General Information
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Overview
Uganda is a landlocked independent republic with a democratic government which lies between the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) and Kenya and forms part of the East African Region. The capital city is Kampala. Other major towns are Jinja, Mbale, and Masaka.
The official language is English but Swahili is widely spoken. The local currency is the New Uganda shilling. (US$ / Ush – current exchange rate).
The international time zone for Uganda is Greenwich +1. The international dialling code is +256. The only international airport in Uganda is at Entebbe, 35 km from Kampala, and the principal airline which flies there is Sabena. As at June 1995 all nationals require visas in order to visit Uganda. Visas are valid for one month and may be extended to a maximum of 6 months.
Malaria, tuberculosis, cholera, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, yellow fever (regional) and schistosomiasis (bilharzia) may be contracted while travelling in Uganda. Travellers should be aware that advance payment for medical services might be required. Prescription medicines should be carried in their original containers together with the prescription. Vaccinations should be obtained before entering Uganda. It is advisable to take syringes and needles when travelling to Uganda. It is difficult to obtain mosquito repellent and contact lens solution in Uganda. Only bottled water is safe for drinking.
Economy
Uganda has been one of Africas recent success stories with its groundbreaking accomplishments against HIV/AIDS and reports of robust economic growth. This economic success has been as a result of the implementation of economic reforms. Despite this, private investment has to be increased in order to ensure continued economic growth. In 2001 the country had foreign direct investments totaling US$144.7 million.
New monetary and exchange rate policy operating procedures were implemented in 2002 and have facilitated sterilisation operations and resulted in a reduction in volatility in interest and exchange rate movements.
The privatisation of the Uganda Commercial Bank in 2002 and its consequent merger with an international bank contributed to the continual strengthening of the countrys banking sector. Measurements concerning bank supervision have also been strengthened. Inflation rates in 2001 were exceptionally low with an average rate of 2%.
Agriculture is one of the countrys main industry sectors, employing 80% of Uganda’s workforce, and made up 31.4% of the countrys GDP in 2002 that totaled US$5.9 billion. The main agricultural crops that are cultivated are cassava, sweet potatoes, plantains, millet, sorghum, corn and pulses. Industry and services made up 22.7% and 45.9% of GDP respectively.
The main industry sectors in the country are mostly agro-processing oriented, made up mostly of fish processing, sugar, tea, cooking oil, dairy processing, breweries and soft drinks. The manufacturing of textiles, paper products, as well as, tobacco processing also take place.
International Trade
The main export commodities include animal feed, cereals, copper, cotton, dairy products, fish, hides and skins, nuts and tea and coffee.
The main import commodities include chemical products, clothing, machinery metal & metal products, various petroleum products and pharmaceuticals.
The Bank of Uganda administers exchange control on behalf of the Minister of Finance and private sector importers may purchase foreign exchange in the inter-bank market or in foreign exchange burcaus to pay for imports without restriction.
Uganda utilises the “Harmonised System” of customs tariffs.
As of 2005, Uganda’s main trading partners have been Kenya, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, India, China, United Kingdom and the United States.
Memberships (24)
African Development Bank, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, Islamic Development Bank, International Finance Corporation, International Monetary Fund, African Union, The World Bank Group, Tanzania Electricity Supply Commission, United Nations, Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency ::[ View All ]
Exchanges (1)
Uganda Securities Exchange
Event Venues (3)
Bebe’s Seafood and Grill Restaurant, Kampala Serena Hotel, Kampala Sheraton Hotel
Facilities (15)
Block 1 – Uganda, Block 2 – Uganda, Block 3 – Uganda, Block 3A – Uganda, EA1,4, EA2, EA4, Kasese, Kilembe, Kiyara, Kwikwash Launderette, MBARARA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Namekara, Nyanga, Owens Falls
Travel Facilities
| Accommodation (93): | Prestige Apartments, Bebe’s Seafood and Grill Restaurant, Forest Close, Hotel Safari – Safari Court Hotel & Conference Centre, Sangalo Beach, Sun Rise, Town Lodge Tororo, Uganda Lodge, 3 Steps Inn, Acacia Apartments, Acholi Inn, Agip Motel, Ainsworth Hotel, Backpackers, Blacklines House |
| Attractions (46): | Tororo Rock, Ajai Game Reserve, Bokoro Game Reserve, Botanical Gardens, Bugungu Game Reserve, Bwindi National Park, Hindu Temple, Karuma Game Reserve, Kasagala Nature Reserve, Kasubi Tombs, Katonga Game Reserve, Kibale National Forest Park, Kibuli Mosque, Kidepo Valley National Park, Kigezi Game Reserve |
| Restaurants (5): | Bebe’s Seafood and Grill Restaurant, TLT Restaurant, 2 Friends Restaurant Bar & Catering, 4 Turkeys Pub, China Garden Restaurant |
| Transport related (14): | Arua Airport, Entebbe Airport, Gulu Airport, Jinja Airport, Kabalega Falls Airport, Kasese Airport, Lira, Masindi Airport, Mbarara Airport, Moroto, Moyo Airport, Pakuba Airport, Soroti Airport, Tororo Airport |
