Issues to do in Kampala, Uganda

We’ve had the pleasure of visiting Uganda plenty of instances and had some wonderful experiences together with gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking. Nonetheless, there’s tons extra to do in Uganda past these iconic actions!

Once we go to Uganda, we at all times spend a few of our time in its capital metropolis, Kampala. That is by far the most important metropolis in Uganda, and also you’ll discover a lot of issues to do in Kampala, together with cultural sights, museums, markets, and extra.

We’ve already written about issues to do in Entebbe, which is the city closest to the worldwide airport. That’s discovered on the shores of Lake Victoria and can be price visiting. Nonetheless, we expect no go to to Uganda is full with out spending slightly little bit of time in Kampala.

Sure, it’s chaotic, crowded, and the site visitors could make getting round a little bit of a problem. However it’s the capital metropolis, the nation’s most populous metropolis, and actually the one place in Uganda the place you might be more likely to see metropolis life.  It’s a spot many Ugandans come for enterprise, education, coaching, procuring, and spiritual gatherings. It additionally has plenty of vacationer points of interest!

Most worldwide vacationers to Uganda spend little or no, if any, time within the nation’s capital, and we expect that Kampala deserves a cease in your itinerary if you wish to get a greater understanding of the nation and its folks. So, you probably have the time, we suggest at the least a day right here earlier than zipping off to go to the nationwide parks and to go trekking for chimps and gorillas.

Jess and I’ve been in Kampala 4 instances, most instances only a day or two, however on one journey we spent a number of days exploring the town. So, we’re fortunate to have visited many of the locations that might be of curiosity to worldwide vacationers and wish to encourage extra folks to take the time to cease and provides the town a glance.

On this information, we’re going to share a few of our favourite issues to do in Kampala. Whether or not you simply spend a day seeing a few of the highlights as a part of an extended tour in Uganda or are on the town for an extended time period, we hope this information evokes you to see as a lot as you’ll be able to.

We’ll additionally share some recommendations on issues like getting round in addition to staying protected and the place to remain. Let’s get began!

Issues to do in Kampala Uganda

Right here’s our overview of our favourite issues to do in Kampala, based mostly on our private expertise visiting. It is best to have the ability to do all these actions throughout just a few days or select your favorites for a full day of sightseeing!

 

Kasubi Tombs

Earlier than Uganda turned a British Protectorate within the late nineteenth century, the area it occupies as we speak was comprised of a collection of smaller kingdoms.

The biggest of those kingdoms was the Buganda kingdom, house to the Baganda folks. The Baganda are dominated over by Kings, generally known as the Kabaka, in a practice that dates to the early fourteenth century, and which continues to this present day.

The Kabaka are clearly crucial to the Baganda folks, a reality which is especially obvious on the Kasubi Tombs, discovered on Kasubi Hill in Kampala.

That is the ultimate resting place of 4 of the Buganda Kabakas. It’s a main historic, cultural, and religious web site in Uganda. It’s additionally the one UNESCO world heritage web site in Kampala and stays an essential religious place for the Baganda.

The positioning, which takes up 64 acres of land, dates from 1882. The first attraction is the massive conical thatched constructing which homes the tombs themselves, which is sometimes called the Muzibu-Azaala-Mpanga. Due to its dimension the constructing is taken into account a grand instance of a constructing utilizing conventional strategies and pure supplies akin to picket poles, spear grass, reeds, and wattle.

Additionally on web site are a gatehouse, a drum home, and cemeteries the place the kids, wives, and different relations of the kings are buried. The realm additionally has plenty of historically constructed houses the place the widows of the previous Kings dwell and have a tendency the graves.

The Kasubi tombs had been really nearly solely destroyed by fireplace in 2010, nonetheless a serious renovation venture was launched and so they reopened in 2025. We visited as they had been within the strategy of rebuilding and there was plenty of craftsman from varied elements of Uganda working.

We actually loved our go to to the Kasubi tombs and may extremely suggest inserting this in your to-do record in Kampala. This is a vital religious web site so be sure you gown conservatively. Ladies might want to cowl their legs with a protracted skirt or tie a big scarf round their waist to go to. Jess had on pants however was nonetheless requested to tie a protracted skirt round her waist to enter.

There may be an entry charge to go to, payable on web site. You may be accompanied by an on-site information on your go to. It can be visited as a part of a guided tour like this one or this one which incorporates a number of stops in Kampala.

 

Wamala Tombs

In case you are eager about tombs and Baganda tradition, you might also wish to add a go to to Wamala Tomb to your record. That is smaller and fewer central burial place of the twenty ninth Kabaka of Buganda Ssekabaka Ssuuna ll who dominated from 1832 to 1856. By most accounts, he was not a really good man who had nearly all his brothers executed!

It is a smaller and fewer well-known web site in comparison with Kasubi. The tomb is inisde a conventional thatched constructing like that in Kasubi. There may be additionally the stays of the previous palace, tomb of Suuna’s mom, and a group of royal artifacts.

Word that the Wamala Tombs are a few 30 minute drive north of central Kampala. In case you are wanting to go to Wamala Tombs, you would possibly contemplate this tour which additionally consists of visits to Kasubi Tombs, Kabaka’s Palace, and the central markets.

 

Kabaka’s Palace (Mengo Palace)

The Kabaka’s Palace, or King’s Palace, is the standard house of the Buganda King. The palace, which is often known as Lubiri and Mengo Palace, may be discovered on the highest of Mengo Hill, and the placement presents glorious views of the encircling metropolis.

Right now the palace grounds are open to the general public to go to, though you’ll be able to’t go contained in the precise palace residence (Twekobe Palace). The Twekobe Palace is not used as a residence however remains to be used for official visits and ceremonies The principle place of job for the Kabaka is on the Bulange which is linked by a straight street generally known as the Kabaka Anjagala or “Royal Mile”.

So the go to takes place primarily outside. Visits are guided, you principally flip up on the entry gate. pay the entry charge, and a information shall be allotted to you.

