Kampala

Kampala originally referred to only the present-day Old Kampala hill, on whose summit Fort Lugard was located, and the initial headquarters of the British colonial authorities in the soon to be Uganda Protectorate.{{cite web |title=Visit Kampala, Uganda |url=https://visitafrica.site/kampala.html |website=Visit Africa |access-date=January 9, 2024 |archive-date=9 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109172605/https://visitafrica.site/kampala.html |url-status=dead }}

Before the British construction of Fort Lugard, the hill was a hunting reserve of the Kabaka (King) of Buganda and had several species of antelope, especially the impala. As a result, when the British colonial officials were allocated this hill by the then Kabaka of Buganda, they referred to it as "The Hill of the Impala".{{citation needed|date=July 2022}}

The natives, in whose territory this British settlement was located, then translated "Hill of the Impala" as Akasozi ke'Empala. This was then shortened to K'empala and finally Kampala. Kasozi means "hill", ke "of", and empala the plural of "impala". Hence the name "Kampala" came to refer to this initial British colonial settlement that would later on spread out from the occupied Old Kampala hill near the pre-existing Kibuga (capital) of the Buganda Kingdom.{{cite web

| url=http://www.myetymology.com/encyclopedia/Kampala.html

| title=Kampala: Origin of The Name

| publisher=Myetymology.com

| access-date=11 June 2014

| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231000657/http://www.myetymology.com/encyclopedia/Kampala.html

| archive-date=31 December 2013

| url-status=usurped

}}

{{For timeline}}

File:Uganda. Kampala. The city from Cathedral Hill LOC matpc.00324.jpg

This area of numerous hills and swamps that later become known as Kampala was part of the core of the highly centralised Buganda Kingdom. It was also the site of the shifting Kibuga (capital) of the different Bassekabaka (kings) of the Buganda Kingdom, with each Kabaka (king) upon coronation, or subsequently during their reign, setting up their Kibuga (capital) on a new and or different hill as they wished or desired.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

The first written description of this Kibuga (capital) was by the explorer Sir Richard Burton in his book, The Lake Region of East Africa, published in 1860. In the book, Burton, relying on the information collected by Snay Bin Amir, an Arab trader, described the Kibuga as:

{{Blockquote|text=…the settlement is not less than a day's journey in length, the buildings are of cane and rattan. The sultan's (Kabaka) palace is at least a mile long and the circular huts neatly arranged in a line are surrounded by a strong fence which has only four gates.}}

In 1862, when explorer John Speke arrived in Buganda, the Kibuga (capital) was at Bandabarogo, present-day Banda Hill, and the reigning Kabaka (King) was Mutesa I.{{Cite web | url=https://archive.org/details/journaldiscover02spekgoog/page/n280 | title=Journal of the Discovery of the Source of the Nile| publisher=Harper| year=1864}}

In 1875, explorer Henry Morton Stanley reported the capital as being at present-day Lubaga Hill, where he met the same Kabaka, {{nowrap|Mutesa I.}}

During this visit, Stanley wrote a letter that was published in The Daily Telegraph, inviting missionaries to come to Buganda. He also described the Kibuga in his 1870s dispatches to The New York Herald, thus:

{{Blockquote|text=As we approached the capital, the highway from Usavara [Busabala] increased in width from {{convert|20|ft|m|0|abbr=in|disp=sqbr|sp=us}} to {{convert|150|ft|m|abbr=in|disp=sqbr|sp=us|round=5}}...Arrived at the capital I found the vast collection of huts crowning the eminence were the Royal Quarters, around which ran several palisades and circular courts, between which and the city was a circular road, ranging from {{convert|100|ft|m|0|abbr=in|disp=sqbr|sp=us}} to {{convert|200|ft|m|abbr=in|disp=sqbr|sp=us|round=5}} in width with gardens and huts...|source=Bennet, N.R. (ed.) Stanley's Dispatches to the New York Herald, 1871–1872, 1874–1877, Boston, 1970.}}

In 1877, the first missionaries from the Church Mission Society, who were of the Protestant faith, arrived from the United Kingdom and were allocated Namirembe Hill. Two years later, in 1879, the Catholic White Fathers also arrived, first settling at the present-day village of Kitebi near Lubaga; subsequently, they would be allocated Lubaga Hill. The arrival of these two missionary groups laid the ground for the religious wars of 1888 to 1892 between their new converts and forced the missionaries from Great Britain to then lobby for the British government to take over Buganda/Uganda as a protectorate.{{citation needed|date=July 2022}}

In 1890, Frederick Lugard, an agent of the Imperial British East Africa Company, arrived in Buganda during the reign of Kabaka Mwanga II, with whom he signed a treaty of protection by the British government over Buganda, and the Kibuga (capital) was located at Mengo Hill. Captain Lugard would, later on, be allocated the Kampala hill that would soon be known as Old Kampala, and on which he built a fort.{{Cite journal |last=Monteith |first=William |date=11 December 2017 |title=Markets and monarchs: indigenous urbanism in postcolonial Kampala |url=https://doi.org/10.1080/2201473X.2017.1409402 |journal=Settler Colonial Studies |volume=9 |issue=2 |pages=247–265 |doi=10.1080/2201473X.2017.1409402|s2cid=158135082 }}

In 1895, Mengo Senior School, the first school offering Western education in Kampala, was opened by the Church Missionary Society at Namirembe hill, where mostly the children of chiefs and pages of the royal palaces were students.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

In 1897, Mwanga launched a rebellion but was defeated and was subsequently captured and exiled, in 1899, to the Seychelles alongside Omukama Kabalega, and his 3-year-old son was made Kabaka by the combined forces of the European officers leading Nubian and Baganda colonial soldiers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/SpecialReports/ugandaat50/1370466-1379638-14dfxax/index.html|title=The betrayal and capture of Mwanga and Kabalega|website=Daily Monitor|access-date=2019-10-30}} This state of affairs later culminated in the signing of the Buganda Agreement (1900) that formalised British colonial rule in Buganda.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

Also in 1897, Kampala's first Western-style health facility, Mengo Hospital, was opened on Namirembe hill by British doctor and missionary Sir Albert Ruskin Cook. In addition, Sir Albert Ruskin Cook founded Mulago Hospital, the current National Referral Hospital, at Mulago hill in 1913.{{Cite web |title=MULAGO NATIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL - |url=https://mulagohospital.go.ug/#:~:text=Mulago%20National%20Referral%20Hospital%20(MNRH,for%20tertiary%20healthcare%20in%20Uganda. |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=mulagohospital.go.ug}}

In 1899, the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa founded Lubaga Hospital on Lubaga Hill.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

