Uganda | Eastern RegionKampala

Overview

Kampala is the capital city of Uganda. It is in the South Central part of the country close to the shores of Lake Victoria. With a population of approximately 2.5 million, is by far the largest city in Uganda. It is not yet completely overwhelmed with traffic and sprawl like Nairobi and Lagos. Additionally, Kampala is very safe to walk around, even at night, a welcome fact for many a high-strung visitor arriving from Nairobi.

There are three main methods of public transportation: boda bodas, matatus, and special hires.

The fastest method is by boda boda, the motorcycles seen all over the city. You won’t be in Kampala long before being propositioned by a boda driver. If you’re not interested, a simple ‘no’ will get them to leave you alone. Boda bodas are dangerous as their drivers will do whatever it takes to get you to your destination quickly. Expect to dart in front of and against traffic and even through crowds of pedestrians when necessary. Boda boda accidents account for most of the hospital visits and traffic fatalities in Kampala, so ride with caution. Boda bodas typically charge UGX 3,000 to 5,000 for trips within Kampala (as of September, 2019). It is almost impossible to get anywhere for under 2000 UGX, and longer trips may run you up to UGX 7,000. It is important to make sure to agree on the fare before the ride begins. For a safer ride, book a driver through Uber or the SafeBoda app, or look for drivers wearing an orange Safe Boda vest; these drivers are professionally trained and offer helmets for their passengers. Uber rates are significantly cheaper than street hires, with fares ranging from 1,500 to 3,500 UGX around town.

To See & Do

• The Uganda Museum.
• Kasubi tombs, where the remains of the Kings of Buganda are buried, was a major tourist site. However, these were extensively damaged by fire in March 2010.
• Nommo art gallery
  National Theatre
• Cathedrals – Rubaga and Namirembe (not very interesting itself but good view of the city)
• Uganda National Mosque, Old Kampala. Completed in 2006, the mosque is also known as the Gaddafi Mosque (the mosque was funded by Libya). There are official guides at the entrance, who would bring you around the mosque and up the minaret (great views of the city) for 15,000 UGX.
• Kabaka’s Palace, Mengo. Seat of the Buganda king. It is not possible to enter the palace, which is used for official functions, but there are guides (35,000 UGX) who would show you around the gardens, describe the history of the Buganda kings, Milton Obote, and Idi Amin, and walk you down to a bunker used as a torture chamber by Idi Amin.
  Wamala tombs, where the remains of some of the earlier Buganda kings were buried including Kabaka Ssuuna 11 (1836-1856). During his time he had 148 wives and produced 218 children!
• Bahai Temple, atop Kikaya hill
• Parliament of Uganda (and independence monument).

Stay Safe

Kampala is a relatively safe city. It is fairly safe to walk or take matatus around some areas at night, but don’t take unecessary chances.

Boda-boda motorcycle taxis are notoriously dangerous, but are sometimes so convenient and inexpensive that it’s difficult not to use them. If you do decide to use them regularly consider buying a helmet (they are not provided by the driver). You could also use the SafeBoda App or Uber to hail a driver. SafeBodas and Uber bodas are equipped with helmets for passengers and even supply a hairnet. Fares are shown in App and you can see the ratings of your driver beforehand. If you dont want to install the app but do want the protection of a helmet you can identify safeboda drivers by their orange vests and hail them that way. Although it defies logic at first glance, you might want to consider taking a boda-boda in which the driver does not have a helmet. Drivers without helmets tend to drive slower, and as they never have helmets for the passengers, this means that you are a bit safer.

Don’t plan on using your credit card. If it is accepted, there is a good chance of fraud. Safer is withdrawing money from ATM’s using your VISA-card. Many ATMs take VISA. Stanbic is the only bank that takes MasterCard branded cards.

To stay safe, also be aware of the large number of prostitutes in Rock Garden at Speke Hotel. There are several stories about guys being duped, drinking beers laced with rohypnol, ending up short on cash, cell phones, credit cards and bank cheques.