KAMPALA CITY
overview
Uganda's commercial and national capital, Kampala, is located next to Africa's largest lake, Lake Victoria. A metropolitan center of modern skyscrapers is surrounded by hills filled with trees and red-tile residences. Through a vast collection of artifacts, the Uganda Museum in this downtown neighborhood examines the nation's tribal origins. Lubiri Palace, the historic capital of the Buganda Kingdom, is located on the neighboring Mengo Hill.
Due to its diverse range of tourist attractions, Kampala is a well-liked vacation spot for both domestic and foreign tourists. Along with bustling marketplaces and a thriving nightlife, the city is home to numerous historical, cultural, and religious landmarks. The Baha'i Temple, the Kasubi Tombs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Uganda National Museum are a few of the noteworthy sights.
Tourist attractions in Kampala
Uganda National Museum
Established in 1908, the Uganda Museum is the oldest museum in East Africa. Originally situated in Lugard's fort on old Kampala Hill, it later moved to the faculty of industrial and fine arts at Makerere University before settling on Kitante Hill, where it is now. When Governor George Wilson demanded "all articles of interest in Uganda," it became apparent. Archaeology, history, science, natural history, and a variety of musical instruments are all part of the museum's collection of traditional Ugandan culture and music.
The Museum provides you with an authentic view of Uganda and its people, making it one of the greatest and most recommended destinations for your Kampala city trip today.
The Tombs of Kasubi
In December 2001, UNESCO designated this place as a World Heritage Site of local and international significance in the entire sub-Saharan African region. It is the burial place of the Buganda Kings, also known as the Kabakas of Buganda. This is due to the fact that it was created entirely of plant materials, and four Buganda monarchs have been buried there thus far on the Muzibu Azaala Mpanga home. It was established in a circular shape in 1882, and more Buganda royal family members have been and always will be buried here. The royal family members use the 26 hectares of land that make up the Kasubi tombs, a world heritage site, for agricultural purposes utilizing ancient methods.
For both domestic and foreign tourists, the Kasubi tombs—the resting place of the Kings of Buganda—remain an important traditional architectural, spiritual, cultural, and political landmark.
As you study the history and culture of the Buganda Kingdom's kings during your Kampala city tour, one of the most fascinating and popular destinations nowadays is the Kasubi mausoleum.
The Namugongo Martyrs Shrine in Uganda
32 young men were executed between 1885 and 1887 for refusing to convert to Christianity; 22 of them were executed as ordered by King Mwanga of Buganda, and 13 of them were burned to death. Other martyrs were executed in various ways, and two more were executed by spearing in Paimol, Gulu, in northern Uganda in October 1918.
His Eminence Sergio Cardinal Pignedoli, the papal delegate, officially opened the Uganda Martyrs Shrine on June 3, 1975, after the current structure was completed eight years after it began construction in Namugongo in 1967.
Because of its history, Namugongo Martyrs Shrine in Uganda has seen a large number of pilgrims every year on June 3rd to commemorate Martyrs Day. This has drawn a lot of tourists over the years, not just on the day of the commemoration but also on other days. Any traveler to Uganda would be remiss if they did not stop by the stunning lake located in the grounds of Namugongo Shrine. Visitors frequently draw water from this enchanted lake since it is said to be so blessed that some individuals come here to testify that the water may cure a variety of illnesses.
More than 5,000 foreigners attended the celebration of Martyr's Day on June 3, 2019, according to the organizers. The Uganda safari firm has made it easier for everyone who wants to visit Namugongo Martyrs Shrine at any time to learn more about Ugandan history and culture. They traveled there by bus, aircraft, and foot outside of Kampala.
Central Mosque of Kampala
The ancient Kampala hill in the heart of Kampala, Uganda, is home to Kampala Centrals Mosque, originally known as Gaddafi National Mosque. Colonel Muammar Gaddafi of Libya gave it to the Muslim community in Uganda as a gift. The mosque was finished in 2006 and can hold up to 15,000 worshippers. There are further 1,100 seats available in the gallery and 3,500 seats on the terrace.
