VISIT UGANDA TODAY
Welcome to Uganda
… the Pearl of Africa
Uganda lies astride the Equator right in the heart of Africa. Bordered by Kenya in the East, Tanzania in the South , Rwanda in the South West, Congo in the west and Sudan in the north, thus making Uganda a land locked country.
Weather and Local Time Information
The tag, Pearl of Africa by Wartime British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was derived from the country’s equatorial climate moderated by altitude. Rains normally come between March to May and September to November. The coldest part of the country, Kabale, records lows of 150C while Kampala temperatures ranges between 210C and 280C. During most months warm clothing is not necessary.
Uganda’s geographic coordinates are 10 00N, 32 00E. The country is within the East African time zone – i.e. 3 hours ahead of GMT.
Visa requirements
Nationals of the following countries do not need visas to enter Uganda:All COMESA countries except Ethiopia, Sudan and South Africa. The others are: Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Cyprus, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jamaica, Malaysia, Lesotho, Malta, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Vatican, Ghana, Vanuatu and Libya. Nationals of other countries need a visa which can be obtained from the immigration office on arrival.
Visa Charge
| Visa Type | Charge |
|---|---|
| Single Entry Visa | US$ 50.00 |
| Multiple Entry Visa 6-12 months | US$ 100.00 |
Yellow fever vaccination
All people traveling to Uganda are required to carry yellow fever vaccination cards and the vaccine ought to have been administered at least ten (10) days before entry into Uganda. In the event that someone enters the country without having undergone the vaccination, it can be administered at Entebbe International Airport on arrival at a fee of US dollars forty (40).
Transportation within Uganda
- Transportation can be arranged via the Hotels to and from the Airport
- A taxi from Entebbe Airport to Kampala 40kms away, is about
US$ 30.Movement within the city will an average of US$10. Transport from the airport to Entebbe town is approximately US$10. - One can take a bus, a public commuter, commonly known as Matatu, or charter a flight to any of the more than 25 aerodromes, 13 of them managed by Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA).
- In the capital Kampala, “special hire” taxi cabs available and can be reached from any hotel. Motorcycle “taxis” or bodaboda are a common feature in Kampala and often beat the traffic snarl-ups.
Local Currency and Foreign Exchanges Rates
The country’s legal tender, the Uganda shilling, is based on the decimal system. Notes are in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000. Coins most popularly used are in denominations of 100, 200 and 500 shillings.
Uganda enjoys commercial and merchant banking services. Most hanks handle travelers’ cheques and convert international currencies. Banking hours are from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 pm; with a number of banks open on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Forex Bureaus are also available in Kampala and other towns. Visitors would however be advised to deal with Bureaus with a valid and displayed license. The current exchange rate is about $1 = Ug Shs 3,700. However, the rate changes with time. For exact current rates at a given time you can check on the internet.
Language
The official language of the country is English.
Safety
The country is peaceful and one is secure almost all the time. It is however advisable to consult the hotel concierge before venturing out late night. In case of trouble the Uganda Police Force can be reached on 999 or 112 for mobile phones.
Hours of business
Uganda’s official business hours are 8:30 a.m to 12:45 p.m and 2:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m. (Monday to Friday)
Electrical Supply
230/245 volts at 50Hz. British-type three-pin plugs used.
Communication
Worldwide direct connections are available, using the international code or telephone operator if necessary.
From abroad, dial +256 followed by required number.
Telephone and communication services are spread around the country with internet access available. Six mobile phones companies: MTN-Uganda, Uganda Telecom, Africell, Vodafone, Smart and Airtel Uganda offer a wide range of services.
The internet top domain is .ug
Tourist Information
The main tourist attractions are the Kasubi Tombs and Martyrs Shrine in Kampala source of the River Nile, Mountain Gorillas, the Rwenzori Mountain ranges, the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe and 10 National Parks spread around the country, provide memorable moments for a visitor. Most National Parks can be reached by air. More Information can be found at Visit Uganda Website
