Located just a few miles from Lake Victoria’s shoreline, Kampala City Center is Uganda’s capital and country’s main commercial port.
Have you considered visiting Kampala City Center? Whether you’re a Ugandan local or simply visiting Uganda on safari, we’ll help show you around.
Kampala City Center has so much that needs to be explored. All this though, you can’t do by yourself especially if you don’t have a plan.
Let’s take you through everything there is to know about Kampala, the capital of Uganda, including the places you can visit in Kampala.
A Brief History of Kampala City
Uganda’s capital and commercial port is Kampala City. It is situated in Uganda’s central area, a few miles from Lake Victoria’s shoreline.
It’s also just 37 kilometres from Entebbe International Airport (the main gateway to Uganda).
Makerere, Mulago, Kololo, Mengo, Kibuli, Old Kampala, and Rubaga are the seven main hills that make Kampala. As for the name Kampala? Why the choice? It’s because the area was a natural refuge for impalas. The Buganda people originally called it “Kasozi Ka Impala.”
The British colonists eventually changed the name to Kampala so that it would be simpler to pronounce. There were several events in Kampala before, during, and after the colonial period that influenced the city’s development.
Kampala served as the focal point of all activity in the Buganda kingdom long before the colonialists arrived. The Kings (Kabakas) of Buganda used it as a hunting ground and a trade port.
Before moving on to other regions of Uganda, the first white explorers originally settled there. All outsiders (Arab traders, missionaries, explorers, and colonialists), who had an interest in Uganda, had to first get in touch with the Kabaka of Buganda because it was the country’s largest kingdom.
In a short time, Kampala evolved to become the capital and commercial port of Uganda. This is because all businesses and new concepts began there before spreading to other locations.
Places you can visit in Kampala City Center
The majority of the sights to see in Kampala City Center are connected to activities that took place in the Buganda Kingdom before, during, and after colonial occupation.
So, if you’re interested in cultural and historical tourism, Kampala City is the finest spot to visit. While in Kampala, visitors can enjoy various modern attractions in addition to the ancient sights.
Namirembe Cathedral
For Protestants, the cathedral serves as their primary site of worship (Anglican faith). It is located on Namirembe Hill, which has a view of Kampala.
The oldest Anglican cathedral in Uganda, it was erected in 1890. The cathedral’s current building, which was erected in 1919, has undergone repairs and other adjustments. The archbishop of the Church of Uganda maintains his main office and residence at Namirembe Cathedral.
At the cathedral are also the tombs and remains of Bishop Hannington and Ernest Cook, who were executed in 1885 under the orders of Kabaka Mwanga. These individuals played major roles in the growth of the Anglican religion in Uganda.
Rubaga Cathedral
On Lubaga hill, there’s a structure known as St. Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga. The hill once housed Kabaka Mutesa I’s palace, but after a fire destroyed it and forced the Kabaka to flee, he moved to Mengo hill.
It’s interesting to note that in 1889, Kabaka Mwanga II gave it to the French Catholic Missionaries. The current building was built beginning in 1914 and ending in 1925.
The cathedral also houses Archbishop Joseph Kiwanuka’s remains. The first bishop of Africa was Kiwanuka.
The Rubaga cathedral should be visited by anyone interested in learning more about the previous activities of the white fathers and the Catholic religion in Uganda.
Owino Market
Owino Market is located in Kampala’s “downtown,” as it is affectionately known. The name was however changed in honour of a Ugandan martyr who was assassinated nearby in the 1880s on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga.
The government changed the market’s name to St. Balikuddembe Market.
It is Kampala’s largest multifunctional market. Owino Market provides the majority of the goods and groceries one could want to buy in Uganda.
Despite the growth, the structures are still not of the highest quality. This market is where people go to buy used clothing, bags, and shoes from abroad.
Additionally, they sell items like grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits. They are the cheapest you’ll find.
Monuments in Kampala
There are several monuments in Kampala City Center commemorating various historical occurrences that influenced the growth of Kampala and all of Uganda.
These include the Independence Monument on Speke Road and the Grand Imperial Hotel. This monument, which depicts a father raising a child with his hands, commemorates Uganda’s independence in 1962.
Other monuments include those to Kabaka Mutesa I (Uganda’s first president), World War II, and Kyambogo’s Education Monument.
Uganda Martyrs Shrines in Namugongo
Due to its tragic past, this is the most well-known and renowned religious site in Uganda. It may be found at Namugongo, a few kilometres off the road that connects Kampala with Jinja.
After the missionaries had been in the Buganda kingdom for a while, Kabaka Mwanga II of Buganda grew resentful of their ability to influence his subjects and pages. He had permitted Islam and Christianity to flourish, but now he saw them as a danger to his authority.
He commanded the execution of any of his employees. These had violated his commands to renounce foreign religion in June 1886.
The most prominent of the killings took place in Namugongo, while they took place throughout the Buganda kingdom. Muslims, Protestants, and Roman Catholics all erected shrines to honour the religious martyrs.
In Uganda and many other African nations, the third of June is observed as a historical and significant day to honour the sacrifices made by the Uganda Martyrs.
The Uganda National Museum
A visit to the Uganda National Museum can be of interest to you if you enjoy visiting museums. This museum has the most exhibits and artefacts because it is the largest and oldest in the city.
It shows Uganda’s cultural heritage while needing significant updates and refurbishment.
Baha’i Temple
There are only seven Baha’i temples in the entire world, although thousands of people practice the faith in Uganda. On top of one of the city’s many hills, one of these temples is situated outside of Kampala.
You can take a stroll through the lovely gardens or participate in a brief tour. You’ll get an explanation of the Baha’i faith and related topics. The surroundings are pleasant and tranquil, and there are beautiful views.
Kasubi Tombs
On Kasubi Hill, northwest of Kampala City Center is the Kasubi tombs. There’s so much history of the Buganda kings hidden in this place.
Unfortunately, though, the Kasubi Tombs, which serve as the final resting place for former monarchs and their families, were destroyed in a fire. Currently, they are undergoing reconstruction.
Makerere University
Makerere University was the first institution of higher learning established in Kampala and throughout the British territories in East Africa.
The university is home to beautiful grounds and intriguing architecture.
Conclusion
Kampala City Center is such a big town to explore. You may not visit all the places we’ve mentioned in one day. If you have time, it’s best to put a whole week aside and you’ll be satisfied.
Even with this, the list isn’t entirely exhaustive but we’ve tried to mention the major places within Kampala City Center. A good tour guide will show you other great places in the city.
Images for Kampala city center
