Understand

Kampala, the largest city in Uganda with a population of approximately 2.5 million, is a vibrant and welcoming destination. Unlike other bustling cities, Kampala is still relatively unaffected by heavy traffic and urban sprawl. Safety is also a priority in this city, where it is perfectly safe to explore even at night. The presence of numerous Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) adds to the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Kampala, making it a hub for both locals and expats alike.

Get in

When arriving in Kampala by air, your flight will land at Entebbe, a city located 35 km southwest of Kampala. To enter Uganda, you will need to obtain a visa. The cost of the entry visa is typically USD $50 for a three-month stay or $100 for the East Africa Visa, which allows you to travel to Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. Make sure to have the required amount in cash (USD or UBX), as credit cards are not accepted at passport control. Before your arrival, check if you need a visa for your specific nationality. Although visas on arrival are still available for most nationalities, it is now mandatory to apply for a visa online. You can apply via the official website [https://visas.immigration.go.ug](https://visas.immigration.go.ug). The processing time can range from 24 hours to 5 working days. During the application, you will need to upload your travel itinerary, yellow fever certificate, and return ticket. You can use a bus ticket as a valid form of return. It is usually required to show an international vaccination certificate for yellow fever, although this regulation may not always be strictly enforced. To travel from Entebbe to Kampala, you have several options. The quickest way is to take a taxi, such as Bolt or Uber, which will cost you approximately UBX 130,000. Alternatively, you can take a short taxi ride to the Taxi Park in Entebbe (approximately UBX 10,000) and find minibuses that go to the Taxi Park in central Kampala (UBX 3,000 one way). Hotel shuttles, like the one offered by the Sheraton, are also available. If you prefer a longer journey, you can take a bus from Nairobi to Kampala, which takes around 13 hours. Companies like Mash Poa and Modern Coast offer overnight options, and prices start from 2,400 Kenyan shillings.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

1. Matoke - Matoke is a traditional Ugandan dish made from unripe bananas (plantains) that are steamed and then mashed. It is often served with grilled or fried chicken, fish, or beef, accompanied by vegetables such as sukuma (collard greens) and matooke plantain seeds. The dish reflects Uganda's agricultural abundance and its culinary roots.

2. Rolex - Rolex is a Ugandan street food derived from the Indian roll, but with an East African twist. It typically consists of a wheat flour crepe filled with scrambled eggs, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, and either beef, chicken, or suya (marinated, skewered, and grilled meat). Rolex is commonly eaten at breakfast or as a quick snack throughout the day.

3. Kabalagala - Kabalagala, also known as Gulu chicken, is a popular Ugandan dish originating from the Northern Ugandan region. Consisting primarily of chicken cooked in a tomato-based stew, it is flavored with a unique blend of local herbs and spices, including magi (a type of bouillon cube), garlic, onions, and fresh or dried chili peppers. The dish is often accompanied by sides such as mashed matoke or posho (maize porridge).

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing