Once given the title “The Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill, Uganda is a miniature version of Africa.
Bordered by Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this landlocked country has often been praised for its beauty.
In this article, we share 12 fun facts about Uganda you’ve never heard before that will compel you to visit Uganda.
1. Millions of Rolex Are Sold In Uganda Daily. But It’s Not What You Think!
This Rolex is not the one you wear on your wrist, but the one that is served to you on a plate.
Rolex is a widely popular Ugandan street food enjoyed by all classes. The snack is very similar to a chapati wrap with tomato, cabbage, and onion filling.
So, you definitely don’t need to break the bank to buy this Rolex!
2. Uganda Ranks In The Top Five Countries With The Youngest Population
The median age of the Ugandan population has always been on the lower side. In 2020, it was 16.7, ranking it on the list of top five countries with the youngest population.
This is because the life expectancy of Ugandan people is around 54-55 years, so half of the population is teenagers and youth.
3. Uganda Is A Country With Two Official Languages
The two official languages of the country are English and Swahili, making most of the citizens bilingual.
However, these are not the only two languages known by people here. Luganda is the country’s national language. Therefore, it is also spoken widely throughout the country.
4. Uganda Is A Tad Smaller Than The State Of Oregon (USA) But Its Population Is Ten Times More!
This small country contributes 0.59% of the total world population!
The area of the country is 241,038 sq. km, which is even smaller than the state of Oregon (around 255K sq. km)!
The population density of Oregon is only 17.06 people per sq. km. For Uganda, it is 229 persons per sq. km!
5. One Of Tha Favorite Snacks Of Ugandan People Is Grasshoppers
Famously known as Nsenene, this protein-rich grasshopper snack is Uganda’s national snack!
The word Nsenene is the Luganda name for a bush cricket: Ruspolia different (locally known as the long-horned grasshopper)
These crickets come from the ground in the rainy seasons and are collected by people. Then they are sold in the markets, where street food vendors or commoners buy them to prepare a delicious and crunchy snack.
6. The Country Is Home To Almost Half Of The Mountain Gorillas Found In The World
There are about only 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the world, and they live in two populations across Southwest (Uganda) and East Africa.
This endangered species of gorillas share 98% of human DNA, which means they are heavily prone to human illnesses.
These biggest and most powerful primates can be found in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is a famous gorilla trekking spot.
7. Uganda Is A Treat For Birdwatchers Since You Can Spot Over 1,060 Species Here!
Africa is known for its rich biodiversity, and Uganda is one country that proves this claim.
The country is especially famous for its birding safaris, where you can spot some of the rarest bird species.
The Mabamba Swamp at Lake Victoria, Murchison Falls, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are just a few of the famous Ugandan birding spots.
8. You Can Have A Glimpse Of The 13th Century Architecture In The Kasubi Tombs
Established as royal burial grounds in 1884 for the Buganda Kings, the Kasubi Tombs are a great example of architectural achievements of the 13th century.
The circular tombs that are surrounded by a dome are made up of organic materials such as wood, reed, daub, thatch, etc.
Located within Kampala city, this 26.8 hectares area is a UNESCO heritage site.
9. Uganda Holds Claim To Most Of The Largest Lake In Africa, Lake Victoria
Even though this gigantic lake is also shared by Kenya and Tanzania, around 45% of it is under the territory of Uganda.
This also means the reservoir of the great Nile river (the longest river in the world) is a part of the country.
This huge freshwater lake ranks just after Lake Superior in North America in size.
10. In Uganda, The Hottest Month Is February, And The Coldest Is June To August
The country is blessed with a really pleasant climate. Apart from a hot February and a cold June, Uganda also experiences a rainy season twice a year.
One is from March to May, and the other is from September to December.
The lakes and rivers inside and around this small country are the main reason behind such a climate.
11. Uganda Is Home To The Highest Non-Orogenic Mountain Range: The Rwenzori Mountains
Comprising this mountain range is the Rwenzori Mountains National park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This national park is considered to be one of Africa’s most beautiful ones, with glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, and so much more.
After Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, this is the third-highest mountain in Africa. This mountain has also received the title of the “Mountains of the Moon.”
12. Uganda Is Home To The World’s Most Powerful Waterfall, The Murchison Falls
Apparently, every other second, this waterfall gushes out water equivalent to 200 bathtubs through a passage that is a mere seven paces wide.
The water pressure is so high that the ground quivers near the fall.
The Murchison fall is located inside the famous Murchison Falls National Park, which is the most visited national park in the country.