Kampala

Understand

The people of Kampala, and Ugandans in general, are very kind, friendly and approachable.

Kampala, with a population of approximately 1.7 million, and 6.7 million in the metro area (2019), is by far the largest city in Uganda. Although it is a smaller city with less suburban sprawl than Nairobi or Lagos, the traffic jams and pollution can be every bit as bad. If you are travelling around the city, plan your days carefully to avoid spending many hours in traffic.

Uganda, as the recipient of massive amounts of Western aid money, hosts many non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Most of these are based in Kampala, so there is an established expat scene in the city.

Get around

There are three methods of public transport: boda-bodas, matatu and special hires.

Buy

Large parts of Uganda are well suited for agriculture and as a result Kampala has some very large and diverse food and agriculture markets. Traditional handmade tools, arts and crafts are also big. However there are also several large western style malls and supermarkets (e.g. Shoprite from South Africa, Carrefour from France. If you're in the market for souvenirs, check out the Exposure Africa Crafts Village on Buganda Road or the slightly larger Uganda Arts & Crafts Village behind the National Theatre, near the Garden City complex. Also on Buganda Road across the street from the craft market you find a number of tailors if you are looking to have clothes sewn. And if you're tired from shopping the (upscale) cafe 1000 UGX Cups of Coffee is a relaxing Mzungu hangout. thumb|Kampala Market thumb|Nakasero Market

Eat

There are a number of dining options in Kampala ranging from the cheap and local to the very fancy (and very expensive).

Drink

Drink only bottled water - spring water brands like Rwenzori, Jubi, and Aquafina can be trusted.

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 unnecessary chances. Kampala is not safe to walk around in after dark, especially if you are a white. It is assumed that all whites have money. It is also not safe to drive around, day or night, with your windows down or unlocked. Someone could reach in through the window and take your cell phone right out of your hand or open the door and take your laptop right off your lap.

Air pollution is among the worst in the world, so again, keep your windows up, doors locked and set your car button to circulate the air and not take in external air, especially if you are following a diesel powered MV.

Boda-boda motorcycle taxis are notoriously dangerous, but are sometimes so convenient 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). 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. With the introduction of the in-app Boda-boda riders, you can ride safer on a motorcycle in Kampala.

Card use is becoming widespread, however some services and shops don't accept card, so always bring physical cash or use mobile-money.

Be vigilant at bars and nightlife venues. There have b…

Go next

Any place in Uganda can be easily reached from Kampala in less than one day. Most popular destinations can be reached in less than half a days driving time, however if you use public buses, allow for some hours waiting time before the bus leaves, and sometimes the bus will get stuck in traffic when trying to leave Kampala. Jinja, one source of the Nile and amazing whitewater rafting can be reached in around one hour. Fort Portal, in the vicinity of the popular Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Kibale Forest National Park and the Rwenzori National Park, can be reached in around 4 hours. Kabale, Lake Bunyonyi and the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be reached in around 5-6 hours. Driving to Gulu takes 4-5 hours by bus. Murchison Falls National Park also takes about that time to reach. Tororo, Mbale and Mount Elgon National Park can be reached in a couple of hours to less than half a day. Furthermore, it used to be possible to reach Ssese Islands from Port Bell in Kampala with the MV Amani, but that service seems suspended and the main ferry from Entebbe, MV Kalangala, is in prolonged repairs. Equator line: just go to the New taxi park and get on Kampala-Equator mini buses ( 7000 UGX) or the Kampala-Masaka Mini buses ( 12000 UGX). The final stop of Kampala-Equator mini buses is a few meters away from the Equator line. They make a u-turn and head back to Kampala. It is a 1.5-hour drive from Kampala. The equator line is just before the town of Kayabwe.…