INTRODUCTION TO UGANDA

[Click Here to see a map of Uganda]

Uganda, known as “The Pearl of Africa”, boasts some of the most breath-taking scenery in Africa. Uganda became independent in 1962, the country is small and compact, but well endowed with substantial resources and a favourable climate.

The country enjoys a prosperous agricultural economy based on cotton, tobacco, coffee, tea, sugar and a variety of food crops.

Kenya’s neighbour to the north – west and Tanzania’s neighbour to the north, Uganda is making a fast recovery from 30 years of Civil War, under the leadership of President Museveni.

Dictator, Idi Amin seized power by means of a military coup in 1971. He ruled with absolute terror, leading the country into complete dis-array.

In 1976 Amin suffered his first blow, when the Israelis stormed Entebbe Airport with impunity and rescued some Palestinian held hostages. The raid deflated Amin and punctured his ego and demonstrated that his regime was not as invincible as people thought. As Amin became more and more insane and unpopular small groups of anti-Amin militia started to form and arm themselves. Finally a military offensive by these groups overthrew Amin in 1979.

With the political arena in confusion and the high expectation of the people, Uganda went through various transitional stages under various presidents, none of which made any real breakthrough in restoring political stability and economic growth. Then on 29 January 1986, President Yoweri Museveni was sworn in. He had the vision and ability to turn it all around. He continues to lead Uganda into the next millenium.

Uganda’s economy is now recovering well, economic growth is 6.5% per annum and the inflation rate is down from 250% to 6%. Tourism is also on the increase, with nearly 200,000 visitors last year.

The most famous attraction for tourists is the “Bwindi Impenetrable National Park”, home to half of the world’s population of the incredible, elusive and treasured Gorilla. However, this is by no means the only tourist attraction, to mention but a few:

• Murchison Falls National Park: An oasis for wildlife in the African bush, with the river Nile flowing through the middle, and the spectacular falls plunging hundreds of feet through a narrow gorge.(see map)
  
  
• Queen Elizabeth National Park: In the western area of the Great East African Rift Valley. It is bordered on one side by Lake Edward, and on the other by Lake George, these are joined by the Kazinga Channel. A boat trip along the channel provides a memorable method of game viewing. The park covers 2000 square kilometers and includes a remarkable variety of eco-systems and an abundance of wildlife.(see map)
  
  
• Lake Victoria: Lake Victoria is the second largest fresh water lake in the world. It is also the source of the river Nile. There is actually a monument near Jinja showing the place where the explorer Speke found the source of the Nile. It is from here that the river starts it’s 6,400 Kilometer. Journey through Sudan and Egypt to the Mediterranean. There are many little homestays and resorts on the side of the Lake and on small islands in the Lake.