Once we visited we had a wonderful English-speaking information named Fred who confirmed us across the grounds and defined a variety of the historical past of Uganda. In addition to being house to the spectacular palace constructing, the grounds are additionally house to the torture chambers of Idi Amin.

These underground concrete cells had been the ultimate holding location of anybody deemed a menace to Amin’s regime, and it’s estimated that over 200,000 folks had been murdered right here, their our bodies dumped in a close-by lake.

This darkish interval of Ugandan historical past is included on the tour, and is in stark distinction to the gorgeous palace on the hill. Determined messages written in charcoal and blood and damp stained concrete are all that is still of those 1000’s of misplaced lives.

In addition to the above, the tour consists of different fascinating data on Ugandan historical past. Our information was additionally educated concerning the bushes, fruits, and crops we noticed alongside the stroll.

We learnt about bark material, a conventional material comprised of tree bark which lengthy predates woven textiles. Many Ugandan artists use it as a conventional medium upon which to color. There’s a small store which sells painted barkcloth and different historically made gadgets which make for good Ugandan souvenirs.

Total, a go to to the Kabaka’s Palace grounds is an efficient option to find out about Ugandan historical past, together with it’s darker instances. The on-site guides we visited with had been actually glorious, and this was a really worthy expertise.

There may be after all a charge to go to. You’ll be able to go to your self, as we did, or as half of a bigger day tour. Nearly all of excursions of Kampala will embody Kabaka’s Palace, akin to this one or this one.

 

Uganda Museum

Based in 1908, the Uganda Museum is likely one of the finest locations in Kampala to go to to be taught concerning the historical past of the nation. It’s additionally the oldest museum in East Africa.

It options a wide range of reveals, protecting the historical past and tradition of the Ugandan folks, with objects together with musical devices, weapons of conflict, barkcloth work, conventional medical provides, garments, and plenty extra. There’s are additionally reveals from pre-historical instances, that includes fossils and different relics that time to the historical past of human evolution within the area.

Exterior, you’ll discover the cultural village, which includes a vary of various conventional buildings and gadgets that had been used throughout completely different durations in historical past. This was our favorite a part of the museum, and it was so fascinating to see the completely different kinds of home in addition to the gadgets utilized by the completely different tribes throughout Uganda.

The museum just isn’t big, and may undoubtedly be visited in 2 to three hours. There may be an admission charge. You’ll be able to go to by yourself or you may get a information if you happen to favor a guided go to. You’ll be able to see extra about opening instances and what you’ll be able to see on the official museum web site.

Word: the Uganda Museum closed for renovations in August 2024 and is because of reopen in mid-2025. Examine the official web site for the newest standing.

 

Independence Monument

Uganda gained independence from the British on October 9, 1962, and this monument, which was unveiled the day earlier than the date of independence, symbolises that second.

The 29 foot excessive concrete sculpture, which may be discovered within the King George V Jubilee gardens, depicts a mom lifting her baby into the air with ropes round her legs. The ropes symbolise the liberty from colonialism, whereas the kid’s pleasure showcases the enjoyment of freedom.

The statue can be depicted on Ugandan forex, showing on paper notes between 1,000 and 50,000 UGX. So it could be acquainted to you earlier than you even see it!

It’s free to go to the Independence Monument in Kampala. It is usually usually included on excursions akin to this one and this city-centre strolling tour. We visited it as a part of this guided strolling tour.

 

Different Historic Monument and Statues in Kampala

Along with the Independence Monument, there are additionally plenty of different monuments and statues you can see round Kampala. These embody:

• World Conflict Memorial Monument – constructed by the British in 1945 to recollect the Ugandans misplaced within the first and second world wars. One of many oldest memorials in Kampala. Discovered on Kampala Street by the central police headquarters.
• King Mutesa II Monument – Monument to the thirty fifth King and first President of Uganda who died in exile in 1969. The monument exhibits him in British army fatigues, which is a nod to his service as a Queen’s Grenadier Guard. He was additionally the primary Black Commissioned Officer within the Grenadier Guards. This was initially positioned on the intersection of Speke Street and Nile Avenue, however as a consequence of street works it has been moved to sit down between the Serena Lodge and Imperial Royale Lodge
• The Cenetary Monument – Commemorating the centenary of the Kampala Metropolis Council, this monument symbolizes the identification of the town’s governing authority. Present in Centenary Park alongside Jinja Street
• Stride Monument – Created to honor the 2007 Commonwealth Heads of Authorities Assembly, this monument includes a household shifting ahead collectively, symbolizing the unity of the Commonwealth. Discovered between the Parliamentary Gardens and the Kampala Serena Lodge
• Lengthy Cut up Drum Statue – The statue is of a tall drum or engalabi, a conventional lengthy, cylindrical drum lined with pores and skin. It’s positioned on the Nantawete roundabout alongside the Kabaka Anjagala, or street between the Kabaka’s Palace and the Bulange.
• Wildlife Statues – You’ll discover plenty of wildlife statues alongside the roads in central Kampala, notably Previous Kira Street. Statues embody a lion, gorillas, cranes, giraffes, impala and plenty of different native wildlife species

Word that there’s usually safety round public memorials and monuments and round authorities buildings in Uganda. So chances are you’ll be requested why you might be there and requested to not take photographs. For instance, we had been stopped on the conflict memorial by police and we had been solely allowed to method and take a photograph as a result of we had been with an area information.

 

Saint Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe

The subsequent few entries in our record of issues to do in Kampala are locations of worship for a few of the main religions you’ll discover in Uganda. We’ve visited all of those, and every location is fascinating and value visiting in its personal proper. It simply is determined by your pursuits.

The primary within the record is Saint Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe, extra generally known as Namirembe Cathedral. That is the oldest Anglican cathedral in Uganda and the headquarters of the Anglican Church of Uganda.

The church was consecrated in 1919, and is the fifth church constructing to be discovered on this location, with the primary 4 constructions (courting from 1890) all having been deserted or destroyed for varied causes.

The current-day church is a formidable giant pink constructing with a domed roof, constructed from earthen bricks and earthen roof tiles.

The church may be discovered on the highest of Namirembe hill, simply to the west of the town’s central enterprise district. As with many of the hills within the space, the hilltop location presents glorious views of the encircling metropolis.

