Kampala, Uganda
Region: Kampala, Uganda is located in Kampala
Geographic Coordinates: 0.313600, 32.581100
Temperature Range: 18.0°C to 28.0°C (64°F to 82°F)
Climate: Seasonal climate and weather patterns in Kampala, Uganda are influenced by the equatorial location, with two rainy seasons from March to May and October to November, and two dry seasons from December to February and June to August.
Population: 1680600
Language: English
Kampala is the capital and largest city of Uganda, Located in the central region of the country. The city is situated on several hills, With Lake Victoria to its south. It has a population of over 1.5 million people and is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa. Kampala has a rich history dating back to the Buganda Kingdom, Which was established in the late 14th century. The city was named after Impala (Aepyceros melampus), A type of antelope that used to roam freely around Kampala hills before they were tamed for human settlement.
One of Kampala’s most iconic landmarks is Kasubi Tombs, Which are burial sites for four Buganda Kings and other members of their royal family. These tombs were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2001 but suffered significant damage from a fire outbreak in March 2010. Another attraction worth visiting is Namirembe Cathedral, One of Uganda’s oldest Anglican cathedrals built-in 1903. This cathedral offers an excellent view of Kampala City from its hilltop location.
The city also boasts several markets such as Owino Market, Nakasero Market and Kalerwe Market where you can find anything from fresh produce to second-hand clothes at affordable prices. For nature lovers, Entebbe Botanical Gardens offer an opportunity to explore beautiful flora and fauna species while enjoying picnic spots along Lake Victoria’s shoreline. Kampala’s nightlife scene is vibrant with numerous bars and clubs dotted around town offering different genres of music ranging from reggae to techno and local Ugandan music like Kadongo Kamu.
foodies will enjoy sampling Ugandan cuisine at various restaurants such as Faze Three Restaurant & Lounge or Khana Khazana Indian restaurant that serve dishes like Matooke (steamed green bananas), Luwombo (steamed meat wrapped in banana leaves) and Rolex (a rolled chapati with eggs, Tomatoes and onions). Kampala is a bustling city filled with rich cultural heritage, Vibrant nightlife, Delicious food options and beautiful natural scenery. Its warm and friendly people make it an excellent destination for anyone looking to explore East Africa’s beauty.
Important Landmarks
- Uganda Museum
- Kasubi Tombs
- Gaddafi National Mosque
- Namirembe Cathedral
- Rubaga Cathedral
- Bahai Temple
- Kabaka’s Palace (Lubiri)
- Independence Monument
- Nakasero Market
- Owino Market
Primary Industries
- Agriculture is a major industry in Kampala due to its fertile land and favorable climate.
- Kampala is a popular tourist destination with attractions such as the Uganda Museum, Kasubi Tombs, and Ndere Cultural Centre.
- Several manufacturing companies in Kampala produce textiles, food products, and building materials.
- The banking industry is well-established in Kampala with several local and international banks operating in the city.
- The IT sector has grown rapidly in recent years with several software development companies based in Kampala.
- There are many schools and universities located within the city offering quality education to students from all over Uganda.
- The health care industry has grown significantly over recent years with many hospitals and clinics located within the city offering quality medical services to residents of Kampala.
- Numerous shopping centers, supermarkets, markets, and street vendors sell various products ranging from clothing to electronics to food items in Kampala’s retail trade sector.
- Transportation services such as taxi cabs (boda boda), buses (matatus), trains (Uganda Railways) among other options are available for residents of Kampala.
- The construction industry has seen a boom due to increased urbanization leading to demand for housing units within the city of Kampala.
Noteable History
- The Buganda Kingdom: Kampala is located in the Buganda Kingdom, which is one of the oldest and most powerful kingdoms in East Africa. The kingdom has a rich history that dates back to the 14th century.
- The British Colonial Period: Kampala was under British colonial rule from 1894 to 1962. During this time, many important buildings were constructed in the city, including government buildings, churches, and schools.
- Idi Amin: Idi Amin was a Ugandan military officer who served as president of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. His regime was characterized by human rights abuses and political repression.
- The Uganda-Tanzania War: In 1978-79, Tanzania invaded Uganda to overthrow Idi Amin’s regime. This conflict resulted in significant destruction in Kampala.
- Museveni Era: Yoweri Kaguta Museveni became president of Uganda on January 29th, 1986 after leading a successful rebellion against previous regimes that had ruled since independence from Britain in October 1962.
- Martyrs day celebrations: On June 3rd every year since June3rd1965 when Pope Paul VI canonized the first African martyrs at Namugongo shrine near Kampala,Ugandans celebrate their religious heritage with pompous religious festivities that attract thousands of pilgrims across Africa and beyond.
- The East African Community: As one of five member states (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda), Kampala hosts various summits for EAC meetings especially at Speke Resort Munyonyo where all heads of state converge for their annual summit meetings.
Museums and Things To See
- Uganda Museum
- Kasubi Tombs
- National Theatre Uganda
- Ndere Cultural Centre
- Makerere Art Gallery
- Bahai Temple Kampala
- Namugongo Martyrs Shrine
- Lubiri Palace
- Owino Market
- Kabaka’s Lake
Sports Teams
- Kampala City Council Football Club (KCC FC) was founded in 1963 and is one of Uganda’s oldest and most successful football clubs, having won the Ugandan Premier League a record 13 times.
- SC Villa, founded in 1975, is another successful football club based in Kampala that has won the Ugandan Premier League a record 16 times.
- The Uganda Christian University basketball team, known as UCU Canons, has been dominant in recent years by winning the National Basketball League title four times since 2013.
- The Kampala International University basketball team, KIU Titans, has also been successful with two National Basketball League titles to their name and reaching the finals several other times.
- Warriors Rugby Club was established in 1998 and is one of Uganda’s top rugby clubs with multiple league titles under their belt as well as representing Uganda internationally.
- City Oilers basketball team was founded in 2013 and quickly became one of the top teams in Uganda by winning five National Basketball League titles since their inception.
- KCCA Leopards is the women’s basketball team of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), which has been dominant for many years by winning numerous league titles and representing Uganda internationally.
Cultural Events
- Kampala City Festival is an annual event that celebrates the culture, history, and diversity of the city.
- Bayimba International Festival of the Arts showcases music, dance, theater, and visual arts from Uganda as well as other countries.
- Nyege Nyege Festival is an electronic music festival featuring both local and international artists.
- Kampala Fashion Week showcases Ugandan fashion designers and their collections to promote the local fashion industry.
- Kampala Film Festival is a showcase of Ugandan films as well as international cinema to promote film culture in Uganda.
- Rolex Festival celebrates the popular street food dish known as rolex with various food vendors offering different versions of this dish.
- Kampala Art Biennale features contemporary art from Africa and beyond to promote cultural exchange through art exhibitions.
- Uganda Martyrs Day Celebration commemorates Christian martyrs who were killed for their faith in 1885 to honor their sacrifice for religious freedom in Uganda.
- Kampala Restaurant Week is a week-long event offering discounted meals at various restaurants in Kampala to promote local cuisine and dining experiences for visitors and locals alike.
- Kampala Foodie Fest celebrates different cuisines from around Uganda with food tasting stalls set up by different vendors across town, promoting culinary diversity within the country’s culinary scene.
Cuisine
- Rolex: A popular street food made of a thin omelette wrapped around vegetables and meat, often served for breakfast.
- Ugali with peanut sauce: A staple dish made of maize flour and served with a flavorful peanut sauce.
- Matooke: Steamed mashed plantains, often served as a side dish.
- Chapati: A flatbread similar to Indian naan or roti, commonly eaten with stews or curries.
- Nyama Choma: Grilled meat, usually goat or beef, served with a side of vegetables and/or Ugali.
- Cafe Javas: A popular restaurant chain in Kampala known for their burgers, pizzas, and breakfast options.
- Endiro Coffee: A coffee shop that also serves sandwiches, salads, and smoothies made from locally sourced ingredients.
- The Lawns Restaurant & Bar: Offers both local Ugandan cuisine as well as international dishes like pasta and steak.
- Karveli Restaurant & Lounge Bar: Serves continental cuisine with an African twist in an elegant setting overlooking the city skyline.
- KFC Uganda: The popular fast-food chain can be found throughout Kampala serving up fried chicken meals and sides like coleslaw and fries.
Parks and Recreation
- Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC)
- Lugogo Cricket Oval
- Gaddafi National Mosque
- Kasubi Tombs
- Independence Monument
- National Museum of Uganda
- Kabaka’s Lake
- Kololo Airstrip
- Owino Market
- Nakasero Market