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Uganda

Uganda, officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Uganda, officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. Its capital and largest city is Kampala, and it borders Kenya, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Uganda is a multiparty republic with a president as head of state and government.

Geography

Uganda lies on the East African Plateau and straddles the equator. It includes parts of Lake Victoria and is known for varied landscapes, including savanna, lakes, and mountains.

History

The area became a British protectorate in 1894 and later achieved internal self-government in 1961, followed by full independence in 1962. The country's name comes from Buganda, a historic kingdom in the region.

Government and politics

Uganda is a multiparty republic. The president serves as both head of state and head of government, and the country has a unicameral parliament.

Economy and society

Uganda has a low-income economy with agriculture as a major sector. The population is young, and the country is home to many ethnic groups and a small Asian community.

Key facts

  • Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa.
  • It is bordered by Kenya, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
  • Kampala is both the capital and largest city.
  • Uganda gained independence from Britain on 9 October 1962.
  • The country is a multiparty republic with a president as head of state and government.
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Canadian context

Uganda is relevant to Canada through Commonwealth membership and Canadian interest in East African diplomacy, development, trade, and migration.

Frequently asked questions

What is Uganda's capital?
Kampala is the capital and largest city of Uganda.
When did Uganda become independent?
Uganda became fully independent on 9 October 1962.
What type of government does Uganda have?
Uganda is a multiparty republic, with the president serving as head of state and government.
What countries border Uganda?
Uganda borders Kenya, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
What are Uganda's official languages?
English and Swahili are the official languages.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uganda
    Supports: Country name, location, borders, capital, population, and general overview.
  2. Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/place/Uganda
    Supports: Capital, independence date, government type, demographics, and geography.
  3. Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/summary/Uganda
    Supports: Area, population estimate, capital, official languages, currency, geography, and economy.
  4. World Bankhttps://www.worldbank.org/ext/en/country/uganda
    Supports: Population estimate, economic classification, youthful population, geography, and lakes.
  5. Commonwealthhttps://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/uganda
    Supports: Commonwealth membership, area, population, capital, and independence context.
  6. CIA World Factbookhttps://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/about/archives/2021/countries/uganda
    Supports: Official and short country names, etymology, and government type.