Things To Know When Visiting Uganda
Boasting its distinct array of tourist destinations and diverse experiences, Uganda is one country with plenty for everyone to enjoy. Think of a destination to experience the off-beaten track adventures, and think not beyond Uganda, the Pearl of Africa.
Think of that one thrilling primate adventure, wildlife expedition or unique cultural experience, and a road trip to Uganda will have you covered. Visit the finest parks in Africa on a Uganda safari, explore great apes from mountain gorillas, and golden monkeys to chimpanzees and combine your primate experience with the big five encounters, watch countless antelopes and diverse bird species.
Visiting Uganda for the first time? Here are some of the most amazing tips to help you enjoy your visit to Uganda, The Pearl of Africa.
Location, Where is Uganda?
Uganda straddles in East Africa, a landlocked country sharing borders with countries like Kenya to the East. To the North, there is South Sudan, to the Southwest find Rwanda, the DRC to the West, and Tanzania to the South. It shares the vast and scenic Lake Victoria with other East African countries including Kenya and Tanzania.
Uganda is situated within the Great Lakes Area, the Nile Basin and experiences the modified Equatorial climatic conditions. 4 major regions make up Uganda, the Eastern, Western, Northern and Southern.
Currency used
The commonly used local currency in Uganda is ‘Uganda Shillings’ with the symbol ‘UGX’ and Bank of Uganda is the only entity mandated to mint, distribute/destroy currency in Uganda. Ugandan currency has different denominations both coins and notes. The coins are available in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 shs, and banknotes range from 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20000 to 50000. The currency exchange rate stands at 1 USD =UGX 3680; 1 EUR =4052. The exchange rate varies from one forex bureau to another. Please note, that the best exchange rate is done in Kampala the capital.
Visa and entry
A visa is an essential tool a visitor requires to have access to a country. Like any destination, you need a visa to enter Uganda for your vacation or business and other reasons. A single entry visa is issued at USD 50 per person, and multiple entry visas are issued at USD 100 per person. If you plan to visit more than 2 East African destinations for instance Uganda and Kenya, you can also obtain the East African tourist visa. The East African Tourist Visa allows tourists to visit more than two countries without obtaining another visa.
Language and religion
Over 50 tribes live in Uganda, with diverse languages spoken. There are 4 major ethnic groups living harmoniously in Uganda, the Nilo Hamites, Nilotics, Bantus and Hamites. The Bantu are the biggest tribal group and concentrates around Buganda, Busoga, Bunyoro, Tooro, Ankole, Kigezi and Bugwere, etc.
However, the official language is English and currently, there is an addition of Kiswahili. In Central Uganda, Luganda is widely spoken and in Western Uganda –mainly Runyankole and Bakiga are commonly spoken.
Electricity plugs
The plug types in Uganda come in 3 rectangular pins/patterns. The voltage supply is 240V and 50HZ. Uganda’s electricity system is rooted in the British style.
Health tips
A yellow fever vaccination and other vaccines should be taken before you travel for a vacation in Uganda. Aside from the yellow fever vaccination, you also required to vaccinate against polio, chickenpox, hepatitis, typhoid, and others.
Landmarks in Uganda
Uganda is a rich destination with a variety of unique physical features including valleys, forests, mountains and water bodies. The places to visit on a safari in Uganda include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki National Park, Budongo Forest, Kalinzu Forest, Lake Victoria, and Source of the Nile River, waterfalls and cultural sites.
Amazing experiences to enjoy on a vacation in Uganda: mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, game/wildlife viewing, bird watching, nature walking, mountaineering, hot air balloon, and others.
When to visit Uganda for a holiday?
Uganda is open to guests all year round, but the dry season is the most preferred time. The dry months come with favorable weather conditions, perfect for gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, mountaineering, hiking and other primate adventures. The dry season starts from June, July, and August to September.
What to carry
You need to pack right for your vacation and consider essentials first. The packing list for your Uganda safari: light safari clothes (long-sleeved shirts, trousers, rain jacket, socks), waterproof hiking boots or shoes, valid passport, gardening gloves, camera, first aid kit, sunglasses, pair of binoculars, safari hat, and others.
