An ancient state in Uganda. History of uganda

- state in East Africa. Part of the British Commonwealth.

It borders Sudan to the north, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, Rwanda and Tanzania to the south, and Kenya to the east. To the southeast is Lake Victoria.

Story

Pre-colonial period

In ancient times, the territory of Uganda was inhabited by pygmies and Khoisan tribes. In the first centuries A.D. e. Bantu tribes began to settle in the country. From the 11th century, Nilotic tribes began to come from the north, and Kushites from the northeast.

In the 16th century, the Nilotic Luo tribe began to dominate, the country began to be called Unyoro. On the coast of Lake Victoria in the 18th century, the feudal state of Buganda arose, by the middle of the 19th century it had become a fairly strong state in the region of East Africa.

The first Europeans arrived in what is now Uganda in the 1860s. In 1862, the expedition of the Englishman J. Speke arrived in Buganda. He converted the "king" (locally - tavern) of Buganda Mutesu to Christianity. Then there appeared famous traveler Henry Morton Stanley. At his suggestion, the tavern invited Christian missionaries to the country. Anglican preachers arrived in 1877, but French Catholic missionaries followed as early as 1879. At the same time, Muslim preachers also stepped up their activities in what is now Uganda. The new young tavern of Buganda, Mwanga, tried to expel both Christian and Muslim preachers from the country, but this only led to the beginning of religious wars that lasted from 1888 to 1892.

colonial period

Under the Helgoland Treaty of 1890 between Britain and Germany, England received freedom of action in the territory of Uganda. An expedition was sent there, led by a 32-year-old retired officer, a veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Sudan, Frederick Lugard (English), who concluded an agreement with the "king" Mwanga. In June 1894, Britain took Buganda under its protectorate, and then the surrounding tribes.

From 1904, the British colonialists began to introduce cotton cultivation in Uganda, and from 1906 they began to organize cotton processing enterprises. The British colonialists also established coffee plantations in Uganda. For the export of agricultural products, the railway built by the colonialists in 1902 from Lake Victoria to the Indian Ocean was used.

During the Second World War, Ugandan soldiers under the command of British officers fought in Africa (in Ethiopia and Madagascar), in the Middle East, in Burma.

In 1945, the colonialists introduced African representation in the colony's legislative council (created in 1921). In the second half of the 1950s, many political parties emerged in Uganda that were at war with each other.

period of independence

Obote's reign, 1962–70

On March 1, 1962, Britain granted self-government to Uganda, and on October 9, 1962, full independence. Uganda was proclaimed a unitary state, but at the same time 4 kingdoms (Buganda, Bunyore, Toro, Ankole) and the Busoga territory received autonomous status.

The government of Uganda was led by Apollo Milton Obote, from the Lango tribe, leader of the Uganda People's Congress party. Since 1963, he also held the posts of ministers of defense and foreign affairs. King Mutesa II of Buganda was appointed President of Uganda.

Immediately after independence, problems arose in Uganda - inter-ethnic clashes, mutinies in the army, the mass departure of Europeans. Obote introduced state economic planning, expanded the state and cooperative sectors.

In early 1966, Obote ousted President-King Mutesu from power, arrested several ministers, and appointed himself President of Uganda. In September 1967, Obote proclaimed Uganda a republic, abolished all kingdoms and the power of tribal leaders. In the economic sector, Obote carried out nationalization, and in agriculture he created collective farms (“collective farms”). To carry out these reforms, Obote created the paramilitary "National Youth Service" in 1968.

In December 1969, at a conference of the ruling party of the NKU, the "Charter of the Common Man" was announced - a program for building communism in Uganda. In August 1970, officially, by the decision of Obote's party, a one-party regime was established.

Amin's reign, 1971-79

On January 25, 1971, while Obote was on a foreign visit, the Uganda army staged a coup. The military dissolved the parliament, dispersed local councils in the regions of the country. The 45-year-old Major General Idi Amin Dada of the Kakwa tribe (English) became the head of state, a professional military man who served in the colonial troops of the British army from 1946 and participated in the suppression of the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya.

In August 1972, Amin announced a course towards "Ugandization". First, the property of Asians was requisitioned, and then the property of Europeans. Persons of Indian and Pakistani origin living in Uganda, who did not have local citizenship (60 thousand people) were expelled from Uganda.

Amin made a reorientation of Uganda's foreign policy. In 1972, Amin severed diplomatic relations with Israel. Amin began to make friends with the Arab states, as well as with the USSR, from which he began to receive significant financial assistance. In 1973, Amin defiantly sent a group of Ugandan officers to participate in another war between Egypt and Syria against Israel. In 1976, Amin severed diplomatic relations with Great Britain.

In 1972, armed clashes began on the Ugandan-Tanzanian border. Amin put forward territorial claims to Tanzania and Kenya.

At the same time (in 1972-75) the size of the army was tripled, a large number of weapons were purchased (from the USSR). Due to increased government spending, Amin froze wages in the public sector, cut funding for social programs and medicine. The discontent of the population became massive. Amin launched wide-ranging repressions. Among the physically destroyed were army officers and even ministers.

In 1975, Amin assumed the rank of field marshal, and in 1976 declared himself president for life.

In October 1978, Amin's troops invaded Tanzania. However, the Tanzanian army, armed with Chinese weapons, drove out the invaders and moved the fighting to Uganda. In March 1979, groups in opposition to Amin created the Uganda National Liberation Front. The armed detachments of the Front began to act jointly with the Tanzanian army. Amin's troops were defeated, in April 1979 Tanzanian troops occupied the capital of Uganda, and the Front created an interim government.

After Amin, 1979-85

In Uganda, a struggle for power unfolded, two presidents were replaced in a year - Lule (English) and Binaysa (English). In May 1980, the military junta of the Front took power. It allowed the activities of parties, trade unions, and public organizations in the country.

In December 1980 parliamentary elections were held. Obote's party won, and he again became president of Uganda. Soon, interethnic conflicts escalated in Uganda, and anti-government demonstrations began, organized by various groups. The so-called People's Resistance Army, led by Museveni, launched a guerrilla war in the west of the country. Other armed groups also emerged, including from the remnants of Amin's army.

In July 1985, a military coup was carried out, a military junta led by General Okello took power. Parliament was dissolved and the constitution suspended.

Museveni's reign, since 1986

• In January 1986, the military junta was overthrown by the People's Resistance Army. Museveni declared himself the president of the country.
• 1986 - Movement of the Holy Spirit by Alice Lakwena.
• 1987 - The defeat of the Movement of the Holy Spirit. Formation of the Lord's Resistance Army.
• Late 1980s - early civil war.
• 1998 - Sudanese air raids in connection with the involvement of Uganda in the Second Congo War.
• 2002 - peace with Sudan.
• 2006 February - opposition street clashes (supporters of Colonel Kizza Besigye (English) from the Forum for Democratic Change) with law enforcement forces. President Museveni accused the opposition of links to terrorist groups.
• 2008, February - the end of the 20-year civil war.

