Uganda

Marred in the minds of many a tourist by the ever-present threat of one Joseph Kony and his so-
called Lord’s Resistance Army, the nation of Uganda is actually one of Africa’s up-and-coming
gems. Yes, you’ll have to be careful, and there are warnings that need to be heeded about
traveling to the contested and conflicted areas of the northern territories.

Kampala

The ancestral capital of the Buganda kingdom is modern day Uganda’s capital too.And for an
African first city, it’s got real charm and panache.You can still see some of the thatched relics of
the former glory years at the Kasubi Tombs, or you can taste the frenetic energy of day-to-day
Ugandan life between the sun-cracked streets of Central Kampala; a place of throbbing markets
(the city’s Owino market is said to be the largest in Central-east Africa) and echoing mosque
minarets (that soaring Gaddafi National Mosque is a must!). On the edge of town is the more
straight-laced area of Nakasero Hill, where well-to-do villas house the country’s elite and expats
chatter in the ramshackle bars.

Kibale National Park

Pierce into the dense jungles and wetland forests of the great Kibale National Park and you
won’t be disappointed! What awaits is one of the world’s most awesome arrays of wild
chimpanzee packs, and you can see these majestic simians of Central Africa trawling through
the undergrowth and commanding the canopies on game drives and safari excursions of all
different types.There’s a kaleidoscope of other curious little monkeys to spot too, like the rare
L’Hoest’s and the Ugandan red colobus.It’s also possible to wonder up at ancient fig trees, and
see some more recent efforts to create sustainable coffee plantations in the area.

Ssese Islands

A cocktail of golden sands worthy of Latin America, sun-kissed beaches and lapping waves, the
archipelago of the Ssese Islands is Uganda’s answer to the tropical gems of the East African
coast on the Indian Ocean.Peppering the waters of Lake Victoria, they are considered the
country’s premier rest and relaxation spot, with the popular Buggala Island and Bulago coming
up top of the menu.You can either kick-back in one of the lakeside resorts, or wax up the
walking boots and make for the hills, where hippo-dotted swamps hide between the
ridges.Kayaks and other watersports are also available on Buggala.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park really does live up to its name! A land of rocky peaks
and endless green, it’s covered in some of Africa’s oldest primeval forestry.The biodiversity –
think geckos next to gorillas next to a multitude of curious insects – garnered the spot a
UNESCO World Heritage tag, while most safari goers head this way in search of colobus
monkeys and chimpanzees.The breathtaking landscapes are typical of the Albertine Rift.They
rise and fall to untrodden valleys and summits, with quartzite massifs here and teak-shrouded
riverways there.It’s definitely one to write home about.

Murchison Falls National Park

Named for the roaring cataracts that carve right through their middle, the wilds of the
Murchison Falls National Park are unquestionably some of the most amazing in north-western
Uganda.The protected area is actually the largest national park in the country, with a whopping
count of nearly 4,000 square kilometers between its borders.The biggest attraction is of course
the point where the Victoria Nile crashes through a tight-knit gorge and over an escarpment of
more than 40 meters in height.However, travelers can also look forward to stalking lions and
giraffes and elephants and more.

Entebbe

Entebbe, for most international visitors at least, will be the entrance point to Uganda.It’s here
that the nation’s Entebbe International Airport makes its home; its runways butting up against
the waters of Lake Victoria.Most will also leave promptly, on their way to Kampala or the
country’s other far-flung safari destinations.Those who linger can enjoy a laid-back place that
still trundles to the tune of the old British Protectorate for it’s here that the English colonists
made their base in earlier decades.One of the relics of that age is the beautiful National
Botanical Gardens, while there are also charming churches, and the official residence of the
president: the Ugandan State House.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Handily named just QENP for short, this huge dash of wilderness that lies close to the banks of
Lake Edward and the DRC border in the west is Uganda’s most famous national park.It’s visited
by thousands of tourists each year, who come in search of the lazy Congo lions and the swinging
chimps that can be seen mingling between the Maramagambo Forest and the grassy
savannah.The whole area is also scarred by countless volcanic features, going from the
awesome Katwe craters to great rifts in the earth, making it an interesting and eye-catching
place to go on safari drives and game seeking journeys.

Religious Beliefs In Uganda

Uganda is a landlocked country located in East Africa with a diverse population of approximately
37.8 million. The residents of this country practice a wide range of religions, a freedom that is
protected by the Constitution. The government recognizes some religious events as national
holidays. These include Good Friday, Easter Monday, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Christmas.
However, religions must be registered with the government in order to be practiced. Some
religions have been restricted from registration. This article takes a look at the most widely
practiced religions in the country.

Most Widely Practiced Religions in Uganda

Christianity

Christianity is the most widely practiced religion in the country. Around 84.5% of the population
practices one of several Christian denominations. The first non-indigenous religion to reach this
country, however, was Islam. Muslims began arriving from the east coast of Africa in the 1830’s.
British explorers made their way here in the 1860’s. After learning some of the teachings of the
Christian religion, the Baganda king requested that the Queen of England send missionaries.
The first Protestant missionaries arrived in 1877. They were soon followed by French Catholic
missionaries in 1879. The two denominations soon began a rivalry in the courts which was
respected by the local culture and helped to spread the religion. Today, the principle Christian
denominations practiced in the country are Roman Catholicism (39.3% of the national
population), Anglican Protestantism (32%), and various other denominations (13.2%).

Sunni Islam

Sunni Islam is practiced by 12.1% of the population and another 1.6% practice some other
branch of Islam, such as Shia, Ahmadiyya, or others. As previously mentioned, this religion
arrived to the area in the 1800’s by way of Muslims coming from the east coast of Africa for
trade. The Baganda king first converted to Islam before inviting Christian missionaries which
initially helped the spread of the religion. In 1971, the country had its first Muslim president. His
immigration policies led to the removal of large numbers of Asians from the country which
reduced the number of Muslims in Uganda. Today, the biggest populations of Muslims can be
found in the central and eastern regions of the country.

Other Beliefs

Approximately 1.6% of the population practices either indigenous religions, Buddhism, the
Baha’i Faith, or Hinduism. Indigenous beliefs are typically practiced in conjunction with the
other more widely practiced religions. For example, around 27% of the population believe that
reverence of spirits and remembrance of ancestors can protect them from bad luck.
Another .2% of the population identify as being either atheist or agnostic.

Religious Freedoms and Persecution in Uganda

Despite the constitutional provisions for the protection of freedom of religion, cases of religious
persecution have been reported. Some Christian churches have received threats of violence and
some Christian converts have been attacked, killed, and excommunicated by Muslim family
members. The government also refuses to register some churches that have been ruled as cults
rather than religions. These include the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten
Commandments, the Abengeri, and the Serulanda Spiritual Foundations.
Local authorities have also detained certain individuals for practicing non-registered religions.
Those that have been found guilty have been sentenced to pay a fine and to complete
community service. Additionally, the law prohibits the practice and congregation of any political
party that is based on a religion.