Where to stay/ Accommodation
Regardless of the destination you choose to spend your vacation, there are accommodation options to consider for a night stay. You can book a budget, midrange and luxury safari lodges, hotels and camps. The top lodges to book for overnight stay include Chobe Safari Lodge, Bakers Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Kigambira Safari Lodge, Lake Mburo Lodge, Primate Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge and others.
Getting there/around
Getting around the country is easy with different transport systems from boda bodas, cubs, taxis, and buses to charter flights. These are all good to take you around, but the best way to get around is to rent a car in Uganda and take a road trip. Hire a car that suits your trip type and we have all kinds of rental cars to make your vacation memorable.
Read MoreThings to Know before Renting a Car in Uganda
Although you can tour Uganda extensively by bus, sometimes renting a car in Uganda is the best way to explore to out-of-way villages, historic sites, and verdant countryside. Here are some useful things to know about Uganda car hire;
- Age Restrictions
Minimum rental ages vary by company and range from 18 years. Rules regarding older drivers also vary from company to company. The rules are usually driven by what insurance provider they use. Maximum age limits, when they are present, vary from 70 to 80. Even when no maximum age limit exists, extra charges may apply or insurance clearance may be required prior to renting. In some cases, that may involve providing a doctor’s certificate.
So if you are a younger or older driver, find out the requirements before you make rental arrangements, and be prepared to shop around.
- Transmission Type
The default for most car rentals in the Uganda is automatic and manual. So feel free to rent out what is more comfortable.
- Filling Up
Rental cars may be fueled by petrol or diesel. So find out which one your rental car uses so you select the correct pump when you refuel. Putting the wrong type of fuel in the tank can cause damage that you may be liable for. Almost every Uganda petrol station is not self-serve, so make sure to pay attention. Note that petrol and diesel in the Uganda are sold by the liter rather than the gallon.
- Roundabouts
Roundabouts, circular intersections in which traffic flows around in Kampala an excellent means of keeping traffic moving, but they can be challenging to drivers not used to them. There are a few basic guidelines for navigating roundabouts.
If you are taking the first roundabout exit to the left, stay in the left lane and signal left. If you are taking an exit to the right or going full circle, signal right and enter the roundabout in the right-hand lane. Keep to the right until you need to change lanes to exit and signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want to take.
- Narrow Roads
But there are a few things you should know before driving on such extremely narrow roads.
First, take it slow. Second, pay attention when you pass a widening in the road or a pullout/turnout. Be prepared to back up to those spots when a car approaches from the other direction.
Similarly, if a car behind you seems to be in a hurry, pull into the first widening you come across and allow it to go on ahead.
Third, approach every curve in the road, especially ones where trees block your vision of what’s around the bend, as if another car is definitely approaching.
Fourth, enjoy the scenery! You can plan your trip to avoid narrow roads, but they are often picturesque, and will lead you to quaint villages with welcoming pubs and inns.
- Insurance
As is the case in many other countries, car rental insurance in Uganda can cost more than the basic cost of the car itself. The insurance terminology used may be unfamiliar to you.
Third Party Liability Insurance, is a legal requirement and is generally included in the baseline car rental. This covers accident-related damage to anyone or anything outside the car. Other insurance coverage’s relate to damages to the rental car itself.
Read MoreEssential Tips for Car Rental Pick-Ups and Drop-Offs
Are you considering renting a car? This article brings you the essential tips to consider when picking-up and dropping-off the Car Rental. Whether you are a first-time customer or frequent Car renter in Uganda, the procedure of picking and dropping off vehicles tends to be tricky sometimes. Therefore, here are the essential car rental pick-up and drop-off tips;
Important tips when picking up the rental car
Carry the essential documents
Regardless of how much money you are willing to pay, the Car rental Company has the right to deny you the vehicle if you don’t fulfill some important requirements. For this reason, don’t forget to carry a valid driver’s license, passport of any other valid ID as well as the Credit Card when picking up the Rental Car.
Read and understand the Car Rental Agreement before signing it
At the time of picking the Rental Car, it is important to go through the agreement and make sure you understand each clause before signing it. In the agreement are terms and conditions of the Car Rental, which you have to understand before jumping into putting pen to paper.
