Getting Around Kasese
Kasese is the largest town in the Rwenzururu region and the capital of Kasese District, sitting north of Lake George and east of the Rwenzori Mountains. It is also the gateway to Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Rwenzori National Park, so many visitors pass through on their way to or from the parks. The town itself is compact and its transport options are simple and informal rather than large-scale.
Boda-bodas: the main way to move around town
The most practical way for a visitor to move around Kasese is the boda-boda, the motorcycle taxi. They are available anywhere in town, and you can flag one down on the street for a short hop. Fares are low and paid in cash in Ugandan shillings. Agree on your destination and the price before you set off, and carry small notes so you can pay without needing change.
Rail, metro and tram
Kasese has no metro or tram network, and there is no urban rail service that a visitor can use to get around town. Rail in the wider area is associated with the historic Kilembe Mines operations rather than with a passenger transit system for the town, so you should not plan your movements around catching a train.
Buses and long-distance vans
Buses and minivans are how you reach Kasese from elsewhere in Uganda and how you continue onward, rather than a way of getting across town. Buses run between Kampala and Kasese, and the same services also connect Kasese with Fort Portal. In addition, 14-seat vans come into Kasese from Kabale and Mbarara. Fares are paid in cash in Ugandan shillings, and the journey from Kampala takes several hours, so plan to travel by day and allow time for the trip.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Beyond the boda-boda, there is no described taxi or ride-hailing network in Kasese. For getting around town, the boda-boda is the option to rely on; for longer journeys, use the buses and vans that serve the town.
Walking
Kasese is a walkable town for short trips, and walking is a reasonable way to reach nearby places such as the central market or the central business district. For anything further, or when you are carrying luggage, a boda-boda is the easier choice.
Arriving by air
Kasese Airport serves the town. Aerolink Uganda operates daily flights from Entebbe, so the usual way to arrive by air is to fly from Entebbe into Kasese Airport and then continue into town. From the airport, take a boda-boda or arrange your onward transfer to your accommodation.
Practical tips
- Carry cash in Ugandan shillings; boda-boda fares and bus fares are paid in cash.
- Agree the boda-boda fare before you start your journey.
- Use buses or 14-seat vans for travel to and from Kampala, Fort Portal, Kabale and Mbarara.
- Book Aerolink Uganda flights from Entebbe if you want to arrive in Kasese by air.
- Walk for short trips in the centre, and take a boda-boda for longer or heavier journeys.