We’ve had the pleasure of visiting Uganda quite a few occasions and had some wonderful experiences together with gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking. Nonetheless, there may be much more 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 biggest metropolis in Uganda, and also you’ll discover numerous 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 also be value visiting. Nonetheless, we predict no go to to Uganda is full with out spending a bit 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’re more likely to see metropolis life. It’s a spot many Ugandans come for enterprise, education, coaching, buying, and spiritual gatherings. It additionally has quite a few vacationer sights!
Most worldwide vacationers to Uganda spend little or no, if any, time within the nation’s capital, and we predict that Kampala deserves a cease in your itinerary if you wish to get a greater understanding of the nation and its folks. So, when you’ve got the time, we suggest not less than 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 occasions, most occasions 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 may 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 number of the highlights as a part of an extended tour in Uganda or are on the town for an extended time frame, 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, primarily based on our private expertise visiting. It’s best to have the ability to do all these actions throughout a couple of days or select your favorites for a full day of sightseeing!
Kasubi Tombs
Earlier than Uganda grew to become a British Protectorate within the late nineteenth century, the area it occupies in the present day was comprised of a sequence of smaller kingdoms.
The most important of those kingdoms was the Buganda kingdom, dwelling to the Baganda folks. The Baganda are dominated over by Kings, often known as the Kabaka, in a practice that dates to the early fourteenth century, and which continues to today.
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 large conical thatched constructing which homes the tombs themselves, which is sometimes called the Muzibu-Azaala-Mpanga. Due to its measurement the constructing is taken into account a grand instance of a constructing utilizing conventional strategies and pure supplies equivalent 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 kinfolk of the kings are buried. The realm additionally has quite a few historically constructed houses the place the widows of the previous Kings reside and have a tendency the graves.
The Kasubi tombs have been really virtually totally destroyed by fireplace in 2010, nevertheless a significant renovation undertaking was launched they usually reopened in 2025. We visited as they have been within the technique of rebuilding and there was quite a few craftsman from varied components of Uganda working.
We actually loved our go to to the Kasubi tombs and may extremely suggest putting this in your to-do listing in Kampala. This is a vital religious web site so make sure you gown conservatively. Ladies might want to cowl their legs with an extended skirt or tie a big scarf round their waist to go to. Jess had on pants however was nonetheless requested to tie an extended skirt round her waist to enter.
There’s an entry charge to go to, payable on web site. You can 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
If you’re interested by tombs and Baganda tradition, you might also wish to add a go to to Wamala Tomb to your listing. 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 virtually 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’s additionally the stays of the previous palace, tomb of Suuna’s mom, and a group of royal artifacts.
Be aware that the Wamala Tombs are a couple of 30 minute drive north of central Kampala. If you’re wanting to go to Wamala Tombs, you may take into account this tour which additionally contains 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 dwelling of the Buganda King. The palace, which is also referred to as Lubiri and Mengo Palace, could be discovered on the highest of Mengo Hill, and the situation affords wonderful views of the encompassing metropolis.
At the moment 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 continues to be used for official visits and ceremonies The primary place of job for the Kabaka is on the Bulange which is linked by a straight street often known as the Kabaka Anjagala or “Royal Mile”.
So the go to takes place primarily open air. Visits are guided, you mainly 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 loads of the historical past of Uganda. In addition to being dwelling to the spectacular palace constructing, the grounds are additionally dwelling to the torture chambers of Idi Amin.
These underground concrete cells have been the ultimate holding location of anybody deemed a menace to Amin’s regime, and it’s estimated that over 200,000 folks have 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 hundreds of misplaced lives.
In addition to the above, the tour contains different attention-grabbing info on Ugandan historical past. Our information was additionally educated concerning the timber, fruits, and crops we noticed alongside the stroll.
We learnt about bark material, a conventional cloth created from 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 effective strategy to study Ugandan historical past, together with it’s darker occasions. The on-site guides we visited with have been actually wonderful, and this was a really worthy expertise.
There’s in fact 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. The vast majority of excursions of Kampala will embrace Kabaka’s Palace, equivalent to this one or this one.
Uganda Museum
Based in 1908, the Uganda Museum is without doubt one of the finest locations in Kampala to go to to study concerning the historical past of the nation. It’s additionally the oldest museum in East Africa.
It options quite a lot of reveals, masking the historical past and tradition of the Ugandan folks, with objects together with musical devices, weapons of battle, barkcloth work, conventional medical provides, garments, and much more. There are additionally reveals from pre-historical occasions, 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 have been used throughout totally different durations in historical past. This was our favorite a part of the museum, and it was so attention-grabbing to see the totally different types of home in addition to the gadgets utilized by the totally different tribes throughout Uganda.
The museum shouldn’t be large, and may positively be visited in 2 to three hours. There’s an admission charge. You’ll be able to go to by yourself or you will get a information should you desire a guided go to. You’ll be able to see extra about opening occasions and what you’ll be able to see on the official museum web site.
Be aware: the Uganda Museum closed for renovations in August 2024 and is because of reopen in mid-2025. Examine the official web site for the most recent 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 could be discovered within the King George V Jubilee gardens, depicts a mom lifting her youngster 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 also be depicted on Ugandan foreign money, showing on paper notes between 1,000 and 50,000 UGX. So it is likely to be acquainted to you earlier than you even see it!
It’s free to go to the Independence Monument in Kampala. It’s also typically included on excursions equivalent to this one and this city-centre strolling tour. We visited it as a part of this guided strolling tour.
Different Historic Monuments and Statues in Kampala
Along with the Independence Monument, there are additionally quite a few different monuments and statues which you could see round Kampala. These embrace:
- World Struggle 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 Highway 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 Highway and Nile Avenue, however because of street works it has been moved to sit down between the Serena Lodge and Imperial Royale Lodge
- The Centenary 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 Highway
- 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 Break 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 quite a few wildlife statues alongside the roads in central Kampala, notably Previous Kira Highway. Statues embrace a lion, gorillas, cranes, giraffes, impala and lots of different native wildlife species
Be aware that there’s typically safety round public memorials and monuments and round authorities buildings in Uganda. So you could be requested why you’re there and requested to not take pictures. For instance, we have been stopped on the battle memorial by police and we have been solely allowed to strategy and take a photograph as a result of we have been with an area information.
Saint Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe
The following few entries in our listing of issues to do in Kampala are locations of worship for a number of the main religions you’ll discover in Uganda. We’ve visited all of those, and every location is attention-grabbing and value visiting in its personal proper. It simply is dependent upon your pursuits.
The primary within the listing 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 buildings (relationship from 1890) all having been deserted or destroyed for varied causes.
The current-day church is a powerful massive purple constructing with a domed roof, constructed from earthen bricks and earthen roof tiles.
The church could 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 affords wonderful views of the encompassing metropolis.
Be aware that it’s free to go to the surface of the cathedral however should you want to go inside as a customer there’s a charge which features a guided tour. The church is in fact a working church so visits are usually not at all times allowed if worship companies or different occasions are going down.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga
St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga, additionally generally referred to as Rubaga Cathedral, is discovered on the high of Lubaga Hill, which is simply east of the town heart. This commanding hilltop location affords wonderful views of the encompassing metropolis.
That is the Roman Catholic cathedral of the Archdiocese 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 attention-grabbing 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.
At the moment, most Ugandans establish as Christians (over 80%) and Roman Catholicism is the biggest denomination, adopted by Anglicism.
The church is free to go to though donations are inspired. The church is in fact a working church so visits are usually not at all times allowed if worship companies or different occasions are going down.
Baha’i Home of Worship
The Baha’i religion is without doubt one of the smaller and newer faiths in Uganda, however its foremost home of worship and placement continues to be nonetheless value 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 quite a few 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 study that was welcomed. All visits are by free guided tour, and our information was wonderful, 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 positively one thing a bit bit totally 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 informed us loads concerning the historical past of the religion and of the Kampala temple. No companies have been taking place once we visited so we have been allowed to go inside, no speaking or images is allowed inside.
Because it’s discovered to the north of the town heart it’s a good location to cease in case you are 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 often known as the Gaddafi Nationwide Mosque, is the biggest mosque in East Africa. Round 15% of the inhabitants of Uganda is Muslim, and this mosque has room for nearly 20,000 worshippers!
Development of the mosque really began in 1972 in the course of the regime of Idi Amin, nevertheless the instability of the regime meant that development halted in 1976. It wasn’t till 2001 that development restarted, due to the help of the Libyan chief Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. The mosque lastly opened for worship in 2007 and was renamed 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 will get nice views over the town. This minaret was really featured in a Season 31 episode of The Wonderful 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 just want to have the ability to climb up and down all these steps to get to the highest as there’s no elevator. We have been the one ones contained in the tower throughout our go to.
