Kampala

Understand

The people of Kampala, and Ugandans in general, are very kind, friendly and approachable. Kampala, with a population of approximately 1.7 million, and 6.7 million in the metro area (2019), is by far the largest city in Uganda. Although it is a smaller city with less suburban sprawl than Nairobi or Lagos, the traffic jams and pollution can be every bit as bad. If you are travelling around the city, plan your days carefully to avoid spending many hours in traffic. Uganda, as the recipient of massive amounts of Western aid money, hosts many non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Most of these are based in Kampala, so there is an established expat scene in the city.

Climate

A facet of Kampala's weather is that it features two annual wetter seasons. While the city does not have a true dry season month, it experiences heavier precipitation from August to December and from February to June. However, between February and June, Kampala sees substantially heavier rainfall per month, with April typically seeing the heaviest amount of precipitation at an average of around 169 millimetres (6.7 in) of rain.

Heritage

The Kasubi Tombs, the site of the burial grounds for four kabakas (kings of Buganda), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site partially damaged by fire in 2010.

Tourist information Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Plot 6 Nakasero Road, ☏ +256 200 780 400, [email protected].

Getting there

By plane The most common way of getting to Uganda is by plane. When coming to Kampala by air, you will actually arrive in the city of Entebbe, 35 km (22mi) southwest of Kampala. You can get from Entebbe airport to Kampala:

By Private Hire taxi - at least. 75,000 UGX By the Pineapple Express- 80,000 UGX per person, has fixed times By the Airport Express bus. At least $30, has ten trips per day both ways. By Rideshare (Uber/Faras/ Bolt) - at least 80,000 UGX, depending on your accommodation By Boda-Boda/shared taxi (matatu) - around 7000 UGX. This requires taking a boda for 4 km from the airport to Entebbe city (around 3500). In the city, take a Matatu to Kampala for around 3500. By hotel shuttle - hotels such as Sheraton often have shuttles available for guests. They are generally cheap and are added onto the hotel bill.

Getting around

There are three methods of public transport: boda-bodas, matatu and special hires.

By boda-boda The fastest and most dangerous method is the boda-boda. These are motorcycles that can be seen all over the city. While walking on the street in most areas of Kampala, boda drivers usually call out at pedestrians and ask if they want to go somewhere. If you're not interested, a simple 'no' will get them to leave you alone. You can get almost anywhere on the back of one for 2000-20000, but make sure to agree on the fare before the ride begins. Boda-bodas are dangerous however, as the drivers will do whatever it takes to get you to your destination quickly. Expect to dart infront of and against traffic and even though crowds of pedestrians when necessary. Boda-boda accidents account for most of the hospital visits and traffic fatalities in Kampala; you have been warned!

Boda-bodas got their name from the bicycle taxis that operated at some of the busy border crossing points. Buses had to discharge their passengers at the exit border control, who then had to walk to the entry border control. The distance across no man's land at some borders can be considerable. Hence the bicycle taxis would cry "boda-boda" (a poor pronunciation of "border to border" in English) to the weary travellers. These bicycle taxis can still be found in most smaller Ugandan towns, however, in Kampala they have been replaced by motorcycles. Boda-bodas charge 3000-20000 UGX for trips within Kampala, however they fluctuate whether you're a foreigner or not. Prices can be negotiated a lot as most boda drivers will always want money at the end of the day, however it is almost impossible to get anywhere for under 2000, Longer trips to places on the outskirts of the city may run you up to 30000 UGX. In-app Boda-Boda rides around Kampala are focusing more on passenger safety with the introduction of the mobile App-Based motorcycle transport service providers who are trained, more professional and have helmets for passengers. The rides are ordered in the app and fares are shown before confirming the request. Most service providers allow payments via the app or cash payments. These app-based boda-boda services work in and around Kampala. Such services include SafeBoda, Uber, Bolt, and Faras.

