Uganda

Uganda is slightly smaller than Oregon State in the USA, with a total area of 236,040 sq km, bordered by Kenya in the East and Tanzania in the South all in the EA Community. To the West and North, she is bordered by DR Congo and Sudan respectively, making it a landlocked country. It lies at 1 00 N, 32 00 E. The country, however, is well watered and fertile. Although it lies at the Equator, it receives about three rainy seasons a year, with Lake Victoria, The Nile, the loads of forests and the Rwenzori mountains determining much of the climate. In forest ecosystems it rains regularly and weather is unpredictable. Water covers 36,330 sq km, about 15% of Ugandas area. The country is rich in wildlife, game, birds, and a vast culture of over 50 tribes occupying this beautiful, green country.

Uganda achieved independence from the UK in 1962. It went through turbulent years under the dictatorial regime of Idi AMIN (1971-79), and the guerrilla war under Milton OBOTE (1980-85). From the late 1980s, the new National Resistance Movement government led by President Yoweri MUSEVENI brought about peace, prosperity and many investors have accepted to participate in the countrys reconstruction. In Uganda alone a birder will enjoy twelve percent of bird species in the world; a tracker will find half of the worlds gorillas; an explorer will have an opportunity to see more than 7% of the worlds mammals. For the discerning traveller the potential for Ecotourism here is enormous, and the discreet have tapped into it.