Word that it’s free to go to the skin of the cathedral however if you happen to want to go inside as a customer there’s a charge which features a guided tour. The church is after all a working church so visits will not be at all times allowed if worship providers or different occasions are going down.

 

St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga

St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga, additionally generally known as Rubaga Cathedral, is discovered on the prime of Lubaga Hill, which is simply east of the town middle. This commanding hilltop location presents glorious views of the encircling metropolis.

That is the Roman Catholic cathedral of the Archdioceses of Kampala, which is the oldest diocese within the nation. Rubaga has been the seat of the Bishop since 1883, and the cathedral itself was consecrated in 1925. It was initially arrange by the White Fathers, French Roman Catholic missionaries, who got the land by the thirty first Kabaka of Buganda.

The cathedral is a big brick constructing with two spectacular towers on the entrance, and the capability to carry as much as 5,000 worshippers. There are some fascinating stained-glass home windows, murals, and different artwork items that inform the story of the Catholic Church in Uganda. We had a information from the church who gave us a brief tour inside.

Right now, most Ugandans establish as Christians (over 80%) and Roman Catholicism is the most important denomination, adopted by Anglicism.

The church is free to go to though donations are inspired. The church is after all a working church so visits will not be at all times allowed if worship providers or different occasions are going down.

 

Baha’i Home of Worship

The Baha’i religion is likely one of the smaller and newer faiths in Uganda, however it’s principal home of worship and site remains to be nonetheless price a go to. Discovered on Kikaya Hill on the sides of the town, this imposing octagonal constructing towers 127 ft above the bottom, topped by a big inexperienced dome. It may be seen for miles round.

The constructing, which dates from 1958, is discovered on a fifty-acre property which incorporates pretty, landscaped gardens in addition to plenty of different buildings. It has a surprising location.

Actually, we knew little or no concerning the Baha’i religion earlier than we visited, so the chance to find out about that was welcomed. All visits are by free guided tour, and our information was glorious, exhibiting us the important thing highlights of the property and answering all our questions concerning the historical past of the constructing and the Baha’i religion. It’s undoubtedly one thing slightly bit completely different and definitely worth the small effort to get right here in our opinion.

We really visited twice, the primary time we took a ride-share right here however arrived too late because it had already closed. You’ll be able to solely go to the grounds throughout visiting hours. On our second go to we deliberate a bit higher and arrived throughout opening hours.

We signed in and got a tour by a stunning information named Esther. She advised us so much concerning the historical past of the religion and of the Kampala temple. No providers had been taking place once we visited so we had been allowed to go inside, no speaking or pictures is allowed inside.

Because it’s discovered to the north of the town middle it’s a good location to cease if you’re heading north out of the town, maybe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary or additional north to Murchison Nationwide Park.

 

Uganda Nationwide Mosque

The Uganda Nationwide Mosque, beforehand generally known as the Gaddafi Nationwide Mosque, is the most important mosque in East Africa. Round 15% of the inhabitants of Uganda is Muslim, and this mosque has room for nearly 20,000 worshippers!

Building of the mosque really began in 1972 throughout the regime of Idi Amin, nonetheless the instability of the regime meant that building halted in 1976. It wasn’t till 2001 that building restarted, because of the help of the Libyan chief Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. The mosque lastly opened for worship in 2007 and was renamed to the Uganda Nationwide Mosque in 2013 after the loss of life of Gaddafi.

The mosque has one minaret, and it’s open to guests to climb to the highest. From the highest you may get nice views over the town. This minaret was really featured in a Season 31 episode of The Superb Race (2019), the place they needed to climb and depend all of the steps (272 of them!). If you happen to plan on climbing, simply be aware that you simply want to have the ability to climb up and down all these steps to get to the highest as there’s no elevator. We had been the one ones contained in the tower throughout our go to.

The mosque may be visited by non-Muslims as a part of a tour. Simply be aware that in Fridays and different holy days, you will not be allowed to go inside the principle elements of the mosque. However it is best to nonetheless have the ability to go to the outside and climb the minaret.

There may be an entrance charge to go to as a foreigner. We visited as a part of this guided strolling tour and had been assigned to a mosque information for this a part of the go to. The inside of the mosque is absolutely architecturally spectacular, however for us the spotlight was going up the tower for the views throughout the town.

As with every spiritual constructing you’ll want to observe the gown code. All guests ought to gown modestly. Ladies ought to put on free becoming garments protecting to the wrist, ankle (ideally a protracted skirt), and canopy their heads. Males ought to put on trousers and shirts with sleeves. Coverings can be found at reception to borrow (as a part of entrance charge).

Once we visited Jess felt a bit suffocated because it was sizzling and she or he needed to wrap a big scarf (kanga) round her waist (she had on pants/trousers not a skirt), put on a head scarf, and a face masks (COVID-19 rules on the time). We additionally needed to take our footwear on and off just a few instances and she or he spent a variety of time fumbling with the coverings and footwear. Total she loved it however it’s one thing to bear in mind.

 

Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Basilica

The Basilica of the Uganda Martyrs is a minor Catholic Basilica discovered within the township of Namugongo, round 7 miles northeast of Kampala.

The basilica is a singular design, consisting of an enormous round constructing, which was designed to copy a conventional African hut. It’s additionally one of the crucial visited pilgrimage websites in Africa, because it serves as a shrine to the Uganda Martyrs.

The Uganda Martyrs had been a bunch of twenty-two Catholic and 23 Anglican Christians, who had been killed between 1885 and 1887. Lots of the martyrs had been members of the King’s Royal Courtroom who had adopted Christianity in opposition to the King’s needs, and whom he ordered to be executed. Nearly all of the martyrs (twenty-two males) had been burned alive at Namugongo in 1886.

The loss of life of the Uganda martyrs had a serious impression on the political and spiritual panorama in Uganda. It resulted in widespread fashionable help amongst the British public for buying Uganda as a protectorate, which occurred only a few years after the deaths of the martyrs. It additionally led to a extra widespread adoption of Christianity in Uganda, with about 80% of the inhabitants as we speak being part of the Christian religion.