The mosque could 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 primary components of the mosque. However it is best to nonetheless have the ability to go to the outside and climb the minaret.
There’s an entrance charge to go to as a foreigner. We visited as a part of this guided strolling tour and have 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 non secular constructing you’ll want to observe the gown code. All guests ought to gown modestly. Ladies ought to put on free becoming garments masking to the wrist, ankle (ideally an extended 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 laws on the time). We additionally needed to take our sneakers on and off a couple of occasions and she or he spent loads of time fumbling with the coverings and sneakers. Total she loved it however it’s one thing to remember.
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 novel design, consisting of an enormous round constructing, which was designed to duplicate a conventional African hut. It’s additionally one of the vital visited pilgrimage websites in Africa, because it serves as a shrine to the Uganda Martyrs.
The Uganda Martyrs have been a bunch of twenty-two Catholic and 23 Anglican Christians, who have been killed between 1885 and 1887. Most of the martyrs have been members of the King’s Royal Court docket who had adopted Christianity in opposition to the King’s needs, and whom he ordered to be executed. The vast majority of the martyrs (twenty-two males) have been burned alive at Namugongo in 1886.
The loss of life of the Uganda martyrs had a significant affect on the political and spiritual panorama in Uganda. It resulted in widespread standard help amongst the British public for buying Uganda as a protectorate, which occurred just some 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 in the present day being part of the Christian religion.
The 22 Catholic Ugandan martyrs have 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 today tons of of hundreds of individuals go to the shrine.
Pope Francis visited Uganda and the basilica in 2015. He celebrated Mass outdoors 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’s the bascilica, a bit museum space, shrines to the martyrs, a small lake, an amphitheater, a small cafe, and a present store. It’s a relaxed and peaceable place and effectively value a go to.
Kampala Markets
Markets are a fantastic place to get to know the native tradition and to additionally choose up some souvenirs out of your journey. Uganda has many markets, with two of the biggest 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 skin 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 biggest central market in Kampala and whereas it sells a little bit of all the pieces, it’s notably identified for distributors promoting secondhand clothes, sneakers, and vogue equipment.
There are in fact dozens of different smaller markets in Kampala, and every space or neighboorhood may have some sort of market.
If you’re particularly searching for souvenirs, then you definitely must also take into account a go to to Publicity Africa. Positioned on Buganda street, this market has over 30 stalls that includes arts and crafts that are typically made both in Uganda or Kenya. It has quite a lot 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 massive, busy, and could be actually overwhelming for a first-time customer. A neighborhood information may aid you talk with stall homeowners and ensure you 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 just depart any costly jewellery, cameras, and different gear at your lodge.
Pictures is commonly discouraged and you could be requested to cease taking pictures or filming. All the time 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 pictures from sure areas at Nakasero Market and even then we have been watched and requested solely to take pictures 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 tons of of minibuses coming and moving into organized chaos.
That is on no account a must-see place however it’s included in loads of strolling excursions as a cease, and it’s a good place to cease to study transportation in Kampala.
Ndere Cultural Heart
Considered one of our favourite actions in Kampala was our go to to the Ndere Cultural Heart. The cultural heart 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 means of music, dance and drama”. They’ve now additionally unfold that message round Uganda with touring teams.
The primary expertise for guests in Kampala, which is what we’d suggest and did, is to go to for one of many night performances. These fluctuate however sometimes embrace a mixture of dance, theater, and music and sometimes even have the choice to have a buffet dinner in the course of the present.
These performances happen a couple of occasions every week, and usually run from 7pm – 10pm. Reveals are held outdoors underneath 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 totally different Ugandan tribes with conventional dance. There’s additionally a wonderful and entertaining foremost host who explains what you’re 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 are able to extremely advisable reserving a ticket for a efficiency right here if one is occurring throughout your go to to Kampala. Its a fantastic night out and supporting an excellent native group.
It’s simple sufficient to go to the Ndere Cultural Heart your self, or you’ll be able to e-book a tour which incorporates quite a few sights in addition to the present and dinner like this one.
Nommo Artwork Gallery
If you happen to’re interested by seeing and even shopping for up some native artwork throughout your time in Kampala, then a go to to Nommo Gallery is value your time. It’s a small gallery however it’s one in all few in Uganda.