By matatu Matatus are minibuses that follow relatively pre-set routes all over the city and many other parts of the country. Confusingly, they are known as taxis in Uganda. It might be a bit confusing in the beginning how to use the matatus to efficiently get where you want to go, but it's not so difficu

See

1 National Theatre (Uganda National Cultural Centre), De Winton St (next to Parliament), ☏ +256 414 254 567, [email protected]. A big cultural centre with a theatre that also hosts dance shows/lessons/events, comedy, films, concerts, jam sessions, improv and discussion nights. The current program can be found at the entrance or online on social media or website. Every Monday there's a music night with live music from artists on stage. There is a restaurant located inside the venue, with a wide range of food and drinks. There's also a library, a restaurant and a large African Crafts Village with dozens of shops selling souvenirs, crafts, and also some stuff that is more artsy than all the stuff you can find everywhere else. (updated Apr 2026) 2 Nommo Gallery, Victoria Ave (next to State Lodge, 400m north-northwest from Sheraton Hotel), ☏ +256 414 254 567, [email protected]. Uganda’s National Art Gallery. Calm, spacious, green oasis in the middle of the city with art exhibitions (paintings and sculptures that can be bought) and two restaurants frequented by government employees. 3 Uganda Museum (Uganda National Museum), Kira Rd (4km north of city centre, to the west of Kololo hill behind the golf course), ☏ +256 414 267 538. Daily 10:00-18:00. A natural history museum, with some static displays commencing from the stone age and moving forward to Ugandan traditional life. Entrance: USh 5,000 (Ugandans), 10,000 (residents), 15,000 (non-Ugandans) - May 2019. 4 Uganda National Mosque (Gaddafi National Mosque), Old Kampala Hill (on top of the hill next to the new taxi park). Big, beautiful modern mosque commissioned by Muammar Gaddafi, the ex-Libyan despot, as a gift to Uganda and completed in 2007. Said to be second-largest in sub-Saharan Africa. Great, relatively close-up bird's-eye view of Kampala from up the minaret, though there are a lot of steps (272, to be exact) to climb. Just to the north of the mosque is Fort Lugard where the first Governor of the Protectorate, Frederick Lugard, was posted. USh 20,000 to go inside and up the minaret with a guide. (updated Jan 2020) 5 Bahai Temple (Bahá'í House of Worship), Kikaya Hill (8km north of city centre, probably best to take a boda-boda or taxi), ☏ +256 312 262 680, [email protected]. Daily 09:00-17:00. Beautiful and incredibly peaceful place. Nice view too. 6 Kasubi tombs (Ssekabaka's Tombs), Kasubi Hill (5km north-west of city centre along Hoima Rd), ☏ +256 412 736 00, [email protected]. Burial ground of four Kabakas (kings) of Buganda and important place for the Baganda people. UNESCO World

Do

Inside the city Boda boda tour around town. Get a feel for the different parts of the city and see lots of stuff in little time: Like the docks, beaches and fish markets at Ggaba or Port Bell, all the wonderful hills providing great views and nice buildings on top, and the extreme contrasts between different neighbourhoods. For an extra trustworthy driver, use one associated with the place you stay at and have them arrange an extra helmet. USh 20,000-30,000 will last you a couple of hours. (updated Apr 2026) 1 Speke Resort Munyonyo (Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort) (11 km south-east of the city centre. When coming from the airport on the Expressway, go straight through the roundabout and the resort is on the right.), ☏ +256 414 227 111, +256 417 716 000, [email protected]. Speke is a very fancy resort with a marina, gardens, a pool, beach, gym and squash courts. There is a restaurant in the resort with a large selection of food and drinks for everyone. For entertainment, horse riding is available with guides taking you around the resort, and boat drivers can take you out into the lake and back to experience the breeze and take scenic pictures. The resort also has a lot of walking areas, perfect for romantic endeavours. Hanging around the resort gardens and visiting the marina is free, There is a fee to enter some of the gardens, the pool area, and gym (if you're not staying there). (updated Apr 2026) 2 Ndrere Centre, Plot 4505 Kira Rd, Ntinda - Kisaasi Rd, ☏ +256 414597704. Dinners and performances (tribal dance) by the Ndere Troupe. Best to check website for times. USh 50,000. (updated Aug 2020)

Lake Victoria Beaches Remember there is a risk for shistosomiasis in the Great Lakes of Africa.

3 Ggaba Beach and KK Beach. At KK Beach, live music, drinks, food, huts, sunset views, security. USh 5,000. (updated Aug 2020) 4 One Love Beach. Music, boat rides, food. Maybe you'll be able to see Bulingugwe Island. (updated Aug 2020) 5 Latembe Beach. Beach and pool and boat rides out on the lake available. (updated Aug 2020)

Farther away Entebbe can be easily reached from Kampala, so a day trip is possible. Most excursions and safaris farther away will involve overnight stays. The closest real safaris are in Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Mburo National Park, about 4 hours away.

