Uganda / Jamhuri ya Uganda – Let’s explore here
What’s it like in Uganda?
Uganda is a mainly hilly and mountainous, landlocked country in central Africa – it’s about the same size as the UK. The entire country is at a high altitude, the average being 2,953ft (900 m) above sea level. The highest point is Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley, at 16,768 ft (5,111 m) above sea level. Lake Victoria dominates the south, although there are also many other lakes in the country.
The population of Uganda is around 49 million people (2024), with about one in seven living in the metropolitan area of the capital, Kampala. It shares land borders with Kenya, DRC, Rwanda, South Sudan and Tanzania. It has a long and troubled history.
A bit about the history of Uganda
Pre-Colonial Era
Before European colonisation, Uganda was home to a variety of ethnic groups, including the Bantu-speaking Baganda, Basoga and Banyankole, as well as Nilotic groups like the Acholi and Lango. The region was organised into powerful kingdoms, the most notable being the Kingdom of Buganda, which exerted influence over much of central Uganda. These kingdoms had complex political and social systems, with kingdoms like Buganda playing a key role in regional trade and diplomacy.
Colonial Period
In the late 19th century, Uganda became a protectorate of the British Empire, after being initially contested between the British and the Germans. British rule established administrative control, and Uganda’s agricultural resources were exploited, with cash crops like cotton and coffee being introduced. The British maintained control through indirect rule, empowering local kings like the Kabaka of Buganda, but their policies also deepened ethnic divisions.
Path to Independence
Uganda gained independence from Britain on 9 October 1962, with Milton Obote becoming the first prime minister. While the new government was initially led by a coalition of different ethnic groups, internal divisions soon emerged, particularly between the Baganda and other regions. The monarchy of Buganda was abolished in 1966, leading to tensions between the central government and the Buganda kingdom.
The Obote Regimes
In 1966, Prime Minister Obote seized full control of the government after dissolving the constitution, dismissing the king of Buganda, and establishing a republic. Obote’s first presidency (1966–1971) was marked by political instability, but it was his second term, starting in 1980, that saw the escalation of violence and armed conflict. After his second return to power, Uganda descended into civil war.
Idi Amin’s Dictatorship
In 1971, General Idi Amin seized power in a military coup, overthrowing Obote’s government. Amin’s rule (1971–1979) was characterised by brutal repression, mass executions, and the expulsion of Asians from the country. Amin’s regime caused economic decline and international isolation. In 1979, Amin was overthrown by a coalition of Ugandan exiles, supported by Tanzania, ending his reign.
The Return of Milton Obote
Obote returned to power in 1980 following elections, but his government was fraught with corruption and violence. His regime faced mounting opposition, and in 1985, he was overthrown in a military coup led by General Tito Okello, although a full transition to peace remained elusive.
The Rise of Yoweri Museveni
In 1986, Yoweri Museveni, leader of the National Resistance Army (NRA), took power after a five year guerrilla war against the Ugandan government. Museveni’s victory marked the beginning of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) rule, which introduced a period of relative stability after years of violence. Museveni’s government initially focused on reconstruction, economic reforms and reconciliation, but it also faced challenges from armed opposition groups.
Political and Economic Reforms
During the 1990s and 2000s, Museveni introduced economic reforms that spurred growth, particularly in agriculture and infrastructure. However, his government faced criticisms over human rights violations, political repression and the suppression of opposition. Museveni, who had originally promised to step down after a limited term, changed the constitution to allow him to remain in power, leading to accusations of authoritarianism.
Conflict in Northern Uganda
A significant conflict occurred in northern Uganda between the Ugandan government and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a brutal rebel group led by Joseph Kony. The conflict, which lasted from the 1980s to the mid 2000s, caused widespread displacement, suffering, and atrocities, though it largely ended by the mid 2000s due to military efforts and peace negotiations.
Uganda in the 21st Century
By the 2010s, Uganda was seen as one of Africa’s fastest growing economies, though wealth was unevenly distributed. Museveni’s government continued to focus on infrastructure projects and foreign investment, particularly in oil and energy. However, political opposition remained suppressed, with frequent crackdowns on dissent and an increasingly restricted media environment. Museveni’s decision to run for another term in 2021, despite facing growing opposition, sparked protests and international criticism.
Uganda in 2025
As of 2025, Uganda remains under the leadership of Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled for nearly four decades. The country faces challenges related to political freedoms, with opposition parties and activists regularly encountering restrictions. Economically, Uganda continues to grow, though challenges such as corruption, unemployment and reliance on agriculture remain. The country’s oil industry is emerging as a potential economic driver, but environmental concerns and regional instability, particularly in neighbouring South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, present ongoing risks. Despite some economic advancements, Uganda’s political landscape is marked by tension between the ruling party and opposition forces, and the future of democratic governance remains uncertain.
Uganda road trip
Our Ugandan road trip is part of a much larger African road trip.
Our current planned road trip through Uganda takes us from Rwanda towards the capital, Kampala, and the northern shores of Lake Victoria, before moving east onto Kenya. No doubt we’ll explore the country much more than this continent-spanning short route shows, in particular checking out inland Uganda.
Hopefully our journey will improve our knowledge of this intriguing and beautiful country, and enable us to meet some interesting people. We’ll be updating this page at that time – don’t forget to check back 🙂
Map of our road trip through Uganda
What’s it like to drive in Uganda?
They drive on the left hand side of the road in Uganda. In the main, roads are quite good, however many are unsurfaced dirt tracks. Driving standards are poor however.
Do you require an international driving permit in Uganda?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Can you use your UK driving license when driving through Uganda?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Do I need a carnet de passages to drive in Uganda?
A Carnet de Passages is required to overland in Uganda. We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
What currency do they use in Uganda?
In Uganda they use the Ugandan Shilling, although US dollars and Euros are widely accepted. Cash is widely used. The use of credit / debit cards becoming more widely accepted outside of the capital and tourist areas. Travellers cheques are not readily accepted. There are some ATMs in cities throughout the country.
You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.
What language do they speak in Uganda?
They mainly speak Swahili and Luganda in Uganda. Although English is also an official language, and is spoken widely.
What time zone is Uganda in?
Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.
Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?
We’ve created a dedicated, more comprehensive page on visas, which you should find helpful. Check it out!
Is wild camping legal in Uganda?
Yes, wild camping is fine in Uganda.
What plug / socket type do they use in Uganda?
In Uganda they use plug / socket type G.
Health issues in Uganda
Is it safe to drink water in Uganda?
No, it is not safe to drink tap water in Uganda. Bottled water is readily available throughout the country.
What vaccinations are required for Uganda?
This NHS website is kept up to date with all relevant information on vaccinations in Uganda.
Phones in Uganda
What is the country calling code for Uganda?
The country calling code for Uganda is +256
What are the emergency phone numbers in Uganda?
- The emergency number for police in Uganda is: 112 / 999
- In Uganda, the emergency number for ambulance is: 911
- The emergency number for fire in Uganda is: 112 / 999
If you’ve got some useful info that you’d like to share, let us know!
And don’t forget to check out all the other pictures!