Kampala City Guide

Local dishes like Matooke, Luwombo, and Rolex are popular. International cuisine is available, including Indian and Chinese. Vegetarian and vegan options exist. Some street food vendors and restaurants stay open late.

Nightlife is lively on weekends with many bars and clubs around Kololo, Bugolobi, and Kabalagala.

Coffee culture is strong with many cafes and local roasters. Uganda produces quality coffee beans.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Common in restaurants, taxis, and for services.

SIM cards are sold at the airport and shops. Best providers are MTN and Airtel with good coverage. ID and passport registration are required.

Cleanliness varies by area; central and upscale parts are cleaner than markets and some residential zones.

24/7 options are limited to some pharmacies, minimarts, and street food in nightlife areas.

Supermarkets like Shoprite, Capital Shoppers, Quality Supermarket, and Carrefour stock local and international goods. Fresh markets such as Nakasero and Owino offer local produce where bargaining is common.

Mobile money services like MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money are widely used, but cash is still needed for small vendors and transport. Card payments are growing in bigger places.

ATMs are common at major banks like Stanbic, Absa, Centenary, and Equity. International cards may have withdrawal fees, so check with your bank.

International schools like KISU, LISU, and Ambrosoli teach mainly in English. Enrollment can take time, and popular schools may have waitlists.

The digital nomad scene is small but growing with informal meetups and coworking spaces.

Green spaces like Centenary Park are available but limited in the city center. Residential areas have more parks.

Popular routes include Kololo and Bugolobi hills and National Stadium area. Safety at night can be a concern; group runs are better.

Gyms are available including hotel health clubs and specialized fitness centers.

Tennis courts exist at clubs like Kampala Club and Lugogo Tennis Complex. Padel is rare but emerging.

Padel is not common but slowly appearing in some clubs.

Several yoga studios and wellness centers operate in the city. Drop-in classes are common.

Martial arts schools offer Taekwondo, Karate, and boxing. BJJ and Muay Thai are rare. English-speaking instructors mostly in bigger gyms.

No skiing available.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing on Lake Victoria are available mainly near Entebbe and lakeshore resorts.

No surfing in Kampala or on Lake Victoria.

Limited freshwater diving near Ssese Islands with poor visibility and few facilities.

Private hospitals like Nakasero, Paragon, and International Hospital Kampala have English-speaking staff and better services. Pharmacies are common and some are open 24/7.

Tap water isn’t safe to drink. Always boil or filter it. Bottled water is easy to find and recommended.

Playgrounds and kid-friendly spots exist mostly in malls or private clubs. Baby supplies are easy to find. Attractions include Uganda Wildlife Education Centre and Wonder World Amusement Park.

LGBTQ+ acceptance is very low with high discrimination risks and no safe public events.

Pet policies vary. Vet services and pet supplies exist but no dedicated pet parks. Import rules are strict.