The Central Region of Uganda

Kampala

Kampala, Uganda’s capital in the Central Region, is a vibrant city of about 1.7 million, set on hills near Lake Victoria, 40 km from Entebbe International Airport. It’s the country’s economic and cultural hub, featuring the UNESCO-listed Kasubi Royal Tombs, Uganda National Mosque, and bustling Owino Market. 

Visitors can expect colorful markets with local crafts and foods like the Ugandan Rolex, royal history at Kabaka’s Palace, lively nightlife with live music, and scenic boat rides on Lake Victoria.

Entebbe and Lake Victoria

Entebbe, a serene city of about 70,000 people in Uganda’s Central Region, lies on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, 40 km from Kampala, and hosts Entebbe International Airport, the country’s main entry point. 
Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, is a vital ecological and cultural feature, offering scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. 
Visitors can expect tranquil beaches, the Entebbe Botanical Gardens teeming with birds and plants, 
the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre for animal encounters, and Mabamba Swamp, a prime spot for spotting the rare shoebill stork, alongside boat rides on the lake’s shimmering waters.

Mabamba Swamp

Mabamba Swamp, located near Entebbe on the northern shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda’s Central Region, is a renowned wetland accessible about 40 km from Kampala. 
It is a critical birdwatching site, particularly famous for hosting the elusive shoebill stork, alongside over 260 bird species. 
Visitors can expect serene canoe rides through papyrus-lined channels, sightings of rare birds like the African fish eagle, and a peaceful escape into a vibrant ecosystem teeming with wildlife.

Kasubi Royal Tombs

The Kasubi Royal Tombs, located in Kampala in Uganda’s Central Region, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the traditional burial ground for the kings of the Buganda Kingdom. 
This historic site, built in 1882, features a large thatched-roof structure housing royal tombs and artifacts, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Baganda people. 
Visitors can expect guided tours showcasing royal regalia, traditional architecture, and stories of Buganda’s monarchy, offering a deep dive into Uganda’s cultural history. 

Kabaka's Lake

Kabaka’s Lake, located in Kampala in Uganda’s Central Region, is a man-made lake dug in the 1880s by the Buganda Kingdom under Kabaka Mwanga II, near the Kabaka’s Palace. 
It is a significant cultural site for the Baganda people, covering about 2 square kilometers and surrounded by lush greenery. 
Visitors can expect serene views, cultural tours exploring Buganda’s royal history, and tranquil walks or boat rides in a peaceful setting close to the city’s vibrant heart.

Uganda National Mosque (Gaddafi Mosque)

Located