26/05/2023
BEST THINGS TO DO IN KAMPALA 2023
Kampala the Capital city of Uganda is the best and cheapest East African capital city to live in, according to Quality of Life Survey in the world's 230 top cities that was conducted by Mercer.
Visit Kasubi Tombs of Buganda Kings:
One of the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Uganda and the only one in Kampala. For that reason alone already the Kasubi Tombs canโt be missed on this list of best things to do in Kampala.
They are important remnants of the Buganda Kingdom, the biggest Kingdom in Uganda. They hold a lot of cultural and spiritual significance in Kampalaโs history. The Kasubi Tombs are located on Kasubi hill, northwest of Kampala city and are the burial site for the royal family of the Buganda Kingdom.
There are 31 others tombs distributed across the Buganda Kingdom, but what makes the Kasubi Tombs special is that there are four Buganda Kings buried here: Mutesa I, Mwanga II, David Chwa II and Sir Edward Mutesa II.
The main structure, called Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, is completely made from organic materials and marks the central point of the site. Built in 1882 as a palace for the Kabakas of Buganda and later in 1884 converted into royal burial grounds.
The site is a unique example of traditional architecture and has been described as one of the most remarkable buildings using vegetal materials in the entire region of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Uganda Museum:
Opened in 1908, Uganda Museum is among the oldest museums in East Africa. Its five galleries provide an overview of the regionโs rich history, from the prehistoric age to the present. Highlights include its collection of folk instruments, its Idi Amin exhibition, and the outdoor village that showcases traditional architecture from across the country.
Mengo Palace (Lubiri):
Built in 1885, Mengo Palace (Lubiri) is the historic official residence of the Buganda king. Following a 1966 military coup, the palaceโs subterranean storage tunnels were used to incarcerate political prisoners. Although the palaceโs classic facade has been restored, chilling reminders of the Idi Amin dictatorship remain in the grounds.
Uganda National Mosque:
Located on Kampala Hill, the Uganda National Mosque caters to the countryโs significant Muslim population and has a capacity of 35,000 worshippers. Completed in 2006, the temple was originally known as the Gaddafi National Mosque and serves as the headquarters for Islam in Uganda. Its 166-foot (65-meter) minaret provides panoramic views of the city.
Namugongo Martyrs shrine:
On June 3, 1886 in the town of Namugongo just northeast of Kampala, 26 young men were burned to death for their refusal to their Anglican and Catholic faiths. The Uganda Martyrsโ Shrine, also called the Namugongo Martyrsโ Shrine, was built on the site to commemorate the lives lost and was consecrated by Pope Paul VI in 1969.
The church, built in the shape of a typical Baganda hut, features 22 copper pillars representing each of the 22 Catholic men, all of whom were formally canonized in 1964, a first in modern Africa. On June 3 each year, Catholic pilgrims from throughout Uganda visit the Uganda Martyrsโ Shrine to pay their respects and attend mass.
Nakasero Market:
Nakasero Market has served as one of Kampalaโs main trade spots since 1895. The vibrant and often chaotic market offers insight into local life and serves as a stark contrast to the embassies and elite hotels that surround it. Fresh produce can be purchased in the the large outdoor section, while the indoor portion specialises in clothes, machinery, and souvenirs.
Owino Market:
This absolutely chaotic multipurpose market is located in downtown Kampala. Owino Market is one of the largest markets in Uganda and receives over 20,000 people daily. It is famous for its beautiful African print fabrics, second-hand clothes, shoes, bags, food, electronics, vegetables, herbs, medicines and anything else you can think of
Makerere University:
Makerere University is the most prestigious university in the country, the place where former prime ministers and other well known people from Uganda and East Africa have studied.
In 1922, Makerere University was established as the first institution of higher learning in Uganda and the whole of Africa. Itโs located on Makerere Hill which is about 3km from Kampala city center.
It is worth to stroll around the University grounds. Apart from some great architecture, the university offers a serene environment with big green meadows to relax and hang out. Almost like a park feeling. Try to talk to some of the students and get a little inside in their views about living in Kampala. I am sure you will also spot some wildlife like monkeys and some huge and colorful birds.
Bahai Temple:
There are only 11 remaining Baha'i temples in the world and this is the only one in Africa. Uganda has thousands of people who practice the Baha'i faith. A unique religion that you may have never heard of before. The faith teaches the highest levels of humanity and is believed to have originated from Iran/Persia.
The Baha'i Temple is a beautiful yet peculiar structure built on Kikaya Hill. The location is very peaceful, soothing, and serene with great views.
Going wild in Kampalaโs night life:
Kampalaโs nightlife is one of the star highlights when you visit the city. Kampala is known for being very alive in the dark and is regarded as the Las Vegas of Africa.
At almost every corner of the city, thereโs a bar or some kind of local hotspot offering drinks.
East African Craft Village:
A very tourist place but one that canโt be missed on this list of places to visit and on your Kampala itinerary. The East African Craft Village is the place to buy your souvenirs from Uganda. No need to think about what to buy in Uganda, here they have it all. It is specially dedicated to tourists, so expect to bargain or pay a little more than normal for some very colorful Uganda souvenirs.
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