Most travelers land in Uganda and rush to see gorillas and chimpanzees in the wild. But wait — before you run off, give Kampala a chance! This busy, colorful capital is one of the most exciting cities in East Africa. Kampala sits on seven green hills, full of red-roofed houses, buzzing markets, and streets alive with boda-boda motorbikes.
The city got its name from the impalas that once lived here in the grasslands. It was the heart of the Buganda Kingdom, survived British rule, lived through the hard days of Idi Amin, and has grown into a place full of energy, music, and creativity. Today, Kampala is where old meets new.
You will see modern skyscrapers next to old royal tombs, street food sellers next to fancy restaurants, and bars that don’t sleep until morning. And even though it’s busy, there are peaceful spots too — quiet parks, lakeside views, and beautiful places to learn about Uganda’s history.
So, don’t skip it! Here are the 10 best things to do in Kampala that will make you fall in love with this amazing city.
1. Explore the Uganda National Mosque
The Uganda National Mosque on Old Kampala Hill is not just a religious site—it’s a symbol of history, resilience, and architectural ambition. Originally commissioned by General Idi Amin Dada, construction stopped when he went exile in 1979.
Nearly three decades later, in 2007, the mosque was finally completed with support from Libya’s Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, earning it the local nickname, the Gaddafi Mosque. Inside, the mosque’s vast prayer hall dazzles with colorful stained-glass windows, serene spaces, and intricate detailing. The real highlight, however, is the minaret.
A climb of 272 steps rewards visitors with sweeping panoramic views of Kampala’s seven hills—a perspective that reveals both the city’s bustling energy and its tranquil green spaces.
For just $10, guided tours led by knowledgeable volunteers provide insight into the mosque’s fascinating history, architectural features, and its enduring significance to Uganda’s Muslim community. It’s an experience that combines culture, history, and breathtaking views.
2. Dance at Ndere Cultural Centre
Not all cultural centers live up to the hype, but Ndere Cultural Centre is a vibrant exception. Set in an open-air, village-style atrium surrounded by straw-roofed huts, it’s where Uganda’s most celebrated dance troupe brings tradition to life.
Performances happen every Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday, and they are a feast for the senses. Energetic drumming, ululating, and lively singing fill the air as dancers in dazzling, colorful costumes perform dozens of traditional songs and dances over a three-hour spectacle.
The founder, Stephen Rwangyezi, leads the troupe with charisma and humor, engaging the audience with his trademark dry Ugandan wit, making every evening feel personal and unforgettable.
Visiting Ndere isn’t just a show—it’s an immersive dive into Uganda’s rich cultural heritage, full of music, movement, and pure joy.
3. Buy yourself a rolex
In Kampala, you will see “Rolex” stalls everywhere—but don’t expect luxury watches! Here, a rolex is a delicious street food: a warm, soft chapati rolled around a hot omelette with fresh tomatoes and peppers.
It is a tasty mix of Indian and Ugandan flavors and a favorite snack for breakfast, lunch, or honestly, anytime. Every spot adds its own twist. Some fancy restaurants stuff it with olives and feta, while small street stalls serve versions with chicken curry or even guacamole.
For the widest variety, check out The Rolex Guy, a tiny hidden spot down a lane in Muyenga—you might almost walk past it, but it’s worth finding!
4. Hop on a boda-boda
The quickest way to get around Kampala is on a boda-boda—a motorcycle taxi. Stop for a moment, and one of the city’s thousands of drivers will zoom over, ready to take you anywhere for a handful of Ugandan shillings. After agreeing on the fare, hold on tight as you speed through busy streets, up hills, and down narrow lanes.
It’s thrilling, fast, and a little scary—especially since many drivers don’t give helmets. If you want a safer ride, try apps like SafeBoda, where you get a fixed price, a verified driver, and GPS tracking.
5. Visit Idi Amin’s Torture chambers
Uganda doesn’t hide the dark history of Idi Amin, who ruled from 1971 to 1979. A tour of Kabaka’s Palace ends with a sobering visit to his torture chambers. Inside a shadowy concrete tunnel, tiny cells once held more than 100 people each.
Many were separated by electrified water to stop escape. There was no food, no water, and no ventilation. More than 200,000 people died here. Bullet holes in the walls still tell the story of that horrific time.
The visit is haunting—but important for understanding Uganda’s past. While there, don’t miss the burnt-out Rolls-Royce of Uganda’s first president, Edward Mutesa, destroyed by Amin’s regime. It’s a chilling but unforgettable glimpse into history.
6. Discover the Kasubi Tombs
The Kasubi Tombs are a beautiful example of traditional Ganda architecture, made from wood, thatch, reeds, and wattle. They are the burial place of four Buganda kings and an important spiritual and cultural site for the Baganda people.
The main building, called Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, was sadly destroyed by fire in 2010, but it has been carefully restored using the same building methods from 1882. Today, visitors can walk around the main tomb, explore smaller huts, and see ancient artifacts scattered across the open-air grounds. It’s a fascinating way to step back in time and learn about the history and traditions of the Buganda Kingdom.
