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Uganda
General Information
Area: 241,139 sq km (93,104 sq miles).
Population: 21,620,000 (official estimate 1999)
Population Density: 89.7 per sq km.
Capital: Kampala. Population: 774,241 (1991).
GEOGRAPHY: Uganda shares borders with Sudan to the north, Kenya to the east, Lake Victoria to the southeast, Tanzania and Rwanda to the south and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west. Kampala is on the shores of Lake Victoria, and the White Nile flowing out of the lake traverses much of the country. The varied scenery includes tropical forest and tea plantations on the slopes of the snowcapped Ruwenzori Mountains, the arid plains of the Karamoja, the lush, heavily populated Buganda, the rolling savannah of Acholi, Bunyoro, Tororo and Ankole, and the fertile cotton area of Teso.
Government: Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1962. Head of State: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni since 1986. Head of Government: Prime Minister Apollo Nsibambi since 1999.
Language: English is the official language, with Luganda and Swahili also widely spoken.
Religion: Sixty per cent Christian, 32 per cent Animist and five per cent Muslim.
Time: GMT + 3.
Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz.
Communications:
Telephone
IDD is available to and from principal towns in Uganda. Country code: 256. Service for local calls is unreliable.
Mobile telephone
GSM 900/1800 network. Main network operators are Uganda Telecom Ltd (website: www.utl.co.ug), Clovergem Celtel (website: www.msi-cellular.com) and MTN Uganda (website: www.mtn.co.ug). Coverage extends to all major towns.
Fax
Service is available at the Postal & Telecommunications Office, 35 Kampala Road, Kampala; central post offices in Jinja and Mbale between 0800-1600; and in some hotels.
Internet
ISPs include InfoCom (website: www.imul.com) and MTN Uganda (website: www.mtn.co.ug). Internet cafes exist in Kampala.
Telegram
Available in main towns.
Post
Airmail to Europe can take from three days to several weeks. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1230 and 1400-1730. Some post offices are open Sat 0830-1300.
Press
The English-language papers include Financial Times, The Monitor, New Vision, The Star and Weekly Topic.
BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change.
BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice):
Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov):
Passport/Visa
| | Passport Required? | Visa Required? | Return Ticket Required? | | British | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes | | USA | Yes | Yes | Yes | | OtherEU | Yes | Yes/1 | Yes | | Japanese | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Restricted entry: Entry may be refused to passengers not holding sufficient funds, return or onward tickets and other necessary travel documents.
PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least six months required by all.
VISAS: Required by all except the following:
(a) 1. nationals of Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Burundi, Comoros, Cyprus, Eritrea, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Rwanda, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Vanuatu, Zambia and Zimbabwe;
(b) transit passengers continuing to a third country by the same or first connecting flight within 24 hours, provided holding confirmed tickets and travel documents and not leaving the airport.
Note: Some visas may be issued on arrival to Uganda. Check with your local Embassy for further details.
Types of visa and cost: Single-entry: US$30 (three months); Multiple-entry: US$80 (six months), US$160 (one year); Transit: US$15.
Validity: Single-entry: Three months from date of issue; Multiple-entry: Six months or one year from date of issue; Transit: 24 hours.
Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at High Commission or Embassy); see Contact Addresses section.
Application requirements: (a) Valid passport. (b) One completed application form. (c) One recent passport-size photo. (d) Fee (cash or postal orders only). (e) Registered self-addressed envelope, if applying by post. (f) Return/onward ticket, all necessary documents for next destination and sufficient funds. Business: (a)-(f) and, (g) Letter of invitation/introduction.
Note: Working journalists require a letter of accreditation issued by the Secretary of the Media Council, Dept of Information, PO Box 7142, Kampala (tel: (41) 232 734; fax: (41) 256 888 or 342 259).
Working days required: One.
Temporary residence: Enquire at Embassy or High Commission.
Money
Currency: Uganda Shilling (USh). Notes are in denominations of USh20,000, 10,000, 5000 and 1000. Coins are in denominations of USh500, 200, 100 and 50.
Currency exchange: Foreign currency may be exchanged at the Central Bank, commercial banks and foreign exchange bureaux.
Credit & debit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Diners and American Express are widely accepted. Most large hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and shops in urban areas accept credit cards. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Travellers cheques: To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Currency restrictions: The import and export of local currency is prohibited. Free import and export of foreign currency if declared on arrival. It is imperative to obtain a currency declaration form on arrival in Uganda. Unspent shillings can be reconverted to foreign currency.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Uganda Shilling against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date | Feb ’02 | May ’02 | Nov ’02 | Feb ’03 | | £1.00= | 2506.25 | 2620.95 | 2900.43 | 3017.32 | | $1.00= | 1752.50 | 1798.50 | 1834.09 | 1895.00 |
Banking hours: Generally Mon-Fri 0900-1500, Sat 0900-1200.
