THE SYNERGY OF UGANDA`S FORESTS, MOUNTAINS, RIVERS & LAKES

Introduction

Uganda although famously referred to as ‘the pearl of Africa’, Uganda is more of an undiscovered oyster. It`s beauty is still unfolding and the natural untamed landscape of the country is testament to this. Located right along the equator, Uganda is one of 13 countries in the world that experiences warm tropical climate throughout the year. Because of this, Uganda has an abundance of a variety of traditional foods that can be grown/ cultivated throughout the year.

Sitted on 241,037 km², the greater part of Uganda consists of a plateau 800 to 2,000 m (2,600–6,600 ft.) in height. It also has the beautiful interplay of 6 major mountains namely; Mount Moroto, Mount Kadam, Mount Morungole, Mount Zulia, Mount Elgon and the Rwenzori mountains (5109m) that are the reason why Uganda has such excellent climatic and settlement conditions. Along the western border, in the Ruwenzori Mountains, Margherita Peak reaches a height of 5,109 m (16,762 ft.), while on the eastern frontier Mount Elgon rises to 4,321 m (14,178 ft.). By contrast, the Western Rift Valley, which runs from north to south through the western half of the country, is below 910 m (3,000 ft.)

To add to the flavor that is Uganda, this little East African diamond in the rough is one of the 11 countries that share the waters of the River Nile and is also home to a web of 27 other rivers, 8 of which are considered Uganda`s main rivers from which most of the other rivers flow namely; The River Nile, White Nile, River Kagera, River Turkwel, River Katonga, River Kafu, River Sezibwa and River Semliki. These rivers provide sufficient food, the generation of hydro-electricity and other sustainable economic activities for people throughout the country. They also sustain the many forests and wildlife that is still very critical to the lives of Ugandans.

For many visitors Uganda is considered to be one of the greenest countries in the world. This description is earned from the host of tropical rainforests, scattered across the country. Standing tall on 12,657.47 km2 of land, Uganda has 77 forest reserves some of which have never been explored by the modern world and they balance out the vast grasslands found in the Norther part of the country. These forests provide homes for the extremely diverse wildlife in Uganda along with food like wild berries and domestic materials like firewood for rural homesteads.

Although landlocked, Uganda has never had a problem with access to water for in addition to the 28 rivers, the country has 32 lakes most of them consecrated in the southern and Western part of the country. Some of the main lakes include; Lake Edward, Lake George, Lake Albert, Lake Victoria and Lake Kyoga

Although generally equatorial, the climate is not uniform as the altitude modifies the climate. Southern Uganda is wetter with rain generally spread throughout the year. At Entebbe on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, most rain falls from March to June and the November/December period. Further to the north a dry season gradually emerges; at Gulu about 120 km from the South Sudanese border, November to February is much drier than the rest of the year.

The northeastern Karamoja region has the driest climate and is prone to droughts in some years. Rwenzori in the southwest on the border with Congo (DRC) receives heavy rain all year round. The south of the country is heavily influenced by one of the world’s biggest lakes, Lake Victoria, which contains many islands. It prevents temperatures from varying significantly and increases cloudiness and rainfall.

Come with us and check out some of the key defining geographical landmarks that you must visit to truly appreciate Uganda`s natural beauty. There is no other place in the whole world like this.