Uganda: an Overview

(I wrote this for work but I think it still fits the theme of this blog and since I don’t write much outside of work these days, I am doing some recycling here)

Kampala is the heart of Uganda. Everything that happens in Uganda, at some point, touches Kampala. A visit to Old Kampala makes for a perfect test for the tourist’ appetites: if one can take the overpopulated streets, the crowded shops, the chaotic old taxi park, the still traffic jam that disappears when the traffic officers release their block at the neighbouring roundabout, then one can say that is ready to see the real Uganda.

Initially built on seven hills, the now-more-than-seven hills that Kampala covers make it hard to move around on foot, but gives the opportunity to enjoy tremendous views from places like the Catholic cathedral or the upper roads of Makindye. Tourists can get a more relaxed shopping experience at the Garden City and Oasis malls after a less hectic walk through the hill of Nakasero, land of government buildings and big hotels.

The neighbouring Entebbe makes for a more relaxed destination if only one day is available or if the visitor has some spare hours before their flight. A walk through the Botanical Gardens, a guided tour through the town, daily excursion to observe some hard-to-see birds or a boat transfer to the island where the chimpanzees have found refuge are all worthy. Transfers from the old taxi park in Kampala cost three to five thousand Ugandan Shillings depending on the luggage. A special hire can be around 70000 UGX depending on oil prices.

The possibilities of Uganda as a tourist destination are enormous. Less exploited than Kenya and Tanzania, it also offers unique jewels not present in the neighbouring safari destinations. South Western Uganda is the best place to visit the endangered mountain gorilla. Housing half of the world’s living mountain gorillas, Uganda is the safest country to experience the amazing gorilla tracking. The permits are expensive to protect this species of which there are less that a thousand animals.

No less spectacular are the landscapes and wildlife of the most popular park, the Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the largest in extension, the Murchison Falls National Park. Situated in Western and North Western Uganda respectively, the parks offer the possibility of seeing the big mammals - lions, elephants, buffaloes - and even crocodiles, leopards and hyenas. The diversity of antelope species, the elegance of the giraffes and the beauty of the falls make the Northern park worth the ride. A spectacular boat ride full of close sights, and the magnificent views of the crater area make for a distinct visit at the Queen’s land. Oh! The Queen Elizabeth Park also contains great diversity of birds for those who love looking up.

A favourite to those who enjoy quieter spaces is the only spot in Uganda where one can see zebra, Lake Mburo National Park. Located ten kilometers South from the main road on the way from Kampala to Mbarara, this small park is house to the only equine that survives well in this land and to some picturesque antelope species as well as to the popular warthog. The lake is another jewel for bird watching and camping by the hippo-populated waters is a fabulous experience.

Kampala

Kampala is the capital city of Uganda and concentrates most of the public infrastructures of the country. The city is well connected with all other regions of the country and is the center of national economic and social activity.

Recent reports from the World Bank point out the improvement in the operations of the Kampala City Council, specially after the introduction of a zero tolerance policy for corruption. Several roads have been widened and the pavement improved, including sidewalks on one or two sides and bumps to reduce traffic speed which increase pedestrian security. The overall traffic has improved since the completion of the Northern bypass and is expected to benefit from the construction of the ramification at the West entrance in direction Entebbe.

In partnership with international corporations the City Council is implementing a project to develop an Integrated Solid Waste Management system for Kampala which shall enhance recycling, increase collection, generate energy from waste and set up a new processing facility to avoid concentration of residues.

Kampala is home to Makerere University, East Africa’s first university. A hub of research institutes have sprouted from the original institution like the Infectious Disease Institute. The internationally renowned Uganda Virus Research Institute also sits in the nearby Entebbe, and the six National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIS), the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI), and the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID), employ a number of scientists that work for the country’s research priorities.

Some useful tips

Arrivals by air: arrivals to Entebbe airport by the following and other companies:

• British Airways has flights leaving London every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; returns leave Entebbe on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday;

• Brussels Airways has flights leaving Brussels every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday; returns leave Entebbe on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday;

• Kenyan Airlines has five flights operating daily between Nairobi and Entebbe (schedule depends on the day of the week);

• Ethiopian Airlines has two flights operating daily between Addis Ababa and Entebbe;

• Rwandar Air also flies every day between Kigali and Entebbe;

• Fly Emirates has two daily morning flights from Dubai to Entebbe and one afternoon flight to return to Dubai;

• Egypt Air runs daily flights, either with its own crafts or using partner companies like South African Airways.

For affordable tickets http://edreams.com, or http://expedia.com and other travel searching engines can be useful.

Transfers from the airport can be hired in advance or at arrival. Licensed taxi drivers will stand up at the arrivals door and will offer their service. Note that a ride to Kampala can cost between seventy and a hundred thousand depending on the final destination. Most hotels in Entebbe, even the backpackers hostel, offer airport transfers somewhere between free and some 25000 UGX, depending on the accommodation rate.

Transfers to Kampala by public transport are done by matatu, small vans licensed to carry up to 14 passengers. The price can go from three to five thousand with one piece of luggage.

Connection by land can be done with some bus companies like:

• Easycoach, Kampala Coach, and Mash for Kenya

• Mash and Jaguar go to Rwanda

• Kalita goes to Tanzania

Buses stop in Old or Central Kampala depending on the company. Hotels in those areas tend to be noisy, but can be convenient if an early or late bus is to be boarded.

More tips on getting there and away can be found here.