Duty Free
The following items may be imported, by vistiors over 17 years, into Uganda without incurring customs duty (except from Kenya and Tanzania):
200 cigarettes or 225g of tobacco; 1 bottle of spirits or wine; 568ml of perfume.
Restricted exports: A special permit is required to export game trophies.
Public Holidays
Dec 25 2002 Christmas Day. Dec 26 Boxing Day. Dec 6-8 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Jan 26 Liberation Day. Feb 12 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). Mar 8 International Women’s Day. Apr 18 Good Friday. Apr 21 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. Jun 3 Martyrs’ Day. Jun 9 National Heroes’ Day. Oct 9 Independence Day. Nov 26-28 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Dec 25 Christmas Day. Dec 26 Boxing Day. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Jan 26 Liberation Day. Feb 2 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). Mar 8 International Women’s Day. Apr 9 Good Friday. Apr 12 Easter Monday. May 1 Labour Day. Jun 3 Martyrs’ Day. Jun 9 National Heroes’ Day. Oct 9 Independence Day. Nov 14-16 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Dec 25 Christmas Day. Dec 26 Boxing Day.
Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to ten days, depending on the region. For more information, see the World of Islam appendix.
Health
| | Special Precautions | Certificate Required | | Yellow Fever | Yes | 1 | | Cholera | 2 | No | | Typhoid and Polio | 3 | N/A | | Malaria | 4 | N/A |
1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving from infected areas. Travellers arriving from non-endemic zones should note that vaccination is strongly recommended for travel outside the urban areas, even if an outbreak of the disease has not been reported and they would normally not require a vaccination certificate to enter the country.
2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Uganda. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. See the Health appendix for more information.
3: Typhoid is widespread and immunisation is advised.
4: Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, occurs all year throughout the country, including the main towns of Fort Portal, Jinja, Kampala, Mbale and parts of Kigezi. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.
Food & drink: All water should be regarded as being a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other risks: Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Meningitis risk exists, depending on area visited and time of year. Hepatitis A, B and E, and tuberculosis occur. Sleeping sickness (trypanosomiasis) is reported. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.
Note: In October 2000, there was an outbreak of the ebola virus in the Gulu area of northern Uganda near the border with Sudan. The virus can only be spread through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of infected people. The outbreak is now under control, but travellers wishing to obtain up-to-date information should consult the Ugandan Ministry of Health (website: www.health.go.ug).
Health Care: Visitors should bring personal supplies of medicines that are likely to be needed, but enquire first at the Embassy or High Commission whether such supplies may be freely imported. Comprehensive health insurance is essential and should include cover for emergency air repatriation in case of serious accident or illness. The Ugandan health service has still not recovered from the mass departure of foreign personnel in 1972 and there are medical facilities of a reasonable standard only in large towns and cities.
Travel - International
Note: Travellers are strongly advised to avoid Gulu (including Murchison Falls National Park), Kitgum, Adjumani, Apac and Lira Districts, the Karamoja region of eastern Uganda (Kotido, Moroto and Nakapiripiri Districts), Katakwi District and Bundibugyo District (including Semliki National Park except for the Game Reserve). For further advice contact a local government travel advice department.
AIR: Uganda’s main airline, Uganda Airlines (QU), is no longer in operation. Other airlines serving Uganda include British Airways, Egyptair, Emirates and South African Airways.
Approximate flight times: From Kampala to London is 8 hours.
International airports: Entebbe (EBB) is 35.5km (22 miles) southwest of Kampala (travel time – 30 minutes). There are bus services to Kampala. Taxis are also available. Airport facilities include duty-free shops, restaurants, banks/bureaux de change, post office, car hire and hotel reservations.
Departure tax: This is now mostly included in the price of the ticket. If not, tax is US$20.
Note: All airline tickets purchased in Uganda must be paid for in hard currency.
LAKE: Between Kampala in Uganda and Mwanza in Tanzania, it is possible to catch a boat on Lake Victoria.
RAIL: Uganda Railways does not operate passenger services at present. Kenyan Railways offers a regular service (often overnight) between Kampala and Nairobi.
ROAD: There are connections with all neighbouring countries, although borders are not always open. However, travellers should take local advice before crossing the border with Rwanda, and should not attempt to cross the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bus: There is a daily bus service between Nairobi and Kampala.
