Spotlight: Uganda, The Pearl Of Africa

By Jocelyn Salala

Photo credit: George Mobley (Main)

Geographically located at the heart of the African continent, Uganda has become a cultural melting pot and is filled with a rich cultural heritage. It is the home to over 30 indigenous languages belonging to five distinct linguistic groups.

Each group is as equally diverse as the next and displays a distinct array of music, art, and handcrafted work. Specifically, music is a big part of the Ugandan culture. Each of the tribes has its own song and dances designated for specific occasions.

Kitaguriro is a form of dance of the Bayankole, while the Banyoro perform the Runyege dance. The Acholi also have their traditional dances such as Bwila and Otole, and the Agwal is the traditional dance of the Alur people. Finally, the Bagisu people have their Imbalu dance during the circumcision ceremonies.

Along with its great traditional music, Uganda offers the continent of Africa a special jewel: its rich environment. Uganda is known as ‘The Pearl of Africa’ because of its rich culture and diverse environment. Its most profound attraction resides very deep in the misty forests. This attraction is none other than the Mountain Gorilla. This great creature is, unfortunately, hard to find but such an adventure to track down.

Uganda exemplifies the natural beauty of our continent. Along with Mountain Gorillas, this country is filled with chimpanzee trekking, forest walks, safaris and bird watching. Isn’t it nice to take a second out of our day to appreciate nature and the animals that surround us?

That’s to our spotlight country, Uganda.

 

 

Fun Facts:

• The official motto of Uganda is ‘For God and My Country’.
• In Uganda you drive on the left hand side of the road.
• Over 80% of workers are employed in the agricultural industry.
• Uganda’s largest export is coffee.
• There are large reserves of crude oil and natural gas in Uganda that are still mostly untapped.
• English and Swahili are the two official languages of Uganda.
• 84% of the Ugandan population are Christians. The Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Church of Uganda have the largest number of members.
• Soccer (football) is the most popular sport in Uganda.