A Student City Guide to Kampala

Just moved to Kampala to start university or college? We’ve put together a list of ways to spend your time in your new city.

Explore the city centre

Get to know your new town with a quick trip to the city centre. Request a ride to take you right to the heart of the action, so you can spend a full-day exploring. It’s a great time to find out which shops are going to be your go-to, where the best places to go for a night out are, and where your new favourite coffee shop is. Keep an eye out for community centres, cafés and bars that host regular events as well as handy places like libraries and gyms.

Eat local street food

One of the best things about moving to a big city is discovering all the food options on offer. Take a trip to a street-food market and start sampling all the local cuisine. Try to find for instance the best matooke. Food halls are also great places to check out, as well as small, family businesses where you’ll usually find fresh food at reasonable prices.

Immerse yourself in the culture

Make the most of Kampala’s rich cultural scene by checking out the many museums, galleries and attractions the city has to offer. If you want to learn more about Uganda’s art, head to the Makerere gallery or Afriart. The city is also home to Uganda National museum – the biggest and oldest museum in East Africa. It’s situated in the northwest of the city, an easy ride away.

Chill in a park

Fancy getting away from the busy city life? Try one of Kampala’s city parks. There are beautiful attractions such as the Jubilee Park as well as many smaller green spaces scattered throughout the city. If you want to combine your wind-down with a breath-taking view make your way over to Muyenga Tank Hill.

Discover new finds at markets

As a new student, thrift shopping is about to become your new favourite pastime. Get some practice in early and take a trip to one of Kampala’s thriving markets. You’ll find different markets depending on what you’re looking for, with everything from handmade arts and crafts to fashion to food. Spend the weekend browsing the Owino Market or take a trip over to the Buganda Craft Village.