The 22 Catholic Ugandan martyrs had been beatified in 1920, and canonized as saints in 1964. Since its completion in 1968 the Basilica has served as the point of interest for the annual Martyrs Day Celebration. That is held on the third June, which is the Feast of the Uganda Martyrs. On this present day a whole bunch of 1000’s of individuals go to the shrine.

Pope Francis visited Uganda and the basilica in 2015. He celebrated Mass exterior the basilica at Namugongo November 28, 2015.

Nonetheless, you’ll be able to go to the shrine at any time of 12 months and discover the grounds and basilica throughout visiting hours. There was a small charge to go to for worldwide guests.

There may be the bascilica, slightly museum space, shrines to the martyrs, a small lake, an amphitheater, a small cafe, and a present store. It’s a peaceful and peaceable place and effectively price a go to.

 

Kampala Markets

Markets are an amazing place to get to know the native tradition and to additionally decide up some souvenirs out of your journey. Uganda has many markets, with two of the most important being Owino Market and Nakasero Market.

Nakasero Market is the oldest market in Kampala. It’s divided into two areas, an inside and an outdoor. The surface space primarily sells recent produce, whereas the within space has extra of a deal with issues like clothes, textiles and souvenirs.

Owino Market is the most important central market in Kampala and whereas it sells a little bit of the whole lot, it’s notably recognized for distributors promoting secondhand clothes, footwear, and style equipment.

There are after all dozens of different smaller markets in Kampala, and every space or neighboorhood can have some sort of market.

In case you are particularly in search of souvenirs, you then also needs to contemplate a go to to Publicity Africa. Situated on Buganda street, this market has over 30 stalls that includes arts and crafts that are usually made both in Uganda or Kenya. It has a wide range of antiques, native crafts, artwork, and souvenirs.

We suggest visiting with a information to get probably the most of your go to to the markets. They’re giant, busy, and may be actually overwhelming for a first-time customer. A neighborhood information also can assist you talk with stall homeowners and be sure to get a good worth.

Whereas we felt protected strolling round Kampala, thieves, pickpockets, and scammers will goal vacationers. You additionally wish to be very cautious of your valuables when contained in the markets. We suggest that you simply go away any costly jewellery, cameras, and different gear at your lodge.

Pictures is commonly discouraged and chances are you’ll be requested to cease taking photographs or filming. At all times ask earlier than taking a photograph of an individual or their items. Our information requested permission of one of many market homeowners to permit us to take some photographs from sure areas at Nakasero Market and even then we had been watched and requested solely to take photographs from a sure place.

 

Previous Taxi Park

The Previous Taxi Park is the oldest and largest transit terminal in Kampala. Right here you’ll see a whole bunch of minibuses coming and moving into organized chaos.

That is in no way a must-see place however it’s included in a variety of strolling excursions as a cease, and it’s a good place to cease to find out about transportation in Kampala.

 

Ndere Cultural Middle

One in all our favourite actions in Kampala was our go to to the Ndere Cultural Middle. The cultural middle showcases the cultural heritage of Uganda, with dance performances, artwork reveals, and meals.

The Ndere troupe was based in 1984 by Rwangezi Stephen in 1984 as a cultural group “for common unity by music, dance and drama”. They’ve now additionally unfold that message round Uganda with touring teams.

The principle expertise for guests in Kampala, which is what we’d suggest and did, is to go to for one of many night performances. These range however usually embody a mixture of dance, theater, and music and sometimes even have the choice to have a buffet dinner throughout the present.

These performances happen just a few instances every week, and usually run from 7pm – 10pm. Exhibits are held exterior below a big mango tree, and in addition to the present there’s the choice to buy meals and drinks.

We visited for the Wednesday night Sherehe present. This was a extremely enjoyable night with nice performers and a stunning setting. The present tells the tales from the completely different Ugandan tribes with conventional dance. There’s additionally a wonderful and entertaining principal host who explains what you might be seeing so all of it has context, and brings all of it collectively.

Dinner was a buffet with conventional Ugandan meals which was additionally good. We will extremely really useful reserving a ticket for a efficiency right here if one is going on throughout your go to to Kampala. Its an amazing night out and supporting a very good native group.

It’s simple sufficient to go to the Ndere Cultural Middle your self, or you’ll be able to e-book a tour which incorporates plenty of sights in addition to the present and dinner like this one.

 

Nommo Artwork Gallery

If you happen to’re eager about seeing and even shopping for up some native artwork throughout your time in Kampala, then a go to to Nommo Gallery is price your time. It’s a small gallery however it’s one among few in Uganda.

The Nommo Gallery was established by the Uganda Nationwide Cultural Middle in 1964, and may be discovered within the coronary heart of the town close to to State Lodge. It serves as Uganda’s Nationwide Artwork Gallery.

Once we visited the principle artwork exhibited was a black-and-white pictures exhibition about incapacity. There was additionally plenty of different artwork on the market, largely work, but in addition statues, wooden carvings, paper artwork, and so on. made by native artists.

Word that attending to the gallery may be difficult. We had a taxi, however he needed to drop us off a few 10-minute stroll from the gallery due to street closures and safety checkpoints. The gallery is positioned close to the State Home which frequently results in elevated safety within the space. So we needed to go on foot by a few completely different safety checkpoints (a photograph ID was required) to achieve the artwork gallery (after which return).

Lately, there was discuss of relocating the gallery to someplace that’s simpler for guests to achieve however no choice has but been reached. Within the meantime, if you wish to go to be sure you be ready and take alongside an official photograph ID with you and put on snug footwear.

 

Take a Meals Tour

We love exploring the native meals once we go to a rustic, and among the best methods we’ve discovered to do this is to take a meals tour. On one among our visits to Kampala we took this three-hour meals tour.

This was a wonderful option to strive a variety of Ugandan meals, and included Rolex, deep-fried grasshoppers, fritters, fried fish, recent fruit, sugar cane juice, and samosas from a wide range of avenue distributors. It then completed with a full buffet at a restaurant specializing in Ugandan meals. One of the vital frequent meals eaten in Uganda is matooke (a boiled and mashed inexperienced bananas) so I might be sure you strive that.

The true spotlight of the tour although, past the superb meals, was our tour information Andrew. The excursions are led by extremely passionate and enthusiastic Ugandans who like to share their ardour for Ugandan meals and their information of Kampala. We had been fortunate sufficient to be the one folks on the tour, so we received to speak with our tour information about all types of subjects, from the political historical past of the nation, to his favourite meals, sports activities, and what it’s prefer to dwell in Kampala.

If you would like an immersive native expertise and to strive a variety of native produce and dishes, this meals tour is a superb option to do exactly that. This will provide you with an amazing introduction to Ugandan meals.

 

 

Go to AFFCAD

Like many nations all over the world, poverty is an actual situation in Uganda, particularly affecting kids. They usually have restricted entry to the whole lot from clear water to schooling to healthcare, which doesn’t end in constructive life outcomes.

One group that’s working to empower these in poverty is AFFCAD, which stands for Motion for Elementary Change
and Improvement. This nonprofit was arrange by 4 younger males from Bwaise in Kampala, one of many poorest neighborhoods within the metropolis.

This township suffers from an absence of city planning, fast inhabitants development, and a location on a former wetland, which all conspire to create residing circumstances stricken by floods and unsanitary circumstances.

We suggest watching the movie Queen of Katwe earlier than your go to to Uganda to get an concept of life within the slums in Uganda, in addition to be taught concerning the wonderful real-life story of Phiona Mutesi, who grew up in Katwe, and her mentor Robert Katende.

AFFCAD are working to enhance alternatives accessible to the folks in Kampala’s poorest areas, together with the Bwaise neighborhood, by a variety of academic, healthcare, and financial applications. That is achieved by vocational coaching, colleges, and entry to healthcare.

AFFCAD additionally presents a slum consciousness tour to guests to Kampala, the place you’ll be able to be taught concerning the challenges dealing with neighborhoods like Bwaise, and perceive what AFFCAD are doing to assist. We now have written prior to now about moral slum tourism so we undoubtedly suggest studying that earlier than reserving any slum excursions. Primarily based on our expertise, we really feel that visiting Bwaise with AFFCAD undoubtedly ends in total constructive outcomes.

We took our strolling tour with Jaffar, one of many 4 founders of AFFCAD. We visited the varied AFFCAD buildings the place they provide vocational coaching. It was not a “college” day, so it was a comparatively quiet day, however we noticed the varied instruments used for instructing abilities together with computer systems and stitching machines. The tour then took us on foot across the Bwaise neighborhood to get extra of an understanding of the challenges confronted by the residents.

Lastly, we had been served a conventional meal of kikkomondo, which is principally beans and chapati, and is scrumptious. A pleasant option to finish the tour.

Our tour lasted about 2.5 hours and included transport from our lodge in Kampala. We did it in 2023 and the price was $35 per particular person. We paid in money initially of the tour of their workplace.

The proceeds from the tour go on to serving to AFFCAD enhance the lives of a few of Uganda’s poorest, and may make an actual distinction. It’s additionally an excellent option to get insights from an area about life on this a part of Kampala.

You will discover out extra about visiting AFFCAD at their web site right here. These excursions do must be booked upfront. One of the simplest ways to arrange a tour is to e-mail them immediately, which you are able to do at information@affcad.org.

 

Ebook a Strolling Tour of Central Kampala

We will extremely suggest reserving a guided strolling tour for at the least a few of your time in Kampala, particularly if you wish to navigate the native markets and monuments, or if you’d like another person to deal with transportation.

Kampala generally is a bit chaotic, particularly for a primary time customer, and letting another person take care of logistics and route planning will allow you to deal with the sights. It will probably additionally assist you navigate a few of the language obstacles and safety points that you could be come throughout.

We took this glorious strolling tour of the highlights of central Kampala with information Arthur who is part of the ImmersionUG tour firm. It’s the prime firm we will personally suggest for strolling excursions as we’ve taken a number of strolling and meals excursions from them throughout our visits to Uganda.

This firm was setup by a bunch of younger native Ugandans eager to showcase the most effective of their nation, and we additionally took excursions with them in Entebbe and Jinja. In addition they ran the meals strolling tour we did in Kampala. You’ll be able to see extra of their excursions right here.

The tour we did with Arthur lined a few of the principal highlights of central Kampala, and included sampling of a Rolex, visits to Nakasero Market, Owino Market, a Hindu temple, Parliament Sq., and the Previous Taxi Park, an area espresso on the 1000 Cups Cafe, and time at a few of the monuments in Kampala together with the Independence Monument. We additionally took the choice to go to the Uganda Nationwide Mosque.

Total, we will extremely suggest reserving a strolling tour of Kampala as a part of your go to to the town. Ideally we suggest doing one thing like this at the start of your time in Uganda because it helps provide you with a very good introduction and an opportunity to ask a variety of questions.

 

Day Journeys and 2-Day Journeys from Kampala

Clearly, there’s tons to do in Kampala itself, however if you’re within the metropolis for just a few days (maybe as a part of a convention or one thing), you could be questioning what choices there are for exploring additional afield.

The excellent news is that there are many good day journey choices from Kampala, in addition to choices for 2-day journeys. Most of those may be completed as a part of a day tour. Listed below are some to think about:

• A day journey to Jinja and the supply of the Nile. Jinja is a comparatively laid-back metropolis on the shores of Lake Victoria, round a 2-hour drive to the east of Kampala. It’s famous as being thought to be one of many sources of the River Nile, as that is the place Lake Victoria begins to feed into this mighty river. A tour from Kampala is an efficient option to see the sights of the town in a day.
• Entebbe day journey – Most guests to Uganda will cross by Entebbe as that is the place the worldwide airport is positioned. It’s solely about half an hours drive from Kampala and may be simply reached with a ride-share or shuttle bus service. There’s tons to do right here on a day-trip, together with visiting the zoo and the botanical gardens. See our information to Issues to do in Entebbe for some concepts.
• Go to the Chimpanzees at Ngamba Island. Chimpanzee trekking is a well-liked exercise in Uganda, however the majority of the chimpanzees are too far-off from the capital metropolis to make a day journey possible. Nonetheless, there’s a inhabitants of chimps on Ngamba Island on Lake Victoria. This tour consists of round-trip transport from Kampala with a boat-cruise, in addition to a guided chimpanzee trek, snacks, and lunch. Word that’s can be the most effective place to see chimps in Uganda you probably have kids as all different websites have minimal age restrictions.
• See the shoebill storks at Mabamba Swamp. One in all our favourite experiences in Uganda was our boat birding safari on Mabamba Swamp to see the superior wanting shoebill stork. These birds have an unimaginable shovel formed beak, and are solely present in just a few areas in Uganda. The boat tour additionally consists of the chance to see many different birds, however the shoebill stork is the spotlight.
• A day journey to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which is at present the one place to see rhino in Uganda. Consists of round-trip transfers and admission to the park. We’ve visited Ziwa twice and have at all times gotten to see rhino, a extra exceptional expertise since you really trek and discover the rhino on foot. Additionally, you will possible see a variety of birds and different wildlife as effectively right here. Extremely really useful.
• If you happen to actually wish to go on safari in Uganda however don’t have a variety of time to spare, then contemplate this 2-day in a single day journey to Murchison Falls. It’s round a 4 hour drive every manner, however you’ll nonetheless have time to see the spectacular Murchison Falls, take a ship experience, and do a morning sport drive. There’s additionally the choice to incorporate a cease at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
• There are additionally many multi-day safari centered excursions from Uganda, together with excursions which function chimpanzee trekking and gorilla trekking. You’ll be able to see a few of the finest choices on GetYourGuide right here and Viator right here.

There are after all many extra choices for journeys from Kampala, particularly you probably have extra time. You’ll be able to see a variety of choices right here. The one factor we’d at all times suggest is to verify driving distances. Uganda is pretty giant, and also you don’t wish to spend all of your time simply sitting in a car getting from  Level A to B.

 

Practicalities for Visiting Kampala

The way to Get to Kampala

As the principle metropolis in Uganda, Kampala is effectively linked to the remainder of the nation by street. The principle airport in Uganda is in close by Entebbe, with an categorical freeway between the 2, which solely takes round half-hour to journey by automobile. Word it is a toll street, however the charge is effectively price paying because the previous Entebbe-Kampala street can take over 2 hours to traverse as a consequence of site visitors.

In case you are arriving into Entebbe airport and staying in Entebbe or Kampala, your lodge would possibly have the ability to prepare an airport switch for you. You may as well e-book this your self utilizing a service like this.

There may be additionally a shared shuttle bus service from Entebbe to Kampala and Jinja generally known as the Pineapple Categorical. This presents an reasonably priced scheduled service from plenty of Entebbe areas together with the airport, and you’ll e-book this on-line right here.

 

The way to Get Round Kampala

There are a selection of various methods of getting round Kampala. Town and its points of interest are fairly unfold out, so while you’ll be able to stroll to see some points of interest, it’s possible you will have some type of transport throughout your go to.

There are a selection of choices, together with motorbike taxis (boda boda), minivan taxis (matatu), experience sharing apps like Secure Boda and Uber, in addition to non-public drivers and tour corporations. You could possibly additionally hire a automobile and drive your self, though given the site visitors and a few of the street conditons we’d most likely advise in opposition to that.

As a world traveler, your two principal choices for fast journey are to both use a automobile (both a personal taxi or by way of experience sharing app) or to get a boda boda. The boda boda is unquestionably the quickest and least expensive choice of the 2 and if you want to get someplace fast, these are sometimes the one choice. They are often hailed from nearly any avenue. However we caught to vehicles as a result of there was the 2 of us and we felt extra protected in vehicles.

For almost all of our Kampala sightseeing we used a ride-sharing app (Uber) to get across the metropolis. This made issues simple as we may pay by way of the app. Nonetheless, we did have points with drivers not likely understanding how you can use the app appropriately or nonetheless asking us to pay in money (we might refuse and nonetheless pay by way of app). So simply know many drivers are new to Uber so there can nonetheless be points.

One other fashionable choice is SafeBoda, which lets you specify if you’d like a automobile or a boda boda (motorcycle). If you happen to do wish to take motorcycle taxis, we do suggest reserving by them as you’ll be able to pay by way of the app and so they embody a helmet and security vest.

For a few of the sights we visited they had been shut sufficient to our lodge that we visited them on foot. So strolling is an choice, simply be sure you put on snug footwear you don’t thoughts getting soiled (our footwear received a pleasant layer of reddish brown mud from our walks).

On one among our later visits to Kampala we walked out so much, sufficient in order that the native safety folks within the space would say whats up to us and ultimately stopped asking if we needed them to name us a taxi. Whereas we felt protected wandering round on foot, it could not really feel snug or be a very good choice for some folks as you’ll possible draw consideration. We solely walked throughout daylight, and wouldn’t suggest strolling by yourself after darkish.

After all, if you’re doing a tour that features transportation in Kampala (or a part of a a lot greater Uganda tour), then that can be a preferred manner for guests to get round. On our first go to to Kampala, our driver simply dropped us off and picked us up at designated locations, making it very simple.

In case you are visiting by yourself (with no tour information), simply know it isn’t that onerous to get round Kampala by yourself. When you have any questions or need assistance getting a taxi or boda boda, your lodge can simply assist you prepare this.

 

The place to Keep in Kampala

There’s a variety of accommodations to remain at in Kampala, throughout varied worth factors. Listed below are some choices to think about, together with the accommodations we’ve stayed at throughout our time within the metropolis.