Travel - Internal
AIR: Eagle Air, TMK, Air Commuter and Missionary Aviation Fellowship offer flights from Entebbe to most major towns. Charter flights are also available.
LAKE: Local boat services link Entebbe to the Ssesse Islands.
ROAD: Traffic drives on the left. The road network extends over 28,332km (17,605 miles). The roads are of variable quality and radiate from Kampala, although the network is sparse in the north. There are still some army and police check points on roads and railways. Bus: Services run between most parts of Uganda but are unreliable and often very crowded. Scheduled services operate between Entebbe and Kampala (travel time – 1 hour) and to and from the airport. An extensive network of minibuses, known as Matatus, runs to most parts of the country and they are a quick and convenient form of transport, if a little overcrowded. Post-bus services operate Monday to Saturday from Kampala to main towns. There are also special taxis, identifiable by their black and white stripes, which take passengers to wherever they want to go, but are more expensive than Matatas. Documentation: An International Driving Permit and adequate third-party insurance is required. Drivers must carry their vechicle log books.
Accommodation
There are international-standard hotels in Kampala and Entebbe. In smaller towns, hotels are generally of a more limited quality and they may not take travellers cheques or credit cards. Camping, rustic bush camps and guest-houses are also available. Information can be obtained from the Hotel and Catering Association of Uganda (website: www.uganda.com/utal/hcau.htm) or Uganda Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section).
All of the major National Parks offer accommodation in game lodges (see National Parks in the Resorts & Excursions section). Note that most places will add ten per cent service charge and 20 per cent VAT to any bill.
CAMPING AND CARAVANNING: Possible in designated areas but campers should be well prepared and take the necessary precautions.
Introduction
Uganda’s great natural beauty led Winston Churchill to call it ‘the pearl of Africa’. Abundant wildlife (including the famous mountain gorillas) and an excellent climate all contribute to the attractions here and, although visitor facilities cannot yet compete with those of neighbouring Kenya, the annual number of tourists to Uganda is rising steadily.
Kampala: The capital is set among hills with fine modern architecture, tree-lined avenues, cathedrals, mosques and palaces of the old Kingdom of Buganda and the Uganda Museum. The Kabaka Tombs are on Kasubi Hill. Shoes must be removed before entering the buildings.
Jinja: The second-largest town in Uganda lies on the shores of Lake Victoria. Though somewhat underpopulated there is a very lively Saturday market. The nearby Owen Falls Dam is the source of the Nile.
Entebbe: The major gateway to Uganda for air travellers, it has fine botanical gardens and a lakeside beach, although bathing is not advisable because of the dangers of bilharzia.
Fort Portal: A good base for exploring the Ruwenzori Mountains, the hot springs at Bundibugyo and the Toro Game Reserve.
Kisoro: The starting point for climbing expeditions to Mounts Muhavura and Mgahinga. There are seven lakes in the vicinity which offer fishing and possible duck shooting and the Bwindi Forest where one can see mountain gorillas.
Mbale: Set in fertile and lush country near Mount Elgon, this is popular with hikers and inexperienced mountaineers.
NATIONAL PARKS: Uganda has ten national parks, ten wildlife reserves and seven wildlife sanctuaries, some of which are acclaimed as being amongst Africa’s best. The country’s main wildlife attraction for foreign visitors is the rare mountain gorilla, found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both in the southwest of the country. Many other species of primates can also be seen, including chimpanzees and monkeys. Kibale National Park alone contains 12 different types of primate, while Ruwenzori National Park is regarded as one of the most spectacular in Africa. Other wildlife is present in abundance (see the Sport & Activities section for more details on whitewater rafting, eco-tourism, trekking and contact details of Uganda Wildlife Authority). A range of accommodation, from privately run lodges and tented camps to state-run campsites, is available in the parks to suit all tastes and budgets.
Sport & Activities
Uganda’s magnificent scenery offers visitors the chance to participate in a range of activities and to view some unforgettable natural spectacles. Activities can all be arranged by Ugandan tour operators.
Walking: The wide range of ecosystems in the country includes high mountains, lush hills, wetlands and arid lands. Many national parks have extensive nature trails, and several of Uganda’s lakes have trails leading along the banks. Park rangers are available to advise visitors. It is usually best to be accompanied by a local guide; hotels can make recommendations.