Geography and natural conditions

Uganda is located in the northwest of the East African Plateau, in the area of ​​the Great African Lakes, mainly in the zone of savannas and light forests of the subequatorial belt.

The surface of Uganda is a plateau 1000-1500 m high, with separate mountain peaks(Rwenzori massif, height up to 5109 m). The plateau is dissected by valleys, often swampy.

The climate is subequatorial, humid in summer, softened by a significant height above sea level. The average temperatures of the coldest month are 20°, the warmest 25°.

The vegetation is dominated by tall-grass savannahs; small tracts of tropical forests have been preserved.

The animal world is rich - there are elephants, hippos, buffaloes, antelopes, giraffes, lions, leopards, monkeys. There are many birds and reptiles (crocodiles, snakes), as well as insects (tsetse fly, malarial mosquito, etc.). There are many fish in the rivers and lakes.

Previously, there were quite a lot of rhinos in Uganda, but as a result of a 20-year civil war, they were gone. The last rhinoceros in the wild was seen in 1983. In 2001, 2 rhinos were brought from Kenya to the zoo in Entebbe. For breeding rhinos, the Nakasongola nursery was specially created, to which 4 rhinos were donated. In 2009, one of the females in the nursery had a cub, he became the first rhinoceros born in Uganda in the last 20 years.

Population

The population is 33.4 million (July 2010 estimate).

Annual growth - 3.6% (2nd place in the world);

Birth rate - 48 per 1000 (fertility - 6.73 births per woman (2nd place in the world), infant mortality - 64 per 1000);

Mortality - 12 per 1000;

Average life expectancy - 52 years for men, 54 years for women (in 2010);

Infection with the immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - 5.4% (2007 estimate);

Urban population - 13% (in 2008).

Ethnic composition - Bantu peoples: Ganda 16.9%, Nkole 9.5%, Soga 8.4%, Kiga 6.9%, Nyoro, Toro, etc. (live in the south of the country) - only about 70%; Nilotic peoples: Akoli 4.7%, Lango, Karamojong, etc. (live in the north of the country) - only about 30% (according to the 2002 census).

Languages ​​- English (official), from African languages the most common is Luganda (of the Ganda tribe, used as the language of interethnic communication among the Bantu tribes). Swahili (based on Bantu and Arabic) is used in domestic trade.

Religions: Catholics - 41.9%, Protestants - 42% (Anglicans - 35.9%, Pentecostals - 4.6%, Adventists - 1.5%), Muslims - 12.1%, other beliefs - 3.1%, atheists - 0.9% (according to the 2002 census).

Literacy - 76% of men, 57% of women (according to the 2002 census).

State structure

Uganda is an authoritarian presidential republic, where all power is concentrated in the hands of the president. Since January 1986 - Lieutenant General Yoweri Museveni. He is also the head of the government. Presidential elections are held every 5 years, the number of terms of the presidency is not limited.

Unicameral parliament - 332 deputies; 215 are elected by popular vote for a 5-year term, 104 are appointed from various groups (79 women, 10 military, 5 disabled, 5 from youth, 5 from trade unions), 13 deputies are appointed by public office).

Political parties have been allowed since 2005. The largest party in parliament (205 deputies) is the National Resistance Movement (headed by Museveni).

Rebel groups operate in the country, the largest is the Lord's Resistance Army.

Economy

Natural resources - copper, cobalt, niobium, gold, tungsten, hydropower, fertile land.

GDP per capita in 2009 - 1.3 thousand dollars (204th place in the world). Below the poverty level - about a third of the population.

The main sector of the economy is Agriculture(82% of employees, 22% of GDP), the main export product is coffee. Tea, cotton, tobacco, sugar cane, cassava (tapioca), potatoes, corn, millet, flowers are also cultivated; fishing; animal husbandry is underdeveloped.

Industry (5% of employees, 25% of GDP) - sugar, brewing, tobacco, textiles.

International trade

Export - $ 2.7 billion in 2008 - coffee, fish, tea, cotton, flowers, gold.

The main buyers are Sudan 14.3%, Kenya 9.5%, Switzerland 9%, Rwanda 7.9%, UAE 7.4%.

Imports - $4 billion in 2008 - manufactured goods, vehicles, petroleum products, medicines, cereals.

The main suppliers are the UAE 11.4%, Kenya 11.3%, India 10.4%, China 8.1%, South Africa 6.7%, Japan 5.9%.

It is a member of the international organization of ACT countries.

Administrative-territorial division

Uganda is divided into 4 regions and 80 districts.

Over the next thousand years, they mastered iron smelting and pottery.

Language map of Uganda. in green Bantu languages ​​are marked

Middle Ages and Modern Times

In the second millennium A.D. e. there was a migration of nomads who spoke the Nilotic languages. In the X-XI centuries. These migrants founded the state of Kitara. In the XIV-XV centuries, Kitara experienced its heyday. Subsequently, Kitara split into several states due to civil wars.

In the 14th century, the small state of Buganda arose. At the beginning of the 19th century, it increased significantly. Buganda expanded its territory at the expense of Kitara.

In the middle of the 19th century, Arab merchants appeared in Buganda. In addition to trade, the Arabs were engaged in the conversion of the local population to the Muslim religion. In the 60s, European travelers arrived in Uganda, trying to find the source of the Nile. At that time, there were four independent states on the territory of Uganda: Buganda, Unyoro, Nkore, Toro.

In the 1970s, Christian missionaries arrived in Uganda. They tried to convert the local population to Catholicism and Protestantism. A struggle for control of Uganda between Britain and Germany began. In 1890, the two countries signed an agreement under which the influence in this region went to Great Britain. In 1894, the British government declared its protectorate over the country.

Newest Time

Protectorate (Governorship) of Great Britain (1894-1962)

During the protectorate, cotton was the main crop. Other crops were also cultivated, such as tea, coffee, potatoes, bananas. Gold, tungsten and some rare metals were mined on the territory of the state. The authorities built a railroad that connected the country to the Indian Ocean. In 1951, the population of Uganda was 5.2 million.

In 1936, Mutesa II became king or tavern of Buganda. His rule was always coordinated by the British authorities with the help of the governors of Uganda. In the early 1950s, Mutesa criticized the governor's plans for state reforms. In response to this, in 1953 the governor sent Mutesa into exile in the metropolis. This caused discontent in Buganda. In order to restore confidence in the authorities, the British administration made some concessions, granting the kingdom a number of privileges. On October 17, 1955, Mutesa returned to the country.

