Uganda Kampala Mission

CULTURAL SUMMARY

The culture of Kampala is a vibrant mix of various ethnic groups, including the Baganda, Banyankole, and Basoga, each contributing to the region's rich cultural tapestry. Traditional dishes like matoke and luwombo reflect the local culinary heritage. Music and dance, such as kadodi, are integral to social events and celebrations. Festivals like the Bayimba Festival highlight the region's dynamic arts scene.

TOPOGRAPHY

The region's topography includes the Lake Victoria, the Rwenzori Mountains, and the Nile River.

CLIMATE

Kampala experiences a tropical rainforest climate with average temperatures ranging from 61°F (16°C) in winter to 81°F (27°C) in summer, and has two rainy seasons, from March to May and October to November.

LANGUAGES

The two most common languages spoken in the area are English and Luganda.

RELIGIONS

The three largest religious denominations in the area are Christianity, specifically Dutch Reformed Church and Roman Catholicism, Islam, and Traditional African religions.

INDUSTRIES

Agriculture: The agricultural industry, with major employers like Ministry of Agriculture, is known for its production of coffee, tea, and tobacco.

Mining: The mining sector, led by companies like Jervois Global, contributes significantly to the economy with copper and cobalt production.

Manufacturing: The manufacturing industry, with key players like Mukwano Group, excels in producing consumer goods and industrial products.

LOCAL EVENTS

The largest local celebrations include the Kabaka's Birthday, the Independence Day, and the Martyrs' Day.

TOURISM

The most common tourist attractions are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Murchison Falls.

RECREATION

Favored recreational activities include visiting the Kidepo Valley National Park and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

MISSION HISTORY

In Uganda, expatriate Latter-day Saints were living and holding meetings as early as the 1960s. The first Ugandan to join the Church was Charles Osinde, who was baptized in Scotland and returned to his homeland. A couple arrived in the country in March 1990 as part of a USAID program. Meetings were then held in their home.

A branch (a small congregation) was soon created in Kampala, and in December 1990 the first missionary couple arrived in Uganda. By March 1991 an average of 30 to 35 people attended branch meetings.

Church humanitarian efforts have benefited Ugandans through such projects as delivering clothing to the Kitgum District in Northern Uganda for victims of fighting between political factions.

The first Church-built chapel, in the Kololo Branch was dedicated in 1997, and a second chapel, in Jinja, was dedicated in 1998.

MISSION GROUPS

These groups are a great way to connect with other families who have missionaries in the same area, reconnect with other missionaries you served with in the past or simply learn more about the mission. Robust membership activity can make these groups truly amazing resources!

Kampala Returned Missionaries 2010-13 Group

Uganda Kampala Mission Facebook Group