In 1900, the regents of the infant Kabaka Daudi Cwa II (who were Apolo Kagwa, the Katikiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda, Stanislaus Mugwanya, the Mulamuzi (Chief Judge) of Buganda, and Zakaria Kisingiri, the Muwanika (Chief Treasurer) of Buganda, with Bishop Alfred Tucker), signed the Buganda Agreement on behalf of Buganda with Sir Harry Johnston, who signed on behalf of the British government.{{Cite web|url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/SpecialReports/ugandaat50/1370466-1387958-14e15y2/index.html|title=The great Buganda land grab of 1900|website=Daily Monitor|access-date=2019-10-27}}{{Cite book|title=Townsmen In The Making, Kampala and its suburbs|last1=Gutkind|first1=P.C.W|last2=Southall|first2=A.W|publisher=East African Institute Of Social Research|year=1957|isbn=978-0013388883|location=Kampala|pages=4}}

This agreement with Sir Harry Johnston created new land tenures such as freehold, Crown land, and mailo, and divided up and allocated the land in such a way that would come to define the development of Kampala.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

The land in Buganda's Kibuga (capital), including Mengo Hill and Makerere Hill, was allocated to the young Kabaka, the Baganda colonial collaborators, etc., under mailo and freehold. The religious missions were also formally allocated land they were previously occupying. Thus, the Catholic White Fathers got Lubaga Hill, the Protestant Church Missionary Society got Namirembe Hill, the Muslims under Prince Nuhu Mbogo's leadership received Kibuli Hill, the British Catholic Mill Hill Missionaries received most of Nsambya Hill. The Uganda Protectorate government obtained land classified as Crown lands in the area such as Old Kampala Hill, Nakasero Hill, etc.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

To legalise the above changes, the following laws and ordinances were subsequently passed: The Crown lands Ordinance of 1903, The Land Law of 1908, The Registration of Land Titles ordinance of 1922, and the Busulu and Envujo law of 1928.Mukwaya, A.B (1953). "The Land Tenure System in Buganda: Present day Tendencies". The Eagle Press. pp.1–22.{{Cite web|url=http://makir.mak.ac.ug/bitstream/handle/10570/2733/Land-tenure-in-Buganda.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802191103/http://makir.mak.ac.ug/bitstream/handle/10570/2733/Land-tenure-in-Buganda.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y|url-status=dead|archive-date=2020-08-02|title=Land Tenure in Buganda: Present Day Practices|last=Mukwaya|first=A.B|date=1953|website=Makerere University|access-date=27 October 2019}}

In 1906, the Crown lands consisting of Old Kampala, Nakasero hills etc. and covering {{convert|567|ha|km2 acre}} was consolidated and gazetted as Kampala Township.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

In 1912, Kampala Township received its first land-use plan and had a European and Asian population of 2,850.Nyakwebara, C (2010). "Chronology of Planning in Kampala: Implications for Future Structure Planning". The Urban Planning Magazine. No. 1. pp. 3–6.

In 1922, Kampala's oldest university, Makerere, was founded as the Uganda Technical College at the present Makerere Hill and initially offered carpentry, building construction, mechanics, arts, education, agriculture, and medicine.

In 1930, the first sewerage plan was prepared to target a population of 20,000 people in the Nakasero and Old Kampala areas of the Kampala township. This plan guided sewerage development from 1936 to 1940 in planned urban areas of the Kampala Township and excluded the Kibuga area occupied by the Baganda and other natives.{{cite journal | last=Nilsson | first=David | title=A heritage of unsustainability? Reviewing the origin of the large-scale water and sanitation system in Kampala, Uganda | journal=Environment and Urbanization | publisher=SAGE Publications | volume=18 | issue=2 | year=2006 | issn=0956-2478 | doi=10.1177/0956247806069618 | pages=369–385| doi-access=free | bibcode=2006EnUrb..18..369N }}

File:Uganda. Kampala. Imperial Hotel LOC matpc.17441.jpg

In 1931, the Uganda Railway line reached Kampala, connecting Kampala to Mombasa Port, thirty-five years after the commencement of its construction.{{cite web | last=Lubega | first=Henry | title=History of Uganda Railway | website=Daily Monitor | date=2015-04-18 | url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/Magazines/PeoplePower/History--Uganda--Railway/689844-2689814-ojyae0z/index.html | access-date=2019-08-27}}

In 1938, The East African Power & Lighting Company was granted a licence for thermal electric power generation and distribution for the towns of Kampala and Entebbe, and in the same year Sir Philip Mitchel, the Governor of Uganda, switched on Kampala and Uganda's first electric street lights.{{cite book|last=Gore|first=Christopher D.|title=Electricity in Africa: The Politics of Transformation in Uganda|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5bM4DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA34|year=2017|publisher=Boydell & Brewer|isbn=978-1-84701-168-8|page=34}}{{cite web | last=Mugabe | first=Faustin | title=110 years of electricity in Uganda | website=Daily Monitor | date=2018-04-20 | url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/SpecialReports/110-years-electricity-Uganda/688342-4491242-pdxww5z/index.html | access-date=2019-08-27}}

In 1945, Ernst May, a German architect, was commissioned by the Uganda Protectorate Government to design a new physical plan for Kampala. Ernst May's plan of 1947 was intended to extend Kampala eastwards covering Kololo Hill and Naguru Hill, and with the commercial centre on the southern slopes of Nakasero Hill, an industrial zone in the southeast of Kampala, and, for the first time, a planned residential zone for the Ugandan natives.{{cite book|last1=Pinther|first1=Kerstin|last2=Förster|first2=Larissa|last3=Hanussek|first3=Christian|title=Afropolis: City Media Art|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9lcn62brtGQC&pg=PA59|year=2012|publisher=Jacana Media|isbn=978-1-4314-0325-7|page=59}} The plan was never fully implemented, and in 1951 the third physical plan by Henry Kendall was instead adopted, though it incorporated some elements of Ernst May's 1947 plan.Folkers, Antoni S. et al. (2019). "Modern Architecture in Africa: Practical Encounters with Intricate African Modernity". Springer. 1st Ed. p. 61.

File:Uganda Printers Kampala 1950s.jpg

Henry Kendall's 1951 plan expanded Kampala from the {{convert|5.67|km2|sqmi|abbr=in}} area of the 1930 plan to an area of {{convert|28|km2|sqmi|abbr=in}} incorporating areas like Kololo Hill, and the Industrial Area. However, like the first two planning schemes, the 1951 plan failed to achieve many of its stated objectives.

