GEOGRAPHY
Uganda, so aptly named the Pearl of Africa is located
in Eatsern Africa, within two branches of the Great Rift
Valley. Rich in biodievrsity, inhabitated by a warm people,
the country shares borders with Sudan to the north, Kenya
to the east, Tanzania to its south, Democratic Republic
of Congo to the west, and Rwanda to the South West. Part
of its southern border surrounds the northern shores of
Lake Victoria. Its altitude (excluding the Rwenzori and
Elgon mountains), is between 900 and 1500 meters with
an average height of 1000 above sea level.
CLIMATE
The country enjoys steady (and pleasant) temperatures
all year round with temperatures between 20 and 27 degrees
by day, owing to its position along the equator. Night
temperatures vary between 15 and 19 degrees. The country
enjoys two rain seasons- around mid-year and towards
the end of the year.
POLITICS
Uganda is an independent republic that only recently
returned to a multiparty system of governance after
a constitutional amendment in 2005 caused a change from
the Movement system of government that had been in practice
since 1986. The president is the head of state and the
chief of the military forces. He heads an Executive
that is complemented by the Judiciary and Parliament.
The basic unit of administration is the Local Council,
headed by a chairperson. Local Councils go up from Level
1 to 5, which is the district level. There are 76 districts
in Uganda, and every district has an elected chairman.
ECONOMY
Uganda has a fully liberalized economy with an average
annual growth of 5-6% over the last two decades. About
85% of the population derives its livelihood from agriculture-
mostly subsistence in nature. A few more Ugandans are
gainfully employed in the services and manufacturing
industries. Tourism is also a significant contributor
to the country's economy, as is the export of agricultural
produce. Mining is not as significant an industry asit
is in some neighbouring countries, but that should change
after the recent discovery of commercially viable deposits
of oil in western Uganda.
SOCIAL STRUCTURE
According to estimates, Uganda's population stands at
about 28 million, with a growth rate of 4%- one of the
highest in the world. The majority of the population
is rural-based. The country boasts over 40 tribes spread
out in over 70 districts. English is the official language,
although Luganda is the most widely spoken local language.
Kiswahili is also commonly used in eastern and northern
parts of Uganda. At least 80% of Ugandans are professed
Christians, with 16% are Muslims. About 4% are traditionalists,
although it is not unusual to find locals who subscribe
to both Christian and traditional ways of worship.
SECURITY
Uganda has enjoyed relative calm for the last twenty
years, except for Northern Uganda, which has been ravaged
by the Lord's Resistance Army rebels since 1987. However,
negotiations for a peaceful resolution of this conflict
have been on-going since mid-2006, and a return to peace
is not far off.
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