The Reservation voucher
Having booked your Rental car already, one of the most important things to pay attention to is the reservation voucher, which provides detailed information on your booking, pick-up and drop-of day, all required documentation, insurance included and other important information. This Voucher has to be presented at the Car rental office.
Payment of security deposit on the Rental Car
Another essential tip for Car Rental pick-ups is related to security deposits, which is money paid to the Company during the Rental period, for purposes of guarantee. However, this shouldn’t worry you as it is not charged as a purchase and is withheld only when the Car is with the client. The full amount is refunded when the car is dropped to the Car Rental Company in a good condition as it was taken. For clarification on Car Rental security deposits, please don’t hesitate to reach us.
Always sort fuel and mileage before taking the Car
Some Car Rental Companies have full-to-full fuel policies while others don’t. However, fuel tanks can be half full or less hence it is always important to work it out with the paperwork. For this reason, feel free to ask from the Car Rental counter whether the Car uses diesel or petrol. Also, don’t forget to check if there’s a mileage limit because some drivers that don’t pay attention to these details get charged extra for driving over a limit they initially didn’t know about.
Also, always inquire on how to use Car features like GPS, Alarm systems, radio, lights and others in you don’t know to avoid breaking them while trying to forcefully operate them,.
Essential tips for car Rental drop-offs
Rental Car inspection
Before you hand over the rental car, their staff will ensure that it is not damaged, scratched or bent in anyway, compared to when they do during pick-up. For this reason, you also have to be keen on inspecting the car before driving off, with photo evidence to avoid been pinned for something you didn’t do. Make sure that you inspect the car together with the Company staff as proof of its condition (this is especially important during unstaffed after-hours’ drop-offs). If possible, go with the copy of the final conditional report and keep it safely until you have received your credit card statement.
Check the drop-off grace period, if any
Some Uganda car rental companies give a grace period of dropping the Car (in terms of time) and it is important to always check and note it because you might be charged an extra fee for going beyond the indicated time.
Fuel tank
Depending on how your reservation was made (full tank or empty), it is always essential to check the fuel level before dropping off the Rental Car. One important factor to note is that Companies have different terms and conditions, whereby some will require a full tank when the car is being dropped off while others don’t. Just check with the Company’s rules and comply accordingly.
The return receipt
When dropping off the Rental Car, the Company’s staff will also print out a receipt, as proof of returning the Vehicle with the exact dates and time. Make sure that this receipt is kept safely to avoid being implicated later.
Read More
5 Commendable Lodges for Self Drive Safaris in Uganda
Uganda has got many safari lodges that can be used by self drive travelers from all over the world, these ranges from Budget, mid range as well as luxury lodges. Self drive travelers can use some of the lodges below for their self drive safaris in Uganda;
- Mweya safari Lodge;
This lodge offers travelers an unforgettable experience, it’s situated on a peninsula with in the middle of Queen Elizabeth national park, and it’s surrounded by the Rwenzori Mountains commonly known as the mountains of the moon. In the east side, there lies the Great Rift Valley hill that is separated from the Mountains by the Kazinga channel. There are three type of accommodation facilities at the lodge:
Tents and cottages; for those wanting the eventual privacy and uniqueness, the lodge gives many configurations of cottages to suit your needs and requirements. There is also the presidential cottage, queen cottages, 2 family cottages, 2 luxury tents and 2 standard tents.
The main safari activities that can be enjoyed while at the lodge include; bird watching, game drives, boat cruises, chimpanzee trekking, Katwe Explosion crater, cultural talk, tree climbing lions, and a visit to the caves.
- Buhoma safari Lodge
This is an exclusive safari lodge located in Buhoma sector of Bwindi impenetrable National Park; it has got luxury facilities and great staff with great experience. The lodge is a top quality property with spectacular and uninterrupted views of the forest of Bwindi impenetrable national park; it’s just a short distance from the meeting point for gorilla trekking and many other activities.
The lodge has got ten comfortable chalets that are designed and carefully built using the locally made materials without compromising the levels of comfort. Each of the private verandas gives you great views and vistas of the forest canopy of the Bwindi Forest national Park. The rooms have got large comfortable beds with en suite bath rooms with flushing toilets. The main activity here is gorilla trekking. The lodge can be used by self drive travelers.
