Uganda
Geography
The Republic of Uganda is a developing country situated on the Equator in East Africa, the geographical heart of Africa, where the East African savannah meets the West African Jungle. It is a landlocked country bordering Kenya to the east, Sudan to the north, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda to the west and Tanzania the imperious Lake Victoria to the south. Uganda spans an area of 236,040 sq km; roughly the same size of Great Britain, and is divided into three main areas—swampy lowlands, a fertile plateau with wooded hills, and a desert region.
Climate
Despite its position on the equator and owing to the country’s high altitude, the majority of the country experiences a fairly mild tropical climate, with average temperatures of about 26C during the day and 16C at night. The hottest months are December to February, and the rainy seasons are from April to May and October to November, though this changes slightly depending on the region.
People
Uganda has long been a cultural melting pot, as evidenced by the thirty plus different indigenous languages belonging to five distinct linguistic groups, and an equally diverse cultural mosaic of music, art and handicrafts. The country’s most ancient inhabitants, confined to the hilly southwest, are the Batwa and Bambuti Pygmies, relics of the hunter gatherer cultures that once occupied much of East Africa to leave behind a rich legacy of rock paintings, such as those at the Nyero Rock Shelter near Kumi.
Uganda's estimated population is currently 28 million but it is rapidly increasing at a rate of approximately 3.3% per annum. Approximately two thirds of the population are Christian and with the return of the Asians, there is a now a fast growing percentage who follow Islam; presently 18%. The majority of the remaining population practise animism; a belief in the power of the natural world.
Economy
Agriculture is the most important component of the economy, accounting for approximately 60% GDP and employing 80% of the workforce. Coffee, sugar, cotton and tea are the main export crops. Manufacturing is under 10%. The economy could take off again if a steady supply of electricity could be guaranteed. However the reality today is that in rural areas most of the farming is subsistence and farmers only earn a small amount of money. In the towns, poverty is due to an illiterate workforce making labour cheap.
Education
The government has now introduced free primary and secondary school education nationwide in Uganda. However, in numerous areas the implementation of this policy has been slow resulting in many families still having to find school fees for their children. In addition, the cost of uniforms, books, pens and pencils, exam fees, school maintenance and amenities still has to be met by the families, making school prohibitively expensive for many.
Mikwano
Children's Trust
Promoting the well-being of the poor, destitute and orphaned children of Uganda, regardless of their creed, colour or tribe. This is achieved through the provision of financial assistance and advisory support.
