UWA & KCCA Discuss Matters on Conservation

The new Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Dr. James Musinguzi, has met and held discussions with the Executive Director of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Sharifa Buzeki, to renew and strengthen their collaboration on conservation and sustainability initiatives in Kampala.

The two leaders revisited key areas of partnership under an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed nine years ago, in October 2016.

In his speech, Dr. Musinguzi commended KCCA for a fruitful partnership that has significantly promoted wildlife visibility and conservation awareness in the city. He reaffirmed UWA’s commitment to strengthening this collaboration under the current MoU.

Dr. Musinguzi highlighted several achievements under the MoU, including the reconstruction and full operationalization of the Wildlife Information Centre at Sheraton Kampala Hotel; facilitation of staff retreats, leisure trips, and exposure visits for KCCA staff to various national parks; and joint wildlife conservation education programs targeting Kampala schools.

These programs have also supported student trips to protected areas and facilitated interaction with wildlife professionals.

Other accomplishments include the erection of ten symbolic animal sculptures along Kira Road to beautify the city and raise awareness about Uganda’s biodiversity. Additionally, two major wildlife monuments, the Impala on Kimathi Avenue and the Gorilla on Speke Road, have reinforced Kampala’s image as a nature-conscious capital.

Dr. Musinguzi emphasized the need to enhance coordinated management of urban wildlife species such as monkeys and birds to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.

He also noted on the scaling up conservation education programs in Kampala schools by leveraging UWA’s outreach officers and educational tools.

The UWA ED announced plans to expand the wildlife sculpture initiative by adding five more installations, bringing the total to fifteen. New streets will also be identified to visually promote conservation themes.

Dr. Musinguzi also proposed the renewal of the current MoU to incorporate emerging priorities, including the designation of Kira Road as “Wildlife Street” in recognition of its role in urban beautification and wildlife awareness.

Technically called for the establishment of a joint UWA-KCCA technical working group to plan, coordinate, and monitor agreed-upon activities.

KCCA Response

The KCCA executive director, Mrs Buzeki in the accompany of the KCCA Deputy Executive Director and several technical officers, expressed her agency’s commitment to building a vibrant, attractive, and sustainable city that offers an exceptional experience for residents, businesses, and visitors.

“KCCA is committed to strengthening our partnership with UWA, particularly in the areas of wildlife conservation, tourism promotion, and environmental education within the city,” she said.

“We are dedicated to urban conservation by ensuring that our cherished bird species are protected, even amidst increasing construction and infrastructure development. We must consistently work together to create sustainable habitats for these beautiful species.”

She added that KCCA is currently enforcing a no-littering policy and maintaining green spaces by prohibiting inappropriate dumping and trespassing. The authority is also enhancing these green areas for greater ecological value.

“With proper waste management practices both at the source and at our final management site in Buyaala we believe we can protect our lakes, rivers, flora, and fauna for future generations,” she stated.

Stephen Masaba, Senior Manager for Tourism and Business Development at UWA, noted that the two agencies have achieved 90% of the objectives set under the original MoU.

He said the new MoU will focus on managing areas where wildlife exists within the city, such as wetlands and forested zones, with an emphasis on protecting wildlife and promoting related tourism products.

“We are also exploring ways to make it easier for schools to visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), and we’re considering additional streets to be included in the partnership,” Masaba added.

Experience Kampala Like a Local

Are you looking to exploring Kampala, the city of seven hills? Here are some important tips to make it easy to plan your next Uganda safari and have a great time in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. These tips will not only save your time and money but also get you to have an experience of a lifetime.

Experience Local Markets & Street Life

Uganda’s markets are central to daily life, serving as places of trade, social interaction, and cultural exchange. These markets offer a direct look at the informal economy for tourists looking to understand how commerce operates beyond supermarkets and formal retail stores.

Owino Market – The Largest Informal Market

In Kampala, Owino Market is the country’s largest informal market, known for its extensive selection of second-hand clothing, household goods, and handcrafted items. The narrow pathways are lined with thousands of stalls, and the energy is defined by the sound of bargaining, the movement of goods, and the scent of freshly prepared snacks sold from makeshift food stations. Visitors should be prepared for an unstructured shopping experience, where negotiation is expected, and cash transactions are the norm.

