Facts about Kampala City

Kampala

Origins	Access
Sightseeing	Dining out
Going out	Casinos
Accommodation	Geography

Kampala, the capital city of Uganda is spread over ten hills and derives its name from a kiganda expression "kasozi k'empala, "the hill of antelopes"

Origins
The origins of the Kampala city go back to 1891 the when Kabaka of Buganda had his court on Rubaga and Mengo hills.

The town that grew up achieved municipal status in 1950 and became a city' in 1962. Today, as you stand on the hills, the City' provides magnificent evergreen trees, gently disrupted by red-tiled villas, green iron-roofed bungalows, as well as taller modern city profiles that give way to attractive views of the surrounding country side and nearby Lake Victoria.

The City has retained its traditional charm, and remains the greenest in Africa. But today Kampala is the heart of Uganda. The centre of commercial life and the seat. of government. It is a vibrant modern metropolis adorned with gardens and parks providing colorful oases for its citizens and visitors alike, Hotel facilities range from the best international hotels, with state-of^-the-art conference facilities, to accommodation for the more budget-minded. The broad range of cultures in Uganda is also reflected in the wide choice of restaurants in the City, all featuring the wonderful produce of the fertile country side anid fish-filled lakes.

Access

By air: Through Entebbe International Airport, 40km away from the City centre.
By road: A network of modern tarred roads feeds the City' from different border posts, and other towns.
By Rail: Kampala has rail links with other commercial centres in Uganda and with neighbouring countries.
By Lake: A Steamer service links Port Bell with Mwanza in Tanzania, as well as with the nearby Ssese Islands.

Sightseeing

The Kasubi Tombs:

The traditional royal tombs of the Kabakas of Buganda situated 5km away from the City' centre on the Kampala/Hoima Road.

The tombs are a very important cultural symbol for the Baganda and also a magnificent tourist attraction for foreigners. The architecture of the huts reflect the early African civil architecture ingenuity.

The Namugongo Martyrs Shrine.: Situated 12km to the north-east of Kampala off the Jinja road. This commemorates 20 Ugandan Christians burned alive 1886 on the orders of the Kabaka of Buganda.

The Uganda Museum: A display of Uganda's cultural heritage. and a vivid reminder of a colourful past.

The National Theatre of Uganda: Opened in 1959, this is truly a national theatre for the people of Uganda.

The Parliament Building: The seat of Uganda's Government and symbol of the Countrys independence.

Rubaga Cathedral. The magnificent St Mary's Catholic Cathedral, which stands on a hill overlooking the city.

Namirembe Cathedral: St Pauls Protestant Cathedral, the largest in Eastern Africa, stands on an adjacent hill.

Namirembe has been a cathedral where most of the most prestigious and prominent weddings have taken place. This is where the , Muwenda Mutebi had his wedding in August 1999.

Makerere University: The oldest and most prestigious university in East Africa.

Dining out

Uganda as a nation loves food, and no celebration is ever complete without a feast. As a result there is no shortage of eating places in the country. Food is generally cheap and there is something to suit every pocket and taste. Prices range from a mere Ush2000 to 60,000 a head depending on what you have and where you choose to dine. For those who want to try the delicious Buganda traditional dish called ", don't miss Ekitobeero Restaurant on Kintate Road near Fairway Hotel.

Dishes:

Local:

Available in most places. Try the "Nyoma Choma" available most drinking places also referred to as "drinking joints". But the favourite places for "nyoma choma" are:- Kabalaga or commonly refreed to as "Half London", Kisementi, Wandegeya and Bamboo nest in Bugolobi.

The favourites are "Past Leaders" and affectionate name for pork and chicken also available at all "joints". Most of the hotels in Kampala serve extensive menu of local Ugandan cuisines, the most famous being the "Luombo" - a delicious stew steamed in banana leaves - a must try!. Uganda's fresh water fish is also highly recommended especially the Nile Perch and the Tilapia.

Italian:

For really good, classic Italian dishes, try Mamba Point, run by Guido and Fiona. Fancy a superb pizza with tilapia fish followed by an exotic ice cream! try the Mammamia on the terrace of the Speke Hotel.

Indian:

Indian restaurants are also well represented in Kampala.
Sam's near Farmer Choice, the Haandi in the Hotel Equatoria serves delicious North Indian cuisine from the Punjab (you may watch the Roomali Roti being made in its kitchen through a large window). The Maharaja serves curries and tandoori cuisine in delightful surroundings at the Speke hotel, and, at the Masala Chaat House you may enjoy the delicious Dosas and Uttapams of South India. An excellent vegetarian restaurant serving truly delicious Indian delicacies can be found in Dewinton Road opposite the Crafts Market. Highly recommended.

Greek:

Andy the Greek located on Acacia Avenue, (run by Andy and Marie) provides spectacularly accomplished traditional Hellenic dishes, meze and superb seafood in a comfortable and very welcoming environment.

Chinese:

Ms. Fang Min is the perfectionist of Chinese food at the Fang Fang restaurant located on 4th Floor, Greenland Bank Towers on Kampala Road, offers a varied menu cooked by three chefs, each specializing in a different provincial Chinese cuisine. A truly superb Thai Restaurant can be found on road called Kulua,

European:

If you are a fan of fondues, try Le Plein Vent for a mouthwatering and substantial meal. You could be forgiven for thinking that you're in Paris when eating at The Crocodile Cafe and Bar and it would be difficult to better the English food at 7 Cooper Road for quality and value in London.
Al fresco dining in the beautiful gardens of the Gallery Cafe combines really good food with attractive pictures and don't miss enjoying an authentic taste of Ugandan cuisine at the the Kampala Casino on Thursdays.

