History of Uganda. Establishment of a special relationship between Buganda and the UK

The first people to inhabit Uganda were hunters and gatherers. They have inhabited the region since the Paleolithic. About 500 BC e. farmers who spoke Bantu languages moved there. In the first centuries A.D. e. Bantu tribes began to settle here. Over the next thousand years, they mastered iron smelting and pottery. Pygmies lived in parts of present-day Uganda.

Middle Ages and Modern Times

From the 11th century, Nilotic tribes of nomads who spoke the Nilotic languages began to migrate here from the north and northeast. In the 10th-11th centuries, these migrants founded the early feudal state of Kitara. In the XIV-XV centuries, Kitara experienced its heyday. Subsequently, Kitara split into several states due to civil wars.

In the 1860s, 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 1862, the expedition of the Englishman John Speke arrived in Buganda. He preached to the "king" (locally - tavern) Buganda Mutesu Christianity. Then the famous traveler Henry Morton Stanley appeared there. 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. A new young tavern in Buganda - Mwanga - tried to drive both Christian and Muslim preachers out of the country, but this only led to the beginning of religious wars that lasted from 1888 to 1892.

In the 1970s, Christian missionaries arrived in Uganda. They tried to convert the local population to Catholicism and Protestantism. The 1890 Treaty of Heligoland between the United Kingdom and Germany gave the British free rein in Uganda. An expedition was sent there led by a retired officer, a veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Sudan Frederick Lugard, who concluded an agreement with the "king" Mwanga. In June 1894, Britain took Buganda under its protectorate, and then the surrounding tribes.

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.

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 population of Buganda (Baganda) boycotted these elections because the Baganda were in favor of independence or a special status of the country within Uganda, which the British did not agree with. 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. A new constitution, adopted in 1967, abolished the 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 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 by force, which was done in Operation Entebbe. At the same time, 30 MiG-17 and MiG-21 aircraft of the Ugandan Air Force were destroyed.

End of Idi Amin's reign

In the fall of 1978, there was an uprising in the Ugandan army. Soon the rebels entrenched themselves in the southern regions of the country and began to receive help 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 executive council of the "front".

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 that 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. Kampalu. Despite the promise that the power of the Holy Spirit would protect the Movement soldiers from enemy bullets, Lakwena's army was halted and routed. The soothsayer herself emigrated.

The remnants of the "Movement of the Holy Spirit" organized various rebel associations. One of these associations was the Lord's Resistance Army. Lakwena's relative Joseph Kony became its leader. He stated that he wanted to rule Uganda based on the 10 Commandments. To achieve their goal, the "Lord's Army" raised an uprising in the north of the country.

This uprising was a real disaster for the inhabitants of the lands where it took place. The actions of the rebels were distinguished by their rigidity. "The Lord's Resistance Army" Human Rights Watch estimates Joseph Kony.

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. In April 2008, a peace treaty was agreed upon, but Joseph Kony refused to sign it. The "army" continued its insurgent activities on the territory of the Central African Republic, southern Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In December 2008, the armed forces of these states, together with the Ugandan army, launched a military operation against the rebels. The operation continues in 2011.

Uganda itself has not been attacked by the group since August 2006. Many of the 1.6 million refugees have returned to their homes, and assistance from the government and international donors is helping them recover from a twenty-year humanitarian disaster.

Other Significant Events During Museveni's Presidency

3) deterioration of relations with Sudan in 1995. Museveni accused Sudan of supporting the Lord's Resistance Army. The Sudanese government, in turn, accused Uganda of links with the Sudan People's Liberation Army. Ties were rekindled in 2002 when Uganda was allowed to send soldiers into southern Sudan to pursue the Lord's Army rebels.

4) the arrest of the leader of the opposition

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

Language map of Uganda. Bantu languages are shown in green

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)

First reign of Milton Obote (1962-1971)

Dictatorship of Idi Amin (1971-1979)

End of Idi Amin's reign

Transition period

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.

Yoweri Museveni in power (1986 - present)

Political development

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.

Rise of the Lord's Resistance Army

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.

There are two wet seasons in Uganda - "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. The tourist season in Uganda is the months 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 longest 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 Russia, 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 of the 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 a mountainous country in the depths of 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. Of recent years, the most unpleasant 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 get acquainted with local performers is given by a trip on an 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. In this part of Uganda are 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). This national park is driven 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 the southern border of Murchison Falls - the easiest way to get there from Kampala (no more than 1 hour).

Public transport does not go to national parks - 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 Uganda Wildlife Service (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: Lake Victoria is in the middle, along the edges of the mountain - from the side of the DR Congo, the Rwenzori chain stretches out, and Elgon volcano rises on the border with Kenya. It is the most densely populated and cultivated part of the country, visited by legions of tourists. The most popular destinations are 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 is circulated 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).