Nakasero Market – A Fresh Produce Hub

Nakasero Market is the primary supplier of fruits, vegetables, and spices for fresh produce. Located in the city centre, this market provides an overview of Uganda’s agricultural produce, much of which is organically grown. Vendors arrange their goods in neat piles, offering everything from matoke (green bananas) to fresh passion fruits and aromatic spices. Early mornings are the best time to visit, as traders receive fresh stock and local restaurant owners make their selections for the day.

Tips for Navigating Ugandan Markets

Market visits require patience and adaptability. Unlike structured retail spaces, these environments are informal, with little signage and unpredictable layouts. Here are some key considerations:

• Dress Modestly: Markets are practical, work-oriented spaces, and dressing conservatively helps avoid unnecessary attention.
• Carry Small Denominations: Vendors often struggle to provide change for large notes, so having smaller bills makes transactions smoother.
• Stay Aware of Belongings: Crowded areas can be hotspots for petty theft, so a crossbody bag or money belt is advisable.
• Engage in Bargaining: Haggling is expected and, if done respectfully, can be an enjoyable part of the experience.

Rolex – Uganda’s Most Popular Street Food

One of the most straightforward and accessible dishes is the Rolex, a rolled chapati filled with eggs, tomatoes, onions, and cabbage. Street vendors prepare it on open griddles, quickly cooking the ingredients before wrapping them into a compact, easy-to-eat meal. Found in nearly every town, Rolex stalls are busiest in the morning and late evening when workers and students grab a quick, affordable bite.

Traditional Ugandan Meals at Local Eateries

For a full meal, small restaurants known as kafundas serve home-style Ugandan dishes at affordable prices. Meals typically include starch such as matoke (steamed green bananas), posho (mingled maize flour), or sweet potatoes paired with a sauce made from beans, groundnuts, beef, chicken, or fish. The food is slow-cooked, often over firewood, giving it a distinct depth of flavour.

Some of the best places to experience this dining are busy neighbourhoods where office workers and boda boda riders eat during lunch breaks. Unlike Western-style restaurants, these spots often serve food buffet-style, allowing customers to choose their preferred combination of dishes. Cutlery is available, but many locals prefer to eat with their hands, particularly when matoke or posho is involved.

Local Drinks – Waragi and Malwa

Waragi and Malwa are two options worth exploring for those interested in traditional beverages. Waragi is a locally distilled gin, often enjoyed in informal bars or roadside kiosks. It varies in strength and flavour depending on the distillation process, with some versions being commercially bottled while others are homemade.

Malwa, on the other hand, is a communal drink made from fermented millet. It is traditionally served in a clay pot and consumed through long straws by groups of people sitting in a circle. Drinking Malwa is as much a social activity as a refreshment, often accompanied by discussions on politics, business, and daily life.

Learn Some Luganda & Other Local Phrases

While English is widely spoken in Uganda, learning a few local phrases can significantly enhance interactions with residents. Luganda, the most commonly spoken indigenous language, is prevalent in central Uganda, including Kampala. Other regions have their dominant languages, such as Runyankole in western Uganda, Ateso in the east, and Luo in the north.

Tourists who make an effort to communicate in local languages are often met with appreciation, as it demonstrates respect and a willingness to connect with the community. Even basic greetings and expressions can make conversations smoother and help build rapport with vendors, drivers, and hosts.

Essential Luganda Phrases for Daily Interactions

• Gyebale ko – Well done (a polite greeting, especially when someone is working)
• Oli otya? – How are you?
• Gyendi – I am fine
• Webale/Weebale nyo – Thank you/Thank you very much
• Ssebo/Nnyabo – Sir/Madam (respectful address)
• Tugenda wa? – Where are we going?
• Mpa ekyo – Give me that (applicable in markets)
• Simanyi Luganda – I don’t know Luganda

Regional Language Variations

While Luganda is dominant in central Uganda, different regions have distinct languages. Here are a few standard greetings from other parts of the country:

Western Uganda (Runyankole/Rukiga):

