Uganda Sights

On the territory of modern Uganda until the arrival of Europeans, there were four states. In the XV century emerged Bunyoro kingdom, dominating much of central Uganda. At the end of XVIII century, three small kingdoms - Buganda, Toro and Aikole - declared independence from Bunyoro, which, despite its power, is not dominated completely over these States. The first Europeans in the territory of Uganda were the British explorers John Hanning Speck and James Grant, got there in 1862 in search of the sources of the Nile. King of Buganda Kabaka Mutesa I welcomed the British and expressed interest in the Christian religion. Soon in Buganda worked Catholic and Protestant missionaries. By the end of XIX century, was once the isolated region became a British protectorate and became known as Uganda, Buganda, which had a special status. In April 1962, adopted a federal constitution, and in October the same year, Uganda gained independence. In 1967 the central government was strengthened by the actual lifting, the monarchy and the destruction of small kingdoms, of which consisted of Uganda. In 1971 he came to power a dictator Idi Amin, whose reign was the bloodiest in the history of the country. Over 8 years of dictator was killed about 300 thousand people, many were expelled from the country. April 11, 1979 with the help of the army Tanzania Amin regime was overthrown. However, in 1985 in the country in a coup established a military regime. Uganda is a member of the UN, GATT, IMF, WHO, the Organization of African Unity. British Commonwealth.

Uganda lies in the zone of the East African rift (fracture zone crust), so the diversity of landscapes and terrain - one of the "trump card" of the country. Numerous natural monuments of the country is not so widely known in the world, as well as a rather isolated and do not have the infrastructure leisure inherent counterparts in other East African countries. However, Lake Victoria, Albert, Kyoga, Edward and others, Kabarega waterfall and river system of the White Nile is a unique natural complexes and parks Ruwenzori and Acholi considered among the best in Africa.

Kampala - a modern, bustling capital city, who managed somehow, after years of dictatorship and civil war quickly restore its reputation as a prosperous city, the capital of one of the fastest growing countries in Africa. Kampala even has casinos, nightclubs and fancy restaurants that do not often see in equatorial Africa. And all this is absolutely safe! City, it is believed, was built on seven hills, but the city center is only one of them - Nakasero, here are most of the hotels, casinos, restaurants, shopping centers, offices of large companies and most beautiful buildings - including the parliament. In the capital, based on the shores of Lake Victoria in XIX century, the architecture can be traced elements of different cultures - European building in Art Nouveau style, the towers of Indian temples, mosques, minarets and domes of Christian churches. The main attraction of the capital - Kampala Museum with an extensive collection of exhibits from the fields of archeology, ethnography, music and science, and the most interesting feature of the museum is its collection of traditional musical instruments, which allow you to play any visitor. Interestingly Rubaga Cathedral, and on the hill Kasaubi located the tomb of "tavern" - the kings of Buganda, built in 1881 - great traditional buildings of the cane, and bark cloth, a holy place for Ugandans.

City Jinja (60 km. On the north-east of Kampala) is located at the confluence of the Nile and Lake Victoria. The city draws its old buildings of the Asian style, quite unexpected in these parts, reflecting the days when the city had a large Asian community and was one of the centers of Hinduism in Africa. This is one of those places on which Mahatma Gandhi bequeathed to dispel his ashes. Near the town is the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Busoga - Bugembe. Rafting on the "white water" of the Nile and riding in a canoe on numerous channels between the islands of Lake Victoria, leaving an unforgettable impression with tourists, especially because the local climate - one of the most "healthy" in the country.

Entebbe are fairly extensive geological and zoological museums, botanical gardens, and aeroort city famous for the fact that it was here in 1976 as a result of an audacious operation, Israeli commandos freed 100 hostages from the plane, pro-Palestinian terrorists seized.

Sese Islands - a group of 84 picturesque islands, located off the north-western shores of Lake Victoria. Islands spared the devastating effects of civil wars in Uganda, and remain largely unspoiled demographic and industrial human influence. Their inhabitants, known as "basese", form a separate tribal group with their own language, culture and folklore. Their whole life takes place in the fishing and the cultivation of coffee, are grown best in the country, sweet potatoes, cassava and bananas. The main island groups - Buggala, Bufumira, Bukas, Bubeke and Homa - hilly and covered with thickets of dense forest with a large variety of tree species. Animals, a chance to encounter are very large, include a variety of monkeys, hippos, crocodiles and many different species of birds, especially waterfowl. Islands are also a great place for fishing and swimming (the water around the islands clean, cool and quite suitable for swimming and water sports), and the mild climate allows you to simply lie in the sun or pleasant walks.

Lake Albert (Albert or Mobutu-Sese-Seko) - part of the Eastern Rift Valley, which stretches from the Middle East to Mozambique, since 1894 on the lake is part of the border between Uganda and Congo. Best time to visit the lake - late morning, when the fishermen's catches are laid on the shore between the boat and begins a lively trade. One of the best places to observe this beautiful lake - Butiaba (250 km. On the north-west of Kampala), on the road, which connects Kampala to the area lakes. The view from here on the shore of Albert quite exciting, is visible most of the lake, and the Blue Mountains in the Congo, visible from a distance, create a beautiful landscape design.

Kidepo Valley is located on the north-eastern Uganda and occupies a fairly large compared to other national parks, area - 1344 sq. km. This is one of the most interesting national parks in the country. Its amazing landscapes are superior to other national parks. The landscapes are dramatically beautiful mountain ranges and savannah. Huge panorama of wildlife provided a variety of animal species. This elephant, zebra, buffalo, countless antelope and Number of some 200 species of birds. Because of its remoteness from other national parks and populated areas in the valley Kidepo always calm and quiet reigns.