• January 01 New Year's Day
• January 26 Liberation Day
• March 08 International Women's Day
• Apr 22 Good Friday
• Apr 25 Easter Monday
• May 01 Labour Day
• June 03 Martyrs' Day
• June 09 National Heroes' Day
• August 30-31 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) (see note)
• Octover 09 Independence Day
• November 06-07 Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) (see note)
• December 25 Christmas Day
• December 26 Boxing Day

Note
Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region.

Src: World Travel Guide.net

Uganda has substantial natural resources, including fertilesoils, regular rainfall, and sizable mineral deposits of copper and cobalt.Agriculture is the most important sector of the economy, employing over 80%of the work force. Coffee accounts for the bulk of export revenues.

The economic reforms implemented by the present governmentin Uganda since 1987, coupled with political stability, have contributed toeconomic growth rates averaging 6% perannum in the last decade. This has madeUganda one of the fastest growing countries in Africa. Inflation is undercontrol and has been maintained below 10% per annum for the last four years.Most economic activities are fully liberalized and open to foreign investment.There are no restrictions to 100% foreign ownership of investments andno barriers to remittance of dividends.

The Uganda's shilling is fully convertible andhas remained stable over the last years. The foreign exchange market is now wholly liberalizedfollowing a move by government, effective July 1997 to liberalize capitalaccount transactions. Uganda is now one of about only five countriesin the whole of Africa that have no restrictions on capital amount transfers.Within Africa and the merging markets, Uganda enjoys a high status withdonors and lenders.

Taxes on imports and locally manufactured goods continue tofall in line with the Government's commitment to support the growth ofthe manufacturing sector. In general, the environment for private sector investmenthas improved significantly with the formal economy growing inimportance. As well as pure growth, Uganda is seeing a shift from the firmlyagricultural based economy of 1986 towards construction manufacturing andregional trade/distribution.

For more information on the economy go to:

Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development - www.finance.go.ug

Bank of Uganda - www.bou.or.ug