Trekking: For the adventurous traveller, there is a wide choice of trekking trails. Popular treks include the Karamoja, the foothills of the mountains (the Central Circuit trail) and the Sasa River Trail on Mount Elgon. These treks are suitable for those with experience. For further information, contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Plot 3, Kintu Road, Nakasero, PO Box 3530, Kampala (tel: (41) 346 287-8; fax: (41) 346 291; e-mail: uwa@uwa.or.ug; website: www.uwa.or.ug).
Mountaineering: Mount Elgon, the Rwenzoris and the Virungas attract experienced mountaineers for medium and easy climbs. Special equipment is not necessary unless the climber wishes to attempt the summit.
Whitewater rafting: Specialist operators take groups of visitors to the rapids of the White Nile which provide thrilling rafting. Huge waves surge around heavily forested islands, the volume of water in this area being equivalent to ten times that of the Zambezi. Hippos, crocodiles and monkeys are among the creatures that can be seen on the way. For more information, contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority (see above) or the Uganda Tourist Board.
Ecotourism: The Uganda Forest Department has set up five forest ‘ecotourism projects’ at rainforest sites on popular tourist routes around the country. The projects are designed to benefit local communities and to conserve nature in the areas concerned, while giving visitors the opportunity to view wildlife in its natural habitat. They may be visited at any time of year and there is no need to book in advance. Camping facilities or traditional African bandas are available to accommodate travellers, and the sites are staffed by rangers and guides who can design programmes and provide information (charges are made for these services). Sites developed so far are the Budongo Forest Reserve, the largest mahogany forest in East Africa, situated near Masindi on the road to Lake Albert; the Mabira Forest, between Jinja and Kampala; the Mpanga Forest, containing abundant birdlife and a drum-making village, situated near Kampala; the Kasyoha Kitomi Forest, 1.5km (0.9 miles) from the main Mbarara to Kasese highway, near the Albertine Rift Valley; and the Kalinzu Forest Reserve, in the southwest of the country. For further information about these sites, contact the Uganda Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section).
Other: There is excellent fishing in numerous inland waters, notably the seven lakes in the vicinity of Kisoro. There are numerous golf courses in the country. Lake Victoria has two sailing clubs which welcome visitors. Rowing boats and canoes can be hired at Gaba resort beach and at villages near other lakes. Many hotels have swimming pools.
Social Profile
Food & Drink: There are restaurants in and around Kampala. Many hotels serve local food. Popular dishes include matoke (a staple made from bananas), millet bread, cassava, sweet potatoes, chicken and beef stews and freshwater fish.
The national drink is waragi, a banana gin, popular among visitors as a cocktail base.
Shopping: Purchases include bangles, necklaces and bracelets, wood carvings, basketry, tea, coffee and ceramics. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700 and Sat 0800-1300.
Special Events: For more information on special events in Uganda, contact the Uganda Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses). The following is a selection of events taking place in 2003:
Mar 8 International Women’s Day. Jun 9 National Heroes’ Day.
Social Conventions: Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. Casual dress is usual for most occasions in the daytime or evening. Photography: Since 1992, photography has been allowed in all areas with the exception of airports or military installations. However, some areas are still sensitive and it is advisable to take local advice. Commercial photographers should consult the Ministry of Information for a permit. Tipping: It is customary to give waiters and taxi drivers a ten per cent tip.
Business Profile
Economy: Agriculture dominates the Ugandan economy, accounting for half of total output and employing over 80 per cent of the workforce. Livestock rearing and a wide range of subsistence crops meet local needs; coffee is the main export commodity. Tobacco, tea, sugar cane and cocoa are also grown for export, and some processing of these is now carried out locally. The industrial sector produces textiles, cement, fertilisers, metal goods and a variety of household items. There are large deposits of copper and cobalt, the mining of which has been disrupted by civil wars and insurgency. In addition, there are known deposits of tin, tungsten, beryllium and tantalum ores.
The economy recorded fairly steady economic growth throughout most of the last decade (currently 5.7 per cent) and, in contrast with much of the rest of Africa, has enjoyed a series of good harvests. The most pressing problem has been the country’s huge debt burden. Uganda has benefited from several cancellations of long-term debt under a programme operated by the Paris Club of major donors and, more recently, the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries relief programme. In exchange, the Government has been obliged to introduce a series of economic reforms, principally the removal of price controls and trade restrictions and a reduction in government spending. Uganda is a member of the African Development Bank and of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). Uganda’s principal trading partners are Kenya, the UK, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and India.
Business: A suit and tie are best worn by men for business meetings. English is used for all business discussions. Appointments should always be made. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1300 and 1400-1700.
