Travel
First time in Kampala: A journey through the beating heart of Uganda
When I first stepped off the bus in Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital city, I was hit with a wave of sensations I’ll never forget. This was during my tour of East Africa. The pulse of boda-bodas zipping by in every direction, the smell of roasted street meat mingling with fresh fruit from roadside vendors, and the distant rhythm of Afrobeat music echoing from a nearby taxi park. It was a sensory explosion, chaotic, beautiful, and utterly alive.
I had heard stories about Kampala. Friends described it as a city that never sleeps, a place of relentless energy, where cultures collide and coexist in a uniquely Ugandan harmony. But nothing could have prepared me for the real thing.
A City on the Move, Kampala isn’t just alive, it moves, literally. The traffic is legendary. Cars, vans (known locally as taxis), and thousands of boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) weave through narrow roads in a delicate, unspoken dance. At first, I stood frozen, unsure how to cross the street. Then a friendly local noticed my hesitation and, with a quick grin, helped me navigate.
Once I got the hang of it, I hopped on a boda-boda, the only way to truly feel like a part of the city. With wind in my hair and the buzz of the engine beneath me, I traveled past colorful markets, towering malls, and open-air eateries, all bustling with life.
The People: Kampala’s brightest Jewel
What struck me most wasn’t just the city’s energy, it was the people. Warm, friendly, and full of humor, Ugandans have a way of making strangers feel like family. At Owino Market, where you can find everything from second-hand shoes to designer knockoffs, I got more than just good deals, I got conversations, laughter, and tips on where to get the best Rolex.
And no, not the watch, a Rolex in Uganda is a mouthwatering street food delicacy made with a chapati rolled around eggs, vegetables, and sometimes meat. Simple, filling, and outrageously delicious. My first bite was a revelation, and I quickly understood why this dish is a national obsession.
Culture at every corner
Kampala isn’t all hustle and traffic but also a place of deep history and rich culture. A visit to the Kasubi Tombs gave me a glimpse into the legacy of the Buganda Kingdom, while the Uganda Museum helped piece together the story of a country full of resilience and pride.
Later, I found myself on the hills of Makerere University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Africa. The campus buzzed with student life, and from the hilltop, I had one of the best panoramic views of the sprawling city below.
Nightlife like no other
When the sun sets over Kampala, the city doesn’t wind down, it lights up. Kampala’s nightlife is legendary across East Africa. From live band performances at hangouts in Bugolobi to the thumping beats of Clubs like Guvnor, there’s something for every taste.
Leona Jakes
Comments