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

Jungle Uganda

Transport

The main airport of 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 Soviet-made transport planes lined up).

Many travel companies include a charter flight from Kampala to any of the local airports in Uganda in the program of expensive safaris. In the west, these are Fort Portal and Kasese, in the 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).

Major airlines flying to Uganda are 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 are flights from 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).

The 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, a company founded with the participation of South Africa announced the resumption of 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.

Of the mobile operators, 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]

Emergency phone numbers: 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, the animal world suffered so much that in 1985 the authorities announced 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 for each hunter, the 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 the 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, Toro-Semliki Nature Reserve. 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 of travel companies are paid at a special rate, and the amount is included in the price 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 region of central Africa has recently been opened to tourists makes it especially attractive. For those who want to see and learn something new, to discover a 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, a sacred place where the tombs of the “tavern”, once the former kings of Buganda, and some other sights are located. But mostly in Kampala it's a vibrant nightlife. 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 unite and form the Great River of Africa. These rivers are very popular among rafting enthusiasts from all over the world.

Here is one of the highest peaks in Africa - Margherita Peak 5109m high. According to an ancient legend, in the jungles of Africa there are mysterious mountains that are not accessible to man. 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 around the world are happy to 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 35 protected natural areas. But, nevertheless, going to Uganda, you can be absolutely sure that this is an almost ideal place for both educational tourism and outdoor activities.

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.

date of independence 26 September (from UK) Official language English and Swahili Capital Kampala Largest cities Kampala, Gulu, Lira Form of government presidential republic The president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Vice President Edward Ssekandi Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda Territory 81st in the world Total 236,040 km² % water surface 15,39 Population Score (2013) ▲ 34,758,809 people (32nd) Density 119 people/km² GDP Total (2014) $75.1 billion Per capita 2023 USD HDI (2015) ▲ 0.483 (low; 163rd) Currency Ugandan shilling Internet domain .ug ISO code UG IOC code UGA Telephone code +256 (+006 from Kenya and Tanzania) Time Zones +3 car traffic left

Etymology

Story

On January 25, 1971, while Obote was on a foreign trip, the Uganda army carried out a coup. The military dissolved the parliament, dispersed the local councils in the regions of the country. 45-year-old Major General Idi Amin Dada from the Kakwa tribe became head of state (English)- a professional military man who served in the colonial troops of the British army since 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 1972-1975), 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.

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

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.

In July 1985, a military coup was carried out, a military junta led by General Basilio Olara-Ochello came to power. Parliament was dissolved and the constitution suspended.

In January 1986, the military junta was overthrown by the People's Resistance Army. Museveni declared himself the president of the country.

Geography and natural conditions

Uganda is located in the northwest of the East African Plateau, in the region of the Great African Lakes, mainly in the zone of savannahs 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 temperature of the coldest month is 20°C, the warmest 25°C.

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

The fauna 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.

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 Kaguta Museveni. Presidential elections are held every 5 years, the number of presidential terms is no more than two in a row, according to the current 1995 Constitution.

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 being the Lord's Resistance Army.

Military establishment

The country's armed forces are the Uganda People's Defense Forces. The total number is 40-45 thousand people, including the ground forces and the air force. There is no universal conscription, and the armed forces are recruited on a contract basis.

Administrative-territorial division

Uganda is divided into 4 regions, comprising 111 districts and 1 Kampala metropolitan area.

Region	Adm. Centre	Square, km²	Population, (2014) pers.	Density, person/km²
Central	Kampala	61 403,2	9 579 119	156,00
Eastern	Jinja	39 478,8	9 094 960	230,38
Northern	Gulu	85 391,7	7 230 661	84,68
Western	Mbarara	55 276,6	8 939 355	161,72
Conflict zone			12 718
Total		241 550,7	34 856 813	144,30

In addition, the 1995 Uganda constitution recognizes the autonomous status of the traditional kingdoms of Buganda, Bunyoro, Toro, Rwenzeruru and Busoga, which are ruled by local hereditary rulers.

Population

Population - 34,856,813 (2014 census). The official language is English, of the 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.

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

According to the average forecast, by 2100 the country's population will be 192.5 million people.

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 is 52 years for men, 54 years for women (in 2010).

Infection with the immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - 6.4% (2010 estimate).

Urban population - 13% (in 2008).

- Nandi - 332,000 people - 1.3% (Eastern Sudanese group);
- madi - 296 230 people. - 1.1%

- Karamojong - 258,307 people - 1.0% (Eastern Sudanese group);

other.

Economy

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

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

The main sector of the economy: 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 - $2.9 billion in 2017: coffee, fish, tea, cotton, flowers, gold.

Main buyers: