Key tourist Attractions in Kampala

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Rwanda and Uganda Combined

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Kampala city is the capital of Uganda. It is an incredible tour destination located in the central region. Her main tourist attractions are majorly pre-colonial and colonial buildings that have a lot of historical supplement. These include cultural installations such as the Kabaka of Buganda’s palace and Idi Amin’s torture chambers, Kasubi tombs (Buganda king`s burial site), Kabaka`s lake (a manmade lake by the king of Buganda), protestant and catholic Cathedrals, Namugongo martyrs shrine, Uganda Museum, Makerere Univeristy, the Bahai temple, Gadafi Mosque (Uganda Spreme moslem coucil), Kibuli Mosque, Parliament of Uganda. Also in Kampala is the famous Owino Market – the largest 2nd hand clothing market in Africa, the Taxi Park-an amazing site in itself with hundreds of mini-vans crowding in and out plus the Nakasero Food and Vegetable Market.

The city is built on seven hills. There are the many fine restaurants, the entertainment from theatre to cultural performances.

The Buganda King’s Palace and Parliament (Bulange Mengo)

Built in 1885, the Buganda Kings palace is positioned on a hill overlooking the city centre. This palace is surrounded in a wall fence covering close to 4 square miles. Opposite the palace is “Bulange”, which is the Buganda parliament building. Kabaka Muteesa II was attacked by Idi Amin`s soldiers at this palace, forcing him into exile where he later died. Still present are the torture chambers which Idi Amin used to torture any one perceived a political threat. Also existing at the gate of this palace is a traditional fire source that has never burnt out since the inception of the Buganda Kingdom and shall never stop burning least a king is dead. The architectural design of the palace makes it attractive to many local and international tourists.

The Kabaka`s Lake

Dug in 1880s in the reign of Kabaka (King) Mwanga, this lake is one of the largest manmade lakes in Africa. The major purpose of this lake was for peculiar enjoyment of the Kabaka Mwanga i.e. for swimming and fishing. It is also said that he (Kabaka Mwanga) also aimed at joining it to Lake Victoria as an escape route however this was certainly not achieved. Currently it only remains a kingly lake near the palace and is territory to birds, a fishing spot as well as a relaxation destination. It is also an important historical and conservation site.

The Kasubi Royal Tombs

These tombs are a burial site for the Kings of Buganda. The Buganda populace (Baganda and some non-Baganda) holds a lot of admiration and respect for this cultural site. The tombs were the largest grass thatched hut in the world before they were burnt down in 2010. Also it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is still currently closed to tourists as the process of reconstruction is still on. The process of reconstruction has virtually involved every Muganda with a lot of love and respect. The Kasubi Tombs are located 5km from Kampala City Centre on Kasubi Hill.

The Naggalabi- Buddo Coronation centre

The Katareke Prison Ditch

At the prison, the story of a violent and brutal episode in Buganda history is told. It speaks of a paranoid, power-hungry king who, in 1888, imprisoned all his siblings apart from Mwanga – an exiled king he had replaced. Later he brutally murdered them for fear that they might over throw him. Today the prison is a quiet and shaded site, but is a reminder of the moments when the kingdom was facing despicable challenges.

The Bahá'í Temple

This is the only temple of the Bahá’í faith in Africa, making it a valuable visit and memorable destination for tourists. It has gorgeous architecture and well-tended gardens of fruit trees and flowers as well as carefully maintained carpet like lawn. It stretches over 30 hectares on top of Kikaya Hill in Kampala. Its environment attracts picnics, and couples in love flock this place for quality time.

Namugongo Martyr’s Shrine

Namirembe Cathedral

Protestant missionaries established the Namirembe Cathedral on Namirembe hill in 1903. It was originally built by Baganda Kingdom craftsmen as a large Grass thatched cathedral but was reconstructed in 1919. This beautiful structure is located on a hill where you can see Kampala. Its worth a visit as well.

Rubaga Catholic Cathedral

St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, also known as Rubaga Cathedral is the oldest Catholic Cathedral in Uganda built in 1880’s. It stands on Rubaga hill overlooking Kampala city.

Makerere University

It is one of the most prestigious Universities in Africa which has inculcated knowledge and skill to a great number of men and women from all backgrounds and race. With a rich history, professors such as Prof. Mazurui, great Authors Paul Theroux and Nugugu Wa Thiongo are alumni of this great institution.

Ndere Center, Kampala

This cultural centre, houses a wealth of Ugandan culture. There is an outdoor stage where regular performances take place by the brilliant Ndere Troupe – comprising dancers, singers and musicians from across the country.