ENTEBBE

Entebbe is a major town in Central Uganda. It is located on a Lake Victoria peninsula, the town was at one time, the seat of government of the Protectorate of Uganda, prior to Independence in 1962.

LOCATION

Entebbe sits on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake. It lies at 0.0500N, 32.4600E (Latitude: 0'3'0.00"; Longitude: 32' 27'36.00") The town is situated in Wakiso District South-West of Kampala, Uganda's capital and largest city.

POPULATION

In 2011, UBOS (Uganda Bureau of Statistics) estimated the population of Entebbe at approximately 79,700.

SOME HISTORY

"Entebbe", in the local Luganda language, means a "seat", and was probably named that because it was the place where a Buganda chief sat to adjudicate legal cases. It first became a British colonial administrative and commecial centre in 1893 when Sir Gerald Portal, a colonial Commissioner, used it as a base. Port Bell went on to become Kampala's harbour. Although no ships dock there now, there is still a jetty, which was used by Lake Victoria ferries. Entebbe is perhaps best known to Europeans as the home of Entebbe International Airport, the main international airport of Uganda, which was first opened in 1929. It was also from this airport that Queen Elizabeth II departed Africa to return to England in 1952 when she learned of her father's death and that she had become queen.

WEATHER

Entebbe features a tropical rainforest climate with relatively constant temperatures throughout the course of the year. Entebbe has noticeably wetter and drier months, with January being the city's driest month and a noticeably drier stretch from July through September. Entebbe's wettest months are April and May. Entebbe's average annual temperature is approximately  21.C.

ATTRACTIONS

The National Botanical Gardens, laid out in 1898. Entebbe is the home of the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI),

• Entebbe is the location of the Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC). The Center also serves as the national zoo.
• Entebbe is the location of Nkumba University* State House, the official residence of the President of

Uganda.

• Entebbe is also home to the historical site in Kigungu where the first Catholic missionaries, Brother Amans and Path i Mon Maple Lourdel landed establish the Catholic faith in Uganda.
• Entebbe is home of the Oldest Golf course in East Africa called Entebbe Golf Club which was also from this airport that Queen 1900.

THE ENTEBBE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

EIA is the principal international airport of Uganda. It is near the town of Entebbe, on the shores of Lake Victoria, and about 41 km's by road from Kampala. The coordinates of the airport are 00.02'41"N, 03226' 35"E (Latitude: 0.044721; 32.443055).

GETTING THERE

To get to Entebbe from the rest of the country will usually involve passing through Kampala, the country's capital city. Small minibuses go to Entebbe from Kampala and vice versa on a very regular basis. Speak to the bus conductor about the minibus fares. The journey itself can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. This is all dependent on the traffic on the day.

GETTING AROUND

Boda-boda (Motorcycle Taxi) is the easiest choice to go around. However, Boda-boda accidents are common and hiring a taxi from a trusted source would be your best bet, but slightly more expensive.