BEAUTIFUL UGANDA ("PEARL OF AFRICA')

BEAUTIFUL UGANDA

THE PEARL OF AFRICA

There are a few things that strike me as worldly differences between the United States and Uganda. For starters, here at home we are battling an obesity epidemic, with even the youngest among us afflicted with diabetes and heart disease. As you can imagine, in much of Uganda people are battling hunger and malnutrition. Stateside we are drowning in obscene consumerism. The fight for shelf space between pumpkins and Santa statues highlights this in a way that makes me cringe. We live where being rich is defined by what you have versus what you give. In America, we work in isolation from our families, from each other. In Ugandan villages, family is central to everything. We work and toil and have missed smelling the proverbial roses for decades. Regardless our level of success (defined monetarily), it is never enough. We view happiness as a destination rather than a journey. In Uganda people are always doing or absorbing or simply being. There are few signs of malaise or folly. Theirs is a purposeful life, not just for survival, but for spiritual, cultural, and familial reasons. The essence of faith is everywhere. We are hellbent on making money at the environment’s expense, while Ugandans revere it and rely on natural resources for their livelihood. They revel in nature and live as part of it rather than grotesquely consume it. There are certainly lessons of self reliance that we could learn.

MAIN FOOD CROP GROWN (BANANAS / MATOOKE)

The hills, valleys, and mountains of Uganda are stunning. To see the terrain is to be enveloped in something fully alive and lush. At first glance you almost see an absence of color, though the meandering fabric before you is awash in shades of green. The cloud covered tapestry of moss has an ethereal feel that seems heaven sent. The clouds hover in streaks, not in the cottony puffs we imagine. The sky hovers between blue and gray, and turns a deep indigo just before the afternoon storms. Uganda is a beautiful country. The land and its people shine.

As global citizens, as mothers, as fellow human beings who are guided by a moral imperative, we must work together to give the children of this country a shot at life.

BOY COMING FROM THE FIELD AND THE STREAM

 Uganda physical

Uganda is well endowed with several mountains, which are regarded as huge extinct volcanoes straddling in different parts of the country. They are major tourist attractions, most of them are mainly for hiking activities. They are classified into volcanic and non-volcanic mountains.
Some of the different mountains in Uganda include; Mt.Elgon which is about 4,321 meters in altitude is found in eastern Uganda. While the snow capped Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon” is located in western Uganda, the Moroto and Muhavura Mountains are located in the north eastern and south western parts of the country respectively.

Tourism in Uganda is built on the concept of ecotourism and the main focus is placed on sustainable use of the natural and cultural attractions which are the foundation of Uganda’s tourism, as well as empowering the local communities to benefit from tourism.
Uganda has ten national parks offering a diversity of attractions and activities. This makes the country a one stop destination for all your adventure expectations. The national parks are rich in flora and fauna with some endemic species of birds, wild animals, butterflies, aquatic life and vegetation.
The forests in Uganda are mainly managed by the National forest Authority (NFA) together with other stakeholders such as the Ministry of water and Environment, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage (MTWH) among others.

In which sites can I enjoy eco-tourism activities?

Mabira Central Forest Reserve

One of Uganda’s largest surviving natural forests covering an area of 306 sq km. The forest is a habitat of over 312 species of trees including the endangered Cordia Milleni, Mililia Exclesa and the vulnerable Prunus Africana which cures Prostate Cancer and boosts the Human Immune System.

Accessibility

Mabira Central Forest Reserve is located on the main Kampala – Jinja Highway in Mukono District, 54km from Kampala and 26km from Jinja town.

Lutoboka, Kampala and Bunjazi Central Forest Reserves

Described as medium altitude moist forests, they are found on the legendary Ssesse Islands, with a gentle slope from the shores of Lake Victoria to the center.
There are 31 gazetted Forest Reserves in the Islands with a total of 7,324 hectares. Lutoboka Forest reserve is 378 Ha; Kampala Forest Reserve is 139 Ha; and Bunjazi Forest Reserve is 80 Ha.

Accessibility

The Islands can be accessed by ship departing from Nakiwogo landing site near Entebbe, usually at 14:00 daily. Its return journey from Lutoboka Landing site is at 8:00am. Alternatively, you can use the ferry from Bukakata/Kachanga landing site near Masaka.

Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve

A natural forest teeming with terrestrial Bio-diversity located in Bushenyi District (Western Uganda). Famous for 414 species of trees and shrubs including the Ficus, Prunus Africana while harbouring over 378 species of birds.

Accessibility

Approximately 375km, a five (5)hours drive from Kampala City Centre. It is only 30km from the District Headquarters.

Mpanga Central Forest Reserve

Mpanga Central Forest Reserve is a natural forest with unique tree species like the Celtis with large buttresses; the Ficus family; and Mahogany.
The forests boasts of a number of primates especially the Red-Tailed Monkeys; an array of birdlife including the Ross’ Turaco, Weaver-birds, the Grey Parrot, Owls and Cuckons.

Others include:

Budongo Central Forest Reserve, straddling across three (3) districts of Masindi, Hoima and Buliisa, covering over 825 sqkm.
Busingiro Eco-tourism site, located in the south-western part of Budongo Forest Reserve. It inhabits several primate species including Chimpanzees, Monkeys and Baboons.
Bugoma Eco-tourism site, located in Hoima district covering over 41,144 Ha.
Kaniyo – Pabidi- Ecotourism site
Kasyoha- Kitomi Forest Reserve
The forest eco-tourism reserves in Uganda are endowed with an abundance of wildlife and ever green vegetation. The key attractions include apes, birds, butterflies, unique vegetation, reptiles, flowers and wild animals like elephants, warthogs, bush backs, bush pigs, buffaloes and cool fresh air among others.
The sites also provide luxurious accommodation facilities especially high class lodges, hotels and guest houses.

 

Tourists at the source of the nile

Flanked today by the city of Jinja, the waterfall described by Speke now lies submerged beneath the Owen Falls Dam, Uganda’s main source of hydro-electric power. Still, a visit to the source of the Nile remains a moving and wondrous experience, no less so to those who have seen the same river as it flows past the ancient Egyptian temples of Luxor some 6,000 km downstream.
The source of the Nile, alluded to hazily in the ancient writings of Ptolemy, stood as one of the great geographical mysteries of the Victorian Age.

Gorrilla feeding on plant life  see also>(herbivores/primate)

 

The diet of mountain gorillas largely consists of foliage. Over 142 different plants, whose leaves, shoots and stems are eaten, constitute gorilla food. For the shoots, the gorillas enjoy mainly the rainy season mountain bamboos when still green and tender. Because the bamboo shoots are 84% water the supplement of trocatea, young bamboo leaves, tsile’s leaves, stems, flowers and roots, celery’s stem without the tree bark, urela cameronesis leaves and stem bark and dry season black berries grown on high attitude provides a nutritious delicacy for mountain gorillas.

Uganda kobs

 The kob (Kobus kob) is an antelope found across sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal to South Sudan. Found along the northern savanna, it is often seen in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda; Garamba and Virunga National Park, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as grassy floodplains of South Sudan. Kob are found in wet areas (such as floodplains), where they eat grasses. Kob are diurnal, but inactive during the heat of the day. They live in groups of either females and calves or just males. These groups generally range from five to 40 animals.
Among the kobs of eastern Africa, the Ugandan kob (Kobus kob thomasi) appears on the coat of arms of Uganda, and the white-eared kob (Kobus kob leucotis), found in South Sudan, southwest Ethiopia and extreme northeast Uganda, participate in large-scale migrations.

Fiercely protective of his pride, or family unit, male lions patrol a vast territory normally covering about 100 square miles (260 square kilometers).

birds 

From the source of the White Nile on Lake Victoria to the Snow-capped Rwenzori mountain ranges, the montane Forests of the Virunga Volcanoes to the desert plains of Karamoja, Uganda is an Equatorial Country of astonishing and amazing diversity of habitats and this richness is reflected in the ever-burgeoning bird list of over 1000 species.

 

The Shoebill bird (Balaeniceps rex), also known as Whalehead, is a stork-like bird. They feed in muddy waters, on fish, frogs, and reptiles such as baby crocodiles.
In Uganda, Shoebills can be found in the Mabamba bay wetland.
© Uganda Tourism Board.

Birds of the same feather flock together. You'll find the newly identified 'Wattled crane' associating with the Crested crane - recently named as 'Gray Crowned Crane'.
© Uganda Tourism Board.

