Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kampala is the capital city of Uganda, located near the northern shores of Lake Victoria. It is known for its seven hills that define its landscape. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1.5 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 20 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 3,700 UGX; ATMs and banks are widely available but may impose withdrawal fees. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz; Type G sockets are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include MTN Uganda and Airtel. Average cost for a SIM card is around 15,000 UGX. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Standard Chartered and Stanbic Bank offer services for expats, and visibility for mobile banking options like M-Pesa. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and short-term rental sites like Booking.com have varied options ranging from budget to luxury. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Increasingly cashless-friendly with mobile payment options and card acceptance in major establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Sites like Airbnb and local platforms such as Jumia Rent are commonly used. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Red Chilli Hideaway offer beds starting from 30,000 UGX per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Kampala City Center and the suburbs of Kololo and Nakasero are highly recommended for their accessibility to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Kampala City Center and the upscale areas of Bugolobi and Muyenga offer good amenities for remote workers. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Office Uganda, located in the city center, offers great facilities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Javas is popular among expats for its reliable internet and workspace. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events at The Innovation Village and online platforms like Meetup provide ample networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Kampala Expats Facebook Group organizes regular meetups and social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | SafeBoda and Uber are widely used for easy transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Services like SafeBoda offer scooters for rent within the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Victoria offers various beaches, including Munyonyo Beach, which is about 30 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Uganda provides regional flights across East Africa. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, and British Airways offer international connectivity. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Kampala has direct access to the Jinja Highway, connecting to other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The Kampala Railway Station serves as a transit hub, with limited passenger services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Specialized matatu (minibus) services are prevalent but don't offer traditional transit passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses from companies like PostBus and Modern Coast connect Kampala with nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Mulago National Referral Hospital is the top public hospital in Kampala. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Hub Uganda and Healing Garden Health Spa offer various yoga and wellness classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Serena Fitness Centre and Anytime Fitness provide modern facilities and membership options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services such as Fresh Laundry are available in urban areas. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food is the most popular food delivery app in Kampala. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Luwombo, a traditional stew made with meat and groundnut sauce, is highly recommended. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Esther's Kitchen offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Cake Boutique serves an array of pastries and dessert options. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Nakasero Market offers fresh produce and local delicacies at affordable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia Uganda and Kilimall provide a range of online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Zinny Daily Grocery Delivery allows for online grocery shopping and delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kampala's nightlife can be found in areas like Kisementi and Kololo. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bell Lager, a popular local beer brand, is brewed by Nile Breweries. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Garage is a notable wine bar featuring various selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors can be found selling local favorites like Rolex (a rolled omelet) throughout the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like De casual dining serve a mix of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Uganda National Mosque and Namirembe Cathedral for breathtaking views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Uganda Museum showcases the country’s cultural heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort Lugard is a historical site reflecting Uganda’s colonial past. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Bahai Temple is a notable religious site in Kampala. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kampala's Oktoberfest is a well-attended annual celebration of Ugandan culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit Ndere Cultural Centre for authentic performances and craft shopping. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The National Theatre hosts various cultural shows and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Owino Market is famous for bargaining and local culture. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The city has a vibrant music scene with various genres represented, especially at venues like Jazz Junction. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Visit areas such as Kamwokya to see vibrant street murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes at The Intrepid Kitchen teach participants to make traditional Ugandan dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Nommo Gallery showcases contemporary Ugandan art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Taxi Park is a bustling hub and historic site in the city center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Ugandan flag and traditional cultural symbols represent national heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lake Mburo National Park is about 3.5 hours from Kampala, perfect for wildlife viewing. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Murchison Falls National Park is a popular destination, around a 5-hour drive from the city. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Visit Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo for serene walking trails. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The top of Mengo Hill offers fantastic views of the city skyline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Entebbe are famous for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain sites in Jinja, along the Nile, allow for bonfires, and camping experiences. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx offer reliable delivery services for parcels. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Jumia provides electronic repair services in various locations. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers around the city offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer English and local language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The British Council Library and Makerere University Library are good study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers like KCCA promote cultural activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming zones in malls like Game International provide video gaming experiences. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Renaissance Casino offers entertainment for those interested in gaming. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 100,000,000 UGX per studio apartment (e.g., 30 m² = 100,000,000 UGX). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 70,000,000 UGX per studio apartment (e.g., 30 m² = 70,000,000 UGX). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 150,000,000 UGX per 1-bedroom apartment (e.g., 60 m² = 150,000,000 UGX). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 100,000,000 UGX per 1-bedroom apartment (e.g., 60 m² = 100,000,000 UGX). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 200,000,000 UGX per 2-bedroom apartment (e.g., 80 m² = 200,000,000 UGX). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 140,000,000 UGX per 2-bedroom apartment (e.g., 80 m² = 140,000,000 UGX). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% is the current standard corporate tax rate in Uganda. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The tax rate for dividends is generally 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Uganda operates on a residency and source-based tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The highest personal income tax rate is 40%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Uganda has provisions concerning controlled foreign corporations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, properties are taxed based on their rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | The real estate transaction tax is set at approximately 1%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax incentives for development projects can be beneficial to digital nomads. |