• Bushpig Backpackers – if you happen to’re in search of a hostel in Kampala (or only a price range pleasant lodging choice), then this is a superb alternative. Each non-public rooms and shared dormitory rooms can be found, and it’s only a brief stroll from the Uganda Museum. There’s additionally an on-site bar and restaurant the place the included breakfast is served.
• ONOMO Lodge Kampala – we’ve stayed right here twice and had a snug keep every time. This is likely one of the newer and extra trendy accommodations in Kampala. There’s free WiFi, snug air-conditioned rooms, a pool, an on-site restaurant, and glorious buffet breakfast.
• Humura Resorts – we stayed on this pretty enjoyable boutique lodge on our first go to to Kampala. Rooms are very snug and supply air-conditioning, and there’s an on-site restaurant and pool. It’s a really peaceable place that provides an oasis of calm away from the bustle of the town.
• Kampala Serena – we’ve stayed in plenty of Serena properties and at all times had a very good keep, so we’re completely happy to suggest this 4* lodge. That includes a big swimming pool, air-conditioned rooms, and on-site eating places, this lodge would make an amazing base for exploring the town
• Sheraton Kampala – This 5-star Sheraton lodge is one other luxurious choice discovered within the metropolis middle proper subsequent to the Independence Monument. It has a pool, plenty of eating places, snug air-conditioned rooms, a health middle, a sauna, and a magnificence salon.

After all there are a lot of extra choices throughout Kampala, you’ll be able to see an entire vary of properties at various worth factors on reserving.com right here.

 

Security in Kampala

Lots of people ask is Kampala protected? That is inconceivable to essentially completely reply however it’s safer than many different African cities however it does have its share of violent crimes, petty crimes, dangers of terrorism, and well being threats.

That mentioned, we’ve personally felt fairly protected in Kampala as overseas guests on our 4 visits to the town. However you do have to take regular precautions for touring in a big metropolis.

The principle dangers most vacationers will face in Kampala shall be pickpockets and thieves. Understand that a $1,000 digicam or smartphone could also be regular to you however could imply a complete lot to somebody residing on just a few {dollars} a day. So, you’ll want to be vigilant together with your valuables and carry a minimal amount of cash on you.

The chance will possible be increased in busier areas like crowded markets, or on a public bus. Retaining any valuables like costly jewellery, watches, smartphones, or cameras out of sight is a clever concept. If you happen to don’t want them, I’d hold them within the lodge. You’ll most likely discover in a few of the photographs that whilst a photographer I left my massive digicam at house most days and simply carried slightly compact digicam with a thick neck strap.

A cash belt, akin to this Eagle Creek one (which is the one we personal), is an efficient option to retailer cash, bank cards, lodge key, passports, and so on. You’ll want to guarantee something that may be snatched is secured, so for instance a cross-body purse or digicam strap that goes round your neck goes to be higher than having one thing slung over a shoulder that may be extra simply taken. If you happen to select to put on a backpack, make certain the closures/zippers may be secured.

Having a information or becoming a member of a tour will assist cut back your threat; nonetheless, be aware you continue to must be vigilant even with a information as they’ll’t at all times be watching you and your valuables.

If you happen to select to hire a automobile (not really useful for most individuals), keep away from leaving valuables in your automobile and park it in a safe spot at evening.

As with wherever on the planet, the danger will increase at evening, and it’s usually finest to keep away from strolling alone at evening in most areas. Taking a ride-share as a part of a bunch, or simply touring with a personal information, is probably going going to be safer.

A particular consideration for journey to Uganda ought to be made for LGBTQ+ vacationers after the passing of the Might 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act. In response to the U.S. Division of State, LGBT individuals (or individuals perceived as such and people selling LGBT points) are at elevated threat for fines, violence, harassment, imprisonment, and may even face the loss of life penalty.

 

Language in Kampala

The official languages of Uganda are English and Swahili; nonetheless, there are a variety of native languages spoken in Uganda.

Probably the most broadly spoken language within the space is Luganda. Luganda is the language of the Baganda folks (Kampala is a part of the Buganda area, the most important of the standard kingdoms in Uganda).

Though Swahili has been made an official language, we hardly ever heard locals talking it until talking to guests from different East African nations. Some advised us they like to not communicate the language because it reminds them of the time of Amin and army violence. Nonetheless, it’s the language they share with many of the remainder of East Africa.

As a vacationer in Entebbe and Kampala, you may get by fairly effectively with English as most individuals within the tourism trade right here communicate at the least some English. At points of interest and museums, the knowledge is commonly written in English.

If you happen to don’t communicate English, Swahili, or an area language akin to Luganda, it is best to contemplate hiring a information or translator to get probably the most of your time in Kampala. Or at the least convey a very good written guidebook with you.

 

Foreign money in Kampala

The principle forex in Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling, or UGX. That is accepted all over the place.

The US greenback can be usually accepted, however try to be conscious that they must be latest payments in superb form. Any sort of marking or harm to the invoice means it’s unlikely to be accepted as a consequence of a worry of the financial institution not accepting it. We had this occur plenty of instances in Uganda (and different African nations). So it’s usually simpler to only discover an ATM and withdraw UGX.

Bank cards are additionally accepted at most accommodations and bigger eating places, however this isn’t common, so it’s finest to at all times carry some forex with you.

 

Well being in Kampala

As with many nations all over the world, you’ll want to take some precautions to make sure you keep wholesome as a customer to Uganda.

Earlier than you go to you’ll want to guarantee you might be updated on any vaccinations you want. You also needs to talk about any present suggestions for journey to Uganda, which is able to possible embody anti-malarial remedy.

You may get malaria in Kampala though the danger is decrease than in most different elements of Uganda. Word that along with malaria, mosquitoes can carry and transmit plenty of different ailments so prevention is essential (insect repellent, carrying lengthy sleeves and pants, and so on.)

We additionally extremely suggest studying the well being recommendation given by your native authorities for vacationers to Uganda. You’ll be able to see the U.S. CDC journey well being data and proposals to vacationers right here, and from the UK authorities right here.

Studying the well being warnings issued by governments generally is a bit scary as there have been outbreaks of some fairly severe issues like ebola, mpox (monkeypox), cholera, and yellow fever in Uganda. However simply know that these are usually small outbreaks and you aren’t more likely to come into contact with them as a vacationer. However it is best to nonetheless be educated and take vital precautions.

The principle well being situation most travellers are more likely to face goes to be an upset abdomen. This may be brought on by a wide range of issues, however is most frequently brought on by consuming or ingesting one thing with contaminated water.

