range from about 16oC (61oF) in the southwestern highlands to 25oC (77oF) in the northwest; but in the northeast, temperatures exceed 30oC (86oF) about 254 days per year.

Elevations: Highest point Margherita peak on Mount Stanley at 5,110 metres.

Ethnic Groups: Buganda, Iteso, Basoga, Banyarwanda, Bakiga, Lango, Acholi, Lugbara, Banyoro, Batoro, Karamojong and European.

Electricity: 240 volts AC 50 Hz. Square-pin plugs mostly used.

International Dialing Code: +256 TIME: GMT +3.

Religions: Christian 84 per cent, Muslim 12 per cent, other 1 per cent, none 0.7 per cent (2002 census).

Topography: The greater part of Uganda consists of a plateau. Along the western border are the Rwenzori Mountains. The eastern frontier is dominated by Mount Elgon, while the eastern frontier is dominated by Mont Elgon, while the Western Rift Valley runs from north to south through the western

Public Holidays: 1 January, 26 January (Liberation Day), 8 March (International Women’s Day), Good Friday, Easter Monday, 1 May (Labour Day), 3 June (Martyrs’ Day), 9 June (National Heroes’ Day), 30 August (Eid al-Fitr/End of Ramadan), 9 October (Independence Day), 6 November (Eid al-Adha/Feast of the Sacrifice) 25 December (Christmas Day), 26 December (Boxing Day).half of the country.