The 'Pearl of Africa', as Winston Churchill called Uganda in 1907, is one of the most unusual and diverse countries in Africa. Green, fertile and overwhelmingly tropical, it marries the savannah habitats of the east with the jungles from west and central Africa, thereby creating very eventful experiences. Its territory encompasses no less than ten national parks and various other wildlife and forest reserves, as well as numerous major freshwater bodies (including the great lakes Albert, Edward and Victoria) and the famous Rwenzoris, the 'Mountains of the Moon'. It is also probably the finest bird watching destination in the whole of Africa (over 1,000 species on a rather small territory) and has one of the highest concentrations of primates in the world, including the famous and highly endangered mountain gorillas.

Uganda has, for a long time, been known because of the abyss of civil war and economic catastrophe that culminated in the dictatorship of Idi Amin. The current president, Yoweri Museveni, has managed to bring back relative peace, stability and prosperity since he assumed power in 1986. But his reign has become rather controversial and, therefore, provides exciting opportunities for educational tourism looking at a variety of subject areas.

Initially, he was praised as part of the new generation of African leaders. His achievements include a solid economic performance and stability despite external challenges, one of the rare HIV / AIDS success stories due to complete openness about the disease, and early pioneering work in liberalizing the media. But, more recently, doubts about the government's determination to press reforms have arisen, illiteracy remains common especially among females, and corruption has reached unprecedented levels.

Special highlights:

• Challenges and success stories in development - a new generation of African leaders or dinosaur policies?
• HIV/AIDS - an African success story
• Women in development
• The media and development
• Peace building and conflict resolution in Uganda's north
• English language and literature
• Nature conservation (especially mountain gorillas)
• Agriculture in tropical Africa

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