- Fort Murchison Lodge
This is a mid range lodge located in Murchison falls national park. Its set on the eastern banks of Albert Nile, the lodge brings the idea of a well maintained isolated outpost from long ago times. It’s built in the right spot and inspired by the historical back ground. It offers variety of very comfortable accommodations that suit any budgets from mid range to the lower market. It has got beautiful cottages, self contained tents and the non self contained tents. Its located in the former Aswa Lolim Game reserve just outside the northern park boundaries of Murchison falls national park. It’s also set in the fantastic surrounding and looks out to the beautiful Albert Nile.
The main safari activities in this national park include; fishing, game safaris, boat cruises, chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest and bird watching.
- Kyaninga Safari Lodge
Kyaninga safari lodge located in Fort portal is a luxury lodge that will give you the best experience while on yourself drive safari. It’s located on the edge of the volcanic Crater Lake and offers very spectacular walks right on your door step. Have a guided walk with one of the lodge guides present to guide you as you move around the rim of the Crater Lake and view its scenery. You can as well have a tour to the local villages to feel the life styles of the local people. Visit the escarpments as well.
The lodge has got many cottages that accommodate many people; the rooms are fully furnished with self contained bath rooms. The lodge has got a swimming that will help you relax after chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park.
- Mihingo Safari Lodge
Mihingo lodge is a very luxurious family owned lodge located just adjacent Lake Mburo National park. Located high on the rocky kopje with spectacular views over a vast savannah land scape. The lodge was designed to merge in with its easily broken environment and it’s a friendly lodge that offers relaxation, comfort and great experience with the nature. It has got a perpetuity pool that overlooks the valley where you can easily spot elands, buffaloes, warthogs, impalas, bush buck, zebras and many bird species.
The lodge has got 12 luxury tented rooms with each of them having unique charm and character. The rooms have got ensuite bath rooms with warm water and are designed to complement the local environment with great attention to detail.
In conclusion, above are the five commendable lodge facilities to any self drive travelers coming to Uganda for a self drive safari
Read More5 Best Luxury Lodges on Your Gorilla Safari
What makes your gorilla safari complete in Uganda is availability of accommodation options or safari lodges. Staying at a comfortable lodge will make your trip a journey of a liftetime! Therefore wWhen choosing where to spend a night before or after your gorilla trek, not every accommodation is ideal! That is why you need to have the best to make your stay memorable. Today we bring you the best luxury safari lodges where you can stay without breaking the bank. These lodges range from as low as US$280 per person. Our team has selected these lodges based on our past client reviews who have stayed at these great forest lodges;
Mount Gahinga Lodge
Just at the entrance to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Mount Gahinga Lodge is one incredible luxury establishment that is worth considering for your night stay. If you are looking at gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, this is the ultimate place to stay on your holiday. This lodge has a central fire place, comfortable rooms with en-suite bathrooms, showers, terrace, sunroom, Bandas, flush toilet; restaurant, bar, solar power and many more. This lodge is built with local materials that blend the natural environment. Run by the Volcanoes Safaris, a renowned responsible travel company, expect to get back to nature at its best during your stay. The lodge also offers a great option to visit the Batwa People, the former forest dwellers who used to stay in the lodge.
Buhoma Lodge
Buhoma Lodge is a luxury gorilla lodge within Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A stay at Buhoma Lodge offers you a chance to trek gorillas in the Buhoma Sector where there are several habituated gorilla groups like Katwe, Mubare, Rushegura and Habinyanja. This accommodation option consists of 10 cozy cottages, restaurant, solar power, a well-stocked bar, well-equipped beds among other amenities. This is one of the best places where you can stay during your safari.
Chameleon Hill Lodge
Chameleon Hill Lodge lies on the shores of Lake Mutanda. If you are traveling south of Bwindi this is the ultimate place to stay on your trip. A stay at this lodge rewards travelers with breathtaking views of the scenic Lake Mutanda, the Virunga Volcanoes and the impenetrable forest of Bwindi National Park. It is a perfect accommodation choice for luxury travelers who would like to track gorilla families within Rushaga region (Kutu, Mucunguzi, Rwingi, Mishaya, Nshongi, Busingye, Kahungye, Bweza) or in Nkuringo area (Nkuringo, Christmas and Bushaho).