The Nommo Gallery was established by the Uganda Nationwide Cultural Heart in 1964, and could 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 primary artwork exhibited was a black-and-white images exhibition about incapacity. There was additionally quite a few different artwork on the market, principally work, but in addition statues, wooden carvings, paper artwork, and so on. made by native artists.
Be aware that attending to the gallery could be difficult. We had a taxi, however he needed to drop us off a couple of 10-minute stroll from the gallery due to street closures and safety checkpoints. The gallery is positioned close to the State Home which regularly results in elevated safety within the space. So we needed to go on foot by means of a few totally different safety checkpoints (a photograph ID was required) to succeed in the artwork gallery (after which return).
Not too long ago, there was discuss of relocating the gallery to someplace that’s simpler for guests to succeed in however no choice has but been reached. Within the meantime, if you wish to go to make sure you be ready and take alongside an official picture ID with you and put on snug sneakers.
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 try this is to take a meals tour. On one in all our visits to Kampala we took this three-hour meals tour.
This was a wonderful strategy to attempt a variety of Ugandan meals, and included Rolex, deep-fried grasshoppers, fritters, fried fish, recent fruit, sugar cane juice, and samosas from quite a lot of avenue distributors. It then completed with a full buffet at a restaurant specializing in Ugandan meals. One of the frequent meals eaten in Uganda is matooke (a boiled and mashed inexperienced bananas) so I’d make sure you attempt that.
The actual spotlight of the tour although, past the wonderful 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 have been fortunate sufficient to be the one folks on the tour, so we obtained to talk with our tour information about all types of matters, from the political historical past of the nation, to his favourite meals, sports activities, and what it’s wish to reside in Kampala.
If you would like an immersive native expertise and to attempt loads of native produce and dishes, this meals tour is a wonderful strategy to do exactly that. This gives you a fantastic introduction to Ugandan meals.
Go to AFFCAD
Like many international locations all over the world, poverty is an actual difficulty in Uganda, particularly affecting kids. They typically have restricted entry to all the pieces from clear water to schooling to healthcare, which doesn’t lead to constructive life outcomes.
One group that’s working to empower these in poverty is AFFCAD, which stands for Motion for Basic 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 progress, and a location on a former wetland, which all conspire to create residing circumstances affected by floods and unsanitary circumstances.
We suggest watching the movie Queen of Katwe earlier than your go to to Uganda to get an thought of life within the slums in Uganda, in addition to study 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 obtainable to the folks in Kampala’s poorest areas, together with the Bwaise neighborhood, by means of a variety of instructional, healthcare, and financial packages. That is achieved by means of vocational coaching, faculties, and entry to healthcare.
AFFCAD additionally affords a slum consciousness tour to guests to Kampala, the place you’ll be able to study concerning the challenges dealing with neighborhoods like Bwaise, and perceive what AFFCAD are doing to assist. We now have written up to now about moral slum tourism so we positively suggest studying that earlier than reserving any slum excursions. Based mostly on our expertise, we really feel that visiting Bwaise with AFFCAD positively leads to 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 “faculty” day, so it was a comparatively quiet day, however we noticed the varied instruments used for educating 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 have been served a conventional meal of kikkomondo, which is mainly beans and chapati, and is scrumptious. A pleasant strategy 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 fee was $35 per particular person. We paid in money in the beginning 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 strategy 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 should be booked upfront. One of the simplest ways to prepare a tour is to e-mail them immediately, which you are able to do at data@affcad.org.
E-book a Strolling Tour of Central Kampala
We are able to extremely suggest reserving a guided strolling tour for not less than 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 is usually a bit chaotic, particularly for a primary time customer, and letting another person cope with logistics and route planning will allow you to deal with the sights. It will probably additionally aid you navigate a number of the language obstacles and safety points that you could be come throughout.
We took this wonderful strolling tour of the highlights of central Kampala with information Arthur who is part of the ImmersionUG tour firm. It’s the high firm we are able to personally suggest for strolling excursions as we now have 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. Additionally 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 number of the foremost 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 number of the monuments in Kampala together with the Independence Monument. We additionally took the choice to go to the Uganda Nationwide Mosque.
Total, we are able to 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 originally of your time in Uganda because it helps provide you with an excellent introduction and an opportunity to ask loads of questions.
