Top 22 Things To Do In Kampala, Uganda

Sharon A.
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 9 min read
things to do in Kampala Uganda

Kampala may not be a popular destination for sightseeing or beach and watersport activities, but the city of seven rolling hills has many charms, and a unique history worth learning about. The beautiful statues on the streets, historical tombs, and ruins of the kingdoms, unique culinary diversity and the warm and welcoming nature of the locals are reasons enough to make the trip to Uganda. Since the weather in Kampala is very forgiving nearly all year round, you are free to travel at any time of your convenience. Read below to learn about some of the things to do in Kampala, Uganda.

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1. Tour the historic Kasubi Tombs

Posted by Berveil Tourz Limited on Wednesday, 25 September 2019

Uganda was once ruled by the Buganda Kingdom, and Kasubi Tomb is where the kings and the members of the royal family were buried. The tombs are now listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a visit will give you a glimpse of what the Kabaka Mutesa I Palace looked like during his reign. The impressive grass-thatched kingdom is believed to have been constructed in 1882 but was turned into a burial site following the death of the Kabaka.

Kasubi Tombs

Address: Masiro Rd, Kampala, Uganda

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 3 USD

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2. Enjoy quality performances at Uganda National Cultural Center

Dear Patrons, Warm greetings from Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC). UNCC in collaboration with the High...

Posted by Uganda National Cultural Centre on Wednesday, 18 September 2019

Uganda National Cultural Center is frequented by both locals and visitors who troop in to enjoy a variety of great music, drama, dance, film, and other thrilling live performances. It is very popular for its free nightly outdoor events where strangers freely mingle with one another as they share traditional beers. If you would like to interact with the locals more closely and understand their true nature, then you have to visit this center when you visit Kampala.

Uganda National Cultural Center

Address: Plot 2,4 & 6, De Winton Street, Kampala, Uganda

Website: Uganda National Cultural Center

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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3. Have a Ugandan shopping experience at Acacia Mall

Posted by Acacia Mall Ug on Thursday, 12 September 2019

Acacia Mall is your one-stop-shop for all your shopping and entertainment needs within the city. The mall is modern and clean, with a very easy to understand layout for the ease of your navigation. Other than the normal retail stores selling merchandise for both local and international brands, the mall also houses some of the best movie cinemas in the city. This is not to mention the plethora of restaurants, salons, game arcades, and network service centers.

Acacia Mall

Address: 14-18 Cooper Rd, Kampala, Uganda

Website: Acacia Mall

Opening hours: Mon: 11am - 12:30am; Tue - Sat: 8:30am - 12:30am; Sun: 8:30am - 12am

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4. Visit the former seat of the Buganda Kingdom – Kabaka’s Palace

Posted by City and slum walk tours-kampala on Wednesday, 10 April 2019

Kabaka’s Palace is located in Mengo Hill, about one mile (1.6 km) from Buganda Parliament. The site was the former home of the King of Buganda, though it currently remains unoccupied following the ouster of Kabaka Mutesa II by Milton Obote and the atrocities committed by Dictator Idi Amin. The building’s interior is out of bounds, but visitors can tour the underground prisons which were converted into Amin’s torture chambers – if you were stronger or smarter than Amin, or he thought you had an ugly face, you would likely end up in these torture chambers. It is believed that more than 300 lives ended through torture in these underground chambers.

Kabaka’s Palace

Address: Lubiri Ring Road, Kampala, Uganda

Website: Kabaka’s Palace

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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5. Learn about the country’s culture and heritage at the Uganda Museum

Posted by Urban Africans on Thursday, 1 August 2019

The museum is the oldest in East Africa, having been established in 1908 even before the country gained independence from the British. The museum houses displays on the country’s cultural heritage through a myriad of natural, historical and ethnological exhibitions that best tell the country’s brilliant past. Also on display is a collection of traditional musical instruments, which visitors are always allowed to try for free.

