Cheap things to do around Kampala : Kampala is the capital city of Uganda and it is located in the central region of the country. There are many activities to do around the city and they include the following;
- Visiting the monuments around Kampala
This activity is free during a tour around Kampala and some of the monuments to visit include the Independence monument which is located in the city center.
- Kasubi tombs tour
The Kasubi tombs are the burial place for the kings of Buganda and visiting these tombs is among the cheap activities to do around Kampala.
These tombs are a UNESCO heritage site and they are also a historical site and the Kasubi tombs also hold a cultural significance for the people of Buganda. The Kasubi tombs are built in form of grass thatched huts and inside the huts, there is royal regalia as well as bark cloth and also other traditional items including spears and hunting tools.
Four of the kings of Buganda were buried at the Kasubi tombs but among the Baganda, it is believed that kings do not die but go to another world.
- A tour of the Uganda museum
For an experience of getting to know more about Uganda, its culture and history, tourists can make a stop at the Uganda museum during their tour in Kampala.
The Uganda museum is located in Kamokya and it was opened in 1908 and is considered to be one of the oldest museums of Africa. There are different items exhibited at the museum including art facts and crafts from different tribes in Uganda as well as music instruments and so much more.
- Local market experience
Engaging in a visit to the local markets around the Kampala city is another cheap activity to do when visiting the city.
Some of the markets around Kampala include Nakasero market which is among the old markets in the city. Other markets in Kampala include the Owino market also known as St Balikuddembe market where many items are sold at an affordable price.
Visiting the local markets in Kampala provides insight on the different produce of Uganda and is also a way to experience how trade is done around the city.
- Kings palace visit
During a tour around Kampala, another activity to engage in is visiting the Mengo palace which is also known as the Lubiri.
The Lubiri palace is the official residence of the King of Buganda and during a visit to this palace, tourists can also engage in a guided tour to the torture chambers of Amin found on the palace grounds in the underground tunnels.
- A tour of the Gadhafi mosque
The Gadhafi mosque is located in the city center and is among the largest mosques in the country with a capacity of over 35,000 people.
The mosque is also known as the Uganda national mosque and during tours in Kampala, tourists can enter the mosque and enjoy the beautiful architecture. These tours at the Uganda national mosque go up to the roof top from where tourists can view the rest of Kampala city.
- Visiting the Uganda martyrs shrine in Namugongo
Kampala tours can also involve driving to the Uganda martyrs shrine in Namugongo to visit the place where the Uganda martyrs were killed.
The Uganda martyrs are remembered every 3rd June for being killed for their faith by the Kabaka of Buganda by then who was Kabaka Mwanga.
- A tour of the old taxi park
There are different forms of transport around Kampala and use of taxis is common around the city to get to various destinations.
The taxi parks in Kampala city which can be visited include the old taxi park and there is also a new taxi park. This experience provides an insight into how the people living in the city travel across the city and the different routes used to drive around Kampala.
- Visiting Kibuli mosque
Another mosque to visit when in Kampala is the Kibuli mosque which is also a residence to some of the Sheiks of Uganda.
The Kibuli mosque is located on the Kibuli hill which is among the hills of Kampala. It is also the location where many Islamic activities take place.
- Visiting Bulange
A city tour around Kampala can also involve a tour of Bulange which is the parliament of Buganda. Visiting Bulange provides insight into the history of Buganda kingdom and also getting to know more about the clans of Buganda and the Kings of Buganda.
- A tour of the Kabaka’s lake
Tours around Kampala can also involve visiting the Kabaka’s lake which is a manmade lake in the Kampala city.
The lake is a spot where boat rides can be enjoyed and also getting to learn about the history of why the lake was built by the then king of Buganda (Kabaka Mwanga).
- Visiting the Bahai temple
The Bahai temple is among the places of worship in Kampala and is located on the Kikaya hill. The people of the Bahai faith worship at this temple.
When visiting the Bahai temple, visitors can relax in the gardens and also enjoy views of Kampala city.
- A tour of Namirembe cathedral
One of the most beautiful and oldest cathedrals in Uganda to visit during a city tour in Kampala is the Namirembe cathedral which was built in 1919.
The cathedral is an Anglican place of worship and is located on Namirembe hill and is also referred to as St Paul’s cathedral.
- A tour of Rubaga cathedral
The Rubaga cathedral is another place of worship to visit during a tour around Kampala and it is located on Rubaga hill.
Rubaga cathedral is a place of worship for Catholics and it was built in 1914. The beautiful architecture of the church is part of what is experienced during a visit to the cathedral.
- Visiting craft shops and art galleries
Another activity to do around Kampala is visiting the craft centers for a chance to see the beautiful art created by different local artists.
- Trying out local food
Touring Kampala is not complete without trying out the local cuisines at any other restaurants around the city which prepare dishes such as luwombo, matooke among others sold at an affordable price.