Day Journeys and 2-Day Journeys from Kampala
Clearly, there may be much more to do in Kampala itself, however in case you are within the metropolis for a couple of days (maybe as a part of a convention or one thing), you is likely to 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 could be performed as a part of a day tour. Listed here 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 effective strategy to see the sights of the town in a day.
- Entebbe day journey – Most guests to Uganda will go by means of Entebbe as that is the place the worldwide airport is positioned. It’s solely about half an hours drive from Kampala and could be simply reached with a ride-share or shuttle bus service. There’s a lot 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 distant 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 contains round-trip transport from Kampala with a boat-cruise, in addition to a guided chimpanzee trek, snacks, and lunch. Be aware that that is additionally the most effective place to see chimps in Uganda when you’ve got kids as all different websites have minimal age restrictions.
- See the shoebill storks at Mabamba Swamp. Considered one of our favourite experiences in Uganda was our boat birding safari on Mabamba Swamp to see the superior wanting shoebill stork. These birds have an unbelievable shovel formed beak, and are solely present in a couple of areas in Uganda. The boat tour additionally contains 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 the moment the one place to see rhino in Uganda. Contains round-trip transfers and admission to the park. We’ve visited Ziwa twice and have at all times seen rhino, a extra outstanding expertise since you really trek and discover the rhino on foot. Additionally, you will seemingly see loads of birds and different wildlife as effectively right here. Extremely advisable.
- If you happen to actually wish to go on safari in Uganda however don’t have loads of time to spare, then take into account this 2-day in a single day journey to Murchison Falls. It’s round a 4 hour drive every means, however you’ll nonetheless have time to see the spectacular Murchison Falls, take a ship trip, 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 Kampala, together with excursions which function chimpanzee trekking and gorilla trekking. You’ll be able to see a number of the finest choices on GetYourGuide right here and Viator right here.
There are in fact many extra choices for journeys from Kampala, particularly when you’ve got extra time. You’ll be able to see a vary of choices right here. The one factor we’d at all times suggest is to test driving distances. Uganda is pretty massive, 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
Get to Kampala
As the primary metropolis in Uganda, Kampala is effectively linked to the remainder of the nation by street. The primary 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. Be aware this can be a toll street, however the charge is effectively value paying because the previous Entebbe-Kampala street can take over 2 hours to traverse because of site visitors.
If you’re arriving into Entebbe airport and staying in Entebbe or Kampala, your lodge may have the ability to organize an airport switch for you. It’s also possible to e-book this your self utilizing a service like this.
There’s additionally a shared shuttle bus service from Entebbe to Kampala and Jinja often known as the Pineapple Specific. This affords an reasonably priced scheduled service from quite a few Entebbe areas together with the airport, and you’ll e-book this on-line right here.
Get Round Kampala
There are a selection of various methods of getting round Kampala. The town and its sights are fairly unfold out, so while you’ll be able to stroll to see some sights, it’s seemingly you have to some type of transport throughout your go to.
There are a selection of choices, together with bike taxis (boda boda), minivan taxis (matatu), trip sharing apps like Protected Boda and Uber, in addition to personal drivers and tour corporations. You could possibly additionally lease a automobile and drive your self, though given the site visitors and a number of the street conditons we’d in all probability advise in opposition to that.
As a global traveler, your two foremost choices for fast journey are to both use a automobile (both a personal taxi or by way of trip 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 could get someplace fast, these are sometimes the one choice. They are often hailed from virtually 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 might pay by way of the app. Nonetheless, we did have points with drivers probably not understanding the way to use the app accurately 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 standard 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 means of them as you’ll be able to pay by way of the app they usually embrace a helmet and security vest.
For a number of the sights we visited they have been shut sufficient to our lodge that we visited them on foot. So strolling is an choice, simply make sure you put on snug sneakers you don’t thoughts getting soiled (our sneakers obtained a pleasant layer of reddish brown mud from our walks).
On one in all our later visits to Kampala we walked out loads, sufficient in order that the native safety folks within the space would say howdy to us and finally stopped asking if we wished them to name us a taxi. Whereas we felt protected wandering round on foot, it could not really feel snug or be an excellent choice for some folks as you’ll seemingly draw consideration. We solely walked throughout daytime, and wouldn’t suggest strolling by yourself after darkish.
