Things to do in Kampala : Kampala city is located in the central region of Uganda and about 37 square kilometers away from Entebbe international airport. The Buganda people first named Kampala as “kasozi ka Impala” because it acted as a natural sanctuary for the Impalas and later the British colonialists renamed it as Kampala to ease its way of pronunciation. More so, Kampala city is situated a few miles away from the shores of Lake Victoria, which provides chances to individuals to capture the classic views of the lake.
Kampala city was known as the centre for all the Buganda kingdom activities and a great hunting ground for the kings of Buganda which are referred to as the “the Kabaka’s” in the local language. However, after the arrival of the first white, other large numbers of foreigners kept increasing in the country such as; the Missionaries, explorers, colonialists and the Arab traders hence leading to the rapid development of modern ideas and business ideas within Kampala which improved to its commercial and ranked it as the Kampala city of Uganda. Kampala city is considered as the best place one can visit if they have their big interests in learning and exploring within the historical and cultural tourism of Uganda. However, apart from tourists visiting the historical sites there are other more interesting things to do and places that people can visit like; religious sites, political installments, bars and discotheques, restaurants, shopping malls, recreation centers and many others.
Things to do in Kampala.
Visiting the Bahai Temple.
The Bahai Temple is the only temple of the Bahai faith in the whole of Africa and it was constructed on Kikaya hill along the outskirts of Kampala city. This Bahai temple helps in increasing the people faith and their levels of humanity as it helps the understand better all the religion entails. More so, this Bahai faith originated from Persia/ Iran and the surrounding environment inside the temple is so calm and charming while the outside is beautiful and well-manicured gardens. However, individuals planning to visit this temple should note that people are not allowed to take photos while inside the temple due to the fact it is against the faith’s rituals and virtues. This Bahai temple is always open on a daily basis from 8:00 am to 6:00pm but the main service is always held on Sunday.
Kasubi tombs.
The Kasubi tombs are situated in the Northwest part of Kampala city on the Kasubi Hill and they are managed under the UNESCO because it is known as a cultural significance and historical hence making it the best place to visit and get to know about the history of the Kabakas of Buganda. . Kasubi tombs are famously known as the burial place for the for the royal family of the Buganda kingdom.
The Kabaka’s Lake.
Kabaka’s lake is located in Ndeeba and it is famously known and most visited because it is known as the largest man-made lake in Africa, which is 200 feet deep. Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda who took part in the digging process of the lake in order to give courage to his subjects built this lake. Till today, the clan leaders of Buganda are always seen gathering together to clean the lake. Therefore, this lake is considered as one of the tourist attractions within the Kampala city and tourists who opt to visit this lake have great opportunities to engage in several activities like; boat rides, bird watching, racing and this lake is also a perfect place for one to relax as it has a cool and breathe taking atmosphere around it. More so, there is a variety of accommodation facilities where individuals can have their stay around the lake.
The Buganda Parliament.
The Buganda parliament, which is also referred to as “Bulange”, is a place where important issues pertinent to the Buganda kingdom are always discussed. However, before this country was colonized, individuals were always seen gathering under the tree shades or grass thatched buildings to discuss their meetings but during the time of independence, the Buganda Parliament building received a major facelift with more modern materials. More so, the Buganda parliament always holds meetings every month and the king “Kabaka” of Buganda attends only the opening and the closing sessions of the meetings. Visiting this parliament will provide you with chances to learn more about the history of Buganda, its former kings and the Fifty-six different clans.
Apart from the mentioned above, there are so many things to do while in Kampala city that makes your tour worth it and these include; touring around old Kampala, Kibuli mosque, the Kabaka’s palace in Lubiri and Mengo, Uganda Martyrs shrines in Namugongo, Namirembe Cathedral, Rubaga Cathedral, going for shopping in the Owino market and many others.