7. Browse the city’s craft markets
Kampala is a city full of hustle and energy, and nowhere is that more obvious than Owino Market. In its crowded alleyways, about 80,000 sellers sell everything you can imagine—second-hand clothes, electronics, fresh produce, and household goods.
Traditional souvenirs might be rare, but the experience is unforgettable. For a calmer, friendlier shopping trip, head to the East African Craft Village, just five minutes away.
Prices are a bit higher, but the atmosphere is much nicer. Here, you can find handwoven baskets, carved wooden sculptures, colorful beaded jewelry, and vibrant textiles.
Many artisans work right at the market, so you can watch them create their crafts and even buy something unique and handmade directly from the maker.
8. Dig into a spread of matooke and luwombo
While a rolex is perfect for breakfast or lunch, dinner in Uganda is all about big, hearty meals. At The Roots Restaurant, try matooke—steamed and mashed green bananas—served with creamy groundnut sauce.
Pair it with luwombo, a special Ugandan dish of meat or fish slowly cooked in banana leaves, giving it a rich, fragrant flavor. Don’t miss posho, a thick flour porridge that’s a staple at every table, perfect for soaking up all the tasty sauces and stews.
9. Try Uganda’s world-famous fruits
Uganda’s fruits are legendary. Even President Yoweri Museveni once stopped a trip abroad because the pineapple he bought wasn’t fresh enough—he now brings his own from farms near Kampala! And he wasn’t exaggerating. The fruit here is sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
Walk through the city center, and you will see hundreds of sellers spreading rugs on dusty streets, selling pineapples, watermelons, limes, and more for just a few thousand shillings. One bite, and you will see why Uganda’s fruits are world-famous.
10. Take a sip of Uganda’s café culture
Uganda also grows some of the world’s best coffee, thanks to its fertile highlands, and Kampala’s cafés are proof of that. Pull up a wooden chair at Café Javas, a cozy, artsy spot where city workers sip coffee, enjoy hearty breakfasts and pastries, and take advantage of fast WiFi.
Another favorite is Endiro Coffee on Tank Hill Road. Its open-air space, high beams, and lush greenery make it the perfect place to relax with a cup of rich Ugandan brew. For a fresh start, try a smoothie and tropical fruit bowl, packed with pineapple, watermelon, and banana, topped with local yogurt and honey.
Whether you are after coffee or a light, fruity treat, Kampala’s café scene is a delicious experience you can’t miss.
11. Visit the Uganda Museum
If you love museums and want to explore Uganda’s rich culture, the Uganda National Museum in Kampala is a must-visit! It is the oldest and biggest museum in the city, full of fascinating exhibits. You can see traditional bows and arrows, musical instruments, rifles, and spears used by Uganda’s people long ago.
There’s even a cultural village and the fossilized remains of the Napak rhino, which went extinct 8 million years ago! The museum is on Kitante Road, near the British High Commission. It was built in 1908 by George Wilson, a British colonial officer. Visiting here is a fun way to learn all about Uganda’s history.
The entrance fee is 15,000 UGX ($4.2) for tourists, and if you want to take photos, bringing a camera costs an extra 5,000 UGX.
12. Visit the Taxi Park in downtown
You might wonder why anyone would want to visit a taxi park. But once you get there, you’ll understand. On one side, an elevated street goes uphill, giving you a perfect view of the busy, lively streets of Kampala.
The taxi park is the heart of daily life here. It’s where locals come and go as they travel between their jobs in the city and their homes on the outskirts. If you want a true glimpse of everyday life in Kampala, there’s no better place than this.
Uganda Day Trips
1 Day Jinja: Source of The Nile Cruise
Experience a full day from Kampala to Jinja: visit the mystical Sezibwa Falls, explore wildlife in Mabira Forest, enjoy a scenic Nile boat cruise, witness the Source of the Nile, and savor a riverside lunch.
Kampala City Walking Tour
Discover Kampala like a local! Get an intimate, on-foot introduction to Uganda’s lively capital. This guided walking tour is perfect for first-time visitors seeking a mix of history, culture, street life, and hidden gems.
1-Day Jinja Tour: White Water Rafting Trip
Jinja, a city in eastern Uganda, is home to the legendary source of the Nile. Here, the world’s longest river begins its epic 6,650 kilometers journey from Africa’s largest lake to the Mediterranean Sea.
1 Day Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch Tour
Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch is the only place in Uganda where you can walk on foot and track wild white rhinos. Getting close to these big, gentle animals is a rare and unforgettable experience.
1 Day Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Tour
Ngamba Island is situated on the beautiful waters of Lake Victoria. The sanctuary is home to over 50 orphaned chimpanzees that were rescued from poachers, the pet trade, and other human threats.
1 Day Mabamba Shoebill Tour
Mabamba Wetlands, near Lake Victoria, Uganda, is a top spot to see the rare Shoebill Stork. A RAMSAR site and Important Bird Area, it hosts 300+ bird species, including Lake Victoria endemics.