In 1961, elections were held for the National Assembly of Uganda. The people of Buganda (Baganda) boycotted these elections because the Baganda were in favor of independence or special status countries within Uganda, with which the British did not agree. As a result, the Democratic Party, originally created to unite Catholics, won the election. Its leader, Benedicto Kiwanuka, became head of the transitional government.

In April 1962 new elections were held for the Legislative Council of Uganda. This time, the Bugandan aristocracy created their own party - "Kabaka Ekka" (in translation - Only Kabaka). Many Baganda voted for the party of their king, which made it possible for her to get an equal number of seats in the assembly with the "Democratic Party" (22 each). The Uganda People's Congress Party won the election. Its leader, Milton Obote, took over as prime minister. A coalition was formed in the assembly consisting of the "People's Congress of Uganda" and "Kabaka Ekka". A constitution was adopted that gave the four traditional kingdoms and the Busoga territory federal status. October 9, 1962 Uganda became an independent state.

First reign of Milton Obote (1962-1971)

The Buganda Kabaka Mutesa was chosen by the National Assembly as President of Uganda, succeeding the British-appointed governor. However, under the pre-independence Ugandan constitution, the presidency was ceremonial, with the prime minister having more power.

The relationship between Obote and Mutesa was not easy. Their interests clashed on several fronts. First, they saw the ways of development of the state in different ways. President Mutesa, who was also the tavern of Buganda, tried to keep more privileges for his federal land. Secondly, there was a situation where Obote, who had more power, did not have such a formal influence as the president. Obote tried to "pull the blanket over himself", which did not please Mutesa. Finally, Obote and his entourage represented the peoples of northern Uganda. The army was recruited from these same peoples. Mutesa may have felt an ethnic dislike for the prime minister.

In 1966, several government ministers attempted to overthrow Milton Obote as prime minister. Mutesa supported the accusations against the prime minister of misappropriation of the state. property. But Obote was able to stay in power and arrested five ministers from his government. He abolished the old constitution and introduced a temporary one. The new constitution adopted in 1967 abolished federal structure turning Uganda into a unitary state. Obote himself took over as president, deposing Mutesa.

The population of Buganda did not agree with the loss of federal status for their country, as well as with the removal of the kabaka from the presidential post. The Bugandan government announced its withdrawal from Uganda. To overcome the separatist crisis, Obote decided to use the army. Government troops, commanded by Idi Amin, crushed the mutiny and took control of Kampala. King Mutesa went into exile in England.

To strengthen the regime of his own dictatorship, Obote "postponed" the elections. In 1969, he introduced a state of emergency throughout the territory and banned the opposition. In the field of economic policy, Obote leaned towards socialist development. In particular, he planned to increase the state's share in the economy. But Obote did not have time to take any decisive steps, because the "shift to the left" was announced in 1969, and 1970 was the last year of Obote's presidency.

On January 25, 1971, while Milton Obote was at a summit of heads of state of the Commonwealth of Nations, Idi Amin staged a military coup, seized power, and installed one of the most brutal totalitarian regimes in Africa. Milton Obote tried to return to the country, but he had to stop in Tanzania.

Dictatorship of Idi Amin (1971-1979)

Immediately after the coup, Amin issued an 18-point declaration that explained the overthrow of Obote. Human rights violations, low living standards and the inability of the former government to deal with corruption were cited as reasons. To ensure his popularity among the people of Buganda, Amin allowed Mutesa, who had died by that time, to be buried in his homeland and himself participated in the funeral.

To rule out attempts at a military coup, Amin repressed officers from peoples close to Milton Obote (mainly Acholi and Langi). He promoted the Nubians to the vacant places - the descendants of the Sudanese soldiers who served in Uganda under the British. To combat civilian discontent, Amin issued two decrees: No. 5 and No. 8. According to the fifth decree, any citizen could be detained by the military for violating the order. And to prevent relatives of detainees from turning to the courts, Decree No. 8 gave the military, acting on behalf of the government and in the name of maintaining “order”, immunity from persecution. Other bodies were created to carry out repressions, for example, the State Investigation Department. The number of victims of Amin's repressions, according to various estimates, ranges from a quarter of a million to 500 thousand people. Many Ugandans fled to neighboring countries. The people who fled to Tanzania will still play their part in the history of Uganda

The expulsion of "Asians" - immigrants from India who inhabited Uganda during the years of British rule and made up the Ugandan "petty bourgeoisie". By 1972, 50,000 "Asians" lived in Uganda. They owned many small, medium and large enterprises. By the end of 1972, there were almost no “Asians” left in the country, and their accounts and enterprises went to the government. At the same time, Amin nationalized enterprises owned by foreigners, mostly British. The expulsion of the "Asians" at first provoked a positive reaction from the Ugandans. But the mismanagement of enterprises caused a real economic crisis, a shortage of essential goods. As a result of the shortage of goods, prices have increased several times. During the reign of Amin, the cost of living increased by 500%. Most of the budget was spent on the army.

In foreign policy, Idi Amin severed relations with Israel, expelled the Israelis from the country, and supported Arab politics in the region. He especially got along with the leader of the Libyan revolution, Muammar Gaddafi. Idi Amin's anti-Israeli policy reached a climax in June 1976, when he allowed a plane hijacked by terrorists to land at an airport near Kampala. The purpose of the seizure was to force the State of Israel to release the detained Palestinians. Amin not only hospitably met the terrorists, but also armed them. The Israeli government decided to release the hostages, which was done in Operation Entebbe.

End of Idi Amin's reign

In the fall of 1978, there was an uprising in the Ugandan army. The rebels soon fortified themselves in southern regions countries and began to receive assistance from emigrants in Tanzania. Idi Amin used this fact to accuse Tanzania of aggression. The war with Tanzania began in October 1978. The unexpected offensive brought victory for Amin at the initial stage of the war. He captured the area of ​​Kagera. However, the mobilization carried out more than doubled the number of Tanzanians: from 40 thousand to 100. In addition, the leaders of groups of Ugandans who fled from the terror of Amin, in March 1979 in the city of Moshi, united in the Uganda National Liberation Front. Such people as Milton Obote, Tito Okello, Basilio Olara-Okello, Yoweri Museveni, Godfrey Binaysa, Paulo Muwanga took part in the activities of the "front". Yusuf Lule became the head of the front's executive council.

The coalition of the Tanzanian army and the Uganda National Liberation Front drove the Aminites out of Tanzania and continued to fight in Uganda. Despite the help of the Libyans sent by Gaddafi, on April 11, 1979, Kampala was taken. Idi Amin went into exile in Saudi Arabia.

