10 things you didn’t know about Uganda

Uganda is a country rich in history and full of lush natural beauty from border to border. However, it often falls under travelers’ radar due to past political conflicts, and the relative difficulty of getting there. But that doesn’t mean there’s not plenty to discover about this east African country. Here are 10 things you probably didn’t know about Uganda.

1. There are snow-capped mountains.

In the western part of the country, lies the Rwenzori Mountains. Even though the country is near the equator, Uganda’s Rwenzori mountains are so high that they are permanently snow-capped. The highest peak is Mount Stanley at 5,109m (16,762 feet). The mountains are approximately 300km, which is a 4 hours drive from the central business district and the country‘s capital Kampala.

Local tourists on top of the all year round Snow Caped Rwenzori Mountains

2. It’s one of the youngest countries in the world

With approximately a population of 45 million, almost 50% of the population in Uganda is currently under the age of 15. This makes it the second youngest country in the world, after Niger. However, it’s also ranked among the top hospitable countries in the world.

Children in Uganda

3. Home to half of the Mountain Gorillas in the world.

With less than 1000 mountain gorillas left in the entire world, Uganda is one of only three countries in Africa where mountain gorillas still roam freely, and it’s no surprise that most tourists going to Uganda want to see them, the giant apes are found in the thick forests of Bwindi Impenetrable in South Western Uganda which an approximate 4-5 hours drive from Kampala. So it’s well worth the effort to see them if you can — and while you can.

4. Mobile phones are very popular

Despite being rather poor, around 10 million people in Uganda have mobile phones. This amounts to about one third of the entire population. Mobile phone use in Uganda continues to grow and gives people access to the internet.

5. It is the source the world’s longest River

A few kilometers east of Kampala is River Nile. The River is documented as the longest in the world and while in here, this is a must visit. It starts its long journey to the North from Jinja which gives you a memorable Experience since a number adventurous activities such as white water rafting, tubing, water diving, kayaking, Bungee Jumping, among others.

Tubing on the Nile River

6. It is still a kingdom (sort of)

The Kingdom of Buganda unites the Bugandan people, historically one of the most powerful ethnic groups in the country. The kingdom was abolished when Uganda regained its independence, but it was restored in 1993.

7. There are over 40 languages

Uganda is seriously diverse for its size and over 40 languages are spoken within the country. While English is the official language, Luganda is the most common language in use.

8. Ugandans like to drink and party

Uganda has the highest alcohol consumption in east Africa. Almost 90% of the alcohol in the country is home- brewed, and the people consume 23.7 liters per capita. One of the favorite drinks is Ajono, a beer drunk from communal pots.

9. There are over 1,000 bird species

Uganda is one of the best countries in Africa (and the world) for birding safaris, with over 1,000 bird species. Over 10% of all the birds in the world can be found in the country including some of the endemic species such as the shoebill stock

The famous shoebill, the most searched for bird in Uganda

10. It’s still mostly rural

Even though bustling Kampala has a population of over 1 million, most of Uganda is still undeveloped and rural. Over 85% of the population still lives in rural areas, and most people rely on farming as a source of income.