Uganda

CURRENCY

Ugandan shilling (UGX). The dollar to Ugandan shilling conversion rate is 3742.46 UGX to 1 USD.

LANGUAGE AND POPULATION

English and Swahili. Locals mostly use Luganda and Swahili as the official form of communication. Luganda is used locally while Swahili is used to communicate with their East African neighboring countries.

Capital City

The capital city is Kampala.

Plugs and Sockets

The most common power plugs and sockets used are Type G with a standard voltage of 240V and a standard frequency of 50Hz.

SIZE

Uganda has an approximate area coverage of 241,551 km2 (93,263 mi2) having a population of roughly 38,787,000. This makes the density of the country stand at 196.8 persons per square kilometer (509.8 persons per square miles).

MATOKE

This is Ugandan’s national dish. Matoke is a banana variety considered more of a plantain. Ugandans take the unripe green ones and steam them while still unpeeled. However, the plantains are first peeled then steamed, smashed and eaten.

NSENENE

This is a favorite dish of fried grasshopper that is often sold in pubs and roadside eateries. This popular snack is often available in the rainy season, particularly in November. Before cooking in the grasshopper’s natural oil, the insect’s wings and legs are removed first.

LUWOMBO

This consists of chicken, beef or fish that is steamed with vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms served with peanuts sauce wrapped in plantains. It is believed the delicacy was created by the personal chef of King Kabaka Mwanga of the Buganda Kingdom in the late 19th century.

POSHO

Sometimes called ugali, posho is simply fine white corn flour that is thoroughly mixed with boiling water until it stiffens into a smooth, doughy consistency. Often eaten with dishes like soups and beans.

ROLEX

Ugandan street food. It’s like an omelet wrapped in chapatti or tortilla with tomatoes, eggs, and lettuce

Local Transportation

For safaris, it’s best to arrange with a reliable tour operator. You can go around Kampala easily by yourself using public transportation such as Boda-Boda and taxis (shared vans). Going around other cities apart from Kampala is accessible by buses but would need to ask local bus operators for the latest timetable. Make sure to properly research the destination before going. It’s common and safe to cross the border to Kenya through Nairobi to Kampala and Rwanda through Kampala to Kigali.

Hotel Information

You don’t need a travel agency if you want to stay in one city for a longer period, as most hostels and hotels have a lot of information available for tourists. Some even provide shuttle buses to and from the main attractions. It’s easy to follow signs and spot ticket counters once you get to the main attractions.

Rent a Car

Renting a car is possible. Among the 3 top rental companies in Uganda include; Roadtrip Africa, Auto Rental Uganda, and Car Rental Uganda. The average car rental price in Uganda stands at $40 per day for salon cars and $80 per day for minivans.