FACTS
Area: 236,580 sq km
Population: proximally 24,5 million
lake Victoria and the Nile River together create one of the best-watered areas of Africa
The highest peak is Mt. Stanley (5109) in the Rwenzori Mountains
CLIMATE
As most of Uganda is at fairly constant altitude, with mountains only in the east (Mt. Elgon),
west (the Rwenzori Mountains) the bulk of the country is tropical, with temperatures averaging
about 26c during days and 16c at night. The hottest months are December to februari with
temperatures up to 30c. The highlands can be considerably cooler at night. The rainy seasons
are generally from April to May and October to November.
PEOPLE
Lake Kyoga forms the northern boundary for the Bantu-speaking peoples, who dominate much of east,
central and southern Africa and, in Uganda, include the Buganda, and several other tribes like
Busoga, and Bagishu. In the north live the Langi (near Lake Kyoga) and the Acholi (towards the
Sudanese border), who speak Nilotic languages. Pygmies live in the forests of the west.
The official language is English.
MONEY TIPS
Despite what is being claimed in some guide books, credit cards are not widely accepted, and where they
can be used, mainly with the larger hotels and tour companies, hefty surcharges are common.
Barclays bank offers cash advantages against VISA cards, as does Standart Chartered through its
network of ATMs. Foreign debit and charge cards can not be used.
The Ugandan shilling is generally quite stable against the US Dollar, though overall the trend
is downwards. Dollar cash is the most welcome foreign curency. Other major currencies, like Euros
and Sterling, are far less welcome. Paying with Dollars can also lead to some frustration.
Notes dated prior to 2000 are turned away. Also, bizarrely, notes smaller than 50$ attract a
far lower exchange rate, especially outside of Kampala. Currency should be changed in the capital
where possible, as rates elsewhere often amount to day-light robbery.
If tempted to change money at the borders, beware of con-men.
if you are in doubt, or feel intimidated, walk away.
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