Information About Uganda

Location:

• Uganda is a landlocked country located in East Africa, bordered by Kenya to the East, Democratic Republic of Congo to the West, Rwanda to the South West, Tanzania to the South and to the North by South Sudan.

Pearl of Africa:

• Uganda is also known as the Pearl of Africa (Name given by Winston Churchill) for its good weather, evergreen environment, and hospitable people. It has access to the 3rd Largest Freshwater lake in the world called Lake Victoria and it is also the source of the world's longest river, The River Nile.

Capital City:

• Kampala

Airport:

• Entebbe (Approx. 20 miles from Kampala)

Population:

• Uganda has a population of about 41 million people with an annual population growth rate of 3.5% and a projected working population of about 16.36 million (14-64 years) (Uganda Bureau of Statistics, December 2007, publication).

Education:

• Uganda has a highly educated workforce except for some high-skilled individuals that would need to be sourced out of Uganda.

• The stable annual economic growth average rate is at about 7.7% since the year 2000, making Uganda the fastest-growing Economy in East Africa.
• Ranked the 4th Freest Economy in Sub-Saharan Africa by the 2009 Index of Economic Freedom.
• Government Fiscal Year: 1 July - 30 June.
• No restriction on foreign exchange remittances.

Official Language:

• English

Climate:

• Average temperature ranges from 19 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Local Currency:

• Uganda Shilling

Banking Sector:

• Uganda has a fully-fledged banking sector that is monitored by the Bank of Uganda. There are many local and multinational banks operating in Uganda such as Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Barclays Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, and Citi Bank, but to mention a few.

Free Trade Membership:

• Uganda is a member of the East African Community (EAC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

Political Instability:

• Uganda is a politically stable country.

Diseases in Uganda:

• Any visitor traveling to Uganda should note that it is advisable to take precaution against malaria.

General Information:

• Some of the Social Community Associations/Organizations include:
  • The Indian Association of Uganda - www.indianassociationuganda.org.ug
  • International Women's Organization - iwokampala.org
  • Rotary Clubs
  • Uganda Red Cross Society

• International Schools:
  • Aga Khan Primary and Secondary School (British Cambridge and IB)
  • Delhi Public School (CBSE-Indian curriculum)
  • Indian International School (CBSE-Indian Curriculum)
  • Kabira International School (British Cambridge)
  • International School of Uganda (American)
  • Kabojja International Uganda (British Cambridge)

• Medical Centers:
  • Norvik Hospital
  • The Surgery
  • International Hospital Kampala
  • Nakasero Hospital
  • Nsambya Hospital

• Tourist Attractions:
  • Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Murchison Falls National Park
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Sipi Falls
  • Rwenzori Mountains (Also referred to as Mountains of the Moon)
  • Source of the River Nile
  • White Water Rafting

Food and Restaurants:

• There are all types of foodstuff available locally, and there are many restaurants that cater to different cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Italian.

Population of Indians in Uganda:

• The present population of Indians in Uganda is approximately 25,000.

Security:

• Day-to-day security-wise, Uganda is safe.

Airline Connections:

• There are many airlines flying in and out of Uganda such as British Airways, Emirates, KLM, Qatar, Kenya Airways, SN Brussels, Air Uganda, and Ethiopian, but to mention a few.