Population: 29,889,000
Location: Landlocked on Lake Victoria in Central-Eastern Africa
Languages : English (official), Swahili, Bantu, Luganda and other local African languages.
Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant, Islam and indigenous beliefs
Capital city: Kampala
Literacy Rate: 70%
Life Expectancy: 52.7 years
Interesting facts: By the 14 th century, there were three kingdoms in what is now known as Uganda: The Buganda (“Land of the Gandas”), Bunyoro and Ankole. It came under English influence in the late 1800’s and got independence, with the king of Buganda (Mutesa II) as its first president in 1962.
Its next leader was Colonel Idi Amin who expelled all residents of Asian descent and ruled Uganda through terror and oppression. He declared himself “President for Life” and had hundreds of thousands of his political opponents killed. He was chased into exile in 1979 after Tanzanian troops invaded along with Ugandan exiles loyal to former-President Obote.
Uganda is clearly a beacon of hope in Africa where the HIV-AIDS rate is concerned, having cut its infection rate from over 30% to close to 8%. Today though, its major challenge is dealing with an extremist militant group called the Lord’s Resistance Army, led by a mentally unstable man who abducts young children and leads a campaign of rape, murder and abuse in Northern Uganda.
Projects:
Last Christmas, Mama Afrika donated various school supplies, toys and clothing to our cooperative members and their families in rural Uganda. We appreciate your donations which made this project possible. We also make financial donations. You will find photos of our Ugandan cooperative members at work by clicking here.
Products:
In addition to famed Ugandan artist Janet Akii-Bua's batik paintings, you can find Ugandan products at the following: Jewelry Stand, Basketry Stand, Special Finds Stand, Kids’ Stand and soon in the Gift Basket Stand.
Related to country:
Uganda is mentioned in the following articles: The HIV-AIDS Epidemic in Africa and the Ancient History of Africa |
