COUNTRY INFORMATION |
Introduction |
An east African country of fertile upland plateaus and mountains, Uganda has outlets to the sea through Kenya and Tanzania. Its history from independence in 1962 until 1986 was one of ethnic strife. Since 1986, under President Museveni, peace has been restored and steps have been taken to rebuild the economy and democracy. |
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Climate |
 |
Altitude and the influence of Lake Victoria moderate Uganda's climate. March–May is the wettest period. |
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People |
Languages |
Luganda, Nkole, Chiga, Lango, Acholi, Teso, Lugbara, English |
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URBAN/RURAL POPULATION DIVIDE |
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The predominantly rural population consists of 13 main ethnic groups. Traditional animosities were manipulated by ex-rulers Amin and Obote. Since 1986 President Museveni has worked hard for reconciliation, in 1993 allowing the restoration of the four historical monarchies. Uganda now has one of the best human rights records in Africa. |
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Economy |
GNP (US$) |
6699
|
M |
GNP World rank |
100
|
|
Inflation |
3 |
% |
Unemployment |
No data |
% |
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StrengthsAgriculture. Coffee brings in 93% of export earnings. Potential for more export crops. Road system is being repaired. Proinvestment policies. WeaknessesLack of skilled workforce. Instability in the subregion affects confidence. World coffee price fluctuations. High transportation costs. |
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Politics |
Lower house |
Last election |
2001 |
Next election |
2006 |
Upper house |
Last election |
Not applicable |
Next election |
Not applicable |
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Since 1986, President Museveni has run a "no-party democracy," with political parties represented in a broadly based government, but banned from campaigning. Continuing to overcome ethnic tension is the main issue after its catastrophic effect in the 1970s and 1980s. Rebel insurgencies in the north and west led to the deaths, kidnapping, and displacement of tens of thousands of people, and destroyed Uganda's economy. A referendum in June 2000 on a return to full multipartyism resulted in an overwhelming vote of support for the "no-party" system. In 2001, Museveni won another term in office, taking 69% of the vote, and his supporters maintained a clear majority in the legislative elections. |
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International Affairs |
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Relations with Sudan and the DRC are strained. Conflicts in these countries and in Rwanda have caused a large influx of refugees into Uganda. Uganda's support for antigovernment rebels in Sudan appeared to end during 1999. Ugandan forces embroiled in the fighting in the DRC were withdrawn from the front line in 2001. |
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Defence |
Expenditure (US$) |
247 |
M |
Portion of GDP |
3 |
% |
|
Army |
140 main battle tanks (T-54/55) |
Navy |
None |
Airforce |
None |
Nuclear capab. |
None |
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The pre-1986 army was responsible for many atrocities under Amin's rule. During the 1990s, Uganda was preoccupied with conflicts in neighboring countries, particularly the DRC, where it supported antigovernment rebels. The army has also been deployed to suppress internal rebellions. |
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Resources |
Minerals |
Copper, cobalt, tin, apatite, magnetite, tungsten, gold |
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Oil reserves (barrels) |
No data |
Oil production (barrels/day) |
Not an oil producer |
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Mineral resources are varied but barely exploited. Uganda has sizable copper deposits. The mines, closed under Obote, are now being reopened. Gold and cobalt mining are also due to resume and oil exploration is under way. Hydroelectric output is being expanded, notably at Owen Falls, with the aim of replacing 50% of oil imports. |
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Environment |
Protected land |
10 |
% |
Part protected land |
4 |
% |
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Uganda's priority is economic reconstruction, but ecological issues are not ignored. The construction of a huge hydroelectric power plant at the Kabalega (Murchison) Falls, above Lake Albert, was canceled, following widespread environmental objections. |
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Communications |
Main airport |
Entebbe International |
Passengers per year |
436506 |
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Motorways |
0
|
km |
Roads |
1800
|
km |
Railways |
261
|
km |
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The government is rebuilding the transportation infrastructure with the help of international aid. |
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International Aid |
Donated (US$) |
Not applicable
|
M |
Received (US$) |
819
|
M |
|
Aid has risen, mainly from the World Bank and the IMF, encouraged by Uganda's adoption of economic liberalization and private-sector investment policies. Aid has focused on balance-of-payments support, the rehabilitation of the key transportation sector, and the fight against AIDS. |
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Health |
Life expectancy |
44 |
Life expect. World rank |
180 |
Population per doctor |
20000 |
Infant mortality (per 1000 births) |
83 |
|
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Principal causes of death |
Malaria, respiratory, and diarrheal diseases, measles |
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A successful education and prevention campaign has reduced the prevalence of HIV/AIDS to about 8%, from a peak of 14% in the early 1990s. |
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Education |
Literacy |
67 |
% |
Expend. % GNP |
2 |
%
|
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PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION IN FULL TIME EDUCATION |
|
Primary |
100 |
% |
Secondary |
16 |
% |
Tertiary |
2 |
% |
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All schools charge fees. Enrollment in primary schools is 94%, but only 11% of pupils go on to secondary school. |
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Criminality |
Crime rate trend |
Up 83% in 1999 |
|
|
Murder |
10 |
per 100,000 population |
Rape |
2 |
per 100,000 population |
Theft |
69 |
per 100,000 population |
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Crime levels are low, though theft in Kampala is a growing problem. In 2000, the remains were discovered of 780 followers of the cult of the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God. |
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Wealth |
Cars |
2 |
per 1,000 population |
Telephones |
3 |
per 1,000 population |
Televisions |
27 |
per 1,000 population |
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Uganda has a small but growing middle class. Those close to the government form the wealthiest group. 44% of the population live below the poverty line. |
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Media |
Newspapers |
There are 5 daily newspapers, New Vision, The Star, The Monitor, Ngabo, and Taifa Uganda Empya |
TV services |
2 services: 1 state-controlled, 1 independent |
Radio services |
4 services: 1 state-controlled, 3 independent |
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Tourism |
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Major attractions are Uganda's lakes and mountains, notably the rugged Ruwenzori range – the Mountains of the Moon. The brutal murder of eight foreign tourists by Rwandan fighters at the Bwindi national park in March 1999 was a severe setback for Uganda's recovery as a tourist destination. |
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History |
Uganda's ancient kingdoms were ruled under a British protectorate from 1893 until independence in 1962. - 1962–1971 Milton Obote in power.
- 1971–1986 Ethnic strife, economic collapse under Idi Amin and Obote.
- 1986 President Museveni in power.
- 1996 Museveni wins first presidential elections.
- 2000 Referendum endorses "no-party" system.
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