Irish and Ugandan Researchers outside Kyambogo University, Kampala

ABOUT UGANDA: COUNTRY OVERVIEW

Uganda is located in equitorial east Africa, and neighbours Sudan, Kenya, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania and Rwanda. Uganda gained its independence in 1962 but has faced violence and civil conflict ever since. In the 1970’s and 1980’s, more than half a million people were killed in state sponsered violence under the dictatorships of first Idi Amin, and then Milton Obote. Conflict is still a problem, especially in the north of the country, but since Yoweri Museveni became President in 1986 relative peace and democracy have been restored. 17,077 square miles of its total size of 93,263 square miles is covered by water, and it is mostly lush, flat country, with three volcanic mountain ranges. Uganda is home to the source of the Nile, and has a tropical climate with rainfall throughout the year and average temperatures of 20 to 30 degrees centigrade. The average life expectancy of a Ugandan man is 49 years, and 51 years for a woman. While Uganda has managed to greatly reduce the prevelance of HIV/Aids, other diseases such as maleria and tuberculosis are major concerns, as are the high levels of maternal mortality. The capital city of Uganda is Kampala, where Kyambogo University is located. The economy is relatively poor with reliance on primary activities like fishing and agriculture, and about 35 percent of Ugandans live below the poverty line.