Attractions in Kampala City | Kampala City Tours

Attractions in Kampala

Attractions in Kampala City are very fascinating features and sights that hold a lot of impact that many travelers find them worth a visit to explore and learn more. Uganda’s capital Kampala is known for being a city of seven hills though currently, the city has expanded to more than seven hills. The city hosts a lot of visitors through the year that comes into the country for different reasons, however, as visitors come to the city they are always looking for places to see or visit on their stay in this historic city.

Kampala city is full of wonderful and amazing places to see and below are some of the topmost places you shouldn’t miss on your visit to the city.

Parliament of Uganda: Visits to this place are strictly by appointment, so you need to book an appointment directly through the parliament house in charge or through a tour operator. However, visiting this place will give you a chance to see where the Ugandan legislators work and you will get to experience the political side of Uganda. Remember to carry your identification with you on the visit to the parliament.
Uganda Museum: The Uganda Museum like any other museum is a sanctuary for most of the historic items that tell the Ugandan story including the country’s cultures and government transitions over the years. The items in the museum include hunting equipment, cultural symbols, musical instruments, weapons etc. The Uganda Museum is the oldest museum in East Africa and it was set up in 1908 when the then-governor George Wilson made an appeal for items of interest on Uganda to be procured and set up in a given location. You definitely want to visit the museum on your stay in the city.
Independence Monument: Uganda received its independence from Britain in 1962 and this independence monument is a symbol of the independence and democracy that now reigns in this country. This monument in the centre of the city next to Uganda’s Sheraton Hotel is one you should plan to see on your stay in Kampala to appreciate far Uganda has come.
Kabaka’s Palace: Uganda is a country made up of different tribes and some tribes have kingdoms; Buganda kingdom being the biggest kingdom and widespread tribe in the country. On your visit to kampala, you should take the chance to visit the home of the Kingdom’s king that is located in Mengo Bulange hill just a few mins from the central business district. The visit to this palace is normally a guided tour that takes you through different compartments of the palace including the different halls, gardens and the kingdom’s media house that is the TV and the radio.
Manmade lake: Kabaka Mwanga lake that was made by the then Kabaka of Buganda between 1884 and 1888 is still to date the largest manmade lake in Africa. The lake is 200 feet deep and just afew kilometers from the Kabaka’s palace.
Kasubi Tombs: Kasubi tombs are royal burial grounds for Buganda kingdom kings and royal members and so far three kings have been buried at the site. Kasubi tombs are among the world heritage sites and a visit will give you a deeper understanding of the Buganda culture.
Art galleries: For Art lovers, you will be delighted at the varieties of artistic items, you will find in Kampala city from Morden art, sophisticated art, raw art, abstract art, etc. just be assured you will find you taste in one of the galleries in Kampala. Art galleries in Kampala include but not limited to Umoja Gallery, Afriart, Makerere Art Gallery and many more.
Nakasero Market: You cannot miss this market, its right in the city centre and its one of the many big markets in the country. The market stops for all organic foodstuffs that include vegetables, staple foods, fruits etc. Business in this market is normally chaotic so on your visit to the market you need to be alert or else you may end up knocked down or robbed; it’s advisable to visit the market with a guide.
St Paul’s cathedral in Namirembe: For the religious traveller, a stop at this prehistoric cathedral of the Anglican Church will be refreshing to you, the diocesan of Namirembe serves people of the Anglican faith and a visit to the cathedral gives up an insight of how the Anglican Church functions in Uganda. You can also enjoy the cathedral serene environment on your visit there, and if you visit on wedding day feel free to crash the service, in Uganda everyone is welcome to weddings. This cathedral predates to 1919 and its first diocese to have been founded in Uganda.
St Mary’s Cathedral in Rubaga: As Namirembe cathedral serves Anglicans the Rubaga cathedral serves believers of the catholic faith. The cathedral was built in 1914 by missionaries though its total completion wasn’t until 1925. A visit to the church will enlighten you on the catholic culture and norms.
Gaddafi Mosque: You will not miss this mosque, seated on one of the Kampala hills in old Kampala this mosque serves faithful believers of the Muslim faith. The mosque was commissioned by the Late Colonel Muammar Gaddafi of Libya in 2006. When you plan to visit the mosque please remember to dress appropriately.
Bahai Temple: Especially for religious visitors this is a must-see sight for you; the Bahai temple in kampala is the only Bahai temple in Africa and the temple is open to all individuals of any belief. On your visit to the temple, you can even take part in the prayers at the temple, enjoy the gardens of the temple and enjoy the view of Kampala city from the top of the hill.

Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine: This shrine is pivotal to the catholic community in Uganda and the world at large because it sits on the area where most of the Uganda martyrs were killed between 1885 and 1887 after they turned away from traditional beliefs to follow the Christian faith. The sacrifice of these martyrs is always celebrated on the 3rd of June of every year. If you are visiting the country during that time, be sure to join other faithful’s on this celebration, however you can also visit the shrine on any day you are kampala.