• • Agandi? – How are you?
  • Nimarungi – I am fine
  • Webare munonga – Thank you very much

Eastern Uganda (Ateso/Lumasaba):

• • Ejai? – How are you? (Ateso)

Northern Uganda (Luo/Acholi/Langi):

• • Itye nining? – How are you? (Acholi)
  • Apwoyo matek – Thank you very much

Why Learning Local Phrases Matters

• Builds instant connections – Locals appreciate the effort, making interactions friendlier.
• Improves market and transport experiences – Vendors and drivers are likelier to offer fair prices and assistance.
• Enhances cultural respect – Using local greetings shows an understanding of Ugandan etiquette.
• Helps in rural areas – English proficiency decreases outside major cities, making basic local phrases useful.

Tracking the Wild Gorillas in Uganda & Rwanda

Watching mountain gorillas up close in the wild of Rwanda and Uganda is one of the most exciting adventures that you can take while traveling Africa. This amazing adventure is one of the most popular on the bucket list of most travelers visiting East Africa. There are four national parks where travelers can see the endangered mountain gorillas; Bwindi Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in Congo. Of all these parks, there are two national parks which are most frequented by tourists interested in seeing the gorillas in the wild; Parc Nationale des Volcans and Bwindi Impenetrable national park. These parks have several habituated gorilla groups that can be visited by tourists.

The Gorilla Trekking Adventure

For many travellers who have visited gorillas in Africa this adventure is the single lifetime wildlife viewing experience that they have ever taken in the world. No wonder these trips are sometimes referred to as a luxury safari in Africa. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo is taken in a very organized way to protect the endangered gorillas in their natural homes. There are strict roles that guide visitors going for gorilla safaris within the national parks where gorilla tourism has been developed. These rules are aimed at protecting both the visiting tourists and the mountain gorillas.

Planning a Gorilla Trek

•  It is advisable to take your time and plan a visit to Rwanda, Uganda or Congo. Given that a few gorilla passes (permits) are available, it is advised to plan your trip early enough.
• Always use a local tour operator or a specialist travel agency given that they are more acquainted with the existing conditions within the different locations for gorilla watching.
• On your safari, remember to pack enough and recommended clothes that are suitable for hikes. Don’t forget your jungle boots given that the trek takes you past muddy paths and involves hikes up the steep slopes.
• After your trek, it is advisable to embrace ecotourism by visiting the local community. In Bwindi, a visit to Batwa local community who were the inhabitants of the forest is highly recommended.
• Adhere to the strict rules set on your gorilla permit so that sustainable gorilla tourism can be maintained and promoted in the visited destinations.

Gorilla trekking Trips

Looking for a great deal on gorilla trekking? Several local tour operators offer gorilla trekking excursions and tours to visit the mountain gorillas in Africa. Most of these travel agencies that are both inbound and outbound offer amazing gorilla trips in an organized and well managed way. If you prefer one day excursions the  Volcanoes national park Rwanda is the ultimate destination to visit and scheduled trips are available from Kigali. If you prefer watching the gorillas in Bwindi national park – Uganda or Mhaginga national park, you need at least 3 minimum days if you are to start your trip from Kampala or Entebbe. An alternative place to see the mountain gorillas in the wild is the Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

There are several tourists who opt for to visit to at least two gorilla parks since the distance between is short. It’s very advisable for those who would like maximize their gorilla watching experience to visit both parks. Bot treks in the two parks offer quite a different experience and setting, thus a more rewarding experience. From both parks, there are multiple families of gorillas that have been habituated for tourist visits. Each family is composed of a number of gorillas including silverback gorilla, adult females, buckbucks (adult males) and juveniles.Each group allows a maximum of 8 tourists per day who are selected to see an individual family either on purchase of the gorilla permits or at the assembly point in the parks.

Running in Kampala

Bright colours, headbands and the tightly laced sneakers of a runner have become an everyday sight in Kampala’s landscape. John, a self-professed running addict, runs for 30 minutes most mornings through his neighbourhood in Naguru. He has been running for three years now and while initially the reason was to keep healthy now he runs because he enjoys it. When he goes three days without running he says he feels a little unbalanced. Whenever John runs, he now sees more people on the trail with him. To him, this is a good indication that more people are taking up running or that those already involved are being consistent with it.

