Since the late 1980s Uganda has rebounded from the abyss of civil war and economic catastrophe to become relatively peaceful, stable and prosperous.

But the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in the north remain blighted by one of Africa's most brutal rebellions.

In the 1970s and 1980s Uganda was notorious for its human rights abuses, first during the military dictatorship of Idi Amin from 1971-79 and then after the return to power of Milton Obote, who had been ousted by Amin.

Facts

• Full name: Republic of Uganda
• Population: 31.9 million (UN, 2008)
• Capital: Kampala
• Area: 241,038 sq km (93,072 sq miles)
• Major languages: English (official), Swahili (official), Luganda, various Bantu and Nilotic languages
• Major religions: Christianity, Islam
• Life expectancy: 51 years (men), 52 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 Ugandan shilling = 100 cents
• Main exports: Coffee, fish and fish products, tea; tobacco, cotton, corn, beans, sesame
• GNI per capita: US $340 (World Bank, 2007)
• Internet domain: .ug
• International dialling code: +256

• Further information on Uganda's history, politics and media
• Uganda: A chronology of key events, courtesy of BBC News

• The 2008 Global Plan for Uganda (PDF, 279kb)
• The 2008 specific €2 million decision for IDPs in Northern Uganda (PDF, 148kb)
• Our "At a Glance" address to provide general information on ECHO's work and its mandate.

• GOAL’s work in action in Uganda
• Concern’s work in action in Uganda