Facts About Uganda

Uganda is located in East Africa, on the equator. It occupies the northern shore of Lake Victoria, the second largest freshwater lake in the world, and is home to the headwaters of the Nile River.

• 32.7 million people live in a country roughly the size of the State of Oregon in the U.S.

• Gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1962, but remains a member of the British Commonwealth.

• Comprised of six ancient Bantu Kingdoms: Toro, Ankole, Busoga, Bunyoro, Buganda and Rwenzururu; totaling over 40 tribes and languages. The largest tribe is Buganda, and the dominant native language is Lugandan.

• The capital city is Kampala, with 1.7 million people, however many government offices and the office and domicile of the President are in nearby Entebbe.

• English and Swahili are the official languages, and English means of communication among the diverse tribes and language groups. Mastering English is highly stressed in schools and is a common goal for all Ugandans.

• Malaria kills more people per day than HIV/AIDS, with children particularly vulnerable.

• Over 1.7 million are HIV positive.

• 50% of the children are raised as orphans.

• Life expectancy is 49 and median age is only 15 (half of the population is children!)

• 35% of the country lives in life-threatening poverty, with an average national family income of $453 U.S.

• 40% of the rural population and 10% of the urban population have access to clean drinking water.

• 92% do not have electricity.

• 77% sleep on dirt floors.