Running is easy because there are next to no rules. John refers to it as the lazy man’s exercise. All you need, he says, is some road and to put one foot in front of the other. It is cheap and there is no special gear required. You do not even need a map although some runners choose to run designated trails. Like any venture he urges some caution. His golden rules are running in well lit places and carrying your cell phone.

For the aesthetic mind, a scenic route is a good choice. In Kampala, those interested in a bit of a challenge can run on hilly terrain. While there are a number of running trails in the city many people, like John, choose to run near their homes or workplaces for convenience.

WalkJogRun.net is a U.S. based website dedicated to mapping running trails. People from across the world can map their running or walking courses. Caitlin Seick, a marketing associate at WalkJogRun.net, confirms that they have some routes in Uganda which were all created by members on the site. Some of their routes can be found at: http://www.walkjogrun.net/running-routes/Uganda/.

Running goes beyond just exercise for WalkJogRun.net. They also partner with charity organizations to promote running events such as the recently held Run Awake 5k for the Achon Uganda Children’s fund.

For others, it is easier to run in a group. The Kampala Hash House Harriers are the most well-known running group in the city. Although they are dedicated runners it appears that running is their secondary objective – the primary one being to meet people and have a good time. As they say, they are drinkers, with a running problem or runners with a drinking problem.

The eccentricities of the group are widely detailed – members can be ‘punished’ for stretching before a run, or showing up with a new pair of shoes by having to drink a beer, or soft drink, out of one of their shoes. Punishments can range from having beer tossed at you to you having to wear a toilet seat around your neck while kneeling inside a circle of the other runners.

The Kampala Hash House Harriers meet on Mondays at 6pm at an earlier communicated place and run a trail set by the trail master. This can be anywhere in the city so the routes are posted online. Martin Fowler, known to the group as ‘Hacking Bush’ (nicknames/hash handles are another custom of the group) says membership is as easy as simply showing up with 8,000 UGX. The trails change constantly.

In addition to the weekly runs, the Hashers also hold a number of running events. In February, the Hashers tackle the 7 Hills Run around Kampala, an affair that is topped off by lots of celebration and drinking, of course. Another event on their calendar is the Jinja Relay in early July. The Hash Bash is the final running event of the year. All this fun also has some heart to it. At the end of the year they give a surplus of their collections to a charity of their choosing. Find them on their Facebook page.

Popular Marathons

There are annual Marathons in Kampala. The biggest group of runners in the city can be spotted at these events;

• Kabaka Birthday Run: This is organised in April every year in remembrance of the birthday of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II. This event normally runs on the Sunday before 13th April, the birthdate of the Kabaka. The event attracts thousands of Ugandans in Kampala and it has the 5km, 10km and 21km. There is always a Community cause for this event. More details about the Buganda Road race can be found on their site and Facebook page. https://www.bugandatourism.com/events/kabaka-birthday-run
•  The MTN Kampala Marathon: The marathon is held in November every year and there is a particular cause to run for! It has the 42km, 21km and 10km legs. It also caters for disabled participation. Both professional and amateur runners dabble at the yearly event. Preparations for this are serious as there is a generous prize for the winner.
• The Buganda Road Race is another annual running event organised by the Buganda kingdom.

Organizations and communities such as the International School of Uganda also hold charity runs.

Discovering Reliable Car Rentals in Kampala

Renting a car for self-drive exploration in Kampala with a reliable Uganda car rental provides the flexibility and freedom to navigate the city and venture into the countryside at your own pace. Named Pearl of Africa by Churchill, it has a lot to offer from game viewing to sceneries, and culture. These have attracted a lot of tourists’ attention to visit the country either on guided or self-drive road trips. Here’s a comprehensive guide to finding reliable self-drive car rental services in Kampala:

Choosing the Right Rental Company

When selecting a car rental company in Kampala, consider the following factors to ensure reliability and quality service:

• Reputation: Opt for well-established rental agencies with positive reviews from previous customers. Research online or ask for recommendations from fellow travelers.
• Fleet Options: Look for companies offering a diverse range of vehicles, including compact cars for city driving, SUVs for off-road adventures, and 4WDs for exploring rural areas and national parks.
• Condition of Vehicles: Ensure that the rental vehicles are well-maintained, clean, and equipped with essential safety features. Check the age of the fleet and inquire about regular servicing and maintenance.

