Addressing tourism stakeholders, international delegates, investors, and government officials in Kampala, Museveni said Uganda’s geography gives it a climate unlike most equatorial regions across the globe.
“Uganda is unique. There are only three points on the globe which are like this — Uganda and two others. It is unique because we are right on the equator.”
The President explained that the equator passes just south of Entebbe International Airport, giving Uganda sunshine throughout the year while its high altitude moderates temperatures.
“That airport where you landed is 200 meters north of the equator. The equator passes 200 meters from the end of the runway on the southern side. So we get sunshine all year round. But our altitude is high.”
Museveni contrasted Uganda’s elevation with low-lying cities abroad.
“Normally when I travel around the world, I get very worried. When I land in New York, I look at the computer on my plane and they say I am 18 feet above sea level. I don’t sleep in the hotel because I get worried that the ocean may come and swallow me,” he joked, drawing laughter from the audience.
But here where you are, you are 1,000 something, maybe 1,200 meters above sea level.”
The President highlighted the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains as a symbol of Uganda’s uniqueness.
“You can show them the highest point of Uganda, which is over 5,000 meters. The Rwenzori Mountains — put it there,” he said.
“Therefore, all year round, our temperatures are very mild. In some parts of Uganda, during the afternoon, it even freezes. Don’t think those are the Alps in Europe — that’s Uganda.”
Museveni said early European explorers were astonished to find snow near the equator.
“This is what amazed one of the first Europeans who came here, Henry Morton Stanley. He was amazed. He could not believe there was snow right on the equator.”
“The only other parts of the world which are like this are a part of Kenya, near Mount Kenya, and also a country in South America called Ecuador,” he added.
The President said Uganda’s climate eliminates the need for heavy air conditioning or heating systems.
“So when you come to Uganda, unlike those places where people have put you in a furnace — whatever they call it — here you don’t have to warm the air or cool it. You just enjoy it the way it is.”
“If you come to State House, there is air conditioning in the government houses, but I have never used it. I don’t think the machines are even working because I never use air conditioning.”
Museveni also praised Uganda’s cultural heritage, saying the country remained largely isolated from foreign influence until the 19th century.
“If you are looking for the original Africans who have remained very much isolated, here they are. The first non-Black person we saw here was in 1841.”
He recounted how the first Arab trader from Zanzibar and later British explorer John Hanning Speke arrived in Uganda.
“Our people had never seen a non-Black person before. They were amazed. They didn’t know there were white people in the world,” Museveni said.
The President also celebrated Uganda’s languages and indigenous foods, criticizing heavily processed foods abroad.
Museveni revealed that he maintains a traditional African diet.
“I am now going to be 80 years old. I only eat our indigenous food. I don’t eat rice. I eat our own food.”
He particularly praised millet, describing it as one of the most nutritious foods.
“Millet is one of the richest foods in life, apart from milk, of course, because millet has protein, carbohydrates, and iron.”
The President also highlighted Uganda’s progress in traditional medicine and scientific research.
“Our young people who grew up in the villages seeing what their parents were doing are now going to modern universities,” he said.
“They are highly qualified scientists, and they have modernized many of the traditional remedies we have used for years. It is very effective.”
Museveni said Uganda’s tourism appeal now extends beyond nature and culture to include peace and stability.
“When we are talking about Uganda as a tourism destination, it is about comfort,” he said.
“Otherwise, it is very comfortable to live here.”
“Then there is the culture, the food, and now, as the PS was saying, we have added peace in the country.”
The President declared that Uganda is already a lower middle-income economy and is now targeting high middle-income status.
“We are already a middle-income country — a lower middle-income country. We are not struggling to become one. The struggle now is to become a high middle-income country in the next few years and eventually a first-world country.”
Museveni urged Ugandans to embrace commercial agriculture and productivity.
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