Uganda Museum

Address: Kira Rd, Kampala, Uganda

Website: Uganda Museum

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 3 USD

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6. Marvel at beautiful pieces of art at Asante Art Gallery

Posted by Asante Art Gallery Kampala on Wednesday, 25 July 2018

The art gallery scenes in Kampala are blossoming. Of all the East African countries, Uganda has the most vibrant community with a lot of talented artists who will never shy away from showing the world their impressive and eccentric pieces of art, craft, paintings, and prints among others. Of course, you will find the artists nearly at every corner of Kampala streets, but the best place to get the true depth of their works is at Asante Art Gallery. The gallery exhibits and promotes the local talents, and as an admirer or a lover of art, you can support the various talents by purchasing an item during your visit.

Asante Art Gallery

Address: Kira Ln, Kampala, Uganda

Website: Asante Art Gallery

Opening hours: 8:30am - 6:30pm (daily)

Price: Free

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7. Buy a unique souvenir at the Crafts Markets

Crafts ....was always on the hunt for new and different crafts for shop in Kampala

Posted by Harjit Kuki on Saturday, 21 April 2018

The creativity and the artistic nature of the Ugandans are further demonstrated at the Crafts Markets. They are colorful markets with several artists selling a variety of unique vibrant arts, ranging from jewelry, paintings, baskets, pottery, prints and much more. Visiting these markets will be a great chance to not just buy unique items, but also you will have a chance to interact with the friendly artists, listen to their stories and inspirations and just learn more about the country and her people.

Crafts Markets

Address: Buganda Rd, Kampala, Uganda

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

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8. Learn more about the history and culture of Buganda at Bulange Royal Building

The Royal Buganda Kingdom Bulange building Buganda Kigdom and the standing statue of current Buganda Kingdom

Posted by Alliance Safaris & Travel Ltd on Wednesday, 8 July 2015

Bulange Royal Building is one of the best places to truly immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Buganda Kingdom. The building comprises the Kingdom’s administration and parliament. Through the guided tours, you will explore the parliament building while you listen to interesting facts and details about the various 56 clans that make up the kingdom. The parliament usually has sessions twice a month, and though they are conducted in Luganda, you are free to attend to gain more insights into the administration of the kingdom.

Bulange Royal Building

Address: Plot 239 P.O.Box 37597 Kampala ATT Amin Thakkar, Sentema Road, Mengo, Uganda

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 4 USD

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9. Relish traditional foods at 2K Restaurant

Anyone hungry pass by, we got all local food ready for you

Posted by 2K Restaurant Uganda on Friday, 1 March 2019

A trip to Kampala would not be complete without checking out the incredible culinary diversity, and there is no better place to do that than 2K Restaurant. This restaurant is a premium eatery known for its fine and unique dining experiences, centering around Ugandan traditional foods. They have a diverse menu of fresh foods prepared with natural ingredients, using traditional expert techniques. Enjoy the authentic Ugandan food experience by indulging in the unpretentious, but delicious foods at 2K Restaurant.

2K Restaurant

Address: Hoima Rd, Kampala, Uganda

Website: 2K Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon: 24 hours; Tue - Sun: 7am - 11pm

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10. Learn about the catholic martyrs at Uganda Martyrs’ Catholic Shrine


Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine is located in Namugongo and it is a spot that’s dear to the hearts of many that belong to the catholic faith. It was on this spot where 14 Catholics who refused to denounce their faith were executed, following the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II. Charles Lwanga, who was a church leader by then, was martyred on this very spot – on June 3rd, 1886. Today, this is celebrated as Martyrs’ Day. The shrine looks like a typical African hut, though it looks more like a NASA creation than a Catholic shrine.

Uganda Martyrs’ Catholic Shrine

Address: Naalya-Namugongo Rd, Kampala, Uganda

Website: Uganda Martyrs’ Catholic Shrine

Opening hours: 8:30am - 6pm (daily)

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11. Explore more local Catholic history at Rubaga Cathedral

things to do in kampala uganda | explore more local catholic history at rubaga cathedral
Source: instagram

The beauty from the outside conceals the sad memories housed within the walls of this twin-towered Roman Catholic Cathedral. It was in this cathedral that a further 22 catholic faithful met their deaths through burning or hacking on orders by Kabaka Mwanga II for not renouncing their faith in the white man’s religion. All the 22 victims were later declared saints and they have been enshrined in the stained-glass windows.