Rental Requirements and Documentation

• Driver’s License: You’ll need a valid driver’s license from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended and may be required by some rental companies.
• Insurance: Verify that the rental agreement includes comprehensive insurance coverage, including third-party liability, collision damage waiver (CDW), and theft protection. Understand the terms and conditions regarding insurance claims and deductibles.
• Deposit: Some rental companies may require a security deposit, which is refundable upon returning the vehicle in good condition.

Booking Process and Additional Services

• Reservation: Book your rental vehicle in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure availability and competitive rates.
• Additional Services: Inquire about additional services offered, such as GPS navigation systems, child seats, and roadside assistance. Confirm any extra fees associated with these services.

Pricing and Payment

• Cost Transparency: Request a detailed breakdown of rental costs, including daily rates, insurance fees, and taxes. Clarify fuel policies (full-to-full or full-to-empty) to avoid unexpected charges.
• Payment Options: Most rental companies accept major credit cards for payment and deposit purposes. Confirm any foreign transaction fees with your bank.

Customer Support and Emergency Assistance

• 24/7 Assistance: Choose a rental company that offers round-the-clock customer support and emergency assistance in case of breakdowns, accidents, or other issues during your rental period.
• Local Knowledge: Seek recommendations from the rental company regarding driving routes, traffic regulations, and safety tips specific to Uganda and Kampala.

Conclusion

Finding a reliable self-drive car rental service in Kampala is essential for a smooth and enjoyable travel experience in Uganda. By selecting a reputable rental company, understanding rental requirements, and preparing adequately for your journey, you can explore Kampala and its surroundings with confidence and convenience. Plan ahead, choose the right vehicle for your needs, and embark on a memorable self-drive adventure in Uganda’s vibrant capital city.

What Makes Self driving the best Option?

There are many reasons that make self-drive the best option when hiring a car over the others. Discover what makes self-drive the best option when renting a car in Uganda or why you should get a self-driving car rather than driver guided rental vehicles. Self-drive tours by far have become more popular than ever before. They are a preferred option that allows visitors to explore the wonders of Uganda with ease.

If you are contemplating between hiring a car for self-drive and driver guided rentals, then it is high time it ended. Here is what makes self-drive the best option when hiring a car for a holiday in Uganda.

Hygiene

Hygiene on a road trip is essential although some people tend to ignore it. Self-drive rental cars are the best options, especially if you want a means that guarantees you good hygiene on your road trip. This is especially during hard times like pandemic outbreaks. Hiring self-drive cars allows you to maintain hygiene unlike other means of travel like public transportation.

Using self-drive rental cars, it is possible to monitor or ensure that everyone has sanitized or the car is properly sanitized. Even in terms of interior hygiene itself, self-drive cars accommodate fewer people which makes it easier to observe good hygiene.

Privacy

Self-drive rental cars are the best option because they guarantee visitors ultimate privacy while on the road trip. You do not get disrupted or inconvenienced on your road trip like it is a case with public transportation. On self-drive road trip, you can be with your partners, friends or family. This is not the case with public means where you come across other categories of people with different behaviors.

Self-drive rental cars for road trips allow you to bond with your dear ones. The conversation is kept within yourselves throughout the road trip. You crack jokes, laugh and converse with no one watching or listening to you. It is the best way to keep secret while you enjoy your holiday or share memories.

Safety and security

Safety and security are essential on any road trip in Uganda/East Africa. Unlike other means like buses or taxis where drivers are forced to work for long hours with little rest, self-drive rentals allow you to have enough time to rest, relax and so on. You can simply park aside and take a nap any time you feel thus reducing any chances of road accidents.

When it comes to road traffic rules, often, visitors on self-drive tour observe the speed limit and other security protocols. Besides, the self-drive cars are fitted with safety gear like seat belts in all the seats which won’t be the case with public buses.

