Official languages are English and Kiswahili; in addition, Ganda/Luganda is widespread. Numerous Bantu languages such as Buganda, Banyoro, West and East Nilotic languages are also spoken.
The dates given for Islamic holidays are calculated according to the lunar calendar and therefore shift from year to year.
During the fasting month of Ramadan, which precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink or smoke from sunrise to sunset, which causes disruptions or deviations in the normal course of business (including reduced opening hours of shops and authorities) and therefore there may be restrictions for travelers.
Many restaurants outside the hotels are closed during the day, and the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes is restricted or e.g. T. even strictly forbidden, even for non-Muslim vacationers. In hotel complexes it must be taken into account that meals and drinks during Ramadan may only be taken in the hotel restaurant or in the room.
Travelers should expect increased sensitivity in religious matters as well as in respect of Islamic traditions.
Some interruptions may also occur during Eid al-Fitr. This festival, like Eid al-Adha, is indefinite and can last from 2-10 days depending on the region.
Duty free shopping
Overview
The following items can be imported duty-free into Uganda (persons aged 18 and over), provided they are not arriving from Kenya or Tanzania: cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos or tobacco or a selection of tobacco products up to a total weight of 250 g; 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine; 500 ml of perfume and eau de toilette for personal use, provided that the percentage of perfume does not exceed 250 ml. More information is available from Countryaah.com.
Mon-Thu 09.00-13.00 and 14.00-17.00, Fri 09.00-14.00.
Embassy of the Republic of Uganda
(With visa issue.)
Rue de Vermont 37-39, 3rd floor
Geneva
Switzerland
+41 (0)22 339 88 10.
http://www.ugandamission.ch
http://www.ugandamission.ch
Mon-Fri 09.00-13.00 and 14.00-17.00. Consular Dept.: Mon-Fri 09.30-12.30 (visa applications) and 15.00-16.00 (collection).
Business
Business etiquette
English is spoken in business circles. Appointments should be arranged in advance. Business hours: Mon-Fri 8am-12.45pm and 2pm-5pm.
Business contacts
Trading Department of the Permanent Mission of Uganda Rue Antoine Carteret 6, CH-1202 Geneva Tel: (022) 339 88 10 Uganda Investment Authority PO Box 7418, Kampala Tel: (041) 30 10 00 Internet: www.ugandainvest.com
Communication
Phone
Self-dial long-distance service to and from larger cities.
Mobile phone
GSM 900. Network operators are CelTel Cellular Uganda (Internet: www.ug.celtel.com/en/index.html or www.msi-cellular.com), MTN Uganda (Internet: www.mtn.co.ug) and mango, a subsidiary of Uganda Telecom Ltd (Internet: www.utl.co.ug). The reception/transmission area covers the entire south-west and south-east and all major cities. There are roaming contracts with mobile phone companies in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, among others.
Internet
According to Abbreviationfinder.org, the main providers are InfoCom (Internet: www.imul.com) and MTN Uganda. Internet cafes can be found in Kampala.
Post office
Airmail shipments to Europe take anywhere from three days to several weeks. Post office opening hours: Mon-Fri 08.30-12.30 and 14.00-16.30.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly for the current frequencies (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