Commercial Information: The following organisation can offer advice: Uganda Investment Authority, PO Box 7418, Investment Centre, Plot 28, Kampala Road, Kampala (tel: (41) 251 562-5; fax: (41) 342 903; e-mail: info@ugandainvest.com; website: www.ugandainvest.com); or contact the Embassy/High Commission (see Contact Addresses section).
Conferences/Conventions: The Uganda International Conference Centre with its main auditorium and three committee rooms has seating for up to 2000 persons. It is adjacent to the 4-star Nile Hotel and is 3km (2 miles) from the centre of Kampala. For further information, contact the Uganda International Conference Centre, Nile Hotel International, PO Box 7057, Kampala (tel: (41) 235 900-6; fax: (41) 259 130; e-mail: nileh@imul.com).
Climate
Temperatures in some parts of the country can be quite cool owing to the country’s high altitude, despite its position on the equator. The mountain areas become much cooler and the top of Mount Elgon is often covered with snow. Other parts of the country are much warmer. There is heavy rain between March and May and between October and November.
Required clothing: Lightweights and rainwear, with warm wraps for the evenings are advised.
History and Government
History: For most of the period since independence in 1962, politically inspired violence has been endemic in Uganda. President Obote, who banned opposition parties in 1969, was overthrown by the notorious Idi Amin, who remained in power until he was deposed by Tanzanian forces and Ugandan exiles in 1979. Obote subsequently returned to office but he too found himself fighting guerrilla groups – the remnants of Amin’s army and Yoweri Museveni’s National Resistance Army (NRA). The actions of the ill-disciplined Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA), fighting both Museveni and tribesmen loyal to Amin in the former West Nile district, led to the displacement of large numbers of the population.
In July 1985, Obote was replaced by a military council under General Tito Okello. The whole period of Okello’s government was dominated by the struggle against the NRA. The latter, enjoying more popular support than Okello’s UNLA, continued their struggle against the government and took control of the capital in January 1986. A National Resistance Council was established to take over legislative responsibilities.
After years of political vacuum, Museveni succeeded in restoring order and a measure of prosperity to most of the country during the 1990s. Presidential elections, comfortably won by Museveni, were held in 1989, although the National Resistance Council subsequently delayed the introduction of a new constitution.
Especially during the early 1990s, Museveni resisted domestic and foreign pressure for the introduction of multiparty politics, arguing that in an unstable climate, this was a recipe for tribal conflict. The government initially worked around this problem by refusing to allow political parties to put up candidates, who were required stand as individuals – by the time of the 2001 elections, this constraint has been relaxed. In March 1993, the government published a draft constitution and in March 1994, a Constituent Assembly was elected to amend and enact it. After some delay, presidential elections were set for May 1996 – as expected, Museveni won with almost three-quarters of the poll. Elections for the new parliament were held the following month. Further polls in March 2001 once again returned Museveni to the presidency, with 70 per cent of the poll. Following simultaneous elections for the national parliament, the National Resistance Movement dominates the assembly. Three other parties are represented – the conservative Democratic Party, the leftist Uganada People’s Congress and the Uganda Patriotic Movement.
Many of Uganda’s problems in recent years have had their origins in relations with its various neighbours. Relations with Kenya have been fairly good but in the case of Sudan, both governments have regularly accused the other of supporting regional insurrections. Sudan has long claimed that Uganda supports the Sudanese People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). Meanwhile Sudan has evidently given some backing to the bizarre and extremely violent Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a quasi-religious outfit that has terrorised the border regions of northern Uganda by deliberately targeting civilians.
The LRA caused huge economic dislocation and created an estimated 200,000 refugees. The army has since quelled the worst of the LRA’s activities but, with continuing support for the LRA from the Sudan, and Uganda’s own commitments in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the army is now somewhat overstretched. The reason for Uganda’s support for the Rwandan Tutsis may be found in the support they provided for Museveni’s own successful insurgency, which originally brought him to power in 1986. The Rwandan Patriotic Front, which overthrew the genocidal regime in Rwanda in 1994, had long operated from bases in Uganda.
Uganda has since been heavily involved in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Along with its Rwandan allies, the Ugandans backed the rebel side against the Kabila government. In 2002, following a provisional settlement of that conflict, the Ugandans pulled out.
Government: Under the terms of the constitution introduced in 1995, legislative power is in the hands of a unicameral parliament, with 292 members (of whom 214 are directly elected and 62 chosen from ‘special interest groups’). Executive powers are held by the president, who is directly elected for a five-year term.
Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.
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