Rubaga Cathedral

Address: Mutesa Rd, Kampala, Uganda

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

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12. View the chimps and birds at Budongo Forest Reserve

Posted by Bunyoro Tourism on Sunday, 15 September 2019

Budongo Forest Reserve is a piece of virgin tropical forest located in the southern parts of the Murchison Falls National Park. This forest reserve is popular for its large number of chimpanzees and birds. It is believed that the forest is the home to more than 360 species of birds and chimpanzees, and as such, the sounds and the sights inside are nothing but enchanting. Additionally, the forest also contains some of the biggest mahogany trees in the continent, whose sights you will fall in love with.

Budongo Forest Reserve

Address: Murchison Falls National Park, Kampala

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

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13. Experience local innovations at Social Innovation Museum

Posted by Social innovation Museum on Monday, 7 May 2018

The Social Innovation Museum is a place where young Ugandans come up with dynamic and living innovations aimed at changing the world. The place is full of social innovators who give free tours on the various social enterprises and innovations they are currently working on, how they came up with the ideas and how they hope their innovations will impact the world. There is always a lot going on at one time, and visitors are encouraged to join in some of the activities for a chance to see and feel the innovations and be inspired to impact the world, in whatever little way you can.

Social Innovation Museum

Address: Mayembe Upper, Plot 139, Mpigi Town, between Nsamiz

Website: Social Innovation Museum

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14. Take a photo at the Independence Monument

Uganda Independence monument in the Ugandan capital Kampala. Uganda gained her independence from Britain on 9th October...

Posted by Grace Nadiope on Friday, 19 October 2018

The Independence Monument is a homage to Ugandan Independence, and it is one of the most symbolic monuments in the country. It symbolizes a man unwrapping and holding a child up to the sky to imply the birth and the freedom that came through the country’s independence. It may also be interpreted to mean that real independence comes only with a strong belief in the motherland and must be backed by all the cultures and traditions shared by the Ugandans. Snapping photos with the monument in the background would be a great reminder of your trip to Kampala.

Independence Monument

Address: Speke Road, Kampala, Uganda

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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15. Get a bird’s view of the city from Uganda National Mosque


Uganda National Mosque, also known as Gadaffi Mosque, is one of the most prominent sites in the city. The construction of the mosque started in 1972, but it was not until 2007 when it was completed with donations from Col. Gadaffi. Other than its architectural merits, the mosque has a soaring minaret which you can scale for the most amazing views of the city.

Uganda National Mosque

Address: Old Kampala Rd, Kampala, Uganda

Opening hours: Mon: 9am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 7pm (closed from Tue - Fri)

Price: 4 USD

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16. Enjoy traditional cultural performances at Ndere Cultural Center

Posted by Ndere Cultural Centre on Sunday, 12 October 2014

If you would love to get more of traditional dance and music, then Ndere Cultural Center is the place to be. The center is known to hold dinner-theatre performances featuring Uganda’s tribal groups in thrilling high-energy shows, inside the 700-seat amphitheater. However, the shows are held only on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays only.

Ndere Cultural Center

Address: 4505 Kisaasi - Kyanja Rd, Kampala, Uganda

Website: Ndere Cultural Center

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17. Gamble the night away at Mayfair Casino

Posted by Mayfair Casino Kampala on Sunday, 19 December 2010

If you feel like taking a break from the cultural and traditional scenes of Kampala, then a visit to Mayfair Casino for a quiet night of gambling and drinking will be highly encouraged. The casino is located right at the heart of Kampala, it is serene, quiet and with a good valet parking. With the great experience, your evening will be complete if Lady Luck happens to smile on you that day.

Mayfair Casino

Address: Kisozi Cl, Kampala, Uganda

Website: Mayfair Casino

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 2pm - 5am; Fri - Sat: 2pm - 6am

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18. Enjoy family outings at Wonder World Amusement Park

Posted by Wonder World Amusement Park - Kansanga on Monday, 22 February 2016

Both young and old are welcome for mad fun at Wonder World Amusement Park in Kampala. It is one of the leading recreational parks in East Africa, and it has a variety of attractions that will amuse both the young and old. Some of the park’s major highlights and which make it appealing for family visits include the thrill rides, water slides, a cinema theater, and numerous other kids’ attractions.

Wonder World Amusement Park

Address: Kampala, Uganda

Website: Wonder World Amusement Park

Opening hours: Sat: 8am - 7pm; Sun: 8am - 6:15pm (closed from Mon - Fri)

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19. Enjoy shopping and leisure at Freedom City Mall

Posted by Freedom City Mall on Saturday, 19 July 2014

Freedom City Mall is along Entebbe Road, hence, away from the noise and the traffic of the city center. The mall has something for everyone, with lots of amenities that seamlessly blend business with leisure. It means that you can shop for whatever you want, eat as much as you like, then play and get entertainment to your heart’s satisfaction.

Freedom City Mall

Address: Entebbe Rd, Kampala, Uganda

Website: Freedom City Mall

Opening hours: 7am - 12pm (daily)

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20. Book a tour with StarMount Safaris

Posted by StarMount Safaris on Sunday, 29 September 2019

StarMount Safaris is one of the leading tours and travel companies in Kampala, and the best guys to work with when you want to book a tour in or around the city. They specialize in mid-range to luxury tours, holiday tours, and adventure tours, thus giving you a wide range of tours to choose from. They are convenient and cost-effective and will be very resourceful in helping you identify a destination that will give you the greatest delight during the trip.

StarMount Safaris

Address: Mutungo, Kunya, Kampala, Uganda

Website: StarMount Safaris

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm; Sat: 9:30am - 3pm (closed on Sun)

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21. Appreciate works by local artists at Destreet Art Gallery

Posted by DEStreet ART on Wednesday, 18 October 2017

Destreet Art Gallery has a mission of providing young generations with the skills, knowledge, and ability to positively impact their personal development and the community through arts. The center works with ghetto youths in addressing their physical, moral and social challenges through the variety of programs aimed at helping the youth realize their full potentials in art. Visitors will not only have a chance to interact with the youth but also can participate in some of the activities, sample their work and even buy some as a way of supporting them.

Destreet Art Gallery

Address: Kampala, Uganda

Website: Destreet Art Gallery

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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22. Book a tour with Birding in Paradise Safaris

Lake Mburo National Park delivers as always! #CrestedBarbet #Birdwatchingsafaris #Visituganda #Ugandantourism #birdinginparadisesafaris

Posted by Birding In Paradise on Monday, 7 October 2019

Kampala is a destination loved by most birdwatchers owing to its hills with forests that are home to thousands of bird species. If you are interested in a bird watching tour, then you can book one with Birding Paradise Safaris. This is one of the leading tours and travel operators that specialize in birdwatching, adventures, trekking, and cultural tours. Their destinations are not only restricted to Uganda, but traverses the borders to neighboring countries of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Paradise Safaris

Address: Kampala, Uganda

Website: Paradise Safaris

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

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Experience the history and culture of Kampala

Source of the Nile
Source: Pixabay

Kampala is a small city, prominent for its several hills. It also teems with unique history and culture, especially regarding the traditional kingdoms and the sad instances of martyrdom experienced in the past. All in all, it is a great destination for anyone interested in digging deep into the African culture. Go through the above things to do in Kampala, Uganda, and choose the most you feel will bring you the greatest satisfaction during your trip.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Sharon, also known as Shaz, resides in the vibrant City in the Sun. Her passion is to travel, immerse herself in diverse cultures, savor their cuisines, dance with the locals, and share her...Read more

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