Nansana, Uganda
Region: Wakiso District
Geographic Coordinates: 0.363900, 32.528600
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 30.0°C (59°F to 86°F)
Population: 532800
Language: Luganda
Nansana is a bustling suburb located in the Wakiso district of Uganda, Just 10 kilometers northwest of Kampala. With a population of over 200, 000 people, It is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country. The town has undergone significant development over recent years and has emerged as an important commercial hub for both local residents and those from surrounding areas. One of Nansana’s most notable landmarks is its central market, Which serves as a vital source for fresh produce and other goods.
The market attracts traders from all over Uganda who come to sell their products at affordable prices. Here you can find everything from fruits and vegetables to clothing, Electronics, And household items. The town also boasts several schools that cater to children of all ages. These include both public and private institutions that offer quality education to students from different backgrounds. Some notable schools include St Jude Primary School, Nansana Islamic Primary School, And Mary Immaculate Secondary School. In terms of healthcare services, Nansana has several hospitals and clinics that provide medical care to residents in need.
One such facility is the Mulago Hospital Annex located on Hoima Road which offers a range of services including maternity care, Surgery, Pediatrics among others. For sports enthusiasts or those looking for recreational activities there are several options available in Nansana including soccer fields where local teams compete against each other regularly; there are also fitness centers offering gym facilities with modern equipment for workouts by individuals or groups.
Transportation within Nansana is primarily by motorcycle taxis known locally as boda-bodas or minibuses commonly referred to as taxis which offer cheap transportation around town making it easy for visitors to navigate through this busy area without much hassle. Despite being an urban center with modern amenities like electricity supply (which runs 24/7), Water supply (both piped water mains & boreholes) & internet connectivity; Nansana still retains its rural charm with many residents engaging in farming activities and keeping livestock. The town is surrounded by vast farmlands that produce crops such as maize, Beans, Cassava, And sweet potatoes.
Nansana is a vibrant suburb that offers a unique blend of urban and rural lifestyles. It’s a great place to experience the culture of Uganda while enjoying modern amenities such as shopping centers, Hospitals, Schools among others. With its growing population and development projects underway there is no doubt that Nansana will continue to thrive in the years to come.
Important Landmarks
- Kasubi Tombs
- Namugongo Martyrs Shrine
- Uganda National Mosque
- Lubiri Palace
- Bahai Temple
- Independence Monument
- National Museum of Uganda
- Ndere Cultural Centre
- Kabaka’s Lake
- Owino Market
Primary Industries
The Major Industries and Businesses in Nansana, Uganda
- Agriculture
- Maize
- Beans
- Cassava
- Sweet potatoes
- Small-scale manufacturing businesses
- Soap
- Textiles
- Furniture
- Retail
- Foodstuffs
- Clothing
- Electronics
- Household items
- Service industry
- Transportation (boda-bodas)
- Hairdressing salons/barbershops
- Small shops
- Construction
- Education sector
- Primary and secondary schools
- Employment for teachers
- Healthcare sector
- Hospitals/clinics
- Medical professionals providing healthcare services
Noteable History
- The area was originally inhabited by the Baganda people, who were organized into a powerful kingdom in the 19th century.
- In the early 20th century, Nansana became a center for cotton production and trading.
- During the colonial period, Nansana was part of British East Africa and was administered as part of the Buganda Kingdom.
- In 1962, Uganda gained independence from Britain and became a republic.
- Idi Amin came to power in a military coup in 1971 and ruled until he was overthrown in 1979.
- Yoweri Museveni has been president since he came to power in a rebel uprising that ended Amin’s reign in 1986.
- The AIDS epidemic has had a devastating impact on Nansana and other parts of Uganda since it first emerged in the early 1980s.
- In recent years, Nansana has experienced significant growth as more people move to urban areas seeking employment opportunities and better living conditions.
- Notable personalities from Nansana include musician Eddy Kenzo who won BET award for Best International Act: Africa category at BET Awards held on June 29th ,2015
Museums and Things To See
- Uganda Museum
- Kasubi Tombs
- Ndere Cultural Center
- National Theatre of Uganda
- Lubiri Palace
- Bahai Temple
- Namugongo Martyrs Shrine
- African Crafts Village
- Makerere Art Gallery and Museum
- Kabaka’s Lake
Cultural Events
- Kampala City Festival: This is one of the biggest street parties in East Africa that takes place annually in Kampala city.
- Nyege Nyege Festival: This is a four-day music festival that showcases African music and dance from different parts of the continent.
- Bayimba International Festival: This is an annual festival that celebrates Ugandan culture through music, dance, theater, and art.
- Kampala Art Biennale: This biennial event features contemporary art from around Africa and beyond.
- Ekyooto International Cultural Festival: Held annually in Masaka district south west of Kampala city this festival brings together people from different cultures to showcase their traditions through music, dance ,food among others.
- KCCA Carnival : The carnival which takes place annually on 6th October aims at celebrating Uganda’s independence day with a parade showcasing different cultural groups across all regions of Uganda.
Cuisine
- Rolex: A popular street food that consists of a rolled chapati filled with scrambled eggs, vegetables, and sometimes meat.
- Matooke: A staple dish made from mashed plantains that is often served with beans or meat.
- Luwombo: A traditional Ugandan dish made from steamed banana leaves filled with chicken, beef or fish and various spices.
- Kikomando: A simple yet delicious meal consisting of beans and fried plantains.
- Nakawa Market: This market is known for its fresh produce including fruits, vegetables, meats and seafood.
- Mamerito’s Restaurant: This restaurant serves a variety of local dishes including matooke, luwombo and kikomando.
- Nansana Town Centre Market: This market offers a range of street foods such as rolexes, samosas and chapatis.
- Kabaka’s Lake Restaurant & Bar: This lakeside restaurant offers stunning views while serving up traditional Ugandan dishes such as matooke and fish stew.
- Mama Asha’s Kitchen & Barbecue Joint: This restaurant specializes in grilled meats like goat skewers (muchomo) served alongside traditional sides like ugali (maize porridge) or rice pilaf.
Parks and Recreation
- Nansana Children’s Park
- Nansana Municipal Stadium
- Kyebando Playground
- Kanyanya Community Playfield
- Kasangati Resort Beach and Gardens
- Kasubi Royal Tombs Recreation Grounds
- Namboole National Stadium
- Lubiri Palace Grounds
- Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC)
- Entebbe Botanical Gardens