Page 65 - Jan-March 2025

Kampala City
Kampala City

Kampala: The City of Seven Hills History and Background:
Written by: Charlotte Beauvoisin – Diary of a Kampala’s history is deeply intertwined with the
Muzungu Uganda & East Africa Travel Blog Buganda Kingdom. The city traces its origins
(diaryofamuzungu.com) to the 19th century when Mutesa I, the Kabaka
(king) of Buganda, chose the area as one of his
Kampala, the capital and largest city of Uganda, favorite hunting grounds due to its abundant
is the country’s political, cultural, and economic wildlife, particularly the impala antelope. The
heart. Founded on the rolling hills of the Buganda British colonialists later arrived and named
Kingdom, Kampala has grown from a humble one of the hills “The Hill of the Impala,” which
royal hunting ground into a bustling, metropolis the Baganda people translated into Luganda
(with the traffic jams to match). Known for its as “Akasozi K’empala.” Over time, “K’empala”
vibrant nightlife and rich historical background, evolved into “Kampala,” the name the British
Kampala is known as “the city that never sleeps.” rulers later adopted for the city. (The Luganda
Location language often incorporates English words, such
Situated in the central region of Uganda, Kampala as “emotoka” for “motor car.”)
is just a few kilometers from the shores of Lake Originally built on seven hills, Kampala has
Victoria. Spread across over 20 hills, the city expanded significantly over the years to cover
covers an area of around 189 square kilometers. more than 20 hills, each with its own unique
Its strategic location as the commercial and character and history. The annual Seven
administrative hub of Uganda makes Kampala Hills race is a 21km event that celebrates Old
easily accessible from all parts of the country. Kampala.
Kampala District lies within the Kingdom of Attractions:
Buganda, in Central Uganda, close to the Lake Victoria: For a quick escape from the city’s
shores of Lake Victoria. The city is divided into hustle and bustle, head to Lake Victoria or climb
five divisions: Kampala, Kawempe, Makindye, one of the hills for panoramic views.
Nakawa, and Rubaga. Nightlife: Kampala is renowned across East
Quick Facts Africa for its vibrant nightlife, featuring local bars,
• Distance from Entebbe International Airport: international restaurants, nightclubs, casinos, and
34 km music festivals.
• Approx. Drive Time from Entebbe: 45 minutes Dining: Kampala residents are spoiled for choice,
to 1.5 hours (depending on traffic) with dining options including Indian, Japanese,
• Average Temperature: 21°C Belgian, Italian, Mexican, and Chinese cuisine,
• Climate: Tropical rainforest with two rainy alongside local favorites like roasted meat.
High-end hotels offer dining options for corporate
seasons (March-May and September- events, and Ugandan coffee and tea are served
November) everywhere.
• Elevation: 1,190 meters above sea level Shopping: If you know the right people and
• Latitude and Longitude: 00 19N, 32 35E places, you can buy almost everything in
• Population (2024 estimate): Over 1.6 million Kampala. The bustling markets of Nakasero and
Owino are a must-visit. For the best deals, go
Monarch: Kabaka Ronald Edward Frederick with a Ugandan friend, a local guide, or even a
Kimera Muwenda Mutebi II is the 35th Kabaka of personal shopper. The city also has a proliferation
Buganda Kingdom of shopping malls.

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