After all, in case you are doing a tour that features transportation in Kampala (or a part of a a lot larger Uganda tour), then that can also be a preferred means 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.
If you’re visiting by yourself (and not using a tour information), simply know it’s not that arduous to get round Kampala by yourself. When you’ve got any questions or need assistance getting a taxi or boda boda, your lodge can simply aid you organize this.
The place to Keep in Kampala
There’s a variety of motels to remain at in Kampala, throughout varied worth factors. Listed here are some choices to think about, together with the motels we’ve stayed at throughout our time within the metropolis.
- Bushpig Backpackers – should you’re searching for a hostel in Kampala (or only a finances pleasant lodging choice), then this is a wonderful alternative. Each personal rooms and shared dormitory rooms can be found, and it’s only a quick 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 cushty keep every time. This is without doubt one of the newer and extra trendy motels in Kampala. There’s free WiFi, snug air-conditioned rooms, a pool, an on-site restaurant, and wonderful buffet breakfast.
- Humura Resorts – we stayed on this pretty stress-free 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 now have stayed in quite a few Serena properties and at all times had an excellent keep, so we’re glad to suggest this 4* lodge. That includes a big swimming pool, air-conditioned rooms, and on-site eating places, this lodge would make a fantastic base for exploring the town
- Sheraton Kampala – This 5-star Sheraton lodge is one other luxurious choice discovered within the metropolis heart proper subsequent to the Independence Monument. It has a pool, quite a few eating places, snug air-conditioned rooms, a health heart, a sauna, and a magnificence salon.
After all there are numerous extra choices throughout Kampala, you’ll be able to see a whole vary of properties at various worth factors on reserving.com right here.
Security in Kampala
Lots of people ask is Kampala protected? That is unattainable to actually 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 stated, we now have personally felt fairly protected in Kampala as international guests on our 4 visits to the town. However you do must take regular precautions for touring in a big metropolis.
The primary dangers most vacationers will face in Kampala shall be pickpockets and thieves. Remember that a $1,000 digital camera or smartphone could also be regular to you however might imply a complete lot to somebody residing on a couple of {dollars} a day. So, you’ll want to be vigilant along with your valuables and carry a minimal amount of cash on you.
The chance will seemingly be larger 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 smart thought. If you happen to don’t want them, I’d preserve them within the lodge. You’ll in all probability discover in a number of the pictures that whilst a photographer I left my large digital camera at dwelling most days and simply carried a bit compact digital camera with a thick neck strap.
A cash belt, equivalent to this Eagle Creek one (which is the one we personal), is an effective strategy 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 digital camera 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, be sure that the closures/zippers could be secured.
Having a information or becoming a member of a tour will assist cut back your danger; nevertheless, be aware you continue to should 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 lease a automobile (not advisable for most individuals), keep away from leaving valuables in your automobile and park it in a safe spot at evening.
As with anyplace on this planet, the chance will increase at evening, and it’s typically 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 Could 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act. In line with the U.S. Division of State, LGBT individuals (or individuals perceived as such and people selling LGBT points) are at elevated danger 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; nevertheless, there are loads of native languages spoken in Uganda.
Essentially 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 biggest of the standard kingdoms in Uganda).
Though Swahili has been made an official language, we hardly ever heard locals talking it until chatting with guests from different East African nations. Some informed us they like to not converse 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 will get by fairly effectively with English as most individuals within the tourism trade right here converse not less than some English. At sights and museums, the knowledge is commonly written in English.
If you happen to don’t converse English, Swahili, or an area language equivalent to Luganda, it is best to take into account hiring a information or translator to get probably the most of your time in Kampala. Or not less than deliver an excellent written guidebook with you.
Foreign money in Kampala
The primary foreign money in Uganda is the Ugandan Shilling, or UGX. That is accepted all over the place.
The US greenback can also be typically accepted, however you need to be conscious that they should be current payments in excellent form. Any sort of marking or harm to the invoice means it’s unlikely to be accepted because of a worry of the financial institution not accepting it. We had this occur quite a few occasions in Uganda (and different African nations). So it’s typically simpler to simply discover an ATM and withdraw UGX.
Bank cards are additionally accepted at most motels and bigger eating places, however this isn’t common, so it’s finest to at all times carry some foreign money with you.
Well being in Kampala
As with many international locations 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’re updated on any vaccinations you want. You must also focus on any present suggestions for journey to Uganda, which is able to seemingly embrace anti-malarial treatment.