After construction was finished, it was formally opened in June 2007 and was known as the Gaddafi National Mosque until 2013, when Colonel Muammar Gaddafi passed away and it was renamed the Uganda National Mosque. This resulted from the new Libyan government's reluctance to restore this mosque. One of the Top 11 Tourist Destinations to See on a Kampala City Tour is this mosque.
The mosque is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kampala and serves as the headquarters of the Ugandan Muslim community and supreme council. Don't miss the Uganda National Mosque. Your tour will begin immediately upon arriving at the mosque, where you will see its lovely structure. The interior is very pleasant and comfortable, with soft and attractive carpets; both the men's and women's sections are attractive, but the men's section is larger than the women's. This is a place you should definitely return to. In addition to the excitement of the mosque's exterior and interior, you will have another amazing experience instead of ascending the Minaret, which is a skyscraper with 272 steps that will take you over 15 minutes to reach the top. You can see the entire city of Kampala from the minaret, including the seven hills, roads, Kabaka's Lake, and a variety of tall and short structures. If you haven't seen your favorite spot, let your guide know and they will point it out to you while you're on top of the minaret.
Bahai Temple
When it was finished in 1961, it was the tallest structure in East Africa and the oldest and first mother temple constructed in Africa in 1958. The Baha'i faith began to grow in 1951 when 500 Baha'is from 80 places joined, including 13 Bahá'í Local Spiritual Assemblies. Thirty tribes in Uganda represented this group.
In contrast to other religions across the world, which have designated days of the week for gatherings, the Baha'i community simply choose the day of the week on which they should congregate; in Uganda, they convene on Sundays.
According to their holy book of prayer, "the Kitáb-i-Aqdas," they have at least three prayer sessions each day. The grounds and the surrounding area are also among the most lovely spots one could hope to see because they are surrounded by lovely trees and flowers, which have drawn numerous native bird species.
Many people go from Uganda and many other countries to visit the temple in order to experience its beauty, particularly its architectural architecture, stunning natural surroundings, and rich history.
The Independence Monument
The British Colonial administration provided funding for the construction of the independence monument, which was completed on October 9, 1962, when Uganda celebrated its first independence. The monument overlooks the Grand Imperial Hotel to the right and Standard Chartered Bank to the left, and it is situated on Speke Road and Nile Avenue in Kampala, next to the Sheraton Hotel gardens' railings. On a Kampala city tour, this is among the Top 11 tourist destinations.
The monument depicts a man lifting a child out of its covering and holding it high in the air, signifying that Uganda is no longer subject to colonial rule.
You will need a camera to capture the breathtaking views of this monument and the surrounding area. Remember to ask your driving guide to take you to the most popular and easily accessible destination in Kampala.
Ndere Cultural Center
According to a 2019 United Nations research, Uganda, dubbed the gem of Africa, has the greatest cultural diversity in the world. In order to promote cultural activities in Uganda, the Ndere Cultural Center was established in 1986. These activities include storytelling, poetry, music, dance, and performing arts, all of which have been transformed into joy and love during this amazing performance.
Although English and Kiswahili are the official languages spoken by the majority of people, the Ndere Center and its troupes currently represent over 60 ethnic groups and over 30 indigenous languages, which summarize Ugandan culture and tribes.
Every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 7:00 p.m., Ndere troupes play at the Ndere Center, offering a chance to appreciate and witness the music and dance of the Ugandan tribes.
Namirembe Cathedral
Since March 1890, this cathedral on Namirembe Hill has been Uganda's oldest. Another name for it is Saint Paul's Cathedral Namirembe, which is the diocesan cathedral for the Namirembe Diocese and the provincial cathedral of the Church of Uganda. The Ugandan church was relocated to All Saints Church in Nakasero before being returned to its current location on Namirembe Hill.
The Ugandan church has undergone multiple constructions, and the fifth building, which can currently house over 10,000 people, is located on Namirembe Hill. Due to a number of factors, including a swampy location, strong winds, termites, and fire, it has been built five times.
