

March 2010



Uganda is a landlocked country in the middle of the African continent. It covers an area of 241,040 sq. km. (93,070 sq. mi.); about the size of the state of Oregon. Its capital city, Kampala, has an estimated population of 1.2 million (2002). Other major cities in Uganda are: Jinja, Gulu, Mbale, and Mbarara. The natural resources of Uganda include: copper, cobalt, hydropower, limestone, salt, arable land, and gold.

With an overall population of 30.9 million (2007), Uganda's ethnic groups include: Baganda, Banyankole, Bahima, Bakiga, Banyarwanda, Bunyoro, Batoro, Langi, Acholi, Lugbara, Karamojong, Basoga, Bagisu, and others. English is the official language of Uganda, although Swahili is generally spoken among the military. The religious breakdown of Uganda is: 85% Christian, 12% Muslim, and 2% other.



The Republic of Uganda became independent of Britain in October 1962. President Lt. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni came into power in 1986. Uganda's next presidential election will be held in February 2011. The unicameral National Assembly has 332 seats. The Court of Appeal is appointed by the president and approved by the legislature.

CIA World Factbook; U.S. State Department Background Notes, 2/2010; 2/2010