Like how its name suggests, its colored units make it a unique place for
Clouds Mount Gorilla Lodge
Clouds Mount Gorilla Lodge is in Nkuringo area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is set at altitude of 2000 meters and a stay here rewards you with breathtaking view of the Virunga Volcanoes and the lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
It consists of 8 cottages which are built using local volcanic stones, 2 of which feature 2 bed rooms which are perfect for family stay. They have a luxurious sitting room, had woven carpets, en-suite washroom with shower, reading area, lounge/fully stocked bar, fireplace among others.
Read MoreSerena: Perfect hotel for your next business trip to Kampala
Uganda is one of our closest neighbors to Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania and not forgetting the democratic republic of congo that are all good destinations for wildlife and primate watching experiences. Uganda does not only share a border but also much of our history is interlinked with that of Uganda. Geopolitically, Uganda could just be our sister across the border.
It is no wonder that many businessmen and women transact business in Uganda and vice versa. Personally, I have crossed the border several times for business and have traveled back to Kigali in the company of Ugandans chasing a business deal in Rwanda that includes hotel managers & employees. This makes me a business traveller, of sorts – or at least I like to think of myself that way.
But where does one stay and conduct business while in Uganda? Where can you get all the resources and business support you need to successfully conduct your business as you luxuriate in the goodness that is the Pearl of Africa?
Throughout my travels, I have stayed in many hotels. Fallen in love with a few, critiqued others and there are some experiences that weren’t worth much to pen home about. Some experiences, though, are worth repeating. So if you have heard this story, I bet it is worth reading a second time.
If you have been to Kampala, you will already know that the city traffic is only paralleled by Nairobi’s, or maybe it is even worse! So if you are conducting business in the city, you want to stay at a venue close enough to the CBD. Else, you will have to fight through heavy traffic every morning, get to your meetings late, sweaty and angry. You also want to have a good night’s sleep so you can wake up fresh and ready for the business at hand. You need a room like this:
Now that you are early for business, have your clothes pressed courtesy of the efficient laundry department, you then need to breakfast like a king! Yes, they (not me) say we Africans eat wrong! We should, “dinner like a pauper and breakfast like a king!”
After breakfast, you can then meet your guests in one of the designated meeting rooms within the hotel. There are 8 board rooms that hold up to 10 people. The hotel staff will ensure that the room is prepared for your meeting and provide drinks, snacks and of course, writing material and a projector, should you need one. If you have a larger meeting to conduct there are numerous conference halls namely Katonga, Achwa, Addis, Turaco, Victoria, Nile and Foyer each sitting over 30 – 400 people for you to use.
If you prefer to meet over a meal, there are well decorated outdoors with good Wi-Fi coverage for you to sit and work over a drink or two.
Lunch and dinner at Lakes Restaurant or the Italian-styled Explorer Restaurant are often a delight especially if it is one of the themed special Sea Food (Surf n Turf) or Local (Ugandan) cuisine buffets or Pasta Night at the Explorer Restaurant.
The hotel also boasts a state of the art gym and a world-class Spa dubbed Maisha Spa for your ultimate luxury relaxation, just meters from the sparkling blue swimming pool. Perfect given that Kampala can get quite hot at times.
Once your business in Kampala is done, then you can hire a cab to Entebbe International Airport. But let me add that on your way to Entebbe, you can detour and stop by the sister hotel, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort, and Spa. And yes, you guessed right, the hotel I’ve been describing is Kampala Serena Hotel, which has, year-after-year, been declared the Leading Hotel in Uganda at the World Travel Awards. That’s where you conduct serious business when in Uganda!
