Kasangati, Uganda
Region: Wakiso
Geographic Coordinates: 0.437800, 32.602500
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 30.0°C (59°F to 86°F)
Climate: Seasonal tropical climate with two rainy seasons (March to May and September to November) and two dry seasons (December to February and June to August). Temperatures range from 17°C to 28°C.
Population: 207800
Language: English
Kasangati is a town situated in the Wakiso District of Uganda, Around 14 kilometers north of Kampala, The capital city. The town sits on a plateau and is surrounded by lush green hills that offer an awe-inspiring view of the surrounding landscape. Kasangati boasts a population of about 70, 000 people and is predominantly inhabited by Baganda people who are renowned for their rich cultural heritage. The economy of Kasangati primarily relies on agriculture with crops such as maize, Beans, And cassava being grown in large quantities.
The fertile land surrounding Kasangati provides an ideal environment for farming activities that form the backbone of the local economy. In recent times, There has been an increase in commercial activity with small businesses such as shops and restaurants opening up to serve the growing population. One outstanding feature of Kasangati is its nearness to several wildlife reserves including Kibale National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. These parks attract tourists from all over the world who come to see rare animals such as gorillas, Chimpanzees, Lions, Elephants among others.
Additionally, Kasangati also hosts several cultural events throughout the year showcasing traditional dances and music from different ethnic groups in Uganda. Kasangati has experienced significant growth over recent years due to its strategic location near Kampala city which has led to increased investment opportunities in infrastructure development such as roads and housing projects. This growth has also led to an increase in demand for education facilities with several schools being established within the town. One challenge facing Kasangati is inadequate access to clean water which affects both residents and farmers alike.
However, Efforts are underway by both government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to address this issue through drilling boreholes for water supply. Kasangati offers visitors a unique experience combining nature tourism with cultural immersion while providing opportunities for investment ventures due to its strategic location near Kampala city. Despite facing challenges such as inadequate access to clean water, The town is on a trajectory of growth and development with increasing infrastructure investment and economic activity.
- Namugongo Martyrs Shrine: This site is a religious place that commemorates the execution of 22 Christian martyrs who were killed for their faith in 1886.
- Uganda Wildlife Education Centre: This center provides visitors with opportunities to see and learn about different wildlife species such as lions, elephants, crocodiles and chimpanzees.
- Ndere Cultural Centre: This cultural center showcases traditional music and dance performances from various tribes across Uganda.
- Bahai Temple: Situated on Kikaya Hill near Kasangati town, this temple is one of only eight Bahai temples globally and attracts visitors interested in its unique architecture.
- Lubiri Palace: Formerly the residence of Buganda kings before it was destroyed during political unrest in the country, this palace has been restored as a museum showcasing Buganda culture and history.
- Makerere University Botanical Gardens: These gardens offer visitors an opportunity to explore different plant species from across Uganda and beyond.
- Mabira Forest Reserve: Located approximately 50km from Kasangati town, this forest reserve offers nature lovers an opportunity to go hiking or bird watching while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
- Kasubi Tombs: The tombs are located on Kasubi hill which lies five kilometers away from Kampala city centre. They are burial grounds for four former Kings (Kabakas) of Buganda namely Mutesa I (1865-1884), his son Mwanga II (1884-1897), Daudi Chwa II (1897-1939)and Sir Edward Mutesa II (1939-1969).
- Kasangati is a small town located in the Wakiso District of Uganda.
- The town has a diverse range of industries and businesses, including:
- Agriculture
- Retail
- Education
- Healthcare
- Construction
- Transport services
- Hospitality industry
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture is one of the major industries in Kasangati with many farmers producing crops such as:
- Maize
- Beans
- Cassava
- Bananas
- Vegetables
- Additionally, there are several retail shops and markets selling various goods like:
- Foodstuffs
- Clothing
- Electronics
- Household items
- Education is also an important aspect of Kasangati with several schools ranging from primary to secondary level education.
- Health care facilities are also available to provide medical services to the local community.
- The construction industry is rapidly growing in Kasangati with many buildings being constructed for residential and commercial purposes.
- There are several transport companies providing public transportation services to Kampala city center as well as other nearby towns.
- In terms of tourism industry, there are few hotels and restaurants catering for tourists visiting the area or passing through on their way to other destinations in Uganda or neighboring countries like Rwanda or Kenya.
- Lastly, there are some small scale manufacturing industries producing items like soap, furniture, etc.
- The town was one of the areas affected by the 1979 war that led to the overthrow of Idi Amin’s regime.
- Dr Kizza Besigye, an opposition leader, was arrested in Kasangati in 2011 after attempting to hold a rally against President Yoweri Museveni’s government.
- Several schools call Kasangati home, including St. Theresa Primary School and St. Mary’s College Kisubi.
- Bishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga was born in Kasangati and served as Archbishop of Kampala from 2006 until his death in April 2021.
- The town is renowned for its vibrant market where locals sell fresh produce and other goods.
Overall, despite not having many significant historical events or people specifically associated with it, Kasangati remains an essential part of Uganda’s cultural landscape as a center for education and commerce within the country.
- Kasubi Tombs is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the resting place of four Bugandan kings.
- The Uganda National Museum, located in Kampala, showcases Uganda’s natural and cultural history.
- The Makerere University Art Gallery exhibits contemporary African art and hosts workshops for artists.
- Ndere Centre is a cultural center that celebrates Ugandan music, dance, and storytelling.
- The Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo is a Catholic shrine dedicated to the 22 Ugandan martyrs who were killed for their faith in 1886.
- The Baha’i Temple on Kikaya Hill is one of only eight Baha’i temples in the world and offers stunning views of Kampala.
- Kabaka’s Palace, also known as Lubiri Palace, serves as the official residence of the King of Buganda.
- The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), formerly known as Entebbe Zoo or Entebbe Wildlife Education Centre (EWEC), is a wildlife sanctuary that serves as home to animals like lions, elephants, chimpanzees among others.
- Kasangati Health Center IV offers medical services such as Immunization Programs, Antenatal Care, Family Planning Services among others.
- Kampala City Festival: This festival is held annually in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. It celebrates the diversity of Ugandan culture through music, dance, food, and art.
- Nyege Nyege Festival: This is a four-day music festival that takes place on the banks of the Nile River near Jinja town. It features local and international musicians performing different genres of music.
- Bayimba International Festival: This festival celebrates art and culture through music performances, theater plays, film screenings, poetry readings, and visual arts exhibitions.
- Kampala Art Biennale: This event showcases contemporary African art from various countries across the continent.
- Rolex Festival: This food festival celebrates Uganda’s famous street food called Rolex which consists of a chapati filled with eggs and vegetables.
- Kabaka’s Birthday Celebrations: The Kingdom of Buganda celebrates its king’s birthday every year with traditional dances and ceremonies in Kasangati town near Kampala.
- Ekyooto International Cultural Festival: This event brings together different tribes from Uganda to showcase their unique cultures through music performances, traditional dances storytelling sessions among others.
Please note that these events may or may not take place in Kasangati specifically but they are popular cultural events across Uganda that one can attend while visiting Kasangati or other parts of the country as well.
- Matooke: A traditional Ugandan dish made from mashed green bananas. You can find it at most local restaurants.
- Rolex: A popular street food made from a chapati (flatbread) filled with eggs and vegetables. Try it at the Kasangati Market.
- Chapati: Another popular flatbread that is often served with stews or curries.
- Luwombo: A steamed dish of meat or fish wrapped in banana leaves and cooked over charcoal fire.
- Matoke Inn Restaurant: This restaurant serves traditional Ugandan dishes like matooke, luwombo, and roasted goat meat.
- The Garden Cafe & Restaurant: Offers a range of international dishes as well as Ugandan favorites like chapatis and rolexes.
- Javas Cafe Kasangati: Known for its coffee drinks and breakfast items like omelets and pancakes.
- KFC Kasangati: If you’re looking for fast food options, this branch of KFC offers fried chicken meals with sides like coleslaw and fries.
- Cafe Javas Express Kasangati Roadside Mall – Serving quick bites such as sandwiches, burgers etc
- Sakura Japanese Restaurant- if you want to try out oriental cuisine
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
- Murchison Falls National Park – Known for its powerful waterfall and diverse wildlife.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park – Famous for its tree-climbing lions and chimpanzees.
- Kibale National Park – A prime location for chimpanzee tracking and bird watching.
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park – Home to the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon.”
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – A conservation area dedicated to protecting and breeding rhinos.
- Kidepo Valley National Park – A remote park with stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
- Mabamba Swamp – A birding paradise located on the shores of Lake Victoria.
- Ssezibwa Falls – Provides visitors with a scenic view of waterfalls while also offering hiking trails and picnic areas.
- Lake Mburo National Park – Offers visitors an opportunity to see wildlife such as zebras, impalas, buffalos, and giraffes while also providing activities such as boat rides and guided nature walks.