You will get malaria in Kampala though the chance is decrease than in most different components of Uganda. Be aware that along with malaria, mosquitoes can carry and transmit quite a few different illnesses so prevention is vital (insect repellent, sporting 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 info and suggestions to vacationers right here, and from the UK authorities right here.
Studying the well being warnings issued by governments is usually 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 typically 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 obligatory precautions.
The primary well being difficulty most travellers are more likely to face goes to be an upset abdomen. This may be brought on by quite a lot of issues, however is most frequently brought on by consuming or ingesting one thing with contaminated water.
In the case of water, you’ll want to stick with 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 (equivalent to your lodge restaurant).
If you happen to’d desire 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 tactics which you could 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 try to eat at respected institutions the place potential. If you wish to be extra adventurous, a good suggestion is to take a meals tour like this one that 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 (more than likely from consuming recent greens on a sandwich), we extremely suggest being cautious and following the advisable pointers. We had been in Uganda for a couple of 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 which you could take, which is able to give you a protected, guided expertise in Uganda’s capital metropolis. We’ve taken quite a few strolling excursions in Kampala they usually have been all wonderful, with pleasant, educated guides who helped us actually perceive what we have been seeing. Listed here are some excursions we suggest.
- This meals tour, which incorporates a variety of tasty meals, from avenue meals classics by means of to a sit-down buffet meal. We’ve taken this tour.
- This strolling tour, which incorporates most 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 quite a few highlights within the metropolis. We haven’t personally taken this one however it’s extremely reviewed.
Getting On-line in Uganda
You’ve a couple of choices for getting on-line while you go to Uganda. First, many locations together with nearly all of motels have free WiFi, so it is possible for you to to attach a smartphone, pill, or laptop computer to WiFi. There’s additionally typically free WiFi at espresso retailers and eating places, particularly these catering to vacationers.
Nonetheless, you’re seemingly 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 meaning 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 a couple of totally different carriers, however Airtel labored effectively for us and was an excellent worth. It additionally had the benefit that as we have been visiting a couple of totally different East African international locations we have been in a position to buy a roaming information bundle which lined us in Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania as effectively.
Another 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 dearer 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 technique 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 Shops / Journey Adapters for Uganda
Uganda makes use of a three-pin plug (Kind G plug), as you can find within the UK and quite a few different international locations in East Africa. If you’re coming from the UK or different nation that makes use of the British plug, then your gear shall be nice and also you shouldn’t want a journey adapter.
If you’re visiting from a distinct nation, equivalent to from the USA, Canada, or most of Europe, then you have to a journey adaptor like this.
Moreover, Uganda makes use of a 220v-240v system. That is just like a lot of the world excluding components of the Americas, together with Canada and the USA, the place 110v is the norm. If you’re travelling from one in all these international locations, you have to to test in case your gear helps the upper voltage. It ought to be written on the plug.
Usually, decrease powered gadgets like cameras, laptops, and cellphone chargers help 110v – 240v, while larger energy gadgets like hairdryers don’t. See our information to journey adapters for extra on this subject.
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 wished to share some hyperlinks to different content material we predict you may 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 can assist 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 standard actions for guests to Uganda and effectively value doing in our opinion
- We now have a information to picking the finest safari digital camera, and a information to getting higher pictures on safari, so you’ll be able to make sure you get nice reminiscences of your journey.
- We even have an in depth safari packing listing that can assist you resolve what to deliver with you
- If you’re planning on visiting Kenya, try our information to issues to do in Nairobi and our prompt 1 day Nairobi itinerary, which has numerous concepts for the town
- We now have a information to getting on-line when travelling, that can assist you keep linked in Uganda
- You’re going to wish to energy all of your gadgets while you journey – see our information to the finest journey adapters so you’ll be able to select the proper one for Uganda
- If you happen to’d like a journey information, take into account the Uganda Bradt Journey Information, which is usually thought to be the best choice for Uganda. We’ve used the previous version and may extremely suggest this e-book because it has all the pieces from the historical past of the nation and it’s folks, by means of to packing suggestions, planning recommendation and extra. It additionally contains detailed info on chimp and gorilla trekking.
- E-book smart, 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 loads 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’ve got any questions or feedback, simply pop them within the feedback part beneath and we’ll get again to you as quickly as we are able to.
