How about some fun facts to start off your Wednesday?
For anyone who has ever traveled, you know that some of the funniest stories come from random questions others ask about your journey. I can remember several characters throughout my lifetime who have had a special knack for asking those types of questions. Of course it always starts with generalizations and misplaced concerns but can be an opportunity to educate and enlighten people. So here are a few tidbits of information I have gleaned along the way.
- Uganda lies along the equator in Eastern Africa and is bordered by Sudan, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Tanzania and Rwanda.
Due to the proximity to the equator, much of Uganda is lush and green, not at all what most people picture when Africa comes to mind. This country has been dubbed the “Pearl of Africa”
(by Sir Winston Churchill) because of the beauty and diverse landscape Uganda has to offer.
- Uganda contains part of Lake Victoria, the second largest lake in the world!
- The national bird of Uganda is the African crowned crane which is featured on the Ugandan flag.
- Kampala is the capital of Uganda and is situated in Central Uganda.
Kampala is the largest city in Uganda and was originally built on seven hills, but has expanded significantly in the last several decades. The name Kampala is derived from native words referring to ‘hills of the impala’ because its rolling hills and grassy wetlands were home to several species of antelope, specifically the impala.
- Did you know that the source of the Nile is located in Uganda?
Many people are aware of the Nile river in Egypt and go there to visit the many historical wonders of the world. But not everyone knows the source of the Nile is in Jinja, Uganda.
- Uganda is comprised of four main regions (Central, Eastern, Northern & Western) with a different composition of tribal groups in each area.
And if you have always wanted to visit…I know just the place!
Next week, I’ll share some insight into life in the village of Mawanga and fun facts about that special place.