Page 69 - Oct-Dec 2024 Edition

Attractions: archaeological finds. The museum often has
temporary exhibitions.
Lake Victoria: For a quick escape from the city’s
hustle and bustle, head to Lake Victoria or climb Kasubi Tombs: A UNESCO World Heritage Site,
one of the hills for panoramic views. this burial place of Buganda kings is a key cultural
site.
Nightlife: Kampala is renowned across East
Africa for its vibrant nightlife, featuring local bars, Kabaka’s Palace on Mengo Hill: The official
international restaurants, nightclubs, casinos, and residence of the Kabaka of Buganda.
music festivals.
Makerere University: Founded in 1922, it
Dining: Kampala residents are spoiled for choice, is one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious
with dining options including Indian, Japanese, universities, renowned for its contribution to higher
Belgian, Italian, Mexican, and Chinese cuisine, education and research.
alongside local favorites like roasted meat.
High-end hotels offer dining options for corporate Bahá’í Temple: One of only eight Bahá’í Houses
events, and Ugandan coffee and tea are served of Worship in the world, offering panoramic views
everywhere. of the city.
Shopping: If you know the right people and Ndere Cultural Centre: Visit for an unmissable
places, you can buy almost everything in night of traditional Ugandan music, dance, and
Kampala. The bustling markets of Nakasero and drama.
Owino are a must-visit. For the best deals, go Gaddafi National Mosque: Located on Old
with a Ugandan friend, a local guide, or even a Kampala Hill, it is one of the largest mosques in
personal shopper. The city also has a proliferation Africa, offering a striking view from the minaret.
of shopping malls.
National Theatre: A hub for the performing arts.
Sport: whether you’re running, cycling (or just
drinking beer at Kyadondo Rugby Club), Kampala Nommo Art Gallery and AfriArt Gallery:
has a lively sports scene. Lugogo is famous for Located on 7th Street in the Industrial Area, these
cricket, boxing, and tennis; most hotels have galleries showcase contemporary Ugandan art.
swimming pools and gyms and saunas abound, Getting There
whether at hotels or at bigger trading centers.
Cultural and Historical Sites: All roads lead to Kampala, with major highways
linking it to Uganda’s other key cities and regions.
The Uganda Museum (and Library): The oldest Entebbe International Airport is the most common
museum in East Africa, housing exhibits on point of entry for international visitors.
Uganda’s cultural heritage, including traditional
musical instruments, hunting tools, and For more information on Kampala, please refer to
the pages on Kampala in The Eye Magazine.
Text credit: Charlotte Beauvoisin
(Diary of a Muzungu blog)

67
67