Live Data
Capital
Kampala
Population
48.4 million (2024 est.)
Area
241,038 km²
Languages
English, Swahili, Luganda
Currency
Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
Timezone
East Africa Time (UTC+3)
Regions
Central Region
Home to the capital Kampala and the historic Buganda Kingdom. The economic and political heart of Uganda, featuring Lake Victoria's northern shores, bustling markets, and the Kasubi Tombs UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the region on the Pulse map.
Western Region
Known for the Rwenzori Mountains ('Mountains of the Moon'), Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — home to half the world's mountain gorillas — and the crater lakes of Fort Portal. A paradise for eco-tourism and adventure. View parks on the Pulse map.
Eastern Region
Dominated by Mount Elgon, one of Africa's largest volcanic mountains, and the source of the Nile at Jinja. The region is a hub for white-water rafting, coffee farming, and the vibrant cultures of the Bagisu and Iteso peoples. Explore eastern landscapes on the Pulse map.
Northern Region
A region of dramatic landscapes, from Murchison Falls — where the Nile forces through a 7-meter gap — to Kidepo Valley National Park. Rich in Acholi and Langi cultural heritage, with growing eco-tourism around Kidepo and the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. In March 2026, rhinos were reintroduced to Kidepo after a 43-year absence. View northern Uganda on the Pulse map.
Karamoja Sub-Region
A semi-arid frontier in Uganda's northeast, home to the Karamojong pastoralist people with vibrant cultural traditions, distinctive beadwork, and the rugged landscapes of Kidepo Valley — one of Africa's most spectacular and least-visited wilderness areas. View Karamoja on the Pulse map.
🏗️Infrastructure
Uganda has invested heavily in infrastructure development, with ongoing construction of the Standard Gauge Railway, extensive road network upgrades, and expansion of Entebbe International Airport managed by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority. The country is developing oil pipeline infrastructure (EACOP) connecting Lake Albert oil fields to the Tanzanian coast. Hydropower plants including the Bujagali and Isimba dams provide growing electricity capacity, regulated by the Electricity Regulatory Authority. Internet penetration is approximately 30% and rising, with mobile broadband expanding rapidly. Road infrastructure is managed through the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). For a geographic overview of Uganda's transport and infrastructure corridors, explore the Pulse map.
🏥Healthcare
Uganda's healthcare system includes public hospitals, health centers at various levels, and a growing private sector, overseen by the Ministry of Health. Major referral hospitals are located in Kampala, including International Hospital Kampala (IHK), Norvik Hospital, and Mulago National Referral Hospital — the country's largest public facility. The country has made significant progress in reducing HIV prevalence and improving maternal health. Private hospitals and clinics in Kampala provide quality care for visitors and expatriates. For comprehensive travel health guidance, consult the WHO country health profiles and WHO Regional Office for Africa resource. Travel health insurance is strongly recommended, as medical evacuation may be required for serious conditions — see the Travel tab's Health Facilities section for a curated directory of major facilities.
🚌Transportation
Kampala is the transportation hub, connected by road to all regions and neighboring countries including Kenya and Tanzania. Matatus (minibus taxis) and boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) are common local transport. Entebbe International Airport, 40 km from Kampala, serves as the main international gateway — flight information and airport services are available through the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority. Uganda Airlines operates regional routes, while internal flights with Aerolink connect Kampala (Kajjansi airfield) to national parks. The East African Standard Gauge Railway project is underway to improve regional rail connectivity. Road conditions vary — check status via the Uganda National Roads Authority. For a geographic view of Uganda's transport network, explore the Pulse map.