Jinja

Jinja is southern Uganda's main marketing center. It was founded by the British in 1901 and it sits on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, not far from the place where the Victoria Nile exits the lake.

This Source of the White Nile used to be Ripon Falls (or Owen Falls), but the falls have disappeared under the lake that was created after the construction of the Owen Falls Dam in 1954. The dam includes a hydroelectric station that provides the bulk of Uganda's electricity. The main road between Kampala and Jinja runs across the dam.

There are numerous old Asian-style buildings in Jinja, but most Asians were forced out of the country by Idi Amin in 1972. The town itself, however wasn't damaged badly during the civil war. There is a lively market on Saturdays and there are scenic views over Lake Victoria. A statue at a Hindu temple not far from town commemorates the fact that Mahatma Gandhi had his ashes scattered in Jinja.

A wide variety of activities is available in Jinja, including kayaking, sailing, horse riding, bike riding, rafting, bungee jumping, etc. There is a small museum in Jinja.

There are several hotels, bars and restaurants in town. Jinja is in the east of Uganda, 81 km (50 mi) east of Kampala and connected to the capital by bus, taxi and train. The bus and matatu (minibus) stations are close to the market, while the railway station is in the north of Jinja.