Kampala City previously renowned for its abundant impala populations, today it’s Uganda’s commercial capital with a bursting population of over two million people. Kampala derives its name from the impala a species of the antelope family that roamed its hills in the old days. First referred to as “the hill of impala” by the first British in Uganda and as “akasozi ke empala” in the local native luganda language, the area later got christened Kampala.
Originally built on seven hills like ancient Rome, today Kampala city has grown in leaps and bounds to cover a much wider area. The city is run under five administrative divisions namely: Nakawa, Makindye, Kawempe, Lubaga and Kampala Central Division. Kampala city is vibrant with happy friendly people and endowed with the amenities of a modern built-up capital. Good star hotels can be found within the city and a variety of restaurants with scrumptious cuisine from around the world. Coffee cafes, entertainment centers, schools, banks and contemporary hospitals are also within the city. Kampala’s food is fresh and natural with succulent tropical fruits that taste and smell of nature’s goodness.
Kampala City is generally safe with easy transport options to take you around. The transport options include: taxi cabs locally referred to as “special hire”, public commuter taxis and buses plus the “boda boda” or motorbikes which are very handy for traffic peak hours but must be used with caution. It’s advisable to negotiate the fare beforehand except for the buses which have fairly lower fixed rates based on destination or distance.
Kampala has good medical centers and hospitals plus several schools and higher institutions of learning ranging from elementary to university level with internationally recognized standards. There are also special talent building schools like music schools and more.
Kampala is sunny all year round even during the rainy months of the year like: March-May and July to September. Kampala city has a rich green cover and is a must visit for a complete East African Experience.