Transition period

After Amin's defeat, power went to the Uganda National Liberation Front. In April 1979, the head of the front, Yusuf Lule, became the head of state. More scholar than politician, Lule posed no threat to either side of the front. The National Advisory Council was established as a parliament.

The Council and Lule were representatives of different political views. Radical members of the council criticized Lule for conservatism and authoritarianism. In June 1979, Lule was removed from office. This decision was approved, and perhaps prepared by the President of Tanzania, Nyerere, whose troops still controlled Kampala.

On June 20, 1979, the National Advisory Board elected Godfrey Binays as president. He lasted longer than Lule. But his reign failed to establish stability and overcome chaos. Supporters of Milton Obote organize riots to show that the new government has lost control of the situation. On May 12, 1980, Binaysa tried to fire the chief of the army general staff. However, this was opposed by the military commission of the front under the leadership of Paulo Muwang. The commission overthrew Binaysa, and Muwanga became the head of the country for several days. On May 22, the Presidential Commission was created, which was supposed to perform the functions of the president. Muwanga himself became the head of the commission.

Elections to the country's parliament were scheduled for December 10, 1980. It was decided to hold elections by party and not use the National Liberation Front in the election race. Both the old parties that participated in the previous elections 18 years ago and the new ones entered the electoral process. The old parties include the Uganda People's Congress (the party of Milton Obote), the "Democratic Party" (led by Yusuf Lule and Paul Semogerere) and the Conservative Party (the heir to the party that supported the kabaka). One of the new parties is the Uganda Patriotic Movement (headed by Yoweri Museveni and Godfrey Binaysa).

The December 10 elections were held in a difficult environment. There were reports of serious violations. Some candidates from the Democratic Party were detained, removed from the elections.

The victory in the elections, by its own calculation, was won by the Democratic Party. She took 81 seats out of 126. The party's supporters were already celebrating victory, but at this time, Paulo Muwanga, chairman of the Presidential Commission, took control of the election commission. He stated that anyone who disputed the official results would be punished. Hours later, Muwanga announced that the Uganda National Congress won 72 seats, the Democratic Party would be represented by 51 MPs, and the Museveni Patriot Movement won only one seat.

Yoweri Museveni in power (1986 - present)

Political development

To restore the country, the National Resistance Movement put forward a specific program - "10 points". The first point spoke of the need to restore real democracy. The second paragraph stated that violence and repression by the state could be stopped by democracy and the absence of corruption in power. The fifth point is the creation of an independent, self-sufficient economy that can stop the drain of Uganda's national wealth. The eighth point proposed to solve the problem of the victims of past regimes: the land should be returned to thousands of illegally displaced people. The ninth point is to maintain good relations with all African countries, especially with neighbors. However, Uganda must protect the human rights of all Africans oppressed by dictators. Finally, the tenth point stipulated that the government would create a mixed economy using both capitalist and socialist methods.

In the political sphere, Museveni carried out radical reforms. He banned parties from fielding candidates in elections. Museveni believed that political parties were dividing Uganda along ethnic, ideological and religious lines. Therefore, the new president introduced a non-partisan system. It was called the “Movement System”, since the role of the main political force was performed by the “National Resistance Movement”. At local levels, Museveni ordered the creation of resistance councils (now local councils). These councils are the elected governments of various state entities, from villages to districts.

From 1986 to 1995, a transitional period was declared in Uganda. However, this did not prevent the holding of parliamentary elections in 1989. Since parties were forbidden to field candidates, most deputies were independent. In 1995, a constitutional assembly, elected on March 28, 1994, adopted the constitution of Uganda. The constitution confirmed the "Movement System", introduced fundamental rights and freedoms, established that one person can be elected president only 2 times. In 1996 presidential and parliamentary elections were held. Yoweri Museveni became president with 74% of the vote. The elections were declared fair.

In 2005, two significant constitutional amendments were made. The first was adopted in a referendum on 28 July. She allowed parties to participate in elections. The second amendment, which allowed one person to become president an unlimited number of times, was passed by Parliament in June. This allowed Museveni to run for the third (in 2006) and fourth (in 2011) times. Observers recorded numerous violations in these elections, opposition leader Kizza Besigye even filed complaints in court. But the judges, noting that violations had taken place, did not cancel the results.

Economic development

In the area of ​​economic development, Museveni sought help from the IMF and the World Bank. In 1987, these institutions developed a program aimed at economic growth. Implementation of this program, which included the restoration of stable prices, a stable balance of payments, and infrastructure; creating incentives for producers, using pricing policy, has accelerated economic development. Moreover, Uganda became the first country to join the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries ( English)” to write off debt from countries in the most difficult economic situation.

By 1990, the actions gave serious results: inflation fell to 30% (in 1987 over 200%), some prices stabilized, and industrial production grew. The fight against monopolies began. GDP growth from 1990 to 2003 was at the level of 6.3% per year (which, however, is the worst result compared to the first period of Milton Obote in 1962-1968). Despite all the successes, the budget deficit, even with financial assistance, is 3%, and without it - 9%. Minimum inflation was recorded in 2006 - 6.6%. After that, it began to increase and reached 14% in 2009. In 2010 food prices fell and inflation was 4%. But in 2011, food and fuel prices rose sharply. This was used in the election campaign by Museveni's opponents. After his victory, the main opponent of the elected president, Kizza Besigye, organized numerous demonstrations against the high cost of living. The demonstrations were dispersed by the authorities as unsanctioned.

Rise of the Lord's Resistance Army

In July 2006, the rebels announced the end of resistance and offered to start negotiations. At the end of August of the same year, the parties managed to reach an agreement on a truce. This can be considered the end of the "Lord's Resistance Army" uprising in Uganda. Under the terms of the agreement, the rebels must gather in camps in southern Sudan. Those gathered in the camps were to receive amnesty and non-prosecution for their crimes. Granting amnesty to international criminals has been criticized by many international organizations

The first states on the territory arose in the 15th century with the formation of the kingdom of Kitara Bunyoro. At the end of the 18th century, 3 small kingdoms broke away from Kitara Bunyoro - Buganda, Ankole and Toro. Around the same time, the Arabs began to penetrate the region from the island of Zanzibar, who were engaged in the sale of fabrics and weapons and the purchase of ivory and slaves.

The first Europeans arrived in Uganda in 1862. It was John Speke and James Grant who explored the source of the Nile. During a meeting with King Mutesa I of Buganda, the latter expressed interest in the Christian religion, after which numerous Christian missionaries and researchers went to Buganda. Russia also made a significant contribution to the exploration of Uganda, and this is primarily due to the name of the traveler who explored in 1875-1878. the position of the Nile-Congo watershed along its entire length.

