an independent state in E Africa, between the NE Democratic Republic of the Congo and Kenya: member of the Commonwealth of Nations; formerly a British protectorate. 20,604,874; 91,065 sq. mi. (241,068 sq. km). Capital:Kampala.
(click for larger image in new window) A country of east-central Africa. Inhabited since Paleolithic and Neolithic times, the region was settled by migrating Bantu people around A.D. 1100 and by Nilotic peoples from the north in the late 17th century. Various kingdoms and states were established beginning in the 14th century, including the Bantu kingdom of Buganda, which became a British protectorate in 1894. The protectorate was later extended to the entire region, which became independent as Uganda in 1962. Kampala is the capital and the largest city. Population: 30,300,000. U·gan'dan adj. & n.