Within splitting distance to Lake Victoria Kampala lies at an altitude of 1,155 meters. With approximately 1.5 million inhabitants, and the seat of government it is the undisputed center of Uganda. An impressive skyline, streets with a European flair, friendly people and a vanishingly low crime rate make a visit to the capital to a real highlight of your trip to Uganda.

Kampala was founded in the 19th Century, when the king of Buganda had his seat here in the hills. The name "Kampala" originated from the British envoy Lord Captain Frederick Lugard. There were numerous Impala-Antelopes found here at that time. From the Luganda translation for "hill of the Impala", Kasozi ka Impala, the short form " Kampala " was developed. This term referred to the hills of present-day Old Kampala, on which the Capt Lugard built his fort.

Once the fort was established more and more people were attracted to the city. The town grew rapidly and expanded to 7 hills. Today, referred to as the historical origins of Kampala: Mulago, Kololo, Kibuli, Rubaga, (Old) Kampala, Namirembe (Mulago), Makerere.

Each of the seven hills represents a predominant feature: On the hills Rubaga, Namirembe and Kibuli settled the central bodies of the three leading religious communities (Catholics, Protestants and Islam). Kololo / Nakasero form the Center for Public Administration and were the preferred residential areas of their employees. Makerere became the university campus and in Mulago settled health facilities. Interestingly, these identities remained until today.

Capital 1962

In 1906 Kampala was declared a town under UK law and it advanced into an administrative municipality in 1949. However it was in 1962 when it received the official status of a city. The British originally had their administrative headquarters in Entebbe and Kampala was only after an election to the capital of the free Uganda.

In the first decades the city grew steadily, had the best University in East Africa (Makerere University) and was an appeal to all the other African cities which was hard to surpass. During the civil war years under Obote and Amin, however, Kampala suffered heavily. Many buildings were destroyed and the infrastructure completely broke down.

Back to the old beauty

But it has got back to its feet and began experiencing a renaissance since the beginning of the 90s. Today Kampala is one of the most modern African cities and awakens in many areas the European feeling: many allees and parks, shops and hotels, bars and international restaurants. And Kampala is also one of the safest cities in Africa.

The attractiveness, however also shows its dark side, because the population is growing rapidly and the infrastructure is reaching its limits. This particularly applies to the streets, which were initially designed for only one third of the current population, that traffic always breaks down during the peak hours.

Kampala and its surroundings offer sightseeing, city walks and day trips opportunities.

Related Links

• Who was Captain Frederick Lord Lugard
• Background information on the Makerere University
• The website of the Makerere University
• Who was Milton Obote?
• Who was Idi Amin?
• Hotels and accomodation in Kampala, Uganda

Some sightseeing opportunities