Uganda faces numerous significant social challenges which AFFCAD is working to address. However, it is also a country of remarkable cultural diversity and natural beauty.
Below are ten interesting facts about Uganda, shedding light on its geography, economy, people, culture, and heritage.
Location and Borders
Uganda borders Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo , and South Sudan. Covering an area of approximately 240,000 square kilometers, Uganda is situated right in the heart of Africa.
Ethnic Diversity in Uganda
The country homes over 57 different tribes and nine ethnic groups. Among them, the Bantu, Nilotics, Nilo Hamites, and Hamites are the largest tribes, each contributing to the cultural tapestry of Uganda.
Uganda Language
While English and Swahili serve as the official languages, more than 41 other living languages are spoken across the country, reflecting its rich linguistic heritage and diversity.
Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world, part of it lies within Uganda. This ancient lake is approximately 400,000 years old and the source the Nile, which is considered the longest river in the world. It is known by several indigenous names, including Nalubaale, Lolwe, and Nyanza.
Capital City of Uganda
Kampala, the vibrant capital city of Uganda is a bustling metropolis that is home to around 3.5 million people. Kampala is holds also various nicknames including the “City that Never Sleeps,” the “Happy City,” and the “City of Seven Hills”.
Religious Diversity in Uganda
Uganda upholds religious freedom, with no official state religion. According to the 2014 census, approximately 80% of Uganda’s population identifies as Christian, with Roman Catholics and Anglicans being the two largest Christian denominations. The remaining 20% consists of Muslims and other smaller religious groups.
Traditional Cuisine of Uganda
Uganda’s unofficial nickname is “Matooke Republic,” reflecting the popularity of Matooke, a dish made by harvesting green bananas, peeling them, cooking, and mashing them.
Young Population of Uganda
Uganda’s current population is around 45 million, and the country is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa. Notably, 77% of Uganda’s population is under the age of 25, making it the youngest population in the world. As of 2020, the average age in Uganda is 16.7, in stark contrast to 40.4 in the United Kingdom. Uganda also has a relatively high birth rate, with an average of 4.7 births per woman in 2020, compared to 1.56 in the UK.
Uganda Currency
The official currency of Uganda is the Ugandan shilling (UGX). While the shilling is widely used in everyday transactions, US dollars are also acceptable, especially in trade and tourism.
Wildlife and Conservation in Uganda
Another interesting fact about Uganda is that the country is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists. Uganda is home to the remaining population of approximately 900 mountain gorillas, found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. In addition, Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda is renowned for its unique tree-climbing lions, which have adapted to escape the heat and avoid insect bites.