In 1894, Great Britain announced the establishment of a protectorate over the region, called Uganda, and the establishment of special relations between Buganda and Britain. So, the taverns (kings) of Buganda had the right to form local government bodies, they owned most of the land of Buganda. In return, they gave an obligation to be loyal to the British crown and agreed that the colonial administration would levy taxes on the population.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the British, in an effort to resolve the already acute “Zionist issue”, suggested that the Jews create their own state not in Palestine, in order to avoid inevitable friction with the Arabs, but in. However, the Zionist Congress, after much deliberation, rejected this generous offer, ruling that a Jewish state could only be established in Palestine and nowhere else.

In October 1962, Uganda gained independence, a republic was proclaimed, in which King Mutesa II of Buganda became president and head of state, and Milton Obote, leader of the People's Congress of Uganda, became prime minister. In 1966, Obote staged a coup d'état and removed Mutesa II from the presidency. The king fled the country, and his supporters were thrown into or fed to crocodiles.

On January 25, 1971, the commander of the Ugandan army, Idi Amin, took advantage of the absence of President Obote in the country, overthrew the latter and proclaimed himself president for life and supreme commander of Uganda. Fearing supporters of the overthrown Obote, Amin turned to the most severe terror. During the entire reign of Idi Amin, about half a million (out of 19 million at that time) of the country's inhabitants became victims of his repressions. The expulsion from the country of the Indians, whom Amin declared guilty of all the troubles of Uganda and who controlled almost all trade in the country, the severance of relations with Great Britain, the USA, Israel and other developed countries that subsidized the Ugandan economy, led to its complete collapse and mass impoverishment of people. In foreign policy, Amin focused on the Soviet Union, which supplied the dictator with weapons, and, being a Muslim, on the Arab countries, primarily Libya and the Palestine Liberation Organization, which even had an official embassy in Uganda at that moment.

On June 27, 1976, a group of German terrorists from the Red Army Faction and Palestinians from the PLO seized an Air France passenger plane flying from Tel Aviv to Paris, and, with the consent of Amin, landed it in international airport Entebbe. The terrorists demanded the release of 53 of their comrades in Israeli prisons in exchange for the lives of 256 hostages. However, on July 3, Israeli paratroopers carried out a brilliantly planned and executed "raid on Entebbe", during which they destroyed all the terrorists and the Ugandan soldiers who helped them, blew up the Ugandan MiGs at the airport, freed all the hostages and flew to Israel without hindrance. The losses of the Israelis amounted to only 2 people, one of whom, however, was the head of the operation himself, Colonel Yonatan Netanyahu, brother of the future Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was killed by a stray bullet.

In 1978, Amin decided to arrange a "small victorious war" and attacked the neighboring one, in which former Prime Minister Milton Obote was hiding. The Soviet Union refused to support the next adventure of the dictator and suspended the supply of weapons to Uganda. This predetermined the defeat of the Ugandans, and in March 1979, Tanzanian troops entered Kampala. Amin fled the country, and Milton Obote became president of Uganda again. However, the situation in the country did not stabilize, a civil war began in the country between supporters and opponents of Obote, which ended in 1985 with the overthrow of the latter and the coming to power of Yoweri Museveni, who is still the president of Uganda.

Basic moments

The state is bordered by Kenya to the east, South Sudan to the north, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, Rwanda to the southwest, and Tanzania to the south. Uganda belongs to the inland countries, ranking second after Ethiopia in terms of area - 236,040 km². Included in the Commonwealth of Nations.

The southern part of Uganda includes a significant part of Lake Victoria, which makes it part of the African Great Lakes region. The republic is also located within the Nile basin, and has a diverse, predominantly equatorial climate.

The country's name comes from the kingdom of Buganda, which means "Uganda" in Swahili. The name stuck because it was the name that the British used in 1894 when they created the protectorate.

Nature and climate

Like Ecuador, Uganda lies exactly on the equator. The South American country even borrowed its name from him, and Uganda simply rejoices in the warmth and abundance of moisture. The average height is about 1000 m above sea level - this means that the thermometer here does not rise to such heights as in neighboring Kenya. Only in the far north of Uganda there are periods of dry heat, but in the mountains of Rwenzori, waterproof warm clothing is necessary every day. In most of the country, it will not be needed: even in the coldest month of July +16 ... +21 ° С you are guaranteed.

wet seasons in Uganda two - "short rains" (April-May) and long rains (Oct-Nov). Both of them do not cause much trouble: they are rather periods of frequent short thunderstorms. It can rain for a long time in the mountains, so it’s better not to plan a trip to Rwenzori for the “wet” months. tourist season in Uganda, the months are from June to October and from December to March.

The role of the sea in Uganda is successfully played by Lake Victoria, on the banks of which the capital of the country and its main airport are located. In the city of Jinja, the Nile flows out of the lake, once considered the most long river on the planet. If Egypt is called the "child of the Nile", then Uganda can be considered the "mother" of the great river. On its way to the Sudanese border, the Nile meets several lakes, the largest of which is Albert. To the east and north of the river lie not the most prosperous arid regions, but in the west and south-west of Uganda the jungle reigns and the highest mountains rise.

Sights of Uganda

All sights of Uganda

Story

Like Ancient Rus', which arose in the 10th century, Uganda quickly divided into several warring destinies. The kingdom of Buganda won the upper hand, selling military booty to Arab merchants from the coast. indian ocean. They called the kingdom "Uganda" - this is how the modern name of the country was born.

Even in the time of Aristotle, the Greeks knew that the source of the Nile was in mountain country deep in Africa. It took 2 thousand years before the British Richard Burton and John Speke found out that this country is Uganda. After that, she was left alone until the very beginning of the “fight for Africa”, which flared up at the end of the 19th century. In the early 1880s, the Russian geographer Vasily Junker worked in the northern regions of Uganda, then descended to the south and crossed Lake Victoria. Meanwhile, in the race for the possession of new colonies, Great Britain was in the lead, in 1894 it made Uganda its protectorate. Thanks to this, left-hand traffic and the official status of the English language were established here.

