Must-see attractions in Kampala

  • Top Choice
    Mengo Palace

    Built in 1922, this small palace is the former home of the king of Buganda, though it has remained empty since 1966 when Prime Minister Milton Obote…

  • 32° East Ugandan Arts Trust

    This centre for Ugandan contemporary artists includes exhibit space, a library, workspace and resource centre. It is in the process of moving to a nearby…

  • Kasubi Tombs

    The Unesco World Heritage–listed Kasubi Tombs are of great significance to the Buganda kingdom as the burial place of its kings and royal family. The huge…

  • Afriart Gallery

    This classy little gallery features works by serious local artists. Downstairs has changing monthly exhibits, while upstairs is a permanent collection,…

  • Makerere Art Gallery

    Small, but definitely worth a visit, with fascinating monthly exhibitions; check the website for events. There are also some cool sculptures on the…

  • Kampala Hindu Temple

    Right in the city centre, this temple has elaborate towers and a swastika-emblazoned gate. Peek inside to see the unexpected dome.

  • Parliament House

    Open to the public, a visit to parliament is an interesting way to spend an hour or two. You can either tour the building or see the government in action …

  • Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine

    Located in Namugongo, this shrine marks the spot where Kabaka Mwanga II ordered the execution of 14 Catholics who refused to denounce their faith,…

  • Uganda Museum

    There’s plenty to interest you here with a varied and well-captioned ethnographic collection covering clothing, hunting, agriculture, medicine, religion…

  • Bulange Royal Building

    A great place to learn about the history and culture of the Buganda Kingdom; guided tours take you inside the parliament building, providing interesting…

  • National Mosque

    One of Kampala's premier sights, the prominent National Mosque (widely known as the Gadaffi Mosque) was begun by Idi Amin in 1972 but only completed in…

  • Rubaga Cathedral

    This twin-towered Roman Catholic cathedral has a memorial to the Uganda Martyrs, with 22 Catholic victims (later declared saints) enshrined in the stained…

  • Namirembe Cathedral

    This huge domed Anglican cathedral, finished in 1919, has a distinct Mediterranean feel. In years past the congregation was called to worship by the…

  • AKA Gallery at Tulifanya

    Formerly known as Tulifanya, this well-established gallery has knowledgeable owners who can inform you about artists who matter. It features a notable…

  • Uganda Art Gallery

    Just down from Namirembe Cathedral, this small-scale gallery sells quality paintings by local artists at affordable prices.

  • Wamala Tombs

    A low-key Buganda royal site, Wamala Tombs is 11km north of Kasub. Arrange a guided visit at Kasubi Tombs.

  • Karibu Art Gallery

    An artist-run gallery and studio featuring emerging and established Ugandan abstract and contemporary artists.

  • Umoja Art Gallery

    A small contemporary gallery featuring Ugandan paintings and abstract sculptures in monthly shows.

  • Nommo Gallery

    Established by the Ugandan Culture Centre in 1964, Nommo is a reliable spot for quality artwork.

  • Katereke Prison Ditch

    Located on the outskirts of town, royal prisoners were starved in the prison ditch during the upheavals of 1888–89. Kabaka Kalema killed 30 of his…