All types of guests are welcome, and during your Uganda safari, your guide will show you around this fascinating cathedral and its museum so you may see and learn about its history.
Kabaka’s Palace
The palace was built by Ssekabaka Mwanga11 in 1885. At the age of eighteen, he assumed control of the empire in 1884. Since it is customary in Buganda Kingdom for the new monarch to select a hill on which to erect his palace, Mwanga 11 built his first palace in Masaja before considering moving it elsewhere. He had long valued Emengo, which at the time was also known as Nkaawo Hill, where the Nvubu clan kept their grinding stones for herbal remedies. The name Mengo was chosen after the king chose to build his palace on Nkaawo Hill (Emmengo). Today, the hill was renamed Mengo Hill and the building was renamed Mengo building.
Following the completion of construction, the palace caught fire, destroying all of the Kingdom's essential records. The monarch fled to Nalukolongo, where Roman Catholic missionaries sheltered him, having been much alarmed. After a while, the king moved in with Mukasa, his father Ssekabaka Muteesa II's Katikiiro, and abandoned the missionaries. Everything at Mukasa's house was destroyed by lightning in 1886 while he was still staying there. He fled Mukasa's house once more and proceeded to Munyonyo, where he built another palace on Mulungu Hill, which is close to Lake Victoria.
In 1966, Uganda's prime minister Milton Obote issued an order for a fierce offensive to drive away Kabaka Mutesa 11. The palace was violently attacked by Idi Amin soldiers, and following numerous battles and assaults, the King was compelled to leave and live in exile in the United Kingdom.
In the 1970s, Idi Amin used the palace as a torture cell and a hazardous underground prison when it was entirely converted into army barracks. Idi Amin constructed this underground torture chamber, which was a dark concrete tunnel with many dark, damp cells that were divided by an electrified water passage to prevent inmates from escaping. Charcoal messages written by former inmates can be seen on the walls, including one that reads, "Obote, you have killed me, but what about my children." Additionally, there are scrap metal remnants of Mutesa's Rolls Royce on the grounds, which Idi Amin destroyed. On a Kampala City Tour, the palace is ranked among the Top 11 Tourist Destinations.
The Kabaka Lake
The largest artificial lake in Uganda is situated in the Ndeeba Rubaga Division, between Ring Road and Nabunya Road, and approximately five kilometers from the heart of Kampala. Under Ssekabaka Mwanga 11's rule, fifty-two (52) Buganda Kingdom clans built it between 1885 and 1888.
In order to stay at his palace, which he had built on Mulungu Hill in Munyonyo next to Lake Victoria, and to provide an escape route in the event of an armed conflict with the British, the Kabaka (King) had intended to build a wide channel that would allow him to cruise by boat to Lake Victoria for swimming and fishing. Regretfully, the religious conflict that erupted in Buganda Kingdom on August 2, 1888, twisted all of his goals.
The lake, which is about two square kilometers in size and 200 feet deep, has no water outlet that provides it with water; it has only had underground springs since 1885. The surrounding area of this artificial lake is stunning, with tall trees and verdant grasses, and the two islands add to its beauty. When you walk along the shores, you can see locals and learn about their customs and behaviors in relation to the lake. It is also home to a variety of bird species, including African Darter, Hadada Ibis, Black Headed Weaver, Open-billed Stork, and Great White Egrets.
Nakasero Market
Situated at the base of Nakasero Hill in the center of Kampala, it is one of the city's most well-known and expansive marketplaces, only 50 meters from Entebbe Road. It was established in 1895 after the King of Buganda received advice to open the palace's first marketplace. Ten years later, when the market's temporary construction was completed, it was transferred to Kagugube, which is now between Sir Apollo Kagwa Road and Gaddafi Road. Finally, it was moved to its current location on Nakasero Hill.
The market was separated into two sections. Fresh produce is purchased in the first section, which is the open section that is temporarily covered. Hardware, clothing, and other tourist-related goods are offered in the confined section depicted by the old structure.