However, if you are in Kampala, don't just limit yourself to hotels, there are fabulous restaurants and places to kick the boredom away like the tantalizing, "Just Kicking " Bar and Restaurant at Kisementi.

Going out

Ugandans like to party and thus there is no shortage of nightspots to let your hair down. In the old industrial area are SILK and ANGE NOIR relatively close to each other, so if you get tired of one, just take a stroll to the other. Out of town is the other, PULSATIONS. There are also numerous drinking places and bars. The Sheraton also has a British style Pub serving ale's from around the world .... at a price!

Casinos

Looking to spend a bit of cash? Kampala has five Casino's for your gambling pleasure and the list is growing.

Kampala night life is lively and fun as the youth and old alike fill Kampala night places to have fun.

In the last couple of years several places of night life have sprung up in Kampala to such an extent that it almost impossible for the first time visitors to Kampala to believe the serenity and enjoyment the Kampalans have everyday.

Sheraton Hotel:

The Kampala Sheraton is at the heart of the city's society. Here you may enjoy all the facilities of an international luxury hotel with a particular African style. Among its facilities are a swimming pool, beauty salon, restaurants and bars. All rooms have full facilities.

Hotel Equatoria:

The Equatorial Hotel is a modern first class hotel situated in Kampala city centre. All rooms have full private facilities. The hotel offers two restaurants, a swimming pool, an ice cream parlour and four bars. There is a health facility and shopping mall.

Hotel Africana:

Surely Kampala has its own style and blends tremendously with what Kampala offers its visitors. A golf course just next door and Mobile Cellular service just across the road, Hotel African has the best business environment.

Grand Imperial Hotel:
The Grand Imperial Hotel offers the finest hotel bedrooms in Kampala. The luxurious rooms and suites are centrally air conditioned and equipped with long baths, work desks, direct dial telephones, video and satellite on large screens. The hand made classic wooden furniture is complemented by state of the art technology to make your stay at the Grand Imperial both elegant and convenient.

Nile Hotel:

There are so many things that Kampala can boast about, but Nile International Hotel is surely one of the magnificent places in Kampala. Situated on a very spacious area, Nile Hotel offers excellent and VIP facilities. The hotel has 12 Presidential suites and a first class International Conference Center.

Fairway Hotel:

This is one of the oldest Hotels in Kampala. Located just a few meters away from City center, Fairway Hotel is a place that you will feel at home.

Fang Fang Hotel:

Close to the hub of Kampala, but set in the city's prime residential area, the Fang Fang Hotel is an old colonial house refurbished.
The restored house is a two floored haven offering peace, tranquility comfort and discretion leaving you with unforgettable memories.

Tourist Hotel:
Located right in the center of Kampala, Tourist Hotel is the newest addition to Kampala's luxurious hotels.

This beautifully decorated hotel is situated right in the city center close to the famous Nakasero Open market where you will find a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and other agricultural produces.

It is the market where most foreigners purchase their week long house hold requirements. It is fun place to visit.

Hotel Dolphin:
This is a hotel where the art and architecture meet to give the viewer an intriguing insight of Uganda's beauty. Dolphin Hotel is located some 3 km from Kampala in one of Kampala's posh and serene suburbs Bugolobi.

Lions Hotel:
Big is best but small is beautiful. This is a small 30 bedroom hotel designed to meet the requirements of not only a business man but also a tourist!

The Lion Hotels, conveniently situated in the heart of Kampala City, on Plot 18 Namirembe Road, right opposite the Aga Khan Mosque. It is just over 15 minutes walk from the busy commercial centre of the city or the main bus terminal.

Kampala, (0deg.20' N, 32deg.30' E ) is the largest urban centre in Uganda, accounting for 1,000,000 (1998 estimate) persons or 47% of the urban population.

Kampala is located on the Northern shores of Lake Victoria at an altitude of 1,310 meters above sea level. (Map 2) The climate of Kampala is typical of an inland tropical city, modified by altitude, and distance from the sea. The mean temperature of the city is 22deg.C, with a mean maximum of 27deg.C and a mean minimum of 17deg.C, a diurnal range of 10deg.C.

The temperature however does vary quite significantly, and temperatures up to 35deg.C and down to 12deg.C are not uncommon. The average humidity over the year is 75% typically high in the morning and low in the afternoon. Daily sunshine hours ranges form a low of 5.7 hours a day during the month of July, to 7.7 hours a day during January (a mean of 6.5 hours per day). Four winds are recognised;

Rain fall maxima are associate with the onset of the South-East Monsoons and the North-Easterly Moist Current, both associated with the annual movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Average rainfall for the city is about 1174mm, most falling during the two wet seasons of March to May, and October to November. Dry seasons are December to February and June to July.

Kampala is very friendly indeed and, unlike many thriving, modern cosmopolitan cities - and Kampala is all that, you are never far from a warm smile or relaxed greeting, and your wish to walk the streets is not daunted by the worry of intimidation.