In 1962, Uganda gained independence and in a small country immediately there were many who wanted to be president. In 1971, this dream was realized by General Idi Amin, nicknamed Dada. With the help of the USSR and Libya, the two-meter giant made himself a field marshal and tried to conquer Tanzania. Even the old Gaddafi soldier condemned the bespredelschik: they stopped supplying weapons to Amin, the Tanzanian army occupied Uganda and forced Big Daddy to flee. There have been no changes for the better in the life of the people in this regard. For 6 years, 6 presidents have changed in Uganda, each of which waged war with numerous rebels. In 1986, field commander Yoweri Museveni became the new national leader. He clings tightly to power, but at least tries to provide his fellow citizens with a normal life. From recent years The most unpleasant year for Uganda was the year 2010, when the royal mausoleum in Kampala was first burned down, and then explosions organized by terrorists on the day of the World Cup final were thundered.

culture

The upper course of the Nile serves as the boundary of the habitation of the peoples belonging to the two largest linguistic groups in Africa. To the south and southwest of the river live people who speak Bantu languages ​​- farmers and hunters. It is them that we first imagine when we hear the word "African". The names of the local Bantu peoples correspond to the names of the historical kingdoms of Uganda. In the northern part of the country, the possessions of the Nilots begin - Acholi, Langi, Lugbara, Karamojo and other peoples living in cattle breeding. The Nilotic people retained their traditional way of life, they still wear leather clothes and bone jewelry. Bantu historically live in the most fertile areas of Uganda and profess Christianity (less often Islam).

Although Indians, Arabs, Chinese and Europeans barely make up 1% of the population, their influence in Uganda's life cannot be underestimated. Trade, catering and currency exchange are all the domain of Asians, while Europeans set the tone in tourism and large hotel business.

The main hobbies of Ugandans are music and football. The opportunity to meet local performers gives a trip to intercity bus: they are equipped with LCD-panels, on which endless collections of clips are most often played.

Kitchen

In the course of bananas and ground corn, mealy roots of cassava and millet, fish, and from meat - pork, goat meat and poultry. Green and unsweetened bananas (matoke) are sold everywhere in huge quantities - they are peeled and baked on coals. Pocho is prepared from cornmeal, resembling mashed potatoes: it is served with meat and fish dishes along with avocado slices. A thick, viscous paste of dark brown color is kneaded from ground millet - it bears the unappetizing name of kalo. A cloudy but refreshing bushehr drink is also made from millet. For cooking, bushehrs of coarse millet are poured with hot water - at this moment it can be eaten like porridge.

You can find stew on the menu of any Ugandan restaurant. (stew)- meat or fish stewed with spices. It looks like a thick soup, which is more convenient to eat with a spoon. Mochomo is good for a quick snack on the road. (muchomo)- skewers of pork, chicken or liver on wooden splinter.

Society

In everyday life, Ugandans are polite and calm. You can travel through Uganda for weeks without ever witnessing a street brawl. The same applies to alcohol and smoking: local residents are not only drunk to appear in public - they do not dare to smoke openly. Incidentally, the latter is also characteristic of other East African nations.

In Uganda, you get tired answering the endless greetings of the natives. At the same time, “How are you?” does not mean that a person will immediately begin to offer a trip on a safari or ask for money. Ugandans are generally unobtrusive, but on this basis they go to the other extreme: what you order in a restaurant can appear on your table ... in an hour.

Northern Uganda: jungle and waterfalls

Most of what Uganda has to offer to its visitors is located in the south. The north is inhabited by warlike nomads and is dangerously close to troubled South Sudan. In addition, it is here that the infamous grouping of the Lord's Resistance Army operates. (Lord's Resistance Army), with which the 5,000-strong detachment of the Ugandan army is fighting. 100 American special forces recently arrived to help him. (by a strange coincidence, this happened immediately after solid oil deposits were explored in Uganda). In any case, trips to the north must be undertaken with caution. We are not talking about national parks - they are protected.

To the north of the lakes Kyoga and Albert, you can also find a lot of interesting things. This part of Uganda contains the largest and most inaccessible of its national parks- this is respectively Murchison Falls (Murchison Falls) and Kidepo Valley (Kidepo Valley). In the first of them, most tourists get on the road from Kampala through Masindi (Masindi, over 300 km, 4-5 hours), can also be reached from Gulu (Gulu)- the largest city in the North.

Kidepo Valley lies in the extreme northeast of the country, at the junction of the borders of Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan. The distance from Kampala is more than 700 km (from 9-10 hours on the way). In that national park drive through Gulu and Kitgum (Kitgum), but more often through Lira (Lira) and Kotido (kotido), as well as through Mbale (Mbale) and Moroto (Moroto). Expensive safaris include a charter flight from Kampala to Kidepo airport (2 hours). The road through Gulu allows you to see the Karuma Falls on the Victoria Nile, 200 km north of Kampala. This 20-kilometer cascade of rapids may disappear in the future: in 2016, the construction of a hydroelectric power station is planned there.

Reserve Budongo Central (Budongo Central) located between Masindi and southern border Murchison Falls Park - the easiest way to get there from Kampala (no more than 1 hour).

public transport in National parks does not go - this applies not only to the north, but to the whole country. It is more difficult to organize an independent visit to national parks, but it is possible. Excursions in this case depend on the capabilities of the Security Service wildlife Uganda (Uganda Wildlife Authority, UWA; www.ugandawildlife.org) in each particular park.

Southern Uganda: lakes, volcanoes and gorillas

The southern regions of Uganda are bent by a horseshoe: in the middle is Lake Victoria, along the edges of the mountain - from the DR Congo, the Rwenzori chain stretches out, and on the border with Kenya, the Elgon volcano rises. It is the most densely populated and cultivated part of the country, visited by legions of tourists. Most popular destinations- Rwenzori and mountain gorilla habitats.

Most of the national parks in southern Uganda are concentrated along the borders of the DR Congo and Rwanda. You can get there by bus from Kampala - it all depends on which park you are going to start from. If from Semuliki and Kibale Forest, then it is better to go to Fort Portal (Fort-Portal, 317 km from the capital). The conquerors of Rwenzori are based in the town of Kasese. (Kasese) which can be reached by two roads. It is possible via Mbarara, but closer via Fort Portal - this path is 30 km shorter, mail buses arrive in 6 hours. Kasese is also convenient for those traveling to Queen Elizabeth Park.

In the extreme southwest of Uganda, the Kabala serve as the main bases (Kabale, Bwindi Impenetrable Park) and Kisoro (Kisoro, Mgahinga Park). The first should not be confused with the village of Kabale in the vicinity of Fort Portal! Both the "big" Kabala and Kisoro can be reached from Kampala or from Kasese - directly or via Mbarara. The distance from the capital to Kabale is 411 km. (about 6 hours on the way). The road from Kasese is shorter, but more difficult, so it will take longer (approx. 8 o'clock). There are also direct buses to Kisoro from Kampala - for example, from Horizon Coaches. But it will be more convenient to get there from the neighboring and larger Kabale: from there, numerous matata run to Kisoro (about 3 hours).

The nearest city to Mount Elgon is called Mbale. (Mbale). From Kampala to it, 256 km is about 3 hours drive, there are numerous bus departures.