Go for a safari in one of Ugandas national parks or game parks listed at Uganda#Other_destinations.

Around Entebbe Excursion to Entebbe to the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where you can watch chimps being fed, which is even more entertaining than it sound

Buy

Large parts of Uganda are well suited for agriculture and as a result Kampala has some very large and diverse food and agriculture markets. Traditional handmade tools, arts and crafts are also big. However there are also several large western style malls and supermarkets (e.g. Shoprite from South Africa, Carrefour from France. If you're in the market for souvenirs, check out the Exposure Africa Crafts Village on Buganda Road or the slightly larger Uganda Arts & Crafts Village behind the National Theatre, near the Garden City complex. Also on Buganda Road across the street from the craft market you find a number of tailors if you are looking to have clothes sewn. And if you're tired from shopping the (upscale) cafe 1000 UGX Cups of Coffee is a relaxing Mzungu hangout.

1 Owino market (in city center close to the taxi parks, just south of the Nakivubo Stadium). Owino market is one of the largest in this region of Africa. The endless booths that line the chaotic alleys of Owino offer a mind-boggling array everything from homemade irons, to Western hand-me-down-clothes with charity shop price tags still on, to an amazing array of African foods, to any and everything else under the sun. Everything at Owinio starts cheap and gets cheaper with bargaining. Owino was completely destroyed by fire mid-February 2009, but has since been reopened. Owino is near the centre of Kampala, and any Boda or taxi driver will know how to get you there. Come prepared for a crowded maze of goods and people.

2 Nakasero market (between Old Taxi Park, Kampala Road and Entebbe road). A lot smaller and more pleasant than Owino, good for fruit and veg. More accessible from Kampala road and better suited for a (relaxed) stroll. 3 Exposure Africa Crafts Village, Buganda Road. African arts and crafts village with dozens of stalls.

4 Garden City. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum from Owino is Garden City. and if you are in the market for an Internet cafe, a Forex bureau, coffee shop, an expensive pair of shoes, a travel agent, a cinema, also has a capital shoppers supermarket. and more under the same roof, then Garden City is for you. Garden City can be a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the centre of Kampala. 5 Uganda Crafts 2000 Ltd., Plot 32-36 Bombo Road (Heading towards Wandegeya from City Square, Uganda Crafts is in the basement shop of the DLCO-EA building, between Teacher's House and Bible House.), ☏ +256 414 250 077. 09:00 - 18:00. Uganda Crafts, Uganda's oldest fair trade craft shop, has been working with disadvantaged artisans since 1983. They are k

Eat

There are a number of dining options in Kampala ranging from the cheap and local to the very fancy (and very expensive).

Budget Everywhere you go you'll see signs for little hole-in-the-wall restaurants (including some called "pork joints"). Most of these places don't have menus, so you'll have to ask what's available. Common options include meat (usually beef), rice, beans, Matoke (steamed green bananas, served mashed). Common dishes that can be found in most of the city restaurants and in the country side are fish and chips, and chicken and chips. These meals vary in servings and will cost between 4500-9000 UGX UGX. Be sure to ask the price ahead of time so that you don't get surprised later on. Prices are typically 500 per item, but can vary. Sodas and bottled water will cost more too. Matoke with groundnut sauce can be delicious! For a street snack, the famous "Rolex" is very enjoyable. It is made out of a chapati (kind of a pancake) wrapped around an omelette, with cabbage and tomatoes. Expect to pay 700-1000 UGX. Other street food includes roast chicken, goat and beef. This is usually served with chips or a salad or both. Pricing is per piece 2000 UGX-4500. If you are looking for something healthier but still want to enjoy the experience of roadside eating, the best bargain is with roasted corn or maize. The white maize is slow roasted on a charcoal grill and is available for 500-600 per cob. Freshness is guaranteed as maize is a common plant found throughout Uganda. Usually the vendors will have a stall close to a source of maize plantation.