On 9 October 1962, Uganda gained independence; subsequently the capital city was transferred from Entebbe to Kampala and in the same year, Kampala was granted city status.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

In 1968, six years after Uganda attained independence, the boundaries of Kampala were expanded incorporating the Kibuga (then known as Mengo Municipality), Kawempe and Nakawa Townships, and areas including Muyenga and Ggaba.{{Cite book|url=http://www.rrojasdatabank.info/kampala.pdf|title=Situation Analysis of Informal Settlements in Kampala|publisher=United Nations Human Settlements Programme|year=2007}} This increased the administrative area of Kampala from {{convert|28|km2|sqmi|abbr=in}} to the current {{convert|189|km2|sqmi|abbr=in}}.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

In 1972, the fourth physical plan for Kampala was made covering the newly incorporated areas of Kampala's boundary extensions of 1968, but the subsequent political and economic turmoil of the 1970s and 1980s meant the plan was never implemented.{{Cite conference|last1=Omolo-Okalebo|first1=Fredrick|last2=Sengendo|first2=Hannington|date=Jan–Feb 2011|title=Perspectives on City Planning of Post Independence Kampala: The Emergence of the Metropolitan Growth Model and the Hexagonal Cell|url=https://news.mak.ac.ug/documents/Makfiles/aet2011/Omolo.pdf|conference=Second International Conference on Advances in Engineering and Technology|pages=64–71|access-date=2019-08-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130210143645/http://news.mak.ac.ug/documents/Makfiles/aet2011/Omolo.pdf|archive-date=2013-02-10|url-status=dead}}

The Battle of Kampala during the Ugandan Bush War occurred in January 1986. It resulted in the capture of the city by the National Resistance Movement, led by Yoweri Museveni and the subsequent surrender of the Ugandan government.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

Similarly, the fifth physical plan for Kampala, made in 1994, like the 1972 plan, was also never implemented.{{Cite thesis |title=Participatory physical planning in Uganda: investigation on public participation processes during the preperation of the 1994 Kampala structure plan |url=http://makir.mak.ac.ug/handle/10570/4029 |publisher=Makerere University |date=June 2012 |degree=Thesis |language=en |first=Miriam |last=Lawino}}

In 2010, the Kampala Capital City Authority Act was enacted, giving the Ugandan Government more control of the administration of Kampala. The act also created the Kampala Metropolitan Physical Planning Authority with the stated aims of improving the infrastructure of the City of Kampala and the surrounding districts of Wakiso, Mukono, Buikwe, Mpigi and Luwero.{{cite web | title=Kampala Capital City Act, 2010 | website=Uganda Legal Information Institute | date=2010-12-28 | url=https://ulii.org/ug/legislation/act/2015/1-8 | access-date=2019-08-27 | archive-date=2019-08-23 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823201202/https://ulii.org/ug/legislation/act/2015/1-8 | url-status=dead }}

On 11 July 2010, suicide bombers affiliated with al-Shabaab, a Sunni Islamist group based in Somalia, carried out two nearly simultaneous bombings in Kampala, killing 74 people.{{Citation |last=Boyle |first=Emma Leonard |title=Eleven years since the Kampala world cup bombings: what we remember and why |date=2023-03-30 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.4324/9781003377863-23 |work=9/11 Twenty Years On |pages=94–97 |access-date=2024-01-12 |place=London |publisher=Routledge |doi=10.4324/9781003377863-23 |isbn=978-1-003-37786-3|url-access=subscription }}{{Cite news |title=Jihadists in Congo are extending their reach in the region |url=https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2023/06/22/jihadists-in-congo-are-extending-their-reach-in-the-region |access-date=2024-01-12 |newspaper=The Economist |issn=0013-0613}} After eleven years of relative calm, on 16 November 2021, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamist group based in eastern Congo with ties to the Islamic State, carried out two suicide bombings near the central police station and parliament, killing three people and injuring 36.{{Cite web |last=Ntale |first=Tim Lister, Ruba Alhenawi, Hande Atay Alam, Samson |date=2021-11-17 |title=Islamic State claims responsibility for Uganda bombings |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/17/africa/uganda-islamic-state-bombing-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=CNN }}{{Cite web |date=2021-11-16 |title=Uganda Police Say Three Killed, 33 Injured in Twin Suicide Bombings |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/deadly-explosions-near-uganda-s-parliament-central-police-station/6315067.html |access-date=2024-01-12 |website=Voice of America }}

File:KAMPALA.LAKE VICTORIA.1 - panoramio.jpg]]

File:Apartment block in kololo Kampala.jpg

The City of Kampala covers a total area of {{convert|189|km2|sqmi|abbr=in}}, comprising {{convert|176|km2|sqmi|abbr=in}} of land and {{convert|13|km2|sqmi|abbr=in}} of water.

Kampala is a hilly place with its valleys filled with sluggish rivers/ swamps. The highest point in the city proper is the summit of Kololo hill at {{convert|1311|m|ft}}, located in the center of the city and the lowest point at the shores of Lake Victoria south of the city center at altitude of {{convert|1135|m|ft}}.

File:Kampala Kasubi Tombs.jpg]]

Kampala was originally built on seven hills, but it has expanded to cover more than the original seven hills.

The original seven hills are:

• Old Kampala Hill on which Fort Lugard was located, the first seat of the British colonial authorities in colonial Uganda.
• The second is Mengo Hill which was the then Kibuga (capital) of Buganda kingdom at the start of British colonial rule.
• The third is Kibuli Hill, that is home to the Kibuli Mosque.
• The fourth is Namirembe Hill, that was home to the Anglican (Wangeleza) faction of the Buganda religious wars of 1888 to 1892 and site of Namirembe Anglican Cathedral.
• The fifth is Lubaga Hill, that was home to the White Fathers Catholic (Wafaransa) faction of the above-mentioned Buganda religious wars and also site of the Rubaga Catholic Cathedral.
• The sixth is Nsambya Hill, site of the former Cathedral of St Peter's Nsambya and allocated to the British Catholic Mill Hill Mission during the signing of the Uganda Agreement (1900).
• The seventh is Nakasero Hill on whose summit was Fort Nakasero, a British military installation built after relocating from Fort Lugard in Old Kampala. The hill was also the site of the European Hospital (the current government analytical laboratory opposite Ministry of Public Service headquarters).

Due to Kampala's hilly nature and tropical climate, the valleys have slow rivers/swamps that tend to flow southwards towards Lake Victoria or northwards. These seasonal and or permanent swamps cover 15% of Kampala's land area. They include:

• Kinawataka swamp river covering an area of {{convert|1.5|km2|sqmi|abbr=in}} flowing southwards into Lake Victoria and is located in Nakawa Division.{{Cite journal|last=Gumm|first=Emily|date=2011-04-01|title=The Use and Misuse of Wetlands in Kampala|url=https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection/1022|journal=Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection}}
• Nakivubo swamp river covering an area of {{convert|5.29|km2|sqmi|abbr=in}} flowing southwards to Lake Victoria from the foothills of Makerere and of length {{convert|9|km|mi}}.{{Cite web|url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/artsculture/Reviews/Nakivubo-Channel--where-good-and-bad-meet/691232-1737368-p4nbyc/index.html|title=Nakivubo Channel, where good and bad meet|website=Daily Monitor|access-date=2019-11-01}}
• Lubigi swamp covering an area of {{convert|2.85|km2|sqmi|abbr=in}} flowing westwards from the foothills of Kisaasi into the Mayanja River.
• Kansanga swamp{{Cite web |date=2020-07-19 |title=Wetlands on verge of extinction |url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/reviews-profiles/wetlands-on-verge-of-extinction-1652336 |access-date=2023-05-13 |website=Monitor }}
• Kyetinda swamp

Kampala, due to the diversity of habitats that include wetlands and hills, was previously covered with short grasses on the tops of the hills, elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.), Cyperus papyrus, African water lily etc. in the swamps and evergreen forests with trees such as African olive (mpafu) and Natal fig (mutuba).{{Cite journal|last=Thomas|first=A. S.|date=July 1946|title=The Vegetation of Some Hillsides in Uganda: Illustrations of Human Influence in Tropical Ecology. II|journal=The Journal of Ecology|volume=33|issue=2|pages=153–172|doi=10.2307/2256463|jstor=2256463|bibcode=1946JEcol..33..153T }}

Kampala is located on the East African Plateau between the two arms of the East African Rift and on the northern limits of Tanzania Craton.

{{wide image|Kampala from old mosque.jpg|2000px|align-cap=center|360-degree Kampala City panorama from the Old Gaddafi Mosque}}

Kampala has a tropical rainforest climate (Af) under the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system.

A facet of Kampala's weather is that it features two annual wetter seasons. While the city does not have a true dry season month, it experiences heavier precipitation from August to December and from February to June. However, it is between February and June that Kampala sees substantially heavier rainfall per month, with April typically seeing the heaviest amount of precipitation at an average of around {{convert|169|mm|in}} of rain.

{{Weather box|location = Kampala

|metric first = yes

|single line = yes

|Jan record high C = 33

|Feb record high C = 36

|Mar record high C = 33

|Apr record high C = 33

|May record high C = 29

|Jun record high C = 29

|Jul record high C = 29

|Aug record high C = 29

|Sep record high C = 31

|Oct record high C = 32

|Nov record high C = 32

|Dec record high C = 32

|Jan high C = 28.6

|Feb high C = 29.3

|Mar high C = 28.7

|Apr high C = 27.7

|May high C = 27.3

|Jun high C = 27.1

|Jul high C = 26.9

|Aug high C = 27.2

|Sep high C = 27.9

|Oct high C = 27.7

|Nov high C = 27.4

|Dec high C = 27.9

|year high C = 27.8

|Jan mean C=23.2

|Feb mean C=23.7

|Mar mean C=23.4

|Apr mean C=22.9

|May mean C=22.6

|Jun mean C=22.4

|Jul mean C=22.0

|Aug mean C=22.2

|Sep mean C=22.6

|Oct mean C=22.6

|Nov mean C=22.5

|Dec mean C=22.7

|Jan low C = 17.7

|Feb low C = 18.0

|Mar low C = 18.1

|Apr low C = 18.0

|May low C = 17.9

|Jun low C = 17.6

|Jul low C = 17.1

|Aug low C = 17.1

|Sep low C = 17.2

|Oct low C = 17.4

|Nov low C = 17.5

|Dec low C = 17.5

|year low C = 17.6

|Jan record low C = 12

|Feb record low C = 14

|Mar record low C = 13

|Apr record low C = 14

|May record low C = 15

|Jun record low C = 12

|Jul record low C = 12

|Aug record low C = 12

|Sep record low C = 13

|Oct record low C = 13

|Nov record low C = 14

|Dec record low C = 12

|rain colour=green

|Jan rain mm = 68.4

|Feb rain mm = 63.0

|Mar rain mm = 131.5

|Apr rain mm = 169.3

|May rain mm = 117.5

|Jun rain mm = 69.2

|Jul rain mm = 63.1

|Aug rain mm = 95.7

|Sep rain mm = 108.4

|Oct rain mm = 138.0

|Nov rain mm = 148.7

|Dec rain mm = 91.5

|year rain mm =

|unit rain days = 1.0 mm

|Jan rain days = 4.8

|Feb rain days = 5.1

|Mar rain days = 9.5

|Apr rain days = 12.2

|May rain days = 10.9

|Jun rain days = 6.3

|Jul rain days = 4.7

|Aug rain days = 6.7

|Sep rain days = 8.6

|Oct rain days = 9.1

|Nov rain days = 8.4

|Dec rain days = 7.4

|year rain days =

|Jan humidity = 66

|Feb humidity = 68.5

|Mar humidity = 73

|Apr humidity = 78.5

|May humidity = 80.5

|Jun humidity = 78.5

|Jul humidity = 77.5

|Aug humidity = 77.5

|Sep humidity = 75.5

|Oct humidity = 73.5

|Nov humidity = 73

|Dec humidity = 71.5

|year humidity = 74.5

|Jan sun = 155

|Feb sun = 170

|Mar sun = 155

|Apr sun = 120

|May sun = 124

|Jun sun = 180

|Jul sun = 186

|Aug sun = 155

|Sep sun = 150

|Oct sun = 155

|Nov sun = 150

|Dec sun = 124

|year sun = 1824

|source 1 = World Meteorological Organization,{{cite web | title=World Weather Information Service: Kampala | website=World Meteorological Organization | url=http://worldweather.wmo.int/en/city.html?cityId=1328 | access-date=2019-08-27}} Climate-Data.org for mean temperatures{{cite web | access-date=2019-08-27 | url=https://en.climate-data.org/africa/uganda/central-region/kampala-5578/ | title=Kampala Climate | website=Climate-Data.org}}

|source 2 = BBC Weather{{cite web | title=Kampala | website=BBC Weather | url=https://www.bbc.com/weather/232422 | access-date=2019-08-27}}

|date=August 2010

}}

File:Ssetendekero Makerere.jpg]]

File:Makerere Univesity main Building -colonial years.png

Pre-primary education

Pre-primary education is offered only by private entities which are located in the various neighbourhoods of Kampala and is lightly regulated by the Ministry of Education and Sports and starts from age of 6 weeks. Education in Kampala city is provided by a vast number of public and private institutions offering a wide range of educational training that includes pre-primary, primary, secondary, vocational, technical undergraduate and post-graduate education.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

