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Public Holidays
Date 2003
Occasion
January 1
New
Year's Day
January 26
NRM/NRA
Victory Celebrations
February 12 Eid Al
Adha
March 8
International
Women's Day
April 18-21
Good Friday
to Easter Monday
May 1
Labour
Day
June 3
Ugandan
Martyr's Day
June 9
National
Heroes' Day
October 9
Independence Day
November 26 Eid Al Fitr
December 25 Christmas Day
December 26 Boxing Day
Weekend - Saturday, Sunday
Health & Safety
Apart from the usual
precaution of drinking only boiled and purified water, avoid swimming in any of the local
lakes and rivers because Bilharzia is a serious risk in Uganda. HIV/Aids continues to be a
big problem and the south-western part of the country is the worst hit. Uganda is also a
malaria prone country and it is suggested you consult your physician for prophylaxis
before you start your journey. While you are in the country, use mosquito repellent and
sleep under a mosquito net to keep yourself safe from bites. If you are setting out for
higher altitudes in Uganda, it’s best to guard against high altitude sickness (has),
which in extreme cases can be fatal. Take the climb slowly; drink plenty of fluids and
stay off alcohol. There is no cure for “has”; you have to descend.
Medical supplies are
short in Uganda and its best to carry your supplies if you are on prescription medicine.
Also suggested is a first-aid kit that will take care of immediate needs. Most chemists in
the major towns are open from 8:30am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 5pm Monday to Friday and 8am to
1pm on Saturdays. There are no emergency chemists open after these hours or on Sundays.
Most visitors from
tropical Africa and some countries of South America need to produce a valid International
Certificate of Vaccination. The guideline is to find out if you are travelling from or
through a yellow fever and cholera zone to Uganda. If you’ve only stopped over at the
airport in the afflicted areas, you may be exempt from the requirement. Vaccinations for
Hepatitis and Meningitis Typhoid are suggested.
Healthcare availability
is restricted to the major cities and is expensive. It is best if you consider getting a
comprehensive medical insurance coverage complete with med-evac before you leave your own
country.
Safety issues in Uganda
are not as bad as they were even a few years ago. However, please note that some countries
have issued a travel warning to Uganda, especially to the gorilla parks. Petty crime,
attacks against single cars travelling at night in non-urban areas, armed robbery in the
gorilla parks at night and sporadic insurgent attacks in northern and western Uganda are,
however, to be watched out for. Please do not accept food from strangers because there are
reports of these being laced with incapacitating drugs to aid robbery. Women travelling
alone need to watch out for people who offer unnecessary assistance.
Customs & Duties
The following items may
be brought into Uganda without incurring duties: 1 litre of alcohol, 500ml of perfume for
personal use and 250gm of cigarettes/cigars or tobacco.
Electricity
The
local voltage is 240v, 50 cycle AC. In case your gizmos require other specifications, it
is best to carry an adaptor.
Post & Communications
International
postal and telephone services are good in all the major towns in Uganda. International
calls can be made and faxes sent at the main Post Office in all cities and towns. To use
the public pay phones, buy yourself a phone card. Kampala
has Internet facilities where you can access your mail. If you are in the outlying towns
that have good telephone lines, you can call up the server in Kampala to receive your
e-mails.
Weights and measures
The metric system is used
in Uganda.
Tipping
Tips
are included on your bill and amount to about 10-15% of the total amount.
English Language Media
The most popular English
language newspapers in Uganda include the Financial Times, The Monitor, The People and
East African Times.
Recommended Reading
My African Journey: Sir
Winston Churchill
Bradt Guide to Uganda: Phillip Briggs
Where to Watch Birds in Uganda: J Rossouw and M Sacchi |
