Best known as the green city in the sun, Kampala is Uganda’s busiest commercial center as well as administrative capital. Today, this remarkable capital stands over 20 magnificent hills compared to the previous 7. It stands at elevation of 1180 meters and comes with breathtaking views and not to forget its ideal weather. The average temperature experienced is about 17 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius. In the south, you will find the scenic Lake Victoria the second largest fresh water Lake in the world.
This city of 750,000 inhabitants is the largest in Uganda and is the capital. Situated on seven major hills, several areas command fantastic views of the surroundings, including Lake Victoria.
Kampala is the political and commercial hub of Uganda, and the people are friendly and communicative. It is easy to move about the city centre and, surprisingly, the visitor does not need to be overly concerned about security. Expansion is rapid and new clubs and restaurants open regularly.
A guided tour will point out the highlights including Kasubi tombs, Makerere University and other areas of cultural interest. After a city tour, we recommend at least half a day for shopping and exploring on your own. This will let you meet the friendly indigenous people and get a true feeling of life in a large African city.
The hills that make this scenic city include;
Old Kampala hill
Today, Kampala features mixture of residential and commercial area with many bars, shops and cafes. The structures come in Indian style. However, most of them have been renovated but the architecture has been kept to preserve history. This site is where Captain Fredrick Lugard constructed his fort and has been preserved. Equally, it is where you can find the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council. Around this hill, a number of activities are available for you to enjoy both trading and leisure.
Mengo hill
This hill features a rare political and religious history and in Luganda, it is regarded as grinding stones. The legend has it that the ancient migrant communities from Ssese Islands who lived on this hill used the stones to grind their food. It straddles within Kabaka’s 4 square miles palace and also covers the scenic twekobe. In most cases, many confuse it as Lubiri hill. Also, it is from this hill that the popular 1900 agreement was signed between the Kabaka of Buganda and the British colonial officials. Around the palace, there is beautiful Kabaka Lake which features as one of the biggest man-made Lakes in Africa.
Namirembe hill
This hill makes up part of the stunning hills in the capital Kampala and stands at altitude of about 1260 meters. It is a common name accorded to girls in most of the Baganda clans. The word Namirembe comes from Luganda word mirembe denoting peace. It is believed that it is this place that served as gathering place for celebrating peace or war victories. It is situated adjacent Makerere in the north, Old Kampala in the east then Rubaga in the southwest and Naakulabye in the north. To the northwest, there is Kasubi tombs and many other nearby places. It has been a place for worship for Anglicans.
Makerere hill
This stands at altitude of about 1240 meters and forms part of the 7 ancient hills that made Kampala capital. It is situated within Kawepe division and surrounded by Bwaise, Mulago, Nakasero, Wandegeya and others. It is from this hill that the country’s oldest university stands from-Makerere University. A visit to this hill rewards travel endeavors with remarkable views over the surrounding areas.
Nakasero hill
This hill stands at center of Kampala capital and makes up part of the 7 hills. It straddles within elevation of 4134 meters and comes with many hotels, shopping centers and state house. The notable hospitality facilities in this hill include Serena hotel, Grand Imperial Hotel, Speke Hotel and Sheraton Kampala Hotel and besides, it is where very many embassies and residential areas are.
Mulago hill
This was named after omulago a kind of medicine which is believed to be within this hill that King Suna the second used to protect himself against spirits. It is from here that old Mulago hospital is situated plus the new one as well as the Makerere University medical school. On the lower side, there is national museum, headquarters for Uganda Wildlife Authority at Kamwokya, new British high commission office and many other significant areas.
Rubaga hill
This stands at altitude of 1220 meters and it derived its name from local word kubaga denoting a process of planning or making structure stronger while building it. Currently, it features the Saint Mary’s cathedral and many other churches. The other hills include Nsambya hill, Buziga, Naguru hill, Mbuya, Makindye, Naguru, Kololo, Muyenga Hill, Kibuli a mention but a few.
Accommodation In Kampala City
Uganda has got variety of facilities in the town and in areas of tourism interest-Serena hotel, Protea hotel, Speke hotel, Tourist hotel, Emin pasha hotel, Cassia lodge, Sheraton hotel, Imperial Royale hotel.
In summary, Kampala began with seven spectacular hills but remarkably, today this vibrant and sound capital city stands within very many hills the fact that it has kept on expanding each year.
Things to See in Kampala
There are lots of things to see in Kampal. Since most travelers spend their first night in Kampala, most tour itineraries for exploration safaris of Uganda start from Kampala;
The Kasubi Tombs – where the remains of the Kings of Buganda were buried Uganda
Uganda Museum – A display of Uganda’s cultural heritage where one can see ethnological and natural-historical exhibitions. It is a vivid reminder of the country’s colourful past.
Nommo Art Gallery
National Theatre – boasts of an impressive assortment of art masterpieces from paintings, batiks (tie-and-dye), ceramics, art prints, photographs and sculptors, among others.
Religious sites including the
Bahai Temple – the only temple for Bahai faithfuls in Africa,
Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine – a place wherethe Uganda Martyrs were killed on orders of Ssekabaka Mwanga, a past king of the Buganda Kingdom,
Cathedrals – including the Rubaga Cthedral for catholics, Namirembe Cathedral for protestants and Numungoona for Orthodox
Historical and political sites that include the Parliament of Uganda, Independence monument, etc