English 
NederlandsUganda: The pearl of Africa
There are many pearls to be found in Africa, but Uganda is truly the real one. Not just a beautiful country, but a place that surprises you with its impressive nature and kind people.
With us, you won’t just go on safari; you’ll go on a real journey of discovery, past lions, elephants and giraffes in the wild. And mountain gorillas! You don’t see those every day. But Uganda is more than just nature. In Kampala, you’ll taste the lively culture, with colourful markets, music that stays in your head, and tasty local food.
Uganda is still quite undiscovered by the big public, but it’s full of surprises and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. So, put on your walking shoes and come with CultureRoad to the wild heart of East Africa. This will be a trip you’ll never forget.
Uganda
Name: The republic of Uganda
Capital: Kampala
Population: 48,7 million
Surface area: 241.038 km²
Language: English
Neighbouring countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, DRC, South Sudan
Kampala
Kampala is the capital of Uganda. It is a busy and colourful city built on hills near Lake Victoria. You can visit local markets, enjoy the lively nightlife, and see historical places like the Uganda Museum and Kasubi Tombs. Traffic can be busy, but people are friendly and the city is full of life.
Big Five safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the best places in Uganda to see wild animals. This large park is home to the famous Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos. You can drive through open savannah and see the animals in their natural home. The park also has crater lakes and beautiful views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Seeing a lion in the wild is something you will never forget.
Boat trip on the Kazinga Channel
The Kazinga Channel is a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. A boat trip here is peaceful but full of excitement. You can see large groups of hippos resting in the water, crocodiles lying in the sun, and many colourful birds flying above. You also often see elephants and buffalo coming to drink at the shore. It is a great way to enjoy nature from the water.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
In the thick forest of Bwindi you can go on a guided walk to visit a family of mountain gorillas. The walk can be challenging but the reward is great. Spending time with the gorillas in their natural home is a moving and unforgettable moment. It is one of the most special wildlife experiences in the world.
Early kingdoms and European arrival
Long before colonial times, Uganda was home to several powerful kingdoms, including Buganda, Bunyoro, and Ankole. These kingdoms had their own kings, armies, and trade systems. The people mostly farmed the land and raised animals, and there were strong cultural traditions.
In the 19th century, Arab traders came to the region, followed by British explorers and missionaries. The British saw the area as important for their empire, and their colonisation began in the late 19th century, with the British East Africa Company gaining control in the region.
British rule and resistance
In 1894, Uganda officially became a British protectorate. This means that it was under British control, but still had some local leaders. The British made significant changes to local functions, such as economic, political, and farming systems. They also fostered ethnic divisions and exploited the country. The kingdoms were also affected. The Buganda kingdom, for example, lost some of its power. Still, many traditional leaders stayed important in local life.
British colonialism in Uganda faced resistance over the years. Different local political parties and native Kingdoms pushed for autonomy and self-government. The road to independence took decades.
Independence and early governments
Uganda became independent from Britain in 1962. The first Prime Minister was Milton Obote. At first, people were hopeful, but political problems started soon after. In 1971, army general Idi Amin took power in a military coup.
His rule became one of the darkest times in Uganda’s history. Many people were killed or had to flee the country. The economy was badly damaged, and life became very difficult for most Ugandans.
Recent history
In 1979, Idi Amin was removed from power. After a few years of fighting and unstable governments, Yoweri Museveni became president in 1986. He promised peace and development, and many people supported him.
Uganda became more stable, and the economy began to grow. However, Museveni stayed in power for a long time, and there have been many complaints about a lack of democracy and freedom. Today, Uganda is still developing, and its people continue to work towards a better future.
Due to the country’s beauty, tourism has become a very important part of Uganda’s economy. Tourists come to see the country’s diverse wildlife, experience its rich culture, and meet its friendly people.