Visa

A Russian citizen needs a tourist visa to visit Uganda (blue stamp in passport). You need 3 things to get it:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months, ending after the date of the intended return to your homeland;
• Completed visa application (at the border - migration card);
• $50 cash constituting the consular fee.

The coveted stamp is received upon arrival at any entry checkpoint in Uganda. The official may require you to show proof of solvency and yellow fever vaccinations. In fact, the arrival is asked only one thing - how long he intends to stay in Uganda. Regardless of the answer, the visa is opened for 3 months. At registration, you will be photographed with a digital camera and fingerprinted using a scanner. The whole procedure takes no more than 10 minutes - not counting the time that you may have to spend in line (there is no long wait at the airport).

Currency

Ugandan shilling (UGX) is equal to 100 cents and circulates in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000 and 50000. Brown 1000 and blue 2000 banknotes are the most popular - ask for more when exchanging. From the little things, coins of 100, 200 and 500 shillings can come in handy (going to the toilet, for example, in some places costs 200 sh.). Of the foreign currencies, the most popular in Uganda is the US dollar. The lowest exchange rate at Entebbe airport is 300-400 sh. less than in the center of Kampala. Exchangers are called Forex bureaus (forex bureau), no commission. Going on a trip, you need to take into account that in Uganda only American money of 2001 and younger is accepted for exchange. You should also remember that the exchange rate depends on the size of the amount: the more you change, the higher it is. It is better to have a cash reserve in 50- and 100-dollar bills + a certain amount of American change (about $100-150, sometimes it's easier and more profitable to pay in dollars).

Withdraw cash from bank card available at Barclays Bank and Standard Chartered Bank branches (available in all more or less significant cities in Uganda).

Jungle Uganda

Transport

Main airport Uganda is located in the city of Entebbe, on the shores of Lake Victoria (approx. 40 km from the capital of the country). In 1976, he became famous for the story of the hijacking of an Air France plane flying from Tel Aviv to Paris. The Palestinians kept more than 100 passengers at Entebbe airport for a week, using the patronage of Idi Amin. This did not stop the Israeli special forces from falling from the sky and freeing the hostages during a short skirmish with the terrorists and the Ugandan army. Since then, Entebbe has a new international terminal, and the famous old airport can be seen from the taxi window on the way to Kampala (on the left, where they lined up transport aircraft Soviet production).

Many travel companies include in the program of expensive safaris a charter flight from Kampala to any of local airports Uganda. In the west, these are Fort Portal and Kasese, on far south- Ishasha and Kayonza (Kayonza), in the north - Pakubu (Pakubu) and Kidepo. Small planes are used that take off from Entebbe or the small Kajansi Airport (Kajjansi Airstrip, 15 km south of Kampala).

From major airlines fly to Uganda british airways, KLM, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Kenya Airways and Egypt Air. From low-cost airlines - Kenyan Fly540 and Tanzanian Precision Air. Budget options for Russians - these are flights from the Moscow airport Domodedovo with a transfer in Cairo (Egypt Air) or Doha (Qatar Airways).

The main airlines in Uganda are Air Uganda. (www.air-uganda.com) and Eagle Air www.flyeagleuganda.com Both are based at Entebbe Airport. The first specializes in international transportation and makes flights to Juba (South Sudan), Kigali (Rwanda), Bujumbura (Burundi), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), as well as the Kenyan Nairobi and Mombasa. The second flies to Arua (northern Uganda), Kasese (west of the country), Juba, Dar es Salaam, Bunia (DR Congo), Johannesburg (SOUTH AFRICA).

Railway appeared in Uganda at the beginning of the 20th century, but its work was interrupted for a long time by the civil war. In 2011, the company created with the participation of South Africa announced the resumption passenger traffic between Kampala and Namanwe. The rest of the country is dominated by motor vehicles, since the highways in Uganda are very good. Each bus company has its own departure station in the capital - most are concentrated along Namirembe Rd. and Kampala Rd. The fare starts from 2500 (Kampala Jinja) up to 25 000 (Kampala-Kasese) shillings.

Signature red buses of the Uganda Post Office (post bus) depart daily at 8.00 from the main post office in Kampala and follow to Soroti, Gulu, Kabala, Hoimu, Fort Portal and Kasese. Tickets are on sale on the day of departure, arrive no later than 7.30. The ticket office is in window number 18, but you can also buy a ticket from the conductor. The landing site is the left wing of the building, the luggage is checked by a policeman with a dog.

Bus delays in Uganda are not uncommon and occur due to traffic jams and accidents. Flights to the Kenyan direction are often operated at night - many are afraid to use such buses, although the author of these lines had no problems with night travel. In any case, for long trips, it is better to choose a bus, the seats in which have a headrest with a recess in the middle - your head will not fall off if you doze off.

Connection

Every city in Uganda has at least a few internet cafes. (Cyber ​​cafe, 1500-2000 SH/1 hour). Many provide access to Wi-Fi, and in addition, in a cafe you can scan or print text, burn a USB flash drive to CD. Guest Wi-Fi in hotels and restaurants is available only in large cities.

From operators mobile communications the main ones are Uganda Telecom (www.utl.co.ug), Airtel (www.africa.airtel.com) and warid (www.waridtel.co.ug). All provide good coverage throughout the territory, with the exception of mountains and dense forest corners. SIM cards of any network, as well as scratch cards for account replenishment, are sold everywhere (the owner of the shop hangs a flag with the logo of the operator).

Help

Embassy of the Russian Federation in Uganda (28 Malcom X Avenue, Kampala, Uganda. +256-041-4345698, Consular Department: +256-041-4233676). East of Nakasero, in the neighboring Kololo area. Appointment time is better to check by phone or e-mail: [email protected]

Phones emergency services: 999, mobile 112.

Non-state medical care: International Hospital Kampala (+256-041-434-0531) .

Hunting

Throughout Africa, hunting is simply called "game" (game, English "game, sport").

Photo hunting from the "safarimobile" is also a game. During the civil war animal world suffered so much that in 1985 the authorities declared a moratorium on "games" with a gun. Little by little, the fauna recovered, and in 2001, in the south-west of Uganda, in the vicinity of Lake Mburo, the first hunting ground appeared (Hunting concessions) an area of ​​50 km². Since 2003, hunting has been allowed in the vicinity of the Kabvoya reserve (Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve) on the shores of Lake Albert.

