Uganda Travel Guide
Did you know?
The surface area of Uganda is 93.3 thous. mi², which puts the country in position number 214 in terms of the area in the world.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Kampala (UG) and Washington D.C. (US) is 7250 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Kampala click here
Country Comparison
Compare Uganda to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Uganda
| Miles | Kampala | Entebbe | Jinja | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Kisoro | Fort Portal | Rwenzori Mountains National Park | Tororo |
| Kampala | - | 20 | 44 | 184 | 228 | 161 | 180 | 113 |
| Entebbe | 20 | - | 57 | 173 | 213 | 157 | 174 | 126 |
| Jinja | 44 | 57 | - | 227 | 270 | 203 | 223 | 70 |
| Queen Elizabeth National Park | 184 | 173 | 227 | - | 77 | 62 | 41 | 297 |
| Kisoro | 228 | 213 | 270 | 77 | - | 140 | 117 | 339 |
| Fort Portal | 161 | 157 | 203 | 62 | 140 | - | 28 | 270 |
| Rwenzori Mountains National Park | 180 | 174 | 223 | 41 | 117 | 28 | - | 291 |
| Tororo | 113 | 126 | 70 | 297 | 339 | 270 | 291 | - |
A Brief History of Uganda
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
500 B.C. - 1300 A.D.
BugandaBantu-speaking people migrate to the region. They establish the state of Buganda.
1862
First EuropeanBritish explorer John Speke is the first European to visit Buganda.
1894 - 1900
Britain & UgandaBritain takes control of the area, calling it Uganda. Britain recognizes the kabaka, or Buganda tribal king, as ruler, but maintains its authority.
1926
First protected areaThe Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve becomes the nation's first protected area.
1962
Independence from BritainUganda gains independence. The Buganda king, Mutesa II, becomes president, with Milton Obote as prime minister.
1967
New constitutionObote imposes a new constitution, which makes him president and abolishes all of Uganda's tribal kingdoms.
1971
The Butcher Of UgandaMilitary leader Idi Amin overthrows Obote. During Amin's cruel eight-year rule, an estimated 300,000 people are killed.
1978
Uganda–Tanzania WarAmin attacks Tanzania. Ugandan exiles and Tanzanian troops invade Uganda. Amin is forced out of the country in 1979.
1986
Stability and human rightsYoweri Museveni takes power. He brings stability and improved human rights protection.
1993
Kingship in UgandaA constitutional amendment restores the kingdom of Buganda and other kingdoms.
2000
East African CommunityTanzania, Uganda and Kenya join to form the East African Community and pledge cooperation.
2008
Cease-fire agreementAfter years of fighting, a cease-fire agreement is signed with a rebel group
2010
ProtestsA fire destroys the historical burial site of four ancient rulers of the Buganda region. Violence breaks out after angry protesters, who blamed arsonists for the fires, clash with security forces.
Best Ways to Experience Uganda
- Cuisine
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreUganda Shilling (UGX)
- EUR
- GBP
- UGX
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- UGX
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Uganda.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.Prevention
- Take antimalarial meds
- Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Uganda
Areas with malaria
Typhoid
Typhoid fever is an acute, systemic infectious disease caused by Salmonella typhi.The source of the infection may include dirty water, raw fruits, vegetables, dairy products, as well as dirt containing bacteria.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Cholera
Cholera is a disease of the digestive tract caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.The most common infection occurs through the ingestion, mainly through water contaminated with human faeces, and also through food (mainly fruit, seafood). Less often by contact with the sick person and their environment.Prevention
- Eat and drink safely
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Meningitis (Meningococcal disease)
Meningococcal disease is any illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis.Infection occurs through droplets - through contact with the secretion of the patient or the host, e.g. when coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing cutlery or dishes.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Reduce your exposure to germs
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Uganda for tourism
A visa is required, but can be obtained through the relevant website.
- Allowed stay: 90 days
- Determined at the port of entry.
- Must apply online at least 2 business days prior to travel. As of March 2017, airlines may deny passengers permission to board flights to Uganda without proof that they had successfully applied for an eVisa. Ugandan immigration authorities may require additional documentation, including proof of a return plane ticket and detailed tour itinerary in Uganda.
- International Certificate of Vaccination required.
Electricity
240V (50 Hz)
In Uganda the standard voltage is 240V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type G sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type GFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 213 / 231 Ranking | 45 741 007 Baganda 16.9%, Banyankole 9.5%, Basoga 8.4%, Bakiga 6.9%, Iteso 6.4%, Langi 6.1%, Acholi 4.7%, Bagisu 4.6%, Lugbara 4.2%, Bunyoro 2.7% |
Area | 214 / 232 Ranking | 93.3 thous. mi² It is approximately 3% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 205 / 221 Ranking | 68.6 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 66.3women 70.9 |
Median age | 206 / 222 Ranking | 15.7 Average age of population expressed in years.men 14.9women 16.5 |
Population growth | 207 / 224 Ranking | 3.31% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 194 / 210 Ranking | 76.5% Ability to read, write and count.men 82.7%women 70.8% |
GDP | 181 / 194 Ranking | 2 293 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
Democratic Republic of the Congo