Would you like to explore Kampala in depth? There are simply several attractions that are worth visiting to catch up with the history of Uganda. Here are some of the historical sites that you should not miss while touring Uganda.
Kasubi Tombs
There is much history to be explored in Kampala. Kampala is a part of the Buganda Kingdom which is currently ruled by Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II. With the four Kabakas buried at the same site, the Kasubi Tombs became to be known as an important Shrine in Buganda’s history. Each prince and princess who is a descendant to any of these four Kings is buried at Kasubi behind the main shrine. More so, the site has also become culturally important as the cemetery of the royalty of the Buganda Kingdom.
Makerere University
The first university in Kampala and also in Britain’s East African colonies, Makerere is still the most highly regarded. The university boasts interesting architecture and wide-ranging gardens. Alumni include prime ministers and well known intellectuals. Nobel Prize-winning author V.S. Naipaul spent time here as a writer-in-residence, and American travel writer and novelist Paul Theroux once taught from the University.
Mengo Palace
Built in 1922, the palace is the former home of the king of Buganda although it has remained empty since 1966 when Prime Minister Milton Obote ordered an attack to remove Kabaka Mutesa II, the then president. The Kabaka’s Palace sits on Mengo Hill. It’s also called the haunted mansion, because so many were killed on the grounds in Idi Amin’s torture chambers. The palace is mostly uninhabited and being repaired, so it’s inaccessible to tourists, but guided tours of the prison chambers are available.
Owino Market
Owino Market is a chaotic, yet organized marketplace where you can find unique souvenirs, beautiful African print fabrics and any other thing you can think about. There are all types of second hand clothing and shoes in very good condition and tailors abound for any alterations you may need. You can also sample the local cuisine as you wait your clothes from tailors.
The market sells nearly anything you can think of, but the best buys for foreigners are on the African print fabrics sold here by length, and the wide range of second-hand clothes and shoes, including many designer labels. There is also quite an interesting Voodoo market, selling all sorts of wonderful things if you can manage to negotiate the maze and find it! As always make sure to haggle and keep your personal belongings close and don’t wear any obvious jewelry or big handbags.
Visit the Kabaka’s lake
The kabaka’s lake is located in Ndeeba along Rubaga road a few kilometers from kampala the city centre. It is neighbored by Rubaga miracle center and St Lawrence University. It is one of Uganda’s and Africa’s longest-surviving man-made lakes. The lake occupies an area of 2 km2 and estimated 200feet deep.
Apart from the unique history and tradition that is attached to this lake, it also attracts people as they go to relax there. It is also a home to different bird species. The lake can easily be accessed from the city center. Taxis are available in both old and new taxi park that can drop you to either Ndeba or along Rubaga Road.
Would you like to catch up with these sites on a Uganda self guided tour? Check their website and get yourself down there to witness an auction or two. It’s also completely easy to book a guided tour with one of the local tour operators offering day trips in Uganda.