(CITES) . Some predators can be taken if they cause harm to the local population, and only upon the complaint of the latter. It is forbidden to hunt at night, with searchlights and night vision devices (with conventional optics you can); with dogs, as well as fishing for young and pregnant females. Hunting license (Hunting License) and the import of hunting weapons is processed by UWA, this is done in advance. Documents are issued for each participant in the hunt, the minimum age is 18 years. To import weapons and ammunition, you must obtain a permit (Firearm Temporary Import Permit), which is issued within 3-7 days and sent to the applicant by email. Copies of a valid passport and national permit are required (and it must indicate the weapon that the hunter intends to use in Uganda). Upon arrival, a printout of the document is presented to the police at Entebbe Airport, after which a temporary license is issued (Firearm Temporary License) for its use in Uganda. It is allowed to use hunting non-automatic rifled and smooth-bore weapons - no more than two barrels per hunter, caliber and amount of ammunition are not regulated. You can also shoot from a hunting crossbow. Pistols, automatic and semi-automatic weapons are prohibited.

In addition to the cost of the safari itself, hunting in Uganda is subject to fees: for issuing a license, for a weapon permit, in support of local residents (Community fee) and for the right to export trophies (for every). The amount of the fee can be clarified with UWA ([email protected]) .

Rural road in Rukungiri district

Uganda Wildlife Service

The Uganda Wildlife Authirity (UWA) was established in 1996. It controls 10 national parks, 7 reserves and 12 nature reserves, issues permits for sport fishing and hunting. The service is headquartered in Kampala (7 KiraRd., +256-041-4355000, 031-2355000; [email protected]; www.ugandawildlife.org), adjacent to National Museum. UWA has offices in Mbale, Masindi, Fort Portal, Kasese, Kabala and Kisoro, as well as in all national parks.

The following protected areas are open to travelers in Uganda:

• Group A - National Parks Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Bwindi Impenetrable, Mgahinga, Kibale Forest, Kidepo Valley and Rwenzori Mountains. A visit to the parks of this group by foreigners costs $35/1 day. (children $20).
• Group B - Semuliki and Mount Elgon National Parks, nature reserve Toro-Semliki. A visit there costs $ 25 / 1 day. (children $15).

Entry to the protected areas of your transport is paid separately: motorcycles 10,000 nis, cars 20,000 nis, minibuses 30,000 nis. (an additional 10,000 Swiss francs will be charged for the driver in each case). This applies to taxis and boda boda: cars travel companies are paid at a special rate, and the amount is included in the cost of your safari. Entering the UWA estate without a ticket is punishable by a fine of $50, driving on virgin soil will cost $150. Bargaining with the park guard is useless.

The UWA Park Authority organizes walks and tours (5 from 10-15 $), maintenance of cars by employees ($20/1 day) and boat trips to Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth (25$) . See mountain gorillas (500 $) and chimps ($30-150 depending on location) without the consent and assistance of the UWA is also impossible.

In some places (Mount Elgon, Kidepo Valley, South Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo) UWA runs guesthouses and campsites. Single accommodation in such places costs from 30,000 to 60,000 shn. The conditions are simple.

Uganda - Winston Churchill once called this country the pearl of Africa. And he was right.

The unique flora and fauna of Uganda - this small country in East Africa, favorably distinguishes it from all the countries of the "black continent".

And the fact that this is a region central Africa recently opened to tourists, gives it a special attraction. For those who want to see and learn something new, discover for yourself new world“Uganda is the right place.

What awaits tourists in Uganda?

These are all kinds of excursions including visits to museums, inspection of cultural monuments. Trips to national parks, where there are many picturesque mountains, lakes, caves and waterfalls. Safaris, rafting and fishing are very popular.

This country is located on the East African Plateau at an altitude of 900 to 1500 meters above sea level, surrounded by mountains on almost all sides, which distinguishes it from the surrounding Kenya, Congo, Algeria, Tanzania and Rwanda. A trip to Uganda is an opportunity to get in touch with wild wildlife, so rarely preserved in our land in its natural form. The capital of Uganda - the city of Kampala is located in the south of the state, near the northern shore of the picturesque African Lake Victoria, at an altitude of about 1300 meters above sea level.

The largest lake in Africa - Victoria, is the second lake after Lake Baikal in the world in terms of fresh water reserves. The area of ​​the lake is 68 thousand km, and its length is 320 km.

Usually, all tours to Uganda begin and end in its capital, Kampala, which is located on the shores of Lake Victoria. This is a completely Europeanized city. The main pastime here is visiting museums, which contain all the most interesting things related to the ethnography and archeology of the country. Here you can visit the Rubaga Cathedral, sacred place, where the tombs of the "tavern" are located, once former kings Buganda and some other sights. But mostly in Kampala it's stormy night life. There are many nightclubs, restaurants and casinos here.

From Victoria begins the most full-flowing river in the world - the Nile, which in fact is the real breadwinner of the "black continent". And if on the plain the Nile is used to seeing a rather calm, full-flowing and very wide river, then here the Victoria Nile is a fast and stormy mountain river.

In general, about two dozen rivers flow through the territory of Uganda, which join and form great river Africa. These rivers are very popular among rafting enthusiasts from all over the world.

Here is one of the highest peaks Africa - peak Margherita with a height of 5109m. According to ancient legend, in the jungles of Africa there are mysterious mountains that are not available to humans. The moon is in these mountains. Every month she is born and dies here. It is impossible to see these mountains, since the Sun does not come here. And only once a year, on a full moon, people can admire the snow-white peaks of these mysterious mountains, bathed in moonlight.

Not so long ago, climbing Margarita Peak was impossible for foreigners, they were simply not allowed here. The strife between the tribes did not contribute to tourism in this country. But now the situation in the country is quite stable and many climbers from different countries world gladly come here to conquer this peak.

Mgahinga National Park covers 33.7 km, it is located on the border with Rwanda and the Congo. On its territory is the Virunga volcano. The park is rich in nature. It is home to numerous representatives of the animal world of Africa, including mountain gorillas and various exotic birds.

Rwenzori Park is also very attractive for tourists with its lakes, glaciers and waterfalls. This park is home to many rare animals listed in the Red Book because they are on the verge of extinction.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda between Lakes George and Edward. Most of the various mammals live here. In this national park you can meet elephants and buffaloes, giraffes and hippos, lions and leopards, mongooses and spotted hyenas, almost all inhabitants of the African savannas.

Of course, in a small review it is impossible to describe everything that can be seen and experienced in this exotic country. After all, there are 10 national parks in Uganda, and protected natural areas 35. But, nevertheless, going to Uganda, you can be absolutely sure that it is almost perfect place both for educational tourism and for active recreation.

Whatever you do, rafting, safari or mountaineering, all this will undoubtedly bring you great pleasure and you will get a lot of wonderful experiences. Moreover, guests are always welcome in Uganda and with great diligence provides tourists with all the opportunities available here for a pleasant stay.