Uganda National Parks
Uganda , once the " Pearl of the British Empire" in East Africa , is one of the most beautiful countries on the continent. One-sixth of its area is covered by water. Along its western boundary lies Africa 's highest mountain range, Ptolemy's fabled "Mountains of the Moon." The Ugandans claim the source of the Nile is at Jinja where it leaves Lake Victoria .
The weather in Uganda is similar to Kenya 's except that Uganda 's is wetter. The driest times of the year are December-February and June-July, and the wettest is from mid-March to mid-May with lighter rains in October-November.
English is spoken as widely here as in Kenya or Tanzania . The main religions are Christianity and Islam.
In the eighteenth century, the Kingdom of Buganda became the most powerful in the region. Together with three other kingdoms and several native communities, it was made a British Protectorate in 1893 and achieved independence in 1962. Over 90 percent of the population is employed in agriculture. Coffee is the major export.
Uganda has had more than its fair share of turmoil. In spite of this, the people are among the friendliest on the continent. Conditions have greatly improved over the last several years, and security is better than it has been in the last two decades. Adventurous travelers are venturing there and seem to be enjoying their "pioneer" status. It is now considered by many as a "safe" country to visit.