Pocket-friendly

Self-drive rental cars are available for hire at the pocket-friendly prices making them the best option compared to driver guided car hire. As low as USD 50, you can hire a car for a self-drive tour in Uganda. This makes self-drive the most cost effective means of getting around Uganda.

Flexibility

Self-drive is the best option of getting around Uganda thanks to its flexibility. On a road trip, visitors can make stopovers at any point and any time of the day. As a result, you have freedom to explore the destination to the fullest compared to when in a driver guided road trip or public transportation. This makes it the best option for visitors in search for convenient ways of getting around Uganda.

Comfort and convenience

Self-drive rental cars guarantee you ultimate comfort and convenience on a road trip in Uganda compared to public transportation. They come are ideal, especially if you are traveling with elderly family members or young children. While on self-drive, you save yourself from encountering unfamiliar groups, a factor commonly experienced in public transportation.

Easy accessibility

You can have access to your dream Uganda self-drive rental with ease from your reliable car hire service provider or company. When choosing a self-drive vehicle, you can make a choice on one that best suits your travel desires. There are multiple self-drive vehicles to choose for road trips and each is perfect for different kinds travel desires. Whether you need a car for an outdoor adventure or self-drive in the city, business road trip, there is an option for you.

Important self-drive tips

When hiring a car for self-drive in Uganda or any destination, these travel tips should be kept in mind.

• Inspect the car: Before you set off from the parking, conduct thorough inspection on the self-drive vehicle you have chosen for your road trip. During the inspection, you should take note of damages or any issues, fuel level and also take time to familiarize yourself with the features and controls of the car.
• Plan your road: Have a well-planned road trip with defined stopover points en-route, destinations to visit, restaurants and accommodation.
• Hire 4×4 rental car: Do not pick any car for self-drive road trips. A 4×4 self-drive rental car is best suitable for self-drive tours in Uganda or any part of East Africa. This is ideal, especially if your road trip will take you to the toughest terrains like the hillside of Kigezi highlands.
• Respect the environment: While on a road trip, nature should be respected. Do not throw rubbish anyhow but rather have your used items in one container in the vehicle. You can dump everything in one point on arrival rather than throwing things through the windows.
• Respect park regulations: If your self-drive road trip involves exploring national parks in Uganda, then ensure that you observe the set park regulations as much as you can. Respect wildlife as they freely roam in their habitat, drive at a minimal speed as indicated in the signpost in the park, do not hoot as this can scare away wildlife and others. Disrespecting the rules and regulations in place may come with heavy charges which perhaps you never planned for.

Conclusively, opting for self-drive tours/rental cars guarantees you multiple benefits including flexibility, freedom to explore the destinations, privacy, cost-effectiveness, safety and security on a road trip.

Nyama Choma: Best Places Where to Eat Meat in Kampala

Where Uganda has taken roasted and fried pork to an art form neighboring Kenya has their own: Nyama Choma, or roasted beef. In fact, Nyama Choma means ‘roasted meat’ in Kiswahili.

Nyama Choma is prepared by basting chunks of beef with a mixture of salted water while it roasts on the grill. It takes an average of thirty minutes to prepare and roast and is served either on a large plate or tray depending on the quantity you have ordered. When ordering, and depending on how many kilos you are prepared to consume, you can usually choose which you beef cut you prefer.

Nyama Choma is served either chopped into bite-sized pieces or brought as whole. As is custom, it is always served with side dishes like Kachumbari (a salad of diced tomatoes and onions), Ugali (a thick porridge made from maize meal), Mukimu (a dish made from a mixture of maize, potatoes and mashed vegetables) or French fries. Much like with pork, it is common for Nyama Choma fans to have a drink or two as they devour their meal.

Nyama Choma joints aren’t easy to find in Kampala but we have scouted out some of the finest so you don’t have any excuse not to try it!

Jeans Pub in Namuwongo is very popular among the nyama choma community – especially among Kenyans living in Uganda. “These guys prepare Nyama choma the proper way,” said Deejay Tumz a Kenyan national who has lived in Kampala for over five years. There, nyama choma is served with kachumbari, mukimu or ugali depending on your preference and a kilo is 20,000 UGX.