This very accommodation and hotel are recommended to travelers by tour operators who decide to take Uganda safaris that encompass the mountain gorilla trekking in the mega Bwindi impenetrable forest national park & mgahinga national park in south western Uganda
Read More
Adventure Uganda on Budget
Being the pearl of Africa, Uganda has the best weather year round conducive for travel from one place to another. Tourist attractions in a few kilometer road distance from the international airport at Entebbe. Beaches, gardens, Lakes, and natural forest reserves are the first spotted even to visitors driving on the highway. Other attractions include the national parks, cultural sites, rain forests, waterfalls, Islands etc. While in Uganda moving from one place to another is mostly by road using public or private means of transport, water by ferry or boat and Air using chatter plains. All transport means are privatized and mostly owned by private individuals. Connections can be made any time of day depending on where you heading. However the cheapest way of travelling around Uganda is by bus and Tax though water crossing journeys can be involved at some point and crossing is by boat or ferry especially if you want to visit a stunning island on Lake Victoria. Only five US dollars can move you from Kampala to Jinja using public taxes which are boarded from Kampala Old Park and still drop you to Jinja town.
As you know Jinja is one of the most visited towns in Uganda with many things to do and experience, white water Rafting, Bungee jumping, source of the Nile visit, birding, community walks and cycling, Quad biking etc. Sometimes you get surprised finding that even the night accommodation goes for only $5-15 dollars in tents and dorms at different campsites around the lake. The town is calm with less traffic and worthy resting when it comes to spending some days out of the city. Despite the new changes of former Bujagali falls, the city still attracts many tourists from all over the globe to engage in different adventures including chilling at the Nile watching local cultural dancers. Different buses offer the same service at the same fee leaving Kampala all day from morning to evening. You can get on and off whenever you want along one of their set routes and you can buy ticket as you get into the bus .However buses to western Districts of Kabale, Kisoro, Kasese, masindi are quite more expensive since they drive for longer hours from Kampala. Many travelers use these buses to connect to Uganda national park especially Bwindi Impenetrable forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park for Gorillas and wildlife safaris tours.
If you heading to Bwindi forest, it’s advisable to wake up quite early and leave Kampala with the first bus which leaves the terminal at 5.00am arriving in Kabale town late in the afternoon a convenient time for you to get other public means of transport to your lodge of residence. The cost is around normally 15-17 dollars one way. Prior bookings for a Uganda safari are recommended in order not to miss out so booking your bus ticket a day before travel makes sense. Backpackers usually travel light and find this transport option the best and convenient for Uganda cheap holidays. Even for practical travel reasons it’s indeed the best since you get a chance to even visit the local groceries ,markets, taste the local meals like a local hence experiencing Africa as locals do. The best way to travel for cheap is to not pay for it but sometimes it’s risky for foreigners to mix up with people they do not know especially in a public transport mean because some locals have funny characters of taking what isn’t there so a foreigner may lose luggage if he or she travelled with a lot of staff.Still Uganda being aland of lakes and rivers, some National parks and cool Islands can only be accessed by boat and ferry means of transport and the advantage with the ferry travel in Uganda, you move along with your vehicle as well unlike in a bus. Murchison falls National Park and Ssese are the main tourism spots accessed by a ferry. Move and discover most of Uganda main attractions by road and ferry
Read MoreKampala Serena Hotel Listed Among Leading World Hotels
The Kampala Serena Hotel has been listed among leading hotels of the world.
The hotel has been the first in Uganda to qualify for the rating. Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) is a prestigious luxury hospitality organisation representing over 450 of the world’s finest hotels, resorts and spas.
Hotels seeking membership with LHW apply for admission. The hotel’s managing director, Mahmud Jan Mohamed, said they were among the many hotels, which submitted applications but few were chosen to undergo the next phase of the acceptance process.
The exercise involved rigorous inspection of facilities. Recognising the hotel as a member of LHW reassures us of the continual need for hard work to adhere to high quality. The hotel has 152 rooms.
Drawing its architectural inspiration from the abundance of Uganda’s lakes and rivers, the Kampala Serena Hotel is styled around a central water theme, which manifests itself in the wrought ironwork, mosaic pillars, hand-carved panels, cascading waterfalls and shimmering water gardens alike.
Kampala Serena boasts 17 acres of gorgeous grounds which provide shelter for a wide selection of indigenous trees; and protection for a beautiful array of flowers, birds and butterflies, the hotel’s extensive grounds will provide a haven of calm in the centre of Uganda’s most cosmopolitan city.