Kampala City

Kampala city also known as the “Green City in the Sun or City of the 7 hills” Kampala is the commercial capital and largest city of Uganda located on the north shores of Lake Victoria. Kampala city is ranked as the best and easiest city to live in East Africa and one of the fastest growing cities in Africa with affordable standards of living and friendly people.

The bustling city that never sleeps is a gem of its own and makes a good introduction to Uganda with several worthy attractions to keep you occupied for a few days; no wonder most tour operators include a Kampala city tour as a priority in their Uganda safari packages. In case you doubt why you should visit Kampala, well…… doubt no more. Take a seat, buckle up and let us give you a virtual insight in to this piece of jewel in the rough.

Brief history of Kampala City

Kampala city got its name from a Luganda word “Akasozi k’empala” meaning the a hill of impalas which then morphed into the word Kampala.

As the heartland of the Buganda kingdom, Kampala was built on 7 major hills although they are currently more than the previous 7hills. Each with a rich and colorful history, visible in several fascinating palaces and compounds from where the nation was run until the arrival of colonialism.

Old Kampala hill known for being the first military base established in 1890 by Captain Fredrick Lugard. Also home to the Gaddafi Mosque or Old Kampala mosque.

Mengo hill was formally the kibuga (capital) of Buganda kingdom during the British Colonial rule and it acted as an administrative center where all decisions regarding the welfare of the kingdom where made.

Namirembe hill site of Namirembe Anglican Cathedral and home to Anglicans (wangeleza). Also the Buganda religious wars of 1888-1892 where fought on this hill.

Rubaga hill site of the Rubaga Catholic Cathedral and formally home for the white fathers catholic.

Nsambya hill site for the cathedral of St peters nsambya  and one of the7 hills on which the city was built, allocated to the British catholic mill hill mission during the signing of 1900 Buganda agreement.

Nakasero hill also known as fort Nakasero was formally a military base built following the British relocation from fort Lugard in old Kampala.

Kibuli hill home for the biggest and oldest mosque in Uganda kibuli mosque.

However Kampala has more hills apart from the above mentioned 7 original and these include the Makerere hill, Mulago hill, Naguru hill and many more.

Topography of Kampala city

The highest point in the city is Kololo Hill, standing at about 1,311 meters above sea level, while the lowest point lies at the shores of Lake Victoria at an elevation of 1,135 meters. This variation in altitude creates a mix of steep slopes, gentle ridges, and low-lying wetlands, shaping Kampala’s scenic beauty and urban layout.

Historically, Kampala was famously known as the “City of Seven Hills”, but today it has grown to cover more than twenty hills. Each hill has played a role in the city’s growth—some hosting administrative centers, cultural landmarks, and religious institutions, while others have become bustling residential and commercial areas.

In between these hills lie fertile valleys and swamps, many of which drain into Lake Victoria. These wetlands, though increasingly threatened by urban development, remain vital for biodiversity conservation, flood control, and water filtration. The city’s lush greenery, especially on the hillsides, provides a striking contrast to its urban sprawl, maintaining a natural charm despite rapid modernization.

Climate of Kampala City

Kampala City enjoys a tropical rainforest climate (Af) with warm temperatures throughout the year, influenced by its location near the Equator and the moderating effect of Lake Victoria. This means that while the city does not have extreme weather conditions, it experiences two main wet seasons and no clearly defined dry season.

• Wet Seasons:
  The primary rainy periods occur from August to December and February to June. During these months, rainfall is frequent, sometimes heavy, and often accompanied by thunderstorms, especially in the afternoons and evenings. The heaviest rainfall is typically recorded around April–May and October–November.

• Hot and Relatively Drier Months:
  While Kampala does not have a true dry season, the months of January and July are usually hotter and less rainy, offering slightly drier conditions. These periods are often preferred by travelers who wish to explore the city with minimal weather disruptions.

• Temperature Patterns:
  Temperatures in Kampala are generally consistent year-round, with daytime averages ranging between 25°C and 28°C (77°F–82°F) and nighttime averages between 17°C and 20°C (63°F–68°F). The city rarely experiences extreme heat due to its elevation of about 1,189 meters (3,900 feet) above sea level, which keeps the climate mild compared to many tropical locations.

• Humidity and Sunshine:
  Given its rainforest climate, humidity levels remain high throughout the year, typically above 75%, while sunshine hours are moderate, with clearer skies observed during the drier spells in January and July.

Top sights in Kampala City

Kampala has amazing places to visit, teaming up with the rich culture and friendly people. The city offers a wide range of experiences to the tourists who take time to explore it and here are the top places to visit on a Kampala tour.

