UGANDA
About Uganda, On the East African plateau between the East and Western sections of Africa’s Great Rift valley, west of Kenya, north east of Rwanda and Burundi, north of Tanzania. South of Southern Sudan and East of the Democratic Republic of Congo lies the prominent pearl of Africa, Uganda. A country endowed with incredible beauty and a staggering history discovered in the 1800s by British explorers. Who were in search of the source of the great Nile river one of Uganda’s treasured gems.
History of Uganda
No longer a protectorate, Uganda obtained independence in 1962 from the clutches of the British empire followed by a string of presidents. Accompanied by numerous wars and a devastating 8 yearlong military dictatorship led by “ His excellence, president for life, field marshal, Al hajji Idi Amin Dada, VC, DSO. MC lord of the beast of the earth and fishes of the sea and conqueror of the British empire. “. The country has since emerged prosperous under the firm rule of His excellence Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Who has stamped out almost all political insurgence after the infamous bush war.
Culture
Procuring its name from the majestic Buganda Kingdom which also covers a larger section of Kampala metropolitan area. Uganda boasts of over 56 tribes with kingdoms almost in all regions characterized by colorful traditions and cultures evidenced in their dressing, daily activities and entertainment. Although the Buganda Kingdom is the most prominent of all the tribes. Others such as the Acholi, Bagishu, Banyankole, Bakiga, Bakonjo work in perfect synergy to give Uganda a gripping cultural atmosphere. That tells compelling stories to visitors. To the central is the Buganda Kingdom with the Kabaka as the cultural leader. The scrumptious matooke (banana) as the staple food, the traditional cloth gomesi originally dating back to 1905 and the maganda dance to entertain guests.
To the west most notably the Banyankole, the traditional dressing includes the Busuuti and the traditional dance being the Kitagururo. The northern region has the unique Otele and Abwora dance. By the Acholi and Agwal dance by the Alur to mention but a few. Shake off the boredom with some entertaining cultural ceremonies. Such as the sizable over the top Buganda traditional weddings. Where the guest list can go up to 1000, the Bagishu circumcision ceremony and Impalu dance. Performed joyously throughout the village as they celebrate the boy child to manhood.
Tropical Climate
Lying astride the equator, Uganda is bewitched with abundant rainfall and a tropical climate. Made distinctive by two rainy seasons mainly in the central and southern region with the northern area. Dominated by the dry spell and with one rain season. The country is generally a fertile plateau with a scattered rim of mountains. Such as the towering Rwenzori mountain ranges in the west, mount Elgon in the east. Rolling hills, well-watered with fresh and salty water bodies and the Nile river that flows from the south to the north.
The country is also home to thick misty rainforests, woodlands, rolling savanna and terraced hills of Kigezi dubbed as the “Switzerland of Africa”. This conducive weather coupled with fertile soils facilitates not only agriculture. But also cattle keeping which the locals casually rare along some streets so expect to catch a glance of the long-horned Ankole cows as you drive west of the country and large lush green tea and sugar plantations in the east.
Languages
The official languages in Uganda are English and Kiswahili but because of its diverse cultures and welcoming people, the country has an array of spoken languages ranging from indigenous to international. The commonly practiced religions are Christianity and Islam although other religions such as Hinduism have started taking root not forgetting the endemic traditional beliefs still practiced by the locals. Hence expect to feast your eyes on beautiful architectural buildings of churches, mosques, temples and shrines.
Food
The food in Uganda is to die for prepared traditionally and modernly to suit all tastes and preferences. Matooke(banana) being the staple food and enjoyed by many, you will also feast on yams, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and an occasional roadside rolex for the urban folk.