On the subject of water, you’ll want to follow filtered, handled, or bottled water. You’ll additionally wish to keep away from recent salads, raw greens and fruits (until you’ll be able to peel it), unpasteurized milk, cooked meals that aren’t served sizzling, and so on. until you understand they’re from a good and licensed meals vendor (akin to your lodge restaurant).

If you happen to’d favor to keep away from shopping for bottled water in Kampala, you’ll be able to learn this text on protected ingesting water when touring for methods you can deal with water when touring. We used a Grayl water filter bottle for filtering faucet water for ingesting, cooking (e.g, washing fruits), and brushing our enamel whereas in Kampala on our final journey. This made it in order that we didn’t want to purchase any bottled water.

For meals, it’s finest to attempt to eat at respected institutions the place attainable. If you wish to be extra adventurous, a good suggestion is to take a meals tour like this one which we did, the place the tour information will steer you in direction of protected dishes and take you to locations which have good hygiene requirements.

As individuals who have been sick in Uganda (almost definitely from consuming recent greens on a sandwich), we extremely recommending being cautious and following the really useful tips. We had been in Uganda for just a few weeks at that time and let our guard down for a day which was a mistake that left us sick for a number of days.

 

Excursions of Kampala

There are a selection of excursions of Kampala you can take, which is able to give you a protected, guided expertise in Uganda’s capital metropolis. We’ve taken plenty of strolling excursions in Kampala and so they had been all glorious, with pleasant, educated guides who helped us actually perceive what we had been seeing. Listed below are some excursions we suggest.

• This meals tour, which incorporates a variety of tasty meals, from avenue meals classics by to a sit-down buffet meal. We’ve taken this tour.
• This strolling tour, which incorporates lots of the highlights of Kampala that we point out on this information. We’ve taken this tour as effectively.
• That is one other tour of Kampala, which additionally visits plenty of highlights within the metropolis. We haven’t personally taken this one however it’s extremely reviewed.

 

Getting On-line in Uganda

You’ve just a few choices for getting on-line once you go to Uganda. First, many locations together with nearly all of accommodations have free WiFi, so it is possible for you to to attach a smartphone, pill, or laptop computer to WiFi. There may be additionally usually free WiFi at espresso retailers and eating places, particularly these catering to vacationers.

Nonetheless, you might be possible additionally going to wish to be on-line even when not in vary of a free WiFi hotspot. Most guides for instance use WhatsApp for communication, which works over the web. If you wish to use a ride-sharing service like Uber you’ll additionally want to have the ability to get on-line.

So which means you’ll want a SIM card with information connectivty. We now have used Airtel, and we purchased a SIM card from the Airtel kiosk on the arrivals corridor within the airport. There are just a few completely different carriers, however Airtel labored effectively for us and was a very good worth. It additionally had the benefit that as we had been visiting just a few completely different East African nations we had been in a position to buy a roaming information bundle which lined us in Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania as effectively.

An alternative choice could be to make use of an eSIM service in case your cellphone helps it. We’ve used Airalo in Uganda. We regularly use Airalo once we journey (see our full Airalo assessment right here). It’s usually barely costlier than shopping for an area SIM, however will allow you to get on-line as quickly as you land and skip having to discover a SIM card and undergo the native strategy of registering it.

If you would like extra recommendation on web entry when touring, see our information to getting on-line when touring for some suggestions and recommendation.

 

Energy Retailers / Journey Adapters for Uganda

Uganda makes use of a three-pin plug (Kind G plug), as you can see within the UK and plenty of different nations in East Africa. In case you are coming from the UK or different nation that makes use of the British plug, then your gear shall be superb and also you shouldn’t want a journey adapter.

In case you are visiting from a unique nation, akin to from the USA, Canada, or most of Europe, then you will have a journey adaptor like this.

Moreover, Uganda makes use of a 220v-240v system. That is just like a lot of the world except elements of the Americas, together with Canada and the USA, the place 110v is the norm. In case you are travelling from one among these nations, you will have to verify in case your gear helps the upper voltage. It ought to be written on the plug.

Typically, decrease powered units like cameras, laptops, and cellphone chargers help 110v – 240v, while increased energy units like hairdryers don’t. See our information to journey adapters for extra on this matter.

 

Additional Studying

That sums up our information to issues to do in Kampala. We hope you discovered it helpful! Earlier than you head off, we needed to share some hyperlinks to different content material we expect you would possibly discover helpful in planning your journey to Uganda and the broader area.

• We now have an in depth information to issues to do in Entebbe, that will help you plan extra of your journey.
• We now have an in depth information to chimpanzee trekking in Uganda in addition to gorilla trekking in Uganda. These are each fashionable actions for guests to Uganda and effectively price doing in our opinion
• We now have a information to picking the finest safari digicam, and a information to getting higher photographs on safari, so you’ll be able to make sure you get nice recollections of your journey.
• We even have an in depth safari packing record that will help you determine what to convey with you
• In case you are planning on visiting Kenya, try our information to issues to do in Nairobi and our recommended 1 day Nairobi itinerary, which has a lot of concepts for the town
• We now have a information to getting on-line when travelling, that will help you keep linked in Uganda
• You’re going to want to energy all of your units once you journey – see our information to the finest journey adapters so you’ll be able to select the fitting one for Uganda
• If you happen to’d like a journey information, contemplate the Uganda Bradt Journey Information, which is mostly thought to be the most suitable choice for Uganda. We’ve used the previous version and may extremely suggest this e-book because it has the whole lot from the historical past of the nation and it’s folks, by to packing suggestions, planning recommendation and extra. It additionally consists of detailed data on chimp and gorilla trekking.
• Ebook clever, we additionally pack and journey with each the Pocket Information: Birds of East Africa and the Pocket Information to the Mammals of East Africa. These are each very conveniently sized and can allow you to establish a variety of what you see on a go to to any east African nation.

And that’s it! As at all times, we hope you discovered this information helpful. When you have any questions or feedback, simply pop them within the feedback part beneath and we’ll get again to you as quickly as we will.