Population: 301,090 (2002 Census)
Top Attractions: Makindye Court 1930’s, Magnificent Views, Makindye Barracks
Entertainment:Hakuna Matata Bar & Restaurant, AY Pub, ARA
Makindye is one of the historical areas in Uganda and in fact one of the five divisions that constitute Kampala city. The Makindye division is named after the Makindye hill where the division sits and at the peak, Makindye hill stands 1,230 metres (4,040 ft) above sea level.
Makindye hill offers a magnificent view of Kampala city, parts of neighboring Wakiso District & part of Lake Victoria’s Murchison Bay.
The Makindye Hill was gazetted in the early 1920’s as a residential area for the British colonial administrators. Makindye was considered a safe place by residents due to fact there was a police barracks for the Buganda Government. Today the same barracks is home to the Uganda Military Police. The Kabaka of Buganda also had his official house which was turned into a presidential lodge when the Kabaka of Buganda became president in 1962.
Attractions here include the Makindye court which colonialists established here in 1930’s, bars & restaurants, and many relaxation places like; American Recreation Association guesthouse.
Other Landmarks in Makindye Division include;
Embassy of the United States
Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo
Uganda Millitary Police Barracks
Ggaba National Seminary – Roman Catholic
Ggaba Landing site
Kampala International University
Nsambya Hospital
Speke Resort & Conference Centre
Hakuna Matata bar & restaurant
Getting there
Makindye hill is situated 7kms on the southeastern corner of Kampala City, mini-bus taxis run regularly to the area and can be boarded from the new Cooper Motors taxi park situated next to the old taxi park.
Location of Makindye hill in Kampala City Uganda
Makindye is bordered by Nsambya to the north, Kibuye to the northwest, Najjanankumbi to the west, Lubowa in Wakiso District to the south, Luwafu to the southeast and Lukuli to the east. Kansanga and Kabalagala lie to Makindye’s northeast. The coordinates of Makindye are:00 16 45N, 32 11E (Latitude:0.2791;Longitude:32.5862). The road distance between Makindye and the central business district of Kampala is about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi).
General Information about Makindye Hill in Kampala
Makindye at its peak, stands 1,230 metres (4,040 ft) above sea level. It affords a commanding view of the surrounding areas of the city and of neighboring parts of Wakiso District.
It also affords a view of Murchison Bay, a part of Lake Victoria to the east and southeast of Makindye.
The residential areas on Makindye hill are of middle class proportions.
Many of the homes have adjacent plots of land which are often used to grow vegetables.
Attractions and Landmarks in Makindye area
Landmarks on Makindye Hill or near the hill include:
• Headquarters of Makindye Division
• Makindye Military Police Barracks
• Makindye Foursquare Gospel Church – A place of worship affiliated with the Pentecostal Movement
• Makindye General Hospital – A public hospital administered by the Uganda Ministry of Health (Construction begins 2011)