Looking to exploring Kampala, the capital of Uganda? There are lots of interesting things to do in the city of hills. From leisurely activities to interesting cultural tours, there are amazing activities that you can engage in while in Kampala. Here are 14 things to do in the city;
Go Shopping
Kampala is an exciting city for shoppers as everything you may need is readily available. Most shopping in Kampala is concentrated in shopping malls and up market large chain supermarkets and shopping centres. Beautiful views, good restaurants, malls like Village mall, Oasis mall, Acacia, Garden City for shopping are found in Kampala. Then go street shopping in Kikubo, Gazaland, Galilaaya for new stuff, Super markets like Aponye, Freedom city, Nakumatt, Tuskys, Shoprite. Places like Lugogo, Nakumatt, Garden city, make someone feel and atmosphere of typical western shopping malls, with a mix of supermarkets, luxury goods and fast food outlets. If you want luxury goods, especially European and American brands, then the following malls are probably your best bet if you like to do all you’re shopping in one place.
Craft Markets
While Uganda may not be known within Africa for its crafts, there are good markets where you buy souvenirs after taking a Uganda Safari. There are local souvenirs as well as those imported from Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are various craft markers within Kampala to find craft markets that offer good options for souvenirs. The largest craft market is on Buganda Road, Central Kampala and is open 7 days a week. Be careful to shop around and haggle before buying anything. Cheaper and often better, however, is the Jukali handicraft village commonly known as the ‘Friday craft market’ up in Nsambya, off Gabba rd. It operates to some extent every day but as you can guess from the name only really comes into full force on Fridays. It has a good selection of artwork, jewelry, wooden and stone sculptures as well as a small amount of fabrics.
Visit the Bahai Temple
There are thousands of people in Uganda that practice the Bahai faith and there are only seven Bahai temples in the world. One of these temples is located on the outskirts of Kampala, on top of one of Kampala hills. You can walk through the beautiful gardens or get a short tour and information about the Bahai faith and other related information. It’s a very peaceful and serene environment with great views. Just pay a visit as long as you are in Kampala.
Saint Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe
The Saint Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe is another place of worship with a great view of the city of Kampala. Being the oldest cathedral in the city, Namirembe Cathedral is the regional cathedral of the Church of Uganda. The current building, which was constructed using bricks, is the fifth to be built, as previous structures were ruined. It is almost 100 years old and is held to be one of the most noteworthy places of worship in Africa.
Kasubi Tombs
There is much history to be explored in Kampala. Kampala is a part of the Buganda Kingdom which is currently ruled by Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II. With the four Kabakas buried at the same site, the Kasubi Tombs became to be known as an important Shrine in Buganda’s history. Each prince and princess who is a descendant to any of these four Kings is buried at Kasubi behind the main shrine. More so, the site has also become culturally important as the cemetery of the royalty of the Buganda Kingdom.
Rubaga Cathedral (Saint Mary’s Cathedral)
There are many cathedrals and other places of worship in Kampala, and at least one is always included in visitors’ itinerary of things to do in Kampala. Rubaga Cathedral is located on one of Kampala’s original hills, Lubaga. It’s the base of the Catholic Church in Uganda. The Cathedral was built in the early 20th century, on land donated by the King of Buganda to missionaries and a Bishop. The views from the cathedral are amazing; the cathedral’s exterior and the building itself are very grand and well built. There’s also a statue of St. Mary in the front and a memorial to the first African Catholic bishop in Uganda.
Uganda National Mosque (the Gaddafi Mosque)
This mosque provides one of the best views of Kampala and is located on top of Kampala Hill. The building is huge and beautifully constructed with a winding staircase that brings you to the top of the prayer tower. It’s the biggest mosque in Kampala, accommodating up to 35,000 people in its main seating area, gallery and terrace. Visitors are allowed to tour and photograph the building. Colonel Muammar Gaddafi contracted to have it built and then gifted it to Uganda for use by the Muslims. The mosque was originally named after Gaddafi but was changed to Uganda National Mosque after his death.
Makerere University
The first university in Kampala and also in Britain’s East African colonies, Makerere is still the most highly regarded. The university boasts interesting architecture and wide-ranging gardens. Alumni include prime ministers and well known intellectuals. Nobel Prize-winning author V.S. Naipaul spent time here as a writer-in-residence, and American travel writer and novelist Paul Theroux once taught from the University.
Mengo Palace
Built in 1922, the palace is the former home of the king of Buganda although it has remained empty since 1966 when Prime Minister Milton Obote ordered an attack to remove Kabaka Mutesa II, the then president. The Kabaka’s Palace sits on Mengo Hill. It’s also called the haunted mansion, because so many were killed on the grounds in Idi Amin’s torture chambers. The palace is mostly uninhabited and being repaired, so it’s inaccessible to tourists, but guided tours of the prison chambers are available.
Owino Market
Owino Market is a chaotic, yet organized marketplace where you can find unique souvenirs, beautiful African print fabrics and any other thing you can think about. There are all types of second hand clothing and shoes in very good condition and tailors abound for any alterations you may need. You can also sample the local cuisine as you wait your clothes from tailors.
The market sells nearly anything you can think of, but the best buys for foreigners are on the African print fabrics sold here by length, and the wide range of second-hand clothes and shoes, including many designer labels. There is also quite an interesting Voodoo market, selling all sorts of wonderful things if you can manage to negotiate the maze and find it! As always make sure to haggle and keep your personal belongings close and don’t wear any obvious jewelry or big handbags.
Visit the Kabaka’s Lake
The Kabaka’s lake is located in Ndeeba along Rubaga road a few kilometers from kampala the city centre. It is neighbored by Rubaga Miracle Center and St Lawrence University. It is one of Uganda’s and Africa’s longest-surviving man-made lakes. The lake occupies an area of 2 km2 and estimated 200feet deep.
Apart from the unique history and tradition that is attached to this lake, it also attracts people as they go to relax there. It is also a home to different bird species. The lake can easily be accessed from the city center. Taxis are available in both old and new taxi park that can drop you to either Ndeba or along Rubaga Road.
