Embark on a journey to unravel captivating and fascinating fun facts about Uganda, a remarkable East African nation. With a population of around 48 million people, Uganda boasts an abundance of beautiful villages, lively towns, and vibrant cities that will leave you mesmerized.
Prepare to be amazed as you delve into the realm of wonders, where Uganda proudly hosts the world’s longest river, the Nile, and embraces the splendor of the world’s second-largest lake, Lake Victoria. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Uganda’s national parks, where thousands of fascinating wildlife species thrive in their natural habitats.
If you’re eager to discover over 15 fascinating and fun facts about Uganda, your curiosity will be satisfied right here. Keep reading and let the adventure begin!
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1. Lake Victoria, the second-largest lake in the world, is located in Uganda.
Bordering Uganda Tanzania and Kenya, Lake Victoria which resembles a sea more than a lake is an African gem. It is the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest lake in the world.
It is locally known as Nnalubaale (meaning Home of Gods) in Uganda.
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2. The Nile, the longest river in the world, is located in Uganda.
Passing through Uganda and eight other different African countries Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC), Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt, the river merges into the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile is traditionally considered the longest river in the world.
3. Uganda has the smallest church in Africa and one of the Smallest Churches in the World.
This lovely little church was founded in 1996 by the then Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Lordship Henry Luke Orombi in partnership with a Korean pastor, Pastor Song. The Church has no given name and it can be found on Biku hill 18kms away from Nebbi district.
4. Uganda is the second-largest landlocked country in the world.
With a population of over 48 million people, Uganda is the second-largest landlocked country in the world after Ethiopia which has over 120 million people.
5. Uganda is the largest English-speaking country in Africa.
Uganda nabbed the top spot in the rankings for the best English speakers in Africa. With a population of over 48 million people(2022 figure), Uganda is a multilingual country with over 43 languages and over 29 million English speakers. English has been the official language of Uganda since its independence in 1962.
6. Uganda gained independence from Britain in 1962
After nearly a century under the British empire – from 1894 til 1962. Prior to British rule, much of Uganda was ruled by Kings and Chiefs.
7. The Crested crane is Uganda’s national animal.
The Grey-crowned Crane also known as the Crested crane is Uganda’s national bird/animal, it was chosen because of its beauty and elegance. It can be seen on the country’s flag and coat of arms.
8. Uganda hosts the largest population of refugees in Africa.
One of the most interesting & fun facts about Uganda is that it’s a poor country but it hosts the largest number of refugees in Africa and the third-largest number in the world after Colombia and Turkey.
9. Uganda shares borders with five countries.
Uganda is bordered by five African countries which form the East African community: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda.
10. They Drive on the Left Side of the Road.
Because of its colonial rule, Uganda still adheres to many British laws, institutions, and customs. One of them is to drive on the left side of the road.
11. The Most thunder days per year were recorded in Uganda
The most Thunder-days in the world were recorded in Tororo district, Uganda according to the Guinness Book of Records. An average of 251 days of thunder per annum were recorded for a period of 10 years, between1967-1976.
12. Uganda is similar in size to Oregon but more populated.
Uganda(241,038 km²) is similar in size to the state of Oregon(255,026 km²) in the U.S.; however, one of the most interesting facts about Uganda is that it has a population of over 48 million people, and Oregon’s population is just over 4 million people.
13. The Mosquito is the most dangerous and deadly animal in Uganda.
The mosquito is the deadliest animal on the planet and in Uganda. As is the case, it is not the actual bite of the mosquito that causes human deaths but the resulting infections like malaria that prove fatal. Other diseases they carry that are deadly to humans include; malaria, dengue fever, Zika, and the West Nile viruses. Malaria alone accounts for over 500,000 fatal infections annually.
14. Coffee is Uganda’s main export
Although Uganda is overwhelmingly a tea-drinking country, Its one of Africa’s major coffee exporting capitals and it gave Robusta Coffee to the world. Robusta, is used to make the majority of soluble coffee in the world; the coffee beans from Uganda are said to be some of the finest.
15. Half of the Mountain Gorilla population on earth lives in Uganda.
One of the few areas on Earth where the critically endangered Mountain Gorilla can still be found in Uganda. According to estimates, Uganda is home to half of its population and can be found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
16. In Uganda, you don’t wear Rolex, you eat it.
In Uganda, Rolex is consumed rather than worn. Don’t be perplexed. Rolex is a form of street food where an omelette is rolled in a chapati. Ugandans love it so much that they have created an annual Rolex festival to celebrate this street food.
SEE RECIPE: How to make a Ugandan Rolex
17. The largest village in East Africa is Uganda.
Get ready to delve into an intriguing fact about Uganda! Nestled near the Kenyan border, Nakapelimoru Village stands proudly as the largest traditional village in Uganda and the entirety of East Africa. This vibrant community is home to the Karamojong tribe, whose way of life revolves entirely around their beloved cattle. The Karamojong people view every cow as a sacred gift from their god Akuj, shaping their livelihood, marriages, and interactions with neighboring tribes.
Embracing their rich heritage, the Karamojong tribe continues to live in charming thatched huts, practicing polygamy with multiple wives, and proudly adorning their bodies and faces with intricate scarification. These fun facts about Uganda shed light on the fascinating traditions and cultural practices preserved by the Karamojong people in Nakapelimoru Village.
18. Uganda is the 31st most populous country in the world, with a population of over 45 million people.
Uganda never fails to impress with its remarkable statistics. One of the captivating facts about Uganda is its position as the 31st most populous country globally, as reported by Worldometers. Surprisingly, this East African nation boasts a population of over 45 million people, defying expectations considering its size.