In Kansanga, right next to KIU Main Hostels, is Kungo Maito. This place is a favourite of Kenyan nationals living in Kampala as its nyama choma is relatively cheap. Served with sukuma wiki, a plate is as low as 2,500 UGX. A kilo goes for 20,000 UGX and half is 10,000 UGX.

Kruchy Bites is also another nyama choma place near Chicken tonight in Kansanga. Nyama choma here costs 16,000 UGX a kilo and half is 8,500 UGX without any accompaniments.

Nyama Point can be found in the Kamwokya Center on Old Kira Road. A kilo of choma here is 17,000 UGX. Half a kilo costs 9,000 UGX and side dishes such as sukuma wiki, spinach, ugali and roasted matooke are as low as 1,000 UGX per portion. They serve their nyama choma grilled, deep fried and pan fried. Nyama choma here is served on skewers or as whole meat which on their menu is referred to as tumbukiza.

In Bugolobi, opposite Nakumatt Supermarket, is Roosters. A kilo of Nyama Choma at this place costs 17,000 UGX and half a kilo is 8,500 UGX. A side dish of kachumbari, sukuma wiki, ugali or a combination of the three costs an extra 3,000 UGX.

Still in the Bugolobi area is Bamboo Nest. The only type of Nyama Choma served is goat’s meat on skewers. Each skewer costs 8,000 UGX and has 4 pieces of nyama. If you are interested in any side dishes, Kachumbari costs 3,000 UGX, cassava, Sukuma wiki, avocado portions start from as low as 1,000 UGX. They don’t serve ugali.

Rock Catalina is a bar in Ntinda town that has stood the test of time. A plate of nyama choma starts from as low as 6,000 with accompaniments of kachumbari and sukuma wiki. Half a kilo costs 12,000 UGX while a kilo is 24,000 UGX. As their banner indicated, they pride themselves in preparing nyama choma in the Kenyan style.

Triple R formerly known as R&R, located in Ntinda new market, is another place that serves nyama choma. A plate of Nyama Choma costs 7,500 UGX.

10 Best Places Where to Dine Out With Kids

Most families – whether big or small – would like to go out as a family but are restricted by having entertainment for their children. Very few restaurants and hotels in Kampala have facilities that cater for the needs of families with children. Below are a few that do in hopes that both parents and children can go out and have an enjoyable and relaxing time.

Hotel International in Muyenga has a kid’s park that is open all week long. While it is open all day, every day it is more visited on weekends and holidays. Parents can lounge in the gardens, restaurant or at the bar while the children in the park are looked after by a child minder. The park has a bouncing castle, a variety of swings, cartoon characters to mingle with the children, ice cream and cotton candy. There is also a swimming pool with a life guard on duty to guard the children. For those children who are aqua phobic, they can enjoy a donkey ride around the grounds. Hotel International: For more details call: +256414 510 204/2, +256 774 682 082, +256 774 680 037. Email: hotelinternational2000ltd@gmail.com and website www.hotelinternational2000.co.ug.

Centenary Park also has a playground at Vitamin Café, right next to Effendy’s Turkish Restaurant. They have child minders watching the child which allows parents to relax any of the other eateries in Centenary Park. Vitamin Café has food and soft drinks for the children and parents should place their child’s order before leaving and the miner’s will ensure that the children are well taken care of in their absence. The activities offered for the include: swings, slides, baby swings, and a bouncing castle. This children’s park is open for birthday parties and reservations can be made. Plot 34-38, Jinja road, Kampala, tel: +256 772 498215, +256 702 332288, email: sarakizito@centenaryparkuganda.com, info@centenaryparkuganda.com.

Vitamin Café: This is an amazing restaurant where you can have good time with your kids.