Primary and secondary education in Kampala

Kampala has a number of both primary and secondary schools in every parish that are mostly privately owned and a handful that are state-owned and are also lightly regulated by the City Education directorate and Ministry of Education and Sports.{{Cite web | url=https://www.kcca.go.ug/Education |title = Education – KAMPALA CAPITAL CITY AUTHORITY | for a better City}}

Some of the private institutions:

• Kampala Parents School
• Aga Khan School
• Gayaza High School
• Good Times Primary School
• Global Junior School
• Kawempe Muslim secondary school

{{Further|Kinaawa High School Kawempe}}

Vocational and technical education in Kampala

Kampala has a number of both private and state institutions offering training in a broad range of fields as indicated in the table below:

The city is also home to various public and private universities in the country including Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Kampala University, African Bible University, International University of East Africa, Ndejje University and many others.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}} File:Kyambogo University Central library.jpg

File:Location map Kampala.png

File:Kampala 32.57974E 0.29781N.jpg

{{See also|Demographics of Uganda}}

The population of Kampala city proper has been rapidly increasing from 62,264 in 1948 to 1,189,142 in 2002, then 1,507,080 in 2014. In 2019, the population was estimated to be 1,650,800.{{cite web | title=Uganda: Regions, Major Cities & Towns | website=CityPopulation.de | date=18 January 1980 | url=http://citypopulation.de/Uganda-Cities.html | access-date=27 August 2019}}{{cite web | title=National Population and Housing Census 2014 Main Report | publisher=Uganda Bureau of Statistics | access-date=1 January 2017 | url=http://www.ubos.org/onlinefiles/uploads/ubos/NPHC/2014%20National%20Census%20Main%20Report.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012091133/http://www.ubos.org/onlinefiles/uploads/ubos/NPHC/2014%20National%20Census%20Main%20Report.pdf | archive-date=12 October 2017 | url-status=dead }}

Kampala, being the capital city and economic engine of Uganda, has a diverse ethnic population drawn from all parts of the country and also from neighboring countries such as Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia, and even from countries as far away as India and China.{{Cite web |url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/Business/Markets/10-000-Chinese-migrants-Uganda-illegally/688606-3810216-tog18lz/index.html |title=More than 10,000 Chinese migrants in Uganda illegally|date=2 January 2021 |orig-date=February 12, 2017 |website=Monitor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928120829/https://www.monitor.co.ug/Business/Markets/10-000-Chinese-migrants-Uganda-illegally/688606-3810216-tog18lz/index.html |archive-date= Sep 28, 2023 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.immigration.go.ug/media/press-statement-28-suspected-illegal-immigrants-arrested |website=Ministry of Internal Affairs |title=Press Statement: 28 Suspected Illegal Immigrants Arrested |date=25 July 2016 |access-date=17 September 2019 |archive-date=8 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408003720/https://www.immigration.go.ug/media/press-statement-28-suspected-illegal-immigrants-arrested |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/magazine/Why-Somalis-feel-at-home-in-Kisenyi-slum-Uganda/434746-2522790-rixv60z/index.html |title=Kisenyi slum: The Little Mogadishu of Kampala|date=6 July 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.kcca.go.ug/media/docs/Kampala%20Urban%20Refugees%20And%20Host%20Community%20Needs%20Report.pdf|title=UNDERSTANDING THE NEEDS OF URBAN REFUGEES AND HOST COMMUNITIES RESIDING IN VULNERABLE NEIGHBORHOODS OF KAMPALA|access-date=2023-08-19}}

Cross-cultural intimate relations in Kampala and even Uganda as a whole is still unusual. Although many of Kampala's residents live and work in close contact, they still define themselves by their ethnic origins. This is more evident in the native languages (alongside Luganda and English) that are used at home, workplaces, and public spaces. In addition to the Baganda and Banyankole, other large ethnic groups include the Basoga, Bafumbira, Batoro, Bakiga, Alur, Bagisu (better known as Bamasaba), Banyoro, Iteso, Langi, and Acholi.{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/uganda/|title=Africa :: Uganda|date=21 August 2019|website=The World Factbook|access-date=27 August 2019}}

Historical population data for Kampala

{{Unreferenced section|date=December 2024}}File:A group of dancers in Kampala.jpg

Prominent institutions include the Uganda Museum and the Ugandan National Theatre.

The city also serves as the seat of the Bugandakingdom in Mengo.File:Mengo Bulange ........(Royal Seat Of the Buganda Kingdom).jpg

One of the most notable sites is the Kasubi Tombsa UNESCO World Heritage Site and the burial grounds of the Buganda kings.

The Independence Monument, located in the heart of Kampala, is a symbol of Uganda's freedom from colonial rule.

{{Unreferenced section|date=December 2024}}

Kampala is also known for its vibrant shopping scene, offering everything from traditional crafts to modern fashion. Owino market (also known as St Balikuddembe market) is one of the largest and busiest markets in Uganda, where one can find an array of goods including clothes, shoes, and fresh produce.

The city is also filled with a number of shopping malls and arcades such as Acacia mall and Imperial mall.

Kampala's nightlife is another aspect of the city's leisure that cannot be overlooked. The city is alive with music and dance, with numerous bars, clubs, and lounges offering entertainment late into the night. Kabalagala and Kololo are popular areas for nightlife.

The culinary landscape of Kampala is as diverse as its people, with a range of dining options that reflect both local and international cuisines. Street food is a big part of the city's food culture, and a visit to Kampala would be incomplete without trying the famous Rolex—a popular street food made of an omelette rolled in a chapati.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

For those who prefer dining in a more formal setting, Kampala has numerous restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines. From traditional Ugandan dishes like Luwombo and Matoke to international fare including Indian, Chinese, and Italian cuisines, there's something to satisfy every palate.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

Cafe javas is a popular chain that offers a blend of local and international dishes in a relaxed setting, perfect for both a casual meal and a business meeting. The Lawns in Kololo offers a unique dining experience with a focus on game meat, set in a lush garden environment that enhances the outdoor dining experience.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

File:Beff luwombo after preparation.jpg

File:Matooke and chapati.jpg

A prominent cultural centre in the Kampala area of Kisasi that aims to promote Ugandan and African cultural expressions through music, dance, and drama. The name Ndere is derived from the noun 'endere', which means flute. As an instrument found in all cultures, it is chosen as a peaceful symbol of the universality of cultural expressions. The Ndere centre is famous for its Ndere troupe, a music and dance troupe that perform several nights every week at the centre showcasing music and dance from all over Uganda as well as Rwanda and Burundi.{{cite news

|url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1338374/ndere-centre-african-culture-alive

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814133626/http://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1338374/ndere-centre-african-culture-alive

|url-status=dead

|archive-date=August 14, 2017

|title=Ndere Centre, Where African Culture Is Very Alive

|last=Kakembo

|first=Titus

|date=2014-03-05

|newspaper=New Vision

|access-date=2019-08-27

}}

File:Madela National Stadium.jpg]]

Kampala is home to the City Oilers, one of East Africa's top basketball club teams. It is the only East African team that competes in the FIBA Africa Clubs Champions Cup. The Oilers play their home games in the MTN Arena, which is based in Kampala's Lugogo Area.{{cite news

|url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1319958/juruni-eyes-2013-basketball-crown

|title=Juruni Eyes 2013 Basketball Crown

|last=Mutebi

|first=Charles

|date=2013-05-17

|newspaper=New Vision

|access-date=2019-08-27

|archive-date=2019-08-27

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827020439/https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1319958/juruni-eyes-2013-basketball-crown

|url-status=dead

}}

The city hosted the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in 2017.

