Top 10 things to do in Kampala

Kampala, Uganda’s Capital city with an estimated population of over 2.5 million people has a lot of great activities for you as an individual or a group/couple. The people in Kampala are too friendly which leaves you no choice but to befriend them as well. Transport and accommodation are affordable as well as you can get any place of your choice according to your budget. Shopping too is not a burden.

Local means of transport are in three types;

• Motor bikes locally known as Boda-boda which carry one passenger and are quite important because of the way they can easily dodge around traffic and get you to the place you’re going faster. However a helmet is a MUST as a Safety precaution.
• Matatus or Taxis which carry up to 14 passengers and are also common in town and in the neighboring areas. They are cheap and can take you to most of the places in Kampala. Taxis can be got from the Old Taxi Park or new Taxi Park, downtown Kampala.
• Special hire or Cabs are also now common as UBER launched in Uganda a few months ago. You can easily hire one via their mobile app. There is also Friendship Taxi which is a special hire company around Kampala. The other cabs for special hire are for the tour companies like us whom you can easily contact.

These are the top 10 things you should do while u stay in Kampala.

1. Visit the Kasubi Tombs

The Kasubi tombs site is where the four Kabakas and other members of the Baganda royal family were buried. It is located on Kasubi Hill, five kilometers from Kampala city center, along the Kampala-Hoima Road. The trip is approximately 15 minutes from Kampala.

2. Visit the Uganda Martyrs shrine

The Uganda Martyrs Minor Basilica/Shrine is a Catholic church dedicated to the Martyrs of Uganda who shed their blood because of the Christian faith in 1886. The Shrine is well known for its beautiful and unique interior and exterior, but it is especially notable for its shape and architectural plan. It is located 15 kilometers east of Kampala off Jinja Road.

3. Visit the Gaddafi Mosque (Uganda national Mosque)

Located at Kampala Hill in the Old Kampala area of Kampala, it was commissioned by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi of Libya who gave it as a gift to Uganda, and for the benefit of the Muslim population. It seats up to 15,000 worshipers and can hold another 1,100 in the gallery, while the terrace will cater for another 3,500.

4. Visit the Kabaka’s Palace

Situated on Mengo hill alongside Lubaga road within Kampala & this is the main palace in the Kingdom of Buganda, full of exciting scenes and art galleries. It is more than a fine, historical architecture that welcomes you at the pinnacle of Bulange hill.

5. Visit the Independence monument

The Independence Monument is in many ways one of the most important pieces of Uganda’s heritage. It is located along Speke road in Kampala, just opposite Standard Chartered bank.

6. Visit the Uganda Museum

One of the things you should never miss in Kampala is visiting East Africa’s oldest Museum, founded in 1908. It has got a great collection of playable musical instruments, hunting equipment, weaponry; archaeology and entomology which you cannot fail to miss out. At the back of the Museum is the Cultural Village depicting the different architectural and traditional lifestyles in Uganda. Other publications and a children resource center are also found there.

7. Visit the Baha’i Temple

The Bahai temple and place is one of the top places to visit on a day tour in Kampala to learn about the bahai faith in Uganda, observe the nature, enjoy beautiful seceneries of Kampala city as you relax in an amazing enviironment. Also said to be a famous birding spot for most tourists as over 50 species of birds have been seen there.

It is Located on top of Kikaya hill, 7km on the Gayaza road, in Kampala City.

8. Experience Uganda’s culture at Ndere Center

Through traditional music and dance at Ndere centre, you get to listen to the amazing cultural songs, dances and unique instruments from the 56 nationalities (tribes), with humorously informative stories and presented in an authentic but artistically developed spectacle. It is located on Kira road –  Ntinda, Kisasi stretch. The Places offers a great environment to enjoy blissful artistic creativity and also offers great food, barbeque and accommodation as well.

9. Experience Kampala’s Night life.

Kampala is known as the party Capital of East Africa because most bars and restaurants work Monday to Monday plus the security within the town is good. Kampala has a variety of restaurants which serve Indian food, Turkish, Greek, German, American, Italian, Mexican, Japanese, Thai, Continental and many others. Pizza, Coffee shops, Pastry shops are also common in the city as well with a good environment. Casinos, bars, lounges, theaters & cinemas are also available in the city and they offer a pleasant atmosphere for any kind of person.

10. Go shopping

Last but not least, one of the most important things to do in Kampala is go downtown and buy something locally made by people of Uganda. Many Craft shops are available in the city or if u cannot manage to go downtown because of the congestion, you can try going to Nakasero market and other places like Ntinda, Bukoto, kamokya, and Wampewo Avenue for Crafts and Art galleries.
Malls like Acacia, Lugogo, Garden city, Freedom city, Forest mall, Oasis mall provide a great choice for shopping lovers where you will find anything from clothes, food & electronics.