From the top of Old Kampala Hill, the call to prayer rolls out over a city of seven hills and a thousand tin roofs. Below you, boda-bodas thread between matatus on the Entebbe Road, and somewhere past the taxi parks a drum troupe is warming up for a Monday night set. Kampala rewards the traveller who moves at its pace rather than against it.
The city suits curious, patient visitors: people happy to climb 272 steps for a view, to sit through a tribal dance performance, or to spend an afternoon on a Lake Victoria beach. It is less suited to those who want everything within walking distance of a single square.
This guide covers the sights and experiences worth your time, followed by a one-day plan that strings the best of them together.
Top things to do in Kampala
1. Uganda National Mosque (Gaddafi National Mosque)
A large modern mosque on Old Kampala Hill, completed in 2007 and said to be the second-largest in sub-Saharan Africa. The reason to come is the view: from up the minaret you get a close-up, bird's-eye look over the city.
Be ready for the climb — there are 272 steps to the top. Entry and the minaret visit with a guide costs USh 20,000. Just to the north of the mosque is Fort Lugard, where the first Governor of the Protectorate, Frederick Lugard, was posted, so you can pair the two on the same stop.
2. Kasubi tombs (Ssekabaka's Tombs)
The burial ground of four Kabakas (kings) of Buganda and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tombs are central to the identity of the Baganda people and act as a historical and spiritual symbol for Uganda.
The site was nearly completely destroyed in a 2010 fire but has been largely reconstructed with foreign aid. It sits on Kasubi Hill, about 5 km north-west of the city centre along Hoima Rd.
3. National Theatre (Uganda National Cultural Centre)
A big cultural centre on De Winton St, next to Parliament, with a theatre hosting dance shows and lessons, comedy, films, concerts, jam sessions, improv and discussion nights. There is a restaurant inside with a wide range of food and drinks, plus a library.
Check the programme at the entrance or online before you go. Every Monday there is a music night with live music from artists on stage. The large African Crafts Village attached to the venue has dozens of shops selling souvenirs and crafts, including pieces more artsy than what you will find elsewhere.
4. Nommo Gallery
Uganda's National Art Gallery, on Victoria Ave next to State Lodge. It is a calm, spacious, green oasis in the middle of the city, with exhibitions of paintings and sculptures that can be bought.
There are two restaurants on site, both frequented by government employees. It makes an easy, quiet stop between the National Theatre and the parliament area.
5. Lubiri (Mengo Palace) and Kabaka's Lake
The royal compound of the Kabaka on Mengo Hill, a large empty hill about 1 km south of the city centre that you can see from most places in town. It is historically significant, though there is not much to see.
The original Lubiri was destroyed in 1966 when Milton Obote took power and the Kabaka fled the country. To the west along the Lubiri Ring Road is Kabaka's Lake, a man-made body of water ordered by King Mwanga of Buganda, which you can walk around or canoe in. Be aware there is a sewage smell from water going directly into it. Entry to the lake area costs USh 500.
6. Namirembe Cathedral (Buwama)
An Anglican cathedral on Namirembe Hill, about 1 km west of the Gaddafi Mosque. By European standards it is a small cathedral, and not very interesting in itself, but it offers some views of the city.
This is the fifth Namirembe Cathedral in Kampala, built around the time of World War I after the first four were outgrown, blown down, nearly eaten by termites, and struck by lightning. Combine it with the mosque and the Rubaga cathedral for a hill-and-church circuit.
7. St Mary's Cathedral (Rubaga Cathedral)
The Catholic cathedral on Lubaga Hill, about 1 km west of Mengo Hill. It pairs naturally with the Lubiri and Namirembe Cathedral on a west-of-centre route.
8. Parliament of Uganda
The parliament building on Parliament Avenue was designed to represent the whole country and with visitors in mind. Look at the gate with the symbols of Uganda's different tribes, and the giant carved wood art covering the lobby walls.
From the taxi parks, walk east along Kampala/Entebbe Rd until you reach Parliament Ave. It is a short walk from the National Theatre, so the two fit together well.
9. Independence Monument
A small monument on Speke Rd/Nile Ave, between the Grand Imperial and Sheraton hotels. It is modest in size but carries large symbolic importance, and it is easy to see on foot while crossing the centre.
10. Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Namugongo
A shrine on Naalya-Namugongo Rd, about 9 mi from the Kampala CBD, dedicated to the 32 men who were burned to death on the order of King Mwanda II of Buganda in 1886 for refusing to renounce Christianity. It is open 08:30–18:00 daily.
Because of the distance, treat this as a half-day trip rather than a stop you slot between city-centre sights.
11. Bahai Temple (Bahá'í House of Worship)
A beautiful and incredibly peaceful place on Kikaya Hill, 8 km north of the city centre, with a nice view. It is open daily 09:00–17:00.
It is probably best reached by boda-boda or taxi. Go in the morning and combine it with a ride back through the northern hills.
12. Wamala tombs
The tombs where the remains of some of the earlier Buganda kings were buried, including Kabaka Ssuuna II (1836–1856). The single tomb building was completely destroyed by fire in 2012 and has since been reconstructed, which means there are no original tombs left in the city.
It lies about 14 km (30 minutes) north-west of the city centre along Hoima Rd: take a matatu to Nansana, then a boda-boda. There is no fixed entrance fee, though USh 20,000 is charged by security and may be negotiable.
13. Shri Sanatan Dharma Mandal Temple
A longstanding Hindu temple in Kampala at 10 Snay Bin Amir Rise, where the emphasis is on Lord Shiva. It is open Monday to Saturday 06:00–12:30 and 16:00–20:00, and closed on Sunday.
14. Ndrere Centre
Dinners and performances by the Ndere Troupe, including tribal dance, at Plot 4505 Kira Rd, Ntinda–Kisaasi Rd. It is one of the best ways to see Ugandan performance in an evening.
Check the website for times before you go. Tickets are USh 50,000.
15. Lake Victoria beaches: Ggaba Beach and KK Beach, One Love Beach, Latembe Beach
The city's lakefront beaches are a different side of Kampala. At KK Beach you get live music, drinks, food, huts, sunset views and security, with entry at USh 5,000. One Love Beach has music, boat rides and food, and you may be able to see Bulingugwe Island. Latembe Beach has a beach and pool, with boat rides out on the lake available.
Remember there is a risk of schistosomiasis in the Great Lakes of Africa. A boda-boda tour around town is a good way to reach the docks, beaches and fish markets at Ggaba or Port Bell; use a driver associated with the place you are staying and have them arrange an extra helmet. USh 20,000–30,000 will last you a couple of hours.
If you only have one day
Morning. Start on Old Kampala Hill at the Uganda National Mosque, climbing the minaret for the view over the city, then walk the short distance north to Fort Lugard. Continue west to Namirembe Cathedral on Namirembe Hill, then on to St Mary's Cathedral on Lubaga Hill.
Afternoon. Come down to Mengo Hill for the Lubiri and a walk around Kabaka's Lake along the Lubiri Ring Road. Head into the centre for the Independence Monument on Speke Rd/Nile Ave, then the Parliament of Uganda on Parliament Avenue, and finish the afternoon at the National Theatre on De Winton St, where you can see the African Crafts Village and check the programme for that evening.
Evening. Have dinner at the Ndrere Centre and watch a performance by the Ndere Troupe. If it is a Monday, the National Theatre's music night with live music is the alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Uganda Museum open?
No. The Uganda Museum has been closed to the public since 1 August 2024 for renovations, and no reopening date has been published. Many tour pages still list it as open, so check before travelling.
How do I get around Kampala?
A boda-boda tour is a good way to cover a lot of ground quickly, taking in the docks, beaches and fish markets at Ggaba or Port Bell and the hills with their views. Use a driver associated with the place you stay and have them arrange an extra helmet. Expect USh 20,000–30,000 for a couple of hours.
Can I visit Lake Victoria beaches, and is swimming safe?
Yes — Ggaba Beach and KK Beach, One Love Beach and Latembe Beach all offer food, music and boat rides, with KK Beach charging USh 5,000. Remember there is a risk of schistosomiasis in the Great Lakes of Africa.
What can I do outside the city centre?
The Bahai Temple on Kikaya Hill and the Uganda Martyrs Catholic Shrine Namugongo are both reachable by taxi or boda-boda. Entebbe can be easily reached from Kampala, so a day trip is possible, including the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where boats leave from near the zoo at 9AM and 1PM at US$70 for a 4-hour round trip.
Pick your hills, check the programme at the National Theatre and the Ndere Centre, and start planning your days in Kampala around what is actually open when you arrive.