A Must See In Kampala

Kampala is one of the most exciting cities in Africa, with so many sights and sounds. The streets are packed with life, piles of fresh fruit, and processions of vibrantly-dressed locals.

WELCOME TO KAMPALA! Kampala is one of the most exciting cities in Africa, with so many sights and sounds. The streets are packed with life, hardly a square inch that is not taken by overflowing stalls, piles of fresh fruit, and processions of vibrantly-dressed locals. Unlike it being city just it is also a district of its own, located in central Uganda in the Buganda Kingdom. Kampala gets its name from Impala that used to roan the jungles where Kampala seats today. It was originally built on seven hills but has now widened and spread to over twenty two hills. On 9th October of 1962, Uganda gained independence subsequently the capital city was transferred from Entebbe to Kampala and in the same year, Kampala was granted City status. Check out below what not to miss on your Kampala visit:

The independence Monument: The independence Monument, standing majestically at a height of 6 metres, is a must see if you are travelling to Kampala.  The monument situated in the heart of the capital is one of the most distinctive landmarks of Uganda. Uganda’s Independence Monument was constructed by former British Colonial Government just before Uganda celebrated its first idependence on Tuesday 9th October 1962. The monument depicts a man unwrapping a child and raising the child to touch the sky. The sculpture signifies a new born country let free from colonialism and bandages.

  Uganda Museum: Founded in 1908, the Uganda Museum is one of Arica’s foremost historical collections and gives you an evolutionary and ethnic life story of Uganda though the times. The museum displays Uganda’s cultural heritage and here you will be able to see the ethnological and natural historical exhibitions. It is a vivid reminder of the country’s colorful past.  One of its most interesting features is the collection of traditional musical instruments, which you are free to play when you visit.

Kasubi Tomb: Kasubi hill was originally called Nabulaga. When Mutesa I established his palace on the hill in 1882, he changed its name to Kasubi; a village in Kyangwe where he grew up. This is a traditional site in an urban setting 5 kms to the south-West of Kampala city. Four of the last kings (Bassekabaka) of the kingdom of Buganda namely; Mutesa I(1865-1884), Daniel Mwanga II(1884-1897), Daudi Cwa ii (1897-1939) and FrederickMutesa II (1939-1966), are buried in this gigantic dome shaped grass thatched house known as Muzibu Azaala Mpanga.

The magnificent reed and ring work representing the 52 clans of the Baganda and the equally long and straight poles wrapped with barkcloth, the tranquility inside the house all contribute to the mysticism, respect and awe which are the intangible values about the great house. Indeed it is npt only the cemetery of the Buganda royalty but also an active religious shrine of Buganda Kingdom. Its traditional architectural design, it’s religious function and living relevance formed the criteria for its nomination as a unique cultural site of outstanding universal value. Kasubi Royal Tombs of the kings of Buganda was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in December 2001.

Kabaka’s palace

Kabaka’s palace & office (Bulange) and the royal mile: this interesting attraction consists of two large palaces, (Kabaka’s residence and the Buganda Parliament) connected by a straight road measuring exactly a mile.  When walking from Bulange to home Mengooffice, pay attention to the round-about-the straight road in the middle is for Kabaka’s us only, as theblocal superstition says he must not turn a corner on his route. Half-way from the round-about towards Mengo, you will find a large garden on the right-hand side. Learn the history of Buganda kingdom and walk for a mile from the office of the kindgdom to the royal palace where you will explore more attractions like, the Iddi Amin Torture chamber.

Gaddafi National Mosque: Built on Old Kampala Hill, the Colorful Gaddafi Mosque features of Art was built and designed based on a mixture of Cultures of Arab, European, and an African Touch. The construction of the mosque began in 1972 after the emergence of Ugandan Muslin Supreme Council by the government of Uganda. Construction come standstill and it wasn’t till 2001 when the Mufti of Uganda Sheik Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, approached Colonel Muammar Kaddafi; the president of Libya when he was on his safari tour to Uganda asking him for assistance to complete construction of the mosque which Kaddafi accepted

Namugongo shrine:    About 15 km east of Kampala city lies the Namugongo martyrs shrine where 22 catholic martyrs were burnt alive on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga in June 1886. Consequently, Christians from eastern and central Africa and indeed the world over flock to Namugongo to pay their respects and their faith by paying pilgrimage to the martyrs on June 3rd, every year. A church has been since been constructed in memory of the martyrs and was constructed in the shape of of traditional Baganda hut. It stands on 22 cooper pillars representing the 22 catholic martyrs. In front of the main entrance to the church, below the altar, is the spot where Charles Lwanga, the leader of the Catholics was burnt on June 3rd 1886. The church was consecrated by Pope Paul VI on August 2nd 1969. The persecution stump embedded in a fig tree has grown around it is clearly visible besides the pile of dummies of the martyrs who were burnt to death; wrapped in needs. A grass thatched Mukajanga’s (executioner) hut and the chapel where the remains of the martyrs were interred still stand to date.

Rubaga Cathedral: Built in 1914, the saint Mary’s cathedral commonly known as the Rubaga cathedral is the oldest Roman Catholic diocese in Uganda. It has great historical significance in the history of the Catholic Church. The transept is a memorial to the Uganda Martyrs, 22 Catholic victims, later declared saints are enshrined in the stained-glass windows.  It also houses the remains of the late Arcbishop Joseph Kiwanka (June 25, 1899 – February 22, 1966), the first African Catholic Bishop and the first African Archbishop of Kampala Diocese, are housed inside the cathedral.

  Bahai House of worship:  is also the Mother Temple of Africa. Built 1961 on Kikaya Hill, four miles from Kampala, the Bahai Temple soars above every other landscape. The nine doors that stand open during prayer and sessions of meditation speak of the all-embracing nature of God. All are to usher in people to meet and adore God under this dome that symbolizes His divine uniting force. Nine big pillars and 27 smaller ones support the temple up right. Different countries contributed various building materials as if to echo Baha’u’llah’s crusade for university. The green dome is made of tiny glazed mosaic tiles from Italy, while the lower roof tiles are from Belgium. The walls are of pre-cast stone quarried in Uganda. Steel and window frames and fittings are from Britain. The colored glass was brought from Germany. The timber used for making the doors and benches was from Uganda. Need a break to relax and unwind from the buzz of Kampala? Then head for Bahai Temple, you will awed and amazed not only by its architectural splendor, but also by the beautiful natural environment in which the temple majestically stand                                     

Ndere culture Centre: Get treated to authentic Uganda music, dance and drama with exhilarating performance from over 50 tribes in Uganda. Build on 9 acres of virgin, gently sloping land with mature local, international and fruits trees, the magnificent Ndere Centre provides a picturesque environment that combines serenity with peace and tranquility. For visitors to Kampala, the Ndere Centre is the best bridge between your home and Africa. Enjoy life and make memories as you experience Ugandan culture and cuisine.

Craft Market: This craft market is found next to Daisy’s Arcade (on Buganda Road) and is the biggest craft market in Kampala with over 30 stalls that sell all kinds of African crafts and souvenirs. Most stalls in the market sell the same items so the bargaining prowess of the shopper determines the price at which they take those African sandals home.

Email us at [email protected] if you need to explore the city with us !

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