1 Great Wall (Chinese Restaurant), Plot 21 Kampala Rd, ☏ +256 712 937 148. Daily noon-10:30PM. Owned by Chinese from Beijing, this clean and comfortable restaurant serves big portions of tasty, classic dishes. Menu is in English and simplified Chinese (with strange character mistakes - I suppose 15 years away is a long time). There is a ceiling fan and service is attentive, polite and extremely rapid by Ugandan standards. If you've got a bony bum, bring a cushion. Fried rice with chicken USh 8000, sweet & sour pork USh 13,000. Govindas, ovo-lacto vegetarian, in Dewinton Road near Nakumat, offers thali at 15000 UGX at lunchtime, and a full menu of Indian dishes. Popular with local Indian community. hey also serve vegetarian pizzas and sandwiches. A reasonable variety of Indian Sweets is available too. Makere University Food Technology department, offers a tasty "local food" lunch, at 7000 UGX.

Mid-range Jinja Road is a good place for a variety of meals.

Garden City. The food court

Drink & nightlife

Drink only bottled water - spring water brands like Rwenzori, Jubi, and Aquafina can be trusted.

Alcohol If you feel like going out, go out, you should be safe, just exercise common sense. Ugandans are very sociable. Kampala's nightlife centers around the neighborhoods Bukoto and Kabalagala. Several clubs are also in the Industrial area (e.g. along 1st/6th Street) and along Kampala Road plus Acacia Avenue. Popular clubs are Club Silk, Venom Club, Club Amnesia, Casablanca, Cayenne Restaurant and Lounge, the Mask Lounge Club and Ange Noir. Going out clubbing in Kampala can be very expensive.

1 Evening out in Kabalagala (3 km south-west from city center along Ggaba road, many matatus go there). Kabalagala is an area with many bars and restaurants that is very lively at night and popular both amongst locals and expats. Go there, have fun and get to know some locals, but keep in mind that some girls (not the majority) are actually there to work. Kabalagala has everything from shabby waragi shacks to fancy establishments like Club Venom at the top of Tirupati Mazima Mall. 2 Evening out in Bukoto (around Bukoto-Kira Road, north of Kololo hill). Bukoto began as a purely residential suburb, but is now spawning many popular nightlife spots. Good alternative to Kabalagala and less mzungus than further down along Acacia Avenue. 3 Expat night at Bubbles O’Leary’s (across the golf course away from city center, left on Acacia Avenue), ☏ +256 31 2263815. Bubbles is an Irish pub in Kampala that serves as the main expat hangout (along with several other places along Acacia Avenue). Go there to get some (shocking) insights into the giant industry that is NGOs, aid and volunteering in Uganda. 4 Clubbing in the Industrial Area. Some very fancy clubs with steep prices, others more normal, lots of showing off, students enjoying themselves, dance floors fill easily, good dancing, some old mzungu men, hookers, ... partly bizarre but in the end the same as everywhere else around the world. The popular Club Silk, Ange Noir and T1 are on First Street. Several other clubs are on 6th Street. 5 The Lawns Restaurant & Lounge Bar, Impala Avenue, Kololo (on south-eastern slope of Kololo hill, close to where airstrip ends). Good if you want a quiet and tranquil environment. The Lawns offers beautiful garden lounge bar. Try their wide range of cocktails or wine with amazing starters. Uganda does, however, have a serious drink problem with the UN saying it has the highest alcohol consumption rate in the world, much of this is sold on backstreets, hence official figures don't rate i