Killing two birds with one stone. On the Nile, on lake Victoria and at Murchison falls, you'll be able to watch birds while enjoying boat rides, canoeing and kayaking.
© J.A.S.A

The Shoebill bird (Balaeniceps rex), also known as Whalehead, is a stork-like bird. They feed in muddy waters, on fish, frogs, and reptiles such as baby crocodiles.
In Uganda, Shoebills can be found in the Mabamba bay wetland.
© Uganda Tourism Board.

Birds of the same feather flock together. You'll find the newly identified 'Wattled crane' associating with the Crested crane - recently named as 'Gray Crowned Crane'.
© Uganda Tourism Board.

Killing two birds with one stone. On the Nile, on lake Victoria and at Murchison falls, you'll be able to watch birds while enjoying boat rides, canoeing and kayaking.
© J.A.S.A

Catch me later! The Marabou stock is mainly seen in urban areas. Originally just a water bird, it has adapted in search of food and can now be seen around most towns in Uganda, especially on Kampala streets.

 

The Shoebill bird (Balaeniceps rex), also known as Whalehead, is a stork-like bird. They feed in muddy waters, on fish, frogs, and reptiles such as baby crocodiles.
In Uganda, Shoebills can be found in the Mabamba bay wetland.
© Uganda Tourism Board.

Birds of the same feather flock together. You'll find the newly identified 'Wattled crane' associating with the Crested crane - recently named as 'Gray Crowned Crane'.

 

The Shoebill bird (Balaeniceps rex), also known as Whalehead, is a stork-like bird. They feed in muddy waters, on fish, frogs, and reptiles such as baby crocodiles.
In Uganda, Shoebills can be found in the Mabamba bay wetland.
© Uganda Tourism Board.

Birds of the same feather flock together. You'll find the newly identified 'Wattled crane' associating with the Crested crane - recently named as 'Gray Crowned Crane'.
© Uganda Tourism Board.

Killing two birds with one stone. On the Nile, on lake Victoria and at Murchison falls, you'll be able to watch birds while enjoying boat rides, canoeing and kayaking.
© J.A.S.A

Catch me later! The Marabou stock is mainly seen in urban areas. Originally just a water bird, it has adapted in search of food and can now be seen around most towns in Uganda, especially on Kampala streets.
© Uganda Tourism Board

The Kingfisher, a crested black and white bird that can be seen hovering over open water and then diving for the prey.

 

The Shoebill bird (Balaeniceps rex), also known as Whalehead, is a stork-like bird. They feed in muddy waters, on fish, frogs, and reptiles such as baby crocodiles.
In Uganda, Shoebills can be found in the Mabamba bay wetland.
© Uganda Tourism Board.

Birds of the same feather flock together. You'll find the newly identified 'Wattled crane' associating with the Crested crane - recently named as 'Gray Crowned Crane'.
© Uganda Tourism Board.

Killing two birds with one stone. On the Nile, on lake Victoria and at Murchison falls, you'll be able to watch birds while enjoying boat rides, canoeing and kayaking.
© J.A.S.A

Catch me later! The Marabou stock is mainly seen in urban areas. Originally just a water bird, it has adapted in search of food and can now be seen around most towns in Uganda, especially on Kampala streets.
© Uganda Tourism Board

The Kingfisher, a crested black and white bird that can be seen hovering over open water and then diving for the prey.
© Uganda Tourism Board.

 

 Ibises are common bird species in Uganda, they can be seen in various species; along the shores of L. Victoria, grazing in fields on earthworms, spiders and small insects. They have a distinctively loud and recognizable call.

 

 

Oh Uganda, Land of Beauty

Oh Uganda, Land of Beauty.

National anthem of  Uganda
Lyrics	George Wilberforce Kakoma
Music	George Wilberforce Kakoma
Adopted	1962

"Oh Uganda, Land of Beauty" is the Ugandan national anthem. It was adopted in 1962, with words and music by George Wilberforce Kakoma. The anthem is one of the shortest in the world, and is occasionally performed twice in a row to lengthen it.

              Lyrics

Oh Uganda! may God uphold thee,

We lay our future in thy hand.

United, free,

For liberty

Together we'll always stand.

Oh Uganda! the land of freedom.

Our love and labour we give,

And with neighbours all

At our country's call

In peace and friendship we'll live.

Oh Uganda! the land that feeds us

By sun and fertile soil grown.

For our own dear land,

We'll always stand,

The Pearl of Africa's Crown.