Café Roma in Muyenga (pictured above) also has facilities for children between the hours of 11.30am and 8.00pm. They have trained child miners who watch children on the playground which has a trampoline, swings, a slide, sandpit, and tree house. Children can also colour cartoon pages, or doodle on a chalkboard. If they would like they can also make their own pizza for lunch or dinner! Café Roma: Plot 689 Muyenga road, Kampala. Tel: +256 (0) 792 501 847. Email is cafferomauganda@hotmail.com

Silver City Spur is a steak restaurant located in Golf Course Hotel. They have well trained minders to take care of children of all ages and they are open all week. The children activities offered include: cartoon movies, play stations, trampoline, and face painting. They organize birthday parties and give away free party bag gifts and balloons. Silver City Spurs: Reservations can be made online: reservations@golfcoursehotel.com or by calling +256 414 563500, +256 312 302280. For more details: www.golfcoursehotel.com.

Tips for Hanging Out With Kids

Going to a restaurant that doesn’t have child minders, or entertain children needn’t be an unpleasant experience if you are prepared ahead of time. First, make sure your children know how they are expected to behave at a public restaurant.

Second, make sure they know that they are responsible for not only the family having a nice time but also the people dining around you having a nice time.

Third, consider a reward for good behavior – such as a dessert or other treat.

Fourth, consider bringing along some quiet activities to keep children occupied while at the restaurant. A book, puzzle, colouring pages, and crayons can do the trick. Remember that restaurants are, at once, very exciting to children, and very boring. There’s a lot of waiting for things that doesn’t normally happen during meal times at home and there’s a lot going on around them.

Hanging out with the kids at restaurants shouldn’t be a dreaded event. Find a location that meets your needs and your children will enjoy and have a great weekend together as a family.

Yujo Izakaya Japanese Restaurant

The owners of Yujo are young and enthusiastic about everything Japanese, a penchant reflected throughout the restaurant. Check the bottoms of the soy sauce cups if you’re unsure – no Chinese makes or models here. Everything in the restaurant is authentically Japanese including the ingredients 90 percent of which are from Japan.

The first dining area strikes the right mood being calm, cautiously lit, and open and with six to eight tables surrounding a large bar/sushi counter that seat about 20. There is also an ‘Izakaya’ dining area in another building where patrons sit on traditional tatami mats on the floor and eat from low tables.

The wait staff are numerous, attentive and knowledgeable – which is good as anyone less than a sushi aficionado will find the six page menu daunting. There were eight staff on the dining floor serving seven tables plus two chefs behind the counter.

The chefs have had 15 years training in Japanese cuisine and it shows in the dishes produced. Yujo’s does serve an ample variety of Japanese dishes so it would be a shame if it became pigeon-holed as a ‘sushi restaurant’ with customers not venturing on to other items. The Katsu Don (a bowl of rice topped with a deep fried pork, egg and vegetable) had a disappointing lack of promised leeks (being cheekily replaced by scallions) and vegetable but despite this was comparable to what one would find in London. The sushi was also comparable to decent London sushi restaurants. Sushi can be ordered a la carte or by platter with platter prices varying from 29,000 to 78,000. The platters were fresh and plentiful with only the shrimp being unimpressively chewy and the maki rolls being loosely rolled.

Starters vary from Miso Soup at 7,000 to Tempura, Udon, Tataki and Katsu up to 26,000. Other mains are in the 24,000-38,000 range. The drinks menu bears an extensive non-alcoholic section with concoctions veering inventively from the standard Kampala list of a couple of sodas and a juice options. Wine is served by bottle (up to 75,000) or by the glass (7,900).

Four other items bear special mention. First, parking is street side so can be limited. Second, unless dining early book a table – especially if your party is over four people – or you will find a wait or be seated at the bar. Third, the choices in background music on any given evening are bemusing – take notice – ranging from the greatest hits of the 60′s-80′s to South American pan pipes. Fourth, the toilets seem to have been imported from outer space and should be visited for the sake of themselves. The sinks, also of modern design and without taps seem impossible to switch on but it can be accomplished by twisting the faucet spout.

Overall, if diners are looking for a solid Japanese dining experience they can now find it in Kampala. If they’re looking for a magnificent experience perhaps Air Uganda could be persuaded to put a flight on to Tokyo.

The restaurant is open Mon-Sat, 12-3pm and 6-10:30pm. Closed on Sundays. Find Yujo on Facebook