Sleep

Budget 1 Already 2. Small guest house (7 rooms). Self contained rooms with own bathroom. Mosquito nets. No WiFi. Single from USh 25,000, double from USh 30,000. (updated Oct 2021) 2 ABC Plaza, Martin road. Modern building. Self contained, spacious rooms with own bathroom. Very busy road during rush hour. Single from USh 30,000. (updated Oct 2021) 3 Lusam Inn Resthouse, Namirembe road, ☏ +256 772514773. Double room with own bathroom a walk uphill from the Taxi Park. USh 35,000. (updated Apr 2015) 4 Heights City Annex, 7, De Winton road (opposite National Theatre), ☏ +256 414254132. Check-out: 10:00. Cheapest rooms with outside bathroom. Mosquito nets. No WiFi. Relatively quiet road. Night time security at the entrance. Near the bus offices for buses going to Kenya. Single from USh 20,000, double from USh 40,000. (updated Oct 2021) Marie Hotel, Martin road (just off Namirembe road), ☏ +256 392961139. USh 35,000. (updated Apr 2015) Kawanda Country Inn, off Bombo road (near Mo-Petro). Check-in: 08:00, check-out: 10:00. Fan double room with own bathroom and TV and free breakfast. from USh 35,000. (updated Aug 2015) Hotel Harambe, Plot 14-18 Nakivubo Place Road (2nd floor venus Plaza.). Check-in: 07:00, check-out: 11:00. Twin/double rooms with own bathroom and cable TV. Has free WiFi. US$15. (updated Sep 2015) Tuhende Safari Lodge, Martin Road, ☏ +256 772-468360. Has a dorm with 3 beds per dorm. USh 18,000 per person.. (updated Oct 2015) Hotel City Square, Plot 42 Kampala road (Constitution Square.), ☏ +256 781 433483. single/double rooms with own bathroom. Internet and breakfast. USh 60,000/70.000. (updated Apr 2015) Selam Restaurant and Lodge, Ggaba road Kansanga (150m behide Kampala Int University.). Single rooms. USh 15,000.. (updated Apr 2015) Hotel Olympia, off Ggaba road (Kansanga), ☏ +256 414-266743. US$15. (updated Apr 2015) Mother Theresa Guest House, Ismail Road. Mbuya. Kampala (off the new Port Bell road), ☏ +256 700296379. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Very clean single/double rooms with own bathroom. single USh 30,000, double USh 50,000. (updated May 2015) Royal Arch Inn Guest House, 547 Mutebi Road, ☏ +256-414345088. Check-in: 24 hours. Double rooms. Has hot water, and TV. USh 25,000. (updated Jun 2015) Palm Gardens and Guest House, Gayaza Road off Msisi road Makindye. Check-in: 08:00, check-out: 10:00. Single room with own bathroom, net, TV. The hotel has 13 rooms. from USh 35,000. (updated Jul 2015) Tagy Hotel Plot 6b Martin Road. single/double rooms with own bathroom. 30,000 UGX/40,000 UGX.

Backpacker hostels All of the b

Go next

Any place in Uganda can be easily reached from Kampala in less than one day. Most popular destinations can be reached in less than half a days driving time, however if you use public buses, allow for some hours waiting time before the bus leaves, and sometimes the bus will get stuck in traffic when trying to leave Kampala.

Jinja, one source of the Nile and amazing whitewater rafting can be reached in around one hour. Fort Portal, in the vicinity of the popular Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Kibale Forest National Park and the Rwenzori National Park, can be reached in around 4 hours. Kabale, Lake Bunyonyi and the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be reached in around 5-6 hours. Driving to Gulu takes 4-5 hours by bus. Murchison Falls National Park also takes about that time to reach. Tororo, Mbale and Mount Elgon National Park can be reached in a couple of hours to less than half a day. Furthermore, it used to be possible to reach Ssese Islands from Port Bell in Kampala with the MV Amani, but that service seems suspended and the main ferry from Entebbe, MV Kalangala, is in prolonged repairs. Equator line: just go to the New taxi park and get on Kampala-Equator mini buses ( 7000 UGX) or the Kampala-Masaka Mini buses ( 12000 UGX). The final stop of Kampala-Equator mini buses is a few meters away from the Equator line. They make a u-turn and head back to Kampala. It is a 1.5-hour drive from Kampala. The equator line is just before the town of Kayabwe. There is a water flow demonstration (a hoax) for ( 10,000 UGX). All the mini bus drivers know when and where you should get off. Many safari tour companies operate out of Kampala and drive their customers to the national parks, but it is also possible to arrange trips in Fort Portal for example (or go with your own car of course). Matatus and larger buses out of Kampala leave mainly from the new taxi park. A few may still also leave from the old taxi park. There are many companies (almost 100) that run larger tour buses that leave from numerous bus terminals/stations surrounding the new taxi park, or for buses going east into Kenya at De Winton Road. You can take buses of differing sizes and quality going to all major cities in Uganda and to Juba (South Sudan, min. 12 hr), to Malaba, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nairobi and Mombasa in Kenya, and to Kigali (Rwanda); amongst others. Sometimes there are more or less direct buses to Tanzania (like Dar es Salaam, Ara, Moshi and Bukoba), but those lines do not seem very profitable since companies pop up and disappear quickly (TZ is not so nice with border fee