Kampala is Uganda’s national and commercial capital bordering Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. Hills covered with red-tile villas and trees surround an urban centre of contemporary skyscrapers. In this downtown area, the Uganda Museum explores the country’s tribal heritage through an extensive collection of artefacts. On nearby Mengo Hill is Lubiri Palace, the former seat of the Buganda Kingdom.
Kabaka’s Palace and Idi Amin’s Torture Chambers
This is found in Mengo one of the towns in Kampala city, this is located near the Buganda Parliament, this palace is a place of historical events, this place is a home for the Buganda king, the place was turned into a battle area during Dr. Milton Obote’s regime has Amin invaded the palace in search for king Muteesa II who was the former Uganda president at the same time, within the palace is the Torture chamber where an estimated number of people were brought and killed in the cave, the torture chamber within this palace can give you an harrowing and an insight of Uganda during the eras of Idi Amin. This is exhibited by the messages that were written on the walls of the cave plus the blood remains.
Gadaffi Mosque, this gives you an impressive view within the centre of Kampala and it is ranked one of the best mosques in Africa and I think it’s part why Uganda is called the pearl of Africa, a number of Muslims converge here for prayers during the lent period, entrance to the mosque is UGX10000 for tourist and every woman is given a veil to put on her head and it is a nice place to take photos from, this was bait by the former Libyan president Colonel Gadaffi and it is a purely worship place and it’s a better place to have a visit before you leave Kampala.
Namirembe Cathedral, standing here at the hill of Namirembe will be enough for you to capture the whole of Kampala since it provides a fascinating view of the city generally, on top of this hill is the Namirembe cathedral which belongs to the protestant religion, this is another great tourist attraction due to the historical events that occurred around the hill and visitors around Kampala can enjoy this holly place within central Uganda. Tourists are charged UGX10000 most especially those who want to take photos around the place and those with intentions of touring but keeping other factors constant, entrance to the church Is free. After you’ve checked out the cathedral you can always also pop to Namirembe guest house for a spot of lunch or down to nearby Java’s for a coffee.
Bahai Temple, at Kikaya hill is where you find this great temple and it is within Kampala city and this is another green space area with a good and impressive compound which is another one stop centre for birders and those who enjoying worshiping in this faith. If you are of a spiritual nature or just curious about the Bahai faith then this is the best place to visit while in Uganda and their services always begins at 10:30 am every Sunday.
Take a visit to Owino Market, this is among the busiest trading places in Kampala and one of the oldest market around the city, this is opposite Nakivubo stadium, around the market you can do shopping or enjoy the different cuisines prepared by the local people including the local “Kikomando” which is part of the launched local food as a tourism pleasure within Uganda. Here you will get to know the sweats people go through while making money with other carrying luggage on their heads and backs while saying “ Fasi Fasi” which literary means “Give Way”. You can shop around by buying both new and second hand clothes always make sure that you keep your belongings safely while in this market.
Kabaka’s Lake, this is another man made lake found in Uganda around Ndeba just apposite the king’s palace, this is found around Kampala – Masaka road 5km off the city centre. This was dug by former Buganda king Mwanga. This lake is considered a sacred place by the Baganda who keep it clean; boat racing can be done here including some excursions including bird watching with different numbers of bird species that swim and sail around the water body. This is visited by a number of people most especially those who are more enthusiastic with discoveries both international and local tourists. Where this lake gets water from is still a question but it is believed to have different wells underground that provides constant water to the lake.
The Uganda National Museum, this is Kampala’s oldest and biggest national museum found around Kira road, this is where you will get a chance to look at over 52 different cultures, tribe exhibitions on displays including the ethnological and historical displays. Uganda museum is one of its kind and it is a place of natural wonders, this is where you will taste the true picture of the reason as to why Uganda is called the Pearl of Africa. The place is constantly visited by both local and foreign visitors who leave the place in an appreciative manner about the content and the setting of the place hence a great place to visit with Uganda safari that you can do on start on your last day of safari.
Rubaga Cathedral, Rubaga hill is one of the greatest and pleasured hill among the top seven hills found that makes up Kampala, though currently Kampala has got around 22 hills, this is where the Rubaga cathedral was established hence being one of the best cathedrals that are found in Kampala. This is where the catholic community goes for prayers and is where the first African catholic Bishop was martyred on accusation of bringing the catholic religion in Uganda. This is the catholic headquarters but generally entrance is free although voluntary contributions are welcome.
