Kampala City-(The Hill of Impalas)-Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, is located in the central region on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest freshwater lake, just 40 Km from Entebbe International Airport. Kampala will amaze you with its beauty, culture, and hospitality before you venture into the rest of the country. The city gets its name from Impala (Aepyceros melampus), a medium-sized African antelope that used to roam the jungles where Kampala sits today. The city grew as the capital of the Buganda kingdom, from which several buildings survive, including the Kasubi tombs, Lubiri palace, the Buganda parliament, and the Buganda Court of Justice. The city has many attractions, destinations, and tourist activities ranging from events to prime-time venues and hotels, which is why it's referred to as East Africa's happiest city. Kampala has been ranked the best city to live in in East Africa, ahead of Nairobi and Kigali, by Mercer, a global development consulting agency based in New York City. The city boasts many attractions visitors warmly explore every time they visit Uganda, including the Uganda Museum, which explores the country's tribal heritage through an extensive collection of artifacts. Uganda National Theatre, Nakasero Market and Owino Market, Port Bell on the shores of Lake Victoria is 10km away. Kampala hosts a Baha'i Temple of worship known as the 'mother Temple of Africa'. Ahmadiyya Central Mosque of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community and various shopping malls plus night clubs
Activities
Kasubi Tombs
Regal tombs of the Buganda people, Kasubi hill was originally called Nabulagala. When Mutesa I established his palace on the hill in 1882, he changed its name to Kasubi, a village in Kyagwe where he grew up. Four of the last Kings of the Kingdom of Buganda, namely, Mutesa I, Daniel Mwanga II, Daudi Chwa II, and Frederick Mutesa II, were buried in this gigantic dome-shaped grass-thatched house known as Muzibu Azaala Mpanga. Kasubi Royal Tombs of the Kings of Buganda was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in December 2001. It is a famous tourist site that records more than 50,000 visitors a year.
Uganda Museum
Ethnography and natural history display. The Uganda Museum located in Kampala was built in 1908. It is the oldest museum in East Africa. It holds more than 100,000 objects of historical value. It is also home to one of the oldest fossils dating back 20 million years.
Uganda National Mosque
A stunning mosque with tours and city views, the Mosque is located at Kampala Hill. The mosque is less than 15 years old, and it was built in 2006. It can hold up to 15,000 people at a time. The mosque was gifted to Uganda by the late leader of Libya, Muammar Gaddafi
Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine
Namugongo martyrs' shrine, where more than 20 catholic and Anglican 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 renew their faith by paying pilgrimage to the martyrs on June 3rd every year. A church was constructed in the shape of a traditional Baganda hut in memory of the martyrs. It stands on 22 copper 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.
Kabaka's Palace
Stately site with guided tours and gardens, the Kabaka's Palace is the official residence of the King of Kabaka. The majestic site is more than just a building; it provides a rich history of one of Uganda's oldest kingdoms, Buganda.
The Uganda Independence Monument
It is located in the center of the capital city of Kampala, Built just after its independence from the British in 1962. It is one of the most important pieces of Uganda's heritage. The tower signifies a new country born free from the effects of British colonization.
Visit the Kabaka's Lake
The Kabaka's lake is located in Ndeeba along Rubaga Road, a few kilometres from Kampala, the city Centre. It is neighbored by Rubaga Miracle Center. It is one of Uganda's and Africa's longest-surviving man-made lakes. The lake occupies an area of 2 km2 and is estimated to be 200 feet deep. Apart from the unique history and tradition that is attached to this lake, it also attracts people as they go to relax there. It is also home to different bird species. The lake can easily be accessed from the city center. Taxis are available in both old and new taxi parks that can drop you off at either Ndeba or along Rubaga Road.
Namirembe Cathedral (Saint Paul's)
Saint Paul's Cathedral Namirembe is another place of worship with a great view of the city of Kampala. Being the oldest cathedral in the city, Namirembe Cathedral is the regional cathedral of the Church of Uganda. The current building, which was constructed using bricks, is the fifth to be built, as previous structures were ruined. It is almost 100 years old and is held to be one of the most noteworthy places of worship in Africa
Rubaga Cathedral (Saint Mary's Cathedral)
There are many cathedrals and other places of worship in Kampala, and at least one is always included in visitors' itineraries of things to do in Kampala. Rubaga Cathedral is located on one of Kampala's original hills, Rubaga. It's the base of the Catholic Church in Uganda. The Cathedral was built in the early 20th century on land donated by the King of Buganda to missionaries and a Bishop. The views from the cathedral are amazing; the cathedral's exterior and the building itself are very grand and well-built. There's also a statue of St. Mary in the front and a memorial to the first African Catholic bishop in Uganda
Visit the Bahai Temple
There are thousands of people in Uganda who practice the Bahai faith, and there are only seven Bahai temples in the world. One of these temples is located on the outskirts of Kampala! You can walk through the beautiful gardens or get a short tour and learn about the Bahai faith and other related information. It's a very peaceful and serene environment with great views. Just pay a visit as long as you are in Kampala.
Makerere University
The first university in Kampala and Britain's East African colonies, Makerere is still the most highly regarded. The university boasts interesting architecture and wide-ranging gardens. Alumni include prime ministers and well-known intellectuals. Nobel Prize-winning author V.S. Naipaul spent time here as a writer-in-residence, and American travel writer and novelist Paul Theroux once taught at the University.