The city also hosted the Rugby Africa Cup in 2024 at the Mandela National Stadium.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted in the city alongside neighbouring countries of Tanzania and Kenya.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

The city has a number of stadiums and sports complex like

1. Mandela National Stadium (Namboole Stadium)

The Mandela National Stadium, commonly known as Namboole Stadium, is the largest and most iconic sports facility in Uganda. Located just outside Kampala in Bweyogerere, this multi-purpose stadium has a seating capacity of over 45,000 and is the primary venue for major sporting events, including football matches, athletics, and concerts. The stadium is home to the Uganda national football team, the Cranes, and hosts various local and international competitions.

2. Lugogo Sports Complex

Lugogo is a well-known sports hub in Kampala, offering facilities for a range of sports including tennis, cricket, and boxing. The MTN Arena within the complex is a modern indoor arena with a capacity of around 3,000, used for basketball, netball, volleyball, and other indoor sports. The Lugogo Cricket Oval is another highlight, hosting national and international cricket matches, making it the center of cricket in Uganda.

3. Kampala Golf Club

Located in the heart of the city, the Kampala Golf Club is Uganda's oldest golf course and a premier destination for golfers. The 18-hole course offers a challenging yet scenic layout, with well-maintained greens and fairways. The club also has a driving range and a clubhouse, making it a popular spot for both serious golfers and those looking to relax in a green environment.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

4. Hamz Nakivubo Stadium

The renewed stadium formerly known as Nakivubo

War memorial Stadium is found in the central business district of Kampala

File:Night aerial view of Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo Kampala 03.jpg

The city is home to various football clubs playing in the Uganda Premier League such as Kampala Capital City Authority FC, SC Villa, Police FC, and Express FC

They are also a number of teams in Kampala playing in the FUFA Women Super League like Kawempe Muslim LFC, Lady Doves FC and many others

• Idi Amin (Dada)
• Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, one of Africa's longest ruling presidents{{cite web | url=https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/uganda-s-museveni-clings-on-as-one-of-africa-s-longest-serving-leaders-3261728 | title=Uganda's Museveni clings on as one of Africa's longest serving leaders | date=19 January 2021 }}
• Mutesa II of Buganda, the 1st president. Kabaka of Buganda
• Paulo Muwanga, former president and prime minister
• Apollo Milton Obote, led Uganda to independence in 1962Milton Obote, 2020-04-25
• Tito Okello

• Muteesa I, the 30th Kabaka of Buganda
• Muwenda Mutebi II of Buganda, the 36th Kabaka of Buganda

• Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, Ugandan politician, businessman, entrepreneur, philanthropist and musician
• Zohran Mamdani, New York State Assemblyman

• Erias Lukwago, Ugandan lawyer and politician and the Lord Mayor of Kampala City

• Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor for the province of Alberta

• Esther Nakajjigo, humanitarian and human rights activist
• Pepe Julian Onziema, human rights activist

• Alex Mukulu

• Maggie Kigozi
• James Mulwana
• Sudhir Ruparelia, Ugandan entrepreneur and builder, Founder Chairman of Ruparelia Group
• Hasmukh Dawda

• Robert Katende
• Phiona Mutesi, chess prodigy and subject of the 2012 book and 2016 Disney film Queen of Katwe

• Santa Anzo
• Stella Atal
• Anita Beryl
• Aamito Lagum, fashion model, winner of the first season of Africa's Next Top Model
• Sylvia Owori

• Shimit Amin, Uganda-born Indian filmmaker
• Mathew Nabwiso, Ugandan actor
• Whitney Peak, Uganda-born Canadian actress

• Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, British journalist and author
• Nancy Kacungira
• Maurice Mugisha
• Rajat Neogy, Ugandan-Indian journalist, writer, poet and founder and editor of Transition Magazine
• Solomon Serwanjja

• Julia Sebutinde (born 1954), jurist on the International Court of Justice

• Rachael Kungu (born 1978), DJ and recording artist
• Keem Fame Rich (born 1999), Musician

• Derreck Kayongo

• Robert Kayanja
• Martin Ssempa
• John Sentamu, Archbishop of York

• Kwatsi Alibaruho
• Ash Amin, British academic and geographer
• Venansius Baryamureeba
• Alex Coutinho
• Ellinor Catherine Cunningham van Someren, scientist
• Ivan Edwards
• Sebastian Kyalwazi
• Joshua Sikhu Okonya
• Samuel Sejjaaka, professor
• Robert Ssentongo (surgeon)

• Micheal Azira, Ugandan footballer, who plays for the New Mexico United in the USL Championship
• Cornelius Boza-Edwards, former boxer
• Moses Magogo Hassim, FUFA President who took Uganda Cranes to AFCON after 39 years and first Ugandan on CAF Executive
• Mandy Juruni, basketball coach
• John Mugabi, world champion boxer{{cite web | title=John Mugabi | website=Boxing Records Archive | date=1960-03-04 | url=https://boxrec.com/media/index.php/John_Mugabi | access-date=2019-08-27}}
• Martin Kayongo-Mutumba
• Denis Onyango, footballer
• Wasswa Serwanga, American football player
• Pione Sisto, footballer, Ugandan born Danish footballer
• Joshua Cheptegei, long-distance runner, world-record holder in the 10,000 metres and 5000 metres
• Jacob Kiplimo, long-distance runner, world-record holder in the Half marathon

• Marcel Theroux, British novelist

• Allen Kagina, executive director, Uganda National Roads Authority, UNRA
• Julius Kakeeto, Bank executive and CEO of PostBank Uganda
• Jennifer Musisi, former execute Director of Kampala Capital City Authority

People awarded the honorary citizenship of Kampala are:

File:Lake Victoria Fishermen in Uganda.png

File:The Church House, Kampala Road, Kampala, Uganda.jpg

Efforts are underway to relocate heavy industry to the Kampala Business and Industrial Park, located in Namanve, Mukono District, approximately {{convert|14|km|mi}} east of the city's central business district,{{cite web | access-date=2019-08-27 | url=https://distancecalculator.globefeed.com/Uganda_Distance_Result.asp?dt1=ChIJCacTwgW5fRcRPuJJw9VOeWU&dt2=ChIJjakXW0K4fRcR3RiO3ljyJ0Q | title=Distance between Kampala Road and Namanve Industrial Park, Mukono, Central Region, Uganda | website=Globefeed Distance Calculator}} thereby cutting down on city traffic congestion. Some of the businesses that maintain their headquarters in the city center include all of the 25 commercial banks licensed in Uganda; the New Vision Group, the leading news media conglomerate and majority owned by the government; and the Daily Monitor publication, a member of the Kenya-based Nation Media Group. Air Uganda maintained its headquarters in an office complex on Kololo Hill in Kampala.{{cite news

|url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1249387/air-uganda-increases-flights-dar

|title=Air Uganda Increases Flights To Dar

|date=2009-02-23

|newspaper=New Vision

|access-date=2019-08-27

|archive-date=2019-08-27

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827020402/https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1249387/air-uganda-increases-flights-dar

|url-status=dead

}} Crown Beverages Limited, the sole Pepsi-Cola franchise bottler in the country, is situated in Nakawa, a division of Kampala, about {{convert|5|km|0}} east of the city centre.{{cite web|access-date=3 February 2016|url=http://www.independent.co.ug/supplement/117-supplement/8335-two-decades-of-positive-growthfor-crownbeverages|title=Two decades of positive growth for Crown Beverages|date=14 October 2013|newspaper=The Independent (Uganda)|location=Kampala|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203233410/http://www.independent.co.ug/supplement/117-supplement/8335-two-decades-of-positive-growthfor-crownbeverages|archive-date=3 February 2016|url-status=dead}}

The informal sector is a large contributor to Kampala's GDP. Citizens who work in the formal sector also participate in informal activities to earn more income for their families. A public servant in Kampala, for example, may engage in agriculture in addition to working in the formal sector. Other informal fields include owning taxis and urban agriculture. The use of Kampala's wetlands for urban farming has increased over the past few decades. It connects the informal rural settlements with the more industrialized parts of the city. The produce grown in the wetlands is sold in markets in the urban areas.{{cite journal | last1=Isunju | first1=John Bosco | last2=Orach | first2=Christopher Garimoi | last3=Kemp | first3=Jaco | title=Hazards and vulnerabilities among informal wetland communities in Kampala, Uganda | journal=Environment and Urbanization | publisher=SAGE Publications | volume=28 | issue=1 | date=2015-12-14 | issn=0956-2478 | doi=10.1177/0956247815613689 | pages=275–293| doi-access=free }}

In December 2015, Google launched its first Wi-Fi network in Kampala.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-35000544|title=Google launches wi-fi network in Kampala, Uganda|date=2015-12-04|newspaper=BBC News|access-date=2019-08-27}}

While more than 30 percent of Kampala's inhabitants practice urban agriculture, the city of Kampala donated {{convert|32|acre|ha|order=flip}} to promote urban agriculture in the northeastern parish of Kyanja, in Nakawa Division.{{cite journal|last1=Wolfe|first1=Jeanne M.|last2=McCans|first2=Sarah|date=June 2009|title=Designing for Urban Agriculture in an African City: Kampala, Uganda.|url=https://www.mcgill.ca/mchg/files/mchg/06-wolfe.pdf|journal=Open House International|volume=34|issue=2|pages=25–35|doi=10.1108/OHI-02-2009-B0004|issn=0168-2601|oclc=311401512}}

Kampala is served by Entebbe International Airport, which is the largest airport in Uganda.

File:Uganda - Kampala Taxi stop.jpg

File:Pioneer Buses Uganda.jpg

Boda-bodas (local motorbike transport) are a popular mode of transport that gives access to many areas within and outside the city. Standard fees for these range from USh:1,000 to 2,000 or more. Boda-bodas are useful for passing through rush-hour traffic, although many are poorly maintained and dangerous.{{cite news

| title=Deadly Ride: Boda Bodas Leading Cause of Hospital Casualties

| newspaper=New Vision

| date=2008-08-24

| url=http://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1182601/deadly-ride-boda-bodas-leading-cause-hospital-casualties

| first2=Joseph

| last2=Kariuki

| first1=Francis

| last1=Kagolo

| access-date=2019-08-27

| archive-date=2019-08-27

| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827020413/https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1182601/deadly-ride-boda-bodas-leading-cause-hospital-casualties

| url-status=dead

}}

In early 2007, it was announced that Kampala would remove commuter taxis from its streets and replace them with a comprehensive city bus service. (In Kampala, the term "taxi" refers to a 15-seater minibus used as public transport.) The bus service was expected to cover the greater Kampala metropolitan area including Mukono, Mpigi, Bombo, Entebbe, Wakiso and Gayaza. {{as of|December 2011}} the service had not yet started.{{cite news

|url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1004456/pioneer-easy-buses-offer-hour-service

|title=Pioneer Easy Buses To Offer 24 Hour Service

|last=Semakula

|first=John

|date=2011-12-28

|newspaper=New Vision

|access-date=2019-08-27

|archive-date=2019-08-27

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827020358/https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1004456/pioneer-easy-buses-offer-hour-service

|url-status=dead

}} Having successfully completed the Northern Bypass, the government, in collaboration with its stakeholders, now plans to introduce the bus rapid transit (BRT) system in Kampala by 2014. On 12 March 2012, Pioneer Easy Bus Company, a private transport company, started public bus service in Kampala with an estimated 100 buses each with a 60-passenger capacity (30 seated and 30 standing), acquired from China. Another 422 buses were expected in the country in 2012. The buses operate 24 hours daily.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}} The company has a concession to provide public transport in the city for the next five years.{{cite web | url=http://www.independent.co.ug/ugandatalks/2011/04/pioneer-easy-bus-set-to-introduce-electronic-pay-buses/?Itemid=410 | title=Pioneer Easy Bus Set to Introduce Electronic Pay Buses | date=5 April 2011 | access-date=11 June 2014 | first=Priscilla | last=Muhairwe | publisher=The Independent (Uganda) | archive-date=1 April 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401161852/http://www.independent.co.ug/ugandatalks/2011/04/pioneer-easy-bus-set-to-introduce-electronic-pay-buses/?itemid=410 | url-status=dead }}{{cite web | url=http://welcometokampala.com/kampala/2012/pioneer-buses-start-service-taxi-strike-flops | title=Pioneer Buses Start Service, Taxi Strike Flops | publisher=Welcometokampala.com | date=12 March 2012 | access-date=11 June 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505212312/http://welcometokampala.com/kampala/2012/pioneer-buses-start-service-taxi-strike-flops/ | archive-date=5 May 2014 | url-status=dead }} The buses were impounded for back taxes in December 2013. The company expected to resume operation in February 2015.{{cite web| url=http://www.monitor.co.ug/artsculture/Reviews/Pioneer-buses-back--what-has-changed-/-/691232/2589412/-/n6taurz/-/index.html|title=Pioneer buses back: What has changed? |newspaper=Daily Monitor|date=5 January 2021 }}