1. Uganda National Museum

The Uganda museum currently sits at kitante hill, along kira road and it is the oldest museum in East Africa with a lot of cultural heritage, archaeology, Ugandan music, natural history and some religious artifacts that tell the history of Uganda. Started in 1908, the Uganda museum is the most popular destination for tourists taking a city tour.

2. Kasubi Tombs

The Kasubi tombs are situated 5kms away from the city center on kasubi hill along masiro road. It holds the royal regalia of the Buganda kingdom and serves as burial grounds for 4 of the kings of Buganda. The tombs were recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site of local and international importance in Africa in December 2001 due to its remarkable and unique buildings. However the buildings were partially destroyed by the fire that occurred in March 2010 but reconstruction work was started again in 2014 to restore the site back to its former glory and this was funded by the government of Japan.

3. Kabaka’s Palace

Also known as Lubiri or Mengo palace was built in 1885 and sits on Mengo hill road along Lubiri area and it is the official historic residence of the king of Buganda. Although this palace’s facade has been restored, visiting this place is referred to as dark tourism because of its subterranean storage tunnels that were used to incarcerate and torture political prisoners by Idi Amin.

4. Uganda Martyrs Shrine

Located in Namugongo, 15kms away from the city center, the Uganda martyrs shrine is a religious and cultural base that marks the spot where Kabaka Mwanga II ordered the execution of 22 Catholics who refused to denounce their faith including church leader Charles Lwanga who was burnt alive and others on 3^rd June 1886 which is now celebrated as Martyrs day.

5. The Baha’i Temple

This majestic piece of art is located on kikaya hill 7kms on gayaza road. The Baha’i temple was built in 1958 and the only Baha’i Temple in Africa. Visitors touring the temple have the opportunity to do birding and see unique architectural work of the temple and the serene gardens suitable for weeding’s and other functions.

6. Gadhafi Mosque

One of Kampala’s premier sights also known as Uganda National Mosque is located on Kampala hill and it is the oldest and biggest Mosque in East Africa, given as a gift to the Muslim community by the Late Colonel Muammar Gadhafi former president of Libya. The hour long tour allows you to scale its soaring minaret for the best views of Kampala city. Visitors are supposed to wear descent or Muslim clothes while visiting this reglious site.

7. Rubaga Cathedral

Located on rubaga hill, Saint Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga is a twin towered Roman Catholic cathedral with a memorial to the Uganda martyrs and a seat to the cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church in Uganda.

8. Namirembe Cathedral

St Paul’s cathedral Namirembe is the oldest cathedral in Uganda located at Namirembe hill. This huge domed Anglican cathedral was built in 1890 to serve as a provincial cathedral for the Anglican church of Uganda and the diocesan cathedral for Namirembe diocese.

9. Ndere Centre

Come experience Ugandan culture from the traditional dances to the traditional food not to    mention the local traditional welcome drink. This place is a must visit when you are in Kampala. The Ndere cultural Center is located in Bukoto, a Kampala suburb

10. Independence Monument

The independence monument is located on Speke road and Nile Avenue in Kampala city, constructed during the days Uganda got its independence from the British colonialism on 9^th October 1962.it is a symbol of Ugandan history and cultural heritage and it’s never a miss on your Kampala city tour

Apart from these top 10 places to visit on your Kampala tour .visit    Uganda and explore more of this vibrant city.

Guide to Traveling in Kampala City

Kampala, the bustling capital of Uganda, offers a mix of rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, historical landmarks, and modern city life. For first-time visitors, understanding how to navigate the city makes the experience smoother and more enjoyable.

1. Getting to Kampala

• By Air: Most travelers arrive via Entebbe International Airport (EBB), located about 45 km from Kampala. The drive from Entebbe to Kampala takes about 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic.

• Airport Transfers: Taxis, private shuttles, and ride-hailing services like Uber, Bolt, or SafeBoda are available for airport transfers. Many hotels also offer airport pickup services.

2. Getting Around the City

• Boda Bodas (Motorbike Taxis): The quickest way to beat Kampala’s notorious traffic. Use SafeBoda or Uber Boda for safety and convenience.

• Matatus (Minibuses): The most common and affordable form of public transport. They have fixed routes but can be crowded and less comfortable for newcomers.

• Ride-Hailing Apps: Services like Uber, Bolt, and SafeBoda Cars are safer and more convenient than hailing random taxis.

• Private Taxis and Car Hire: Hotels can arrange reliable taxis. Car rental services are also available if you prefer to self-drive.