Kampala is one of the best cities to visit in Africa. This charming city is located along the shores of lake Victoria. Built originally on seven hills, Kampala has grown today into a big cosmopolitan city.
Quick Facts
Population: EST 4,000,000
Divisions: Kampala is made of 5 divisions: Kampala Central, Lubaga, Kawempe, Makindye, Nakawa
Size: 189km2
Mayor: Mr. Erias Lukwago (2011 – todate)
Distance to Airport: Entebbe International Airport 40km
Attractions: Numerous attractions in and around Kampala
Neighbouring Districts: Mukono, Mpigi, Wakiso
Commerce: Industry, Manufacturing, Import & Exports,
Local Economy: Variety of Shops, Restaurants & Bars, Hotels, Casinos, Offices, Boutiques, Malls.
Kampala is Uganda’s capital city and economic centre. It is also the largest urban centre in Uganda, with a population of 4 million people. Endowed with diversity of ethnic groups, blossoming economy, and its warm and friendly people, Kampala offers a wonderful introduction of Uganda.
Kampala was originally built on seven hills (or the seven hills of Kampala), however, over the last decades, the city has expanded to cover more and more hills than originally were. Today, Kampala enjoys the status of being East Africa’s most live city and being the safest place to walk on the streets during day time.
The Nakasero hill is the centre of Kampala, with most of the banks and foreign exchange services, offices blocks, president’s residence, foreign embassies and also features the finest restaurants, lodges plus the best hotels in Uganda. The hill also houses worships places and the Nakasero markets – (Kampala’s oldest market dated 1927), the Gardencity mall & Nakumatt Oasis shopping mall lie on the west side.
Downtown Kampala supports most of the small and private businesses which operate up to late evening, the two taxi parks and several bus stations, budget hotels, markets and many other facilities. The streets are busy during working hours, crowded with shoppers, hawkers and hustlers.The city has the highest number of motorcyles (boda-bodas) which are the cheapest means of transport if you wish to maneuver through most of Kampala’s busy streets.
On the southern side of Kampala, lies numerous organisation offices, the catholic and protestant cathedrals, the historical Bulange building and Mengo Palace and the Mengo hospital. On the west, is the Makerere hill with the Makerere University at the top of the hill, while down the hill are several business areas like Nakulabye and Wandgegeya.
The city has got several residential popular suburbs like; Kololo, Nagulu hill, Bugolobi, Kansanga, Munyonyo, Nakulabye, Ntinda and many others.This fascinating city, offers something for everyone to enjoy. From day-time adventures and shopping, to good restaurants and take-ways, as well as late-nightclubs & bars.
Climate
Kampala is located in Central Uganda, a few kilometers from the equator. The central region enjoys a mild equable climate due to its altitude and the cooling breezes from the mountains. The day temperature averages about 26°C and night temperatures are around 16°C.
There are two distinct rainy seasons; the first is during the months of March and May and the second during the months of September and November. The mean annual rainfall varies from about 760 mm in the northeast to about 1,520 mm near Lake Victoria.
Economy
Kampala city center is mainly the industrial and business district of Uganda while in the suburbs are dominated by small scale industrial and agricultural production.