HUG in Uganda

HUG aims to create projects in Uganda to empower Ugandans to make a positive difference in their own lives. Projects are established in consultation with local communities and their ownership of the projects is considered essential from the very beginning. We hope to assist Ugandans to fulfill ambitions they have to create a sustainable difference. It is not about giving them a hand out, it is about enabling them to pursue projects they would otherwise be unable to achieve.

Photos of life in Uganda

Check out our amazing pictures from previous trips to Uganda in the HUG Gallery.

Videos of life in Uganda

Country Profile Uganda

Uganda, is situated in East Africa surrounded by Kenya, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Rwanda. It has a population of 27 million, over half of which are under 18 years of age. Famously called the "Pearl of Africa" by Winston Churchill, it is home to one of the most diverse and concentrated ranges of African fauna including the highly endangered mountain gorilla and the chimpanzee. Unlike its neighbors; Kenya and Tanzania with their built up tourist infrastructure, Uganda is still growing, meaning visitors can experience "real" Africa. There are bustling open markets, lush subsistence farming, charming rural villages and a multitude of National Parks. Travellers are flocking to enjoy Uganda's beautiful mountains, trekking opportunities and communities of mountain gorillas. Kampala is now the modern, bustling capital of a new Uganda, a country with one of the fastest growing economies in Africa.

Travel & Safety Information

Time: Local time is GMT +3.

Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin, rectangular blade plugs are in use.

Currency: Uganda Shilling

Communications: The international dialling code for Uganda is +256. The outgoing code is
000 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00061 for Australia). There is extensive cellular telephone network coverage over most of the country. Local SIM cards can be purchased cheaply for your international phone but they should be unblocked before leaving home. Internet facilities are available in most large towns.

Language: English is the official national language. Luganda is also widely spoken and is the most common of the numerous indigenous languages.

Climate: Being on the equator Uganda enjoys a tropical climate and uncomfortable extremes of heat are rare. Temperatures range between 21°c and 26°c except in the higher altitudes where temperatures will be considerably cooler. The majority of the country experiences two rainy seasons - as a rough guide these are from April to May and from September to November. The driest season across the whole country is from December to March.

Tipping: At local hotels and restaurants, tipping is not common, but tips of 5-10% are expected at tourist-orientated establishments. It is customary to tip guides and drivers.

Local Customs: People in Uganda are incredibly friendly and helpful, but please do respect their customs and beliefs and do some research before you arrive (we recommend the Bradt Travel Guides as they're extremely informative and well written). Either sex should dress modestly when in small towns and villages and respect local people's feelings of having their photograph taken, as not all appreciate it. Visitors are advised not to take photographs of military or official sites, including Owen Falls Dam. Homosexual practices are frowned upon.

Safety: Although much of Uganda is generally safe, there are some risky areas. Despite recent attempts by the Ugandan government for a ceasefire, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) is still active north of Murchison Falls National Park and around towns such as Lira and Gulu. These areas should be avoided if possible. The borders with Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan should also be avoided. The remote Karamoja region in the northeast is prone to violence and banditry, and travellers should steer clear of public protests or demonstrations in Kampala. It is imperative to make inquiries with knowledgeable local authorities before setting off to these areas.

Health and Vaccinations:Some GP’s are quite knowledgeable in tropical medicine, others are not. If you are not convinced with the information your doctor has provided please consult a reputable travel clinic in your area and be guided by them as to which vaccinations are required. Travel clinics will have up to date information about what is currently happening in the country. Proof of immunisation against yellow fever is required when visiting Uganda. Malaria is also a risk in Uganda but there are certain ways to help avoid it - anti-malarial drugs combined with common sense, long trousers at night and spraying liberally with mosquito spray. Always sleep under a mosquito net!

Maps

Map of Uganda
Map of Africa
Map of the World

Websites of Interest