Country Information on Uganda

Terrain Uganda is mainly a plateau, with an average altitude of 1,000 m above sea level. Diversity is characteristic of the country's terrain. The land varies from the plateau region in the north-west to semi-desert in the north-east, extensive rainforests and marshlands in the south, and mountains in the extreme east. The Ruwenzori Mountains in the south-west include the country's highest elevation, Margherita Peak (5,109 m). Climate Owing to its altitude Uganda has a mild and temperate climate. The hottest months are from December to February, when temperatures reach a maximum of 29°C. The rainy seasons in the south are from April to May and October to November, the wettest month being April. In the north the wet season is from April to October. Fauna/Flora The national parks and wildlife reserves are generally in good shape, and conditions are ideal for Uganda's 992 bird and 338 mammal species. The highest density of primates in the world live in Kibale National Park, while Bwindi National Park is one of the last remaining habitats of the mountain gorillas. The plains provide a suitable habitat for rhinoceroses, elephants, lions, and leopards. About 25% of Uganda's land is fertile, with a highly diverse flora comprising mvuli trees, dry thorn shrubs, papyrus, lianas and parasite plants. History/Politics In Uganda archaeological evidence of urban civilizations of Bantu and Nilotic origin dates back to the 10th century AD. These Bantu and Nilotic tribes merged to found the Bunyoro Kingdom. Between the 17th and 18th centuries, some groups subject to Bunyoro rule established the breakaway kingdoms of Buganda, Busole, and Ankole. The fight for hegemony was inevitable and by the 19th century, Bunyoro (having to put up with the secession of the future Kingdom of Toro, too) had to cede power to the Buganda Kingdom. Given its powerful army and stable society with its solid economy based on livestock breeding, Buganda was in a position to maintain its regional autonomy throughout the 19th century. British explorer Henry M. Stanley came to the area in 1875 and immediately informed the British Crown of the tremendous advance of Islam in the region and the interest of King Mutesa I to invite European missionaries. These missionaries (both Catholic and Protestant) soon arrived and ended up dividing the court into fractions that would serve European interests. By the late 1890s, the territory had finally become a British protectorate. The colonial administrators adopted a policy of indirect rule based on a centralized umbrella administrational system for the federation of kingdoms, which were given considerable autonomy. The new colonial order imposed by the British gave way to a series of changes in the local political and economic structure. However, the first independence movements would only become active as late as the 1950s. Uganda became independent in 1962. Mutesa II of the Buganda tribe was appointed king, Milton Obote became prime minister. Obote dethroned and exiled the king in 1966, abolished the monarchy, proclaimed a new constitution and declared himself first president of the republic. Economic crisis in Uganda led to a military coup in 1971 where Idi Amin Dada (who installed a military dictatorship and declared himself president for life) toppled Obote. Uganda's economy, however, suffered a major setback under his leadership; political terror resulted in the expulsion of 70,000 Asians and claimed 300,000 Ugandan lives. In late 1978 he went to war with Tanzania. However, Tanzanian forces and Ugandan opposition groups toppled Idi Amin and forced him to leave the country. Obote was re-elected president in 1980 but was toppled by opposition guerrillas in 1986. He was followed by Yoweri Musaweni (after a few months of armed conflict) who was confirmed in office in 1996 and 2001 elections. Economy Uganda has substantial natural resources, including fertile soils and sizeable mineral deposits of copper and cobalt. Agriculture is the most important sector of the economy, employing over 80% of the work force. Coffee is the major export crop and accounts for the major part of export revenues. Other important exports are sugar, cotton, tea, textiles, and tobacco. Mining and manufacturing are less important, the most important industry being the processing of agricultural products. Culture Each tribe has its musical history; songs are passed down from generation to generation. Ndigindi (lyre), entongoli (harp), amadinda (xylophone) and lukeme (thumb piano) are commonly played instruments. An Acholi, Okot p'Bitek (1931-1982), was one of Uganda's most famous poets. His book "Song of Lawino" (1966) was written in the style of traditional tribal lyrics.