In 2014, Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni and a Chinese transportation company signed a Memorandum of Understanding, to embark at some point on building a light rail system in Kampala{{citation needed|date=July 2022}}, similar to the one in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

On 11 April 2011, the pressure group Activists for Change (A4C) held its first Walk to Work protest near Kampala, in response to a comment by President Museveni on the increased cost of fuel, which had risen by 50 percent between January and April 2011. He said: "What I call on the public to do is to use fuel sparingly. Don't drive to bars."{{cite magazine | url=http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2067136,00.html | title=Deadly Crackdown on Uganda's Walk-to-Work Protests | date=23 April 2011 | magazine=Time | access-date=25 May 2015}}{{cite web | url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2011/04/201142831330647345.html | title=Uganda walk-to-work protests kick up dust | author=Musaazi Namiti | access-date=25 May 2015}} The protest, which called on workers to walk to work to highlight the increased cost of transport in Uganda, was disrupted by police, who fired tear gas and arrested three-time presidential candidate Kizza Besigye and Democratic Party leader Norbert Mao.{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13033279 | title=Kizza Besigye held over Uganda 'Walk to Work' protest | work=BBC News | access-date=25 May 2015 | date=12 April 2011}} In the course of the protest, Besigye was shot in the right arm by a rubber bullet. The government blamed the violence on protesters.

In 2016, the Rift Valley Railways Consortium (RVR) and Kampala Capital City Authority established passenger rail service between Namanve and Kampala and between Kampala and Kyengera. Those services were temporarily discontinued after RVR lost its concession in Uganda in October 2017.{{cite web|access-date=24 February 2018 | url=http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Passenger-train-services-resume-Monday/688334-4316028-5l40lxz/index.html

|title=Passenger train services to resume on Monday |first=Amos

|date=23 February 2018 |newspaper=Daily Monitor | last=Ngwomwoya |location=Kampala}} However, when Uganda Railways Corporation took over the operations of the metre gauge railway system in Uganda in 2018, the service was restored in February that year.{{cite web |first1=Alfred |last1=Ochwo |url=http://observer.ug/news/headlines/57044-ugandans-welcome-revamped-passenger-train-services.html |access-date=2 March 2018 |title=Kampalans welcome revamped passenger train services |date=27 February 2018 |first2=Mercy |last2=Ahukana |newspaper=The Observer (Uganda) |location=Kampala |archive-date=2 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302070543/http://www.observer.ug/news/headlines/57044-ugandans-welcome-revamped-passenger-train-services.html |url-status=dead }} A new Kampala to Port Bell route is being planned to be added in the 2018/2019 financial year.

At the start of 2018, there was a resurgence of car rental services in Kampala and are now a common means of transport. There are two kinds of car hire services, the metered (app) car hire where Uber, safe car and bolt belong and the customary car rental services which include [https://www.carrentalinuganda.com/ Car Rental in Uganda], Road Trip Uganda, 4x4 Uganda, [https://www.selfdriveinuganda.com/ Self Drive in Uganda] and Alpha Rentals. With car hire in Kampala, a traveler can either a hire a car on a self-drive or car and driver basis to travel to any given destination in the city or outside it especially when using customary services. The services are considered the safest and convenient means of travel in the capital of Uganda, but their drawback is they are quite expensive for the local person. Car Hire services have been labeled as a transport mode for tourists and people from an affluent background.

File:Baha'i House of Worship, Kampala, Uganda.jpg|Baha'i House of Worship in Kampala

File:NAMIREMBE CATHEDRAL. side view.jpg |St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral located on Namirembe Hill

File:Rubaga Cthedral.jpg|Rubaga Cathedral, the seat for the Roman Catholic Church

File:Outer view Kampala National mosque.jpg | Uganda National Mosque (Islam)

Among the places of worship are predominantly Christian churches and temples: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala (Catholic Church), Church of Uganda (Anglican Communion), Presbyterian Church in Uganda (World Communion of Reformed Churches), Baptist Union of Uganda (Baptist World Alliance), and Assemblies of God.{{cite book|last1=Melton|first1=J. Gordon|last2=Baumann|first2=Martin|title=Religions of the World: A Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Beliefs and Practices|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v2yiyLLOj88C&pg=PA2920|edition=2nd|year=2010|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-59884-204-3|page=2920|oclc=764567612}} There are also Muslim mosques.

Kampala hosts a Bahá'í House of Worship known as the Mother Temple of Africa which is situated on Kikaya Hill in the outskirts of the city. The temple was inaugurated in January 1961.{{cite web|url=http://news.bahai.org/story/806|title=Fifty years on, Uganda's Baha'i temple stands as a symbol of unity and progress – Bahá'í World News Service (BWNS)|date=18 January 2011}}

File:Mengo Palace.jpg|Mengo Palace

File:KampalaSkyline.jpg|Kampala skyline

File:Parliament-Of-Uganda.JPG|Entrance to the Parliament building

File:Stride monument (Kampala) 04.JPG|Stride monument

File:KAMPALA CITY.jpg|Kampala City by night

File:Mandela National Stadium Uganda.jpg|Nelson Mandela National Stadium, the home of the national football team, the Uganda Cranes

File:Independence Monument (Kampala) 02.JPG|Independence Monument

File:Church Namugongo Uganda.jpg|Namugongo Martyrs Shrine

File:The Uganda Museum Main Entrance.JPG|Uganda Museum

File:Monument at Uganda Museum.jpg|National Theatre

File:KampalaRd Uganda house Kampala.JPG|Uganda House – Kampala / Jinja Road

{{Portal|Uganda|Cities}}

• List of banks in Uganda
• List of tallest buildings in Kampala
• Timeline of Kampala#Bibliography
• Wakaliwood – A film studio based in Kampala

{{reflist}}

• {{Official website|http://www.kcca.go.ug/}}

{{Sister bar|auto=y}}

{{Kampala District}}

{{List of African capitals}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Capitals in Africa

Category:Cities in the Great Rift Valley

Category:Populated places in Central Region, Uganda

Category:Populated places on Lake Victoria