Kampala is the capital city of Uganda located in the central region. This city has been ranked several times as the fastest-growing in the world and one of the safest on the continent. Kampala enjoys cool weather all year round, thanks to neighboring Lake Victoria and various tropical forests in central Uganda. The city’s warm and friendly people are something you have to experience for yourself, along with its bustling nightlife.
Located just 45 km from Entebbe International Airport, Kampala can be accessed in only 30 minutes via the newly constructed Expressway. Kampala sits at an altitude of 1,180m above sea level and boasts pleasant weather, with annual temperatures ranging between a minimum of 17 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 27 degrees Celsius.
To the south is Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest freshwater lake, the continent’s largest lake, and the true source of the River Nile—the world’s longest river. The history of Kampala, like that of many other cities in Africa, dates back to the times of early missionaries and explorers who set up various regional towns to act as central administrative headquarters.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Kampala was a mere seat for the Buganda kingdom until British envoy Lord Captain Frederick Lugard built a colonial fort here, marking Kampala’s journey to becoming a city. The name Kampala originated from the numerous impala antelopes that occupied the hill, hence the Baganda referred to it as “Akasozi K’empala,” meaning “the hill of Impala.” After the British historic visit to the place, they could not pronounce it well, and therefore, a mispronounced version of the phrase “Kasozi K’empala” became “Kampala.”
After the British built the fort, they made it the central administrative headquarters from which they would soon expand their colony to other regions of the country. Kampala grew quickly and expanded to engulf the other seven hills in the neighborhood. These are still referred to as the historical origins of Kampala and include Kololo, Mulago, Rubaga, Old Kampala, Kibuli, Namirembe, and Makerere hills.
Kampala city is one of the prime tourist destinations that every visitor to the country will find interesting. Some of the main tourist attractions that can be seen are Kabaka’s Palace, Kasubi Tombs, Kabaka’s Lake, Anglican and Catholic Cathedrals, Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, the Baha’i Temple, Gadhafi Mosque, the Parliament Building, the central business area, and crafts/local markets.
Kabaka’s Palace in Mengo
This is the official residence of the King of Buganda. The palace is chosen by the king, depending on his decision, which hill to perch on and becomes the capital of the kingdom. The Buganda kingdom palace perched on Mengo hill covers a wide area offering incredible views of the entire city center. Constructed in 1885, it is a wonderful building overlooking the parliament of Buganda.
Mengo palace is a memorable site to visit because of the history that lies behind the Baganda people. Visitors can explore and learn some of the traditional norms and customs of the Buganda, not forgetting to wear traditional Buganda dress – Gomasi.
Visit kanungu town
Kasubi Tombs
The Kasubi Tombs are a traditional burial place for the fallen kings of Buganda. The tombs are located on Kasubi Hill, 3 km from the city center. This site occupies over 30 hectares of land, with part of it used for traditional agricultural activities. Kasubi Tombs were designated a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2000, and atop the hill is the former palace of the former kings of the Buganda kingdom.
This site holds significant traditional and cultural values, including religious practices for the royal family, with rituals performed regularly. The site is a spiritual center for the Baganda, in addition to other religious places within the kingdom. Visitors can learn about its historical, traditional, and spiritual values with the help of a site guide.
Baha’i Temple
This is a house of worship for the Baha’i Faith, the only one of its kind in Africa. This place reflects the spiritual truths of the Baha’i Faith in Uganda. The Baha’i Faith emphasizes the oneness of God, humanity, and religion. Like other Baha’i Houses of Worship around the world, its architectural design is unique and surrounded by beautiful gardens and trees inhabited by many small birds.
This circular house is magnificent, and the gardens give a sense of peace, encouraging visitors to sit and enjoy the fresh breeze under the trees while overlooking the entire city. Enter and explore the interior of the temple with your own eyes to see a building with a rich story told by the site guide.
Namugongo Martyrs Shrine
Experience spiritual growth right from Namugongo. This is one of Uganda’s incredible shrines for optimal spiritual and faith tourism. Namugongo, a suburb about 15 kilometers from Kampala city off the Jinja highway, was an execution area where Christians who denounced the king’s powers painfully shed their blood. Fourteen out of the 22 Christians were burnt by Kabaka Mwanga II in 1886.
This site is ideal for visitors seeking Christian spiritual strength and can strengthen your faith when you see the memories of what happened to these martyrs, yet God stood with them.
Gadhafi Mosque
The lofty Gadhafi Mosque stands atop Old Kampala Hill. This historical hill was where Kampala began as a town under colonial rule. This hill served as the capital for administering the British protectorate in Uganda. Today, Gadhafi Mosque stands on this hill as the largest mosque in sub-Saharan Africa. The mosque was named in memory of the former president of Libya, Muammar Gadhafi, to honor his commitment to its construction.
This is the only location where visitors can have a bird’s-eye view of the entire Kampala city in all directions and have a close encounter with the Muslim faith. Visiting this site is a must during a Kampala city tour before you head out to experience Uganda’s wilderness.
There are many other sites that visitors can enjoy on a Kampala tour, including Makerere University—the oldest and largest university in East Africa, Uganda Parliament Building, different monuments, Kabaka’s Lake, shopping malls, among others. Take your time and let us understand your interests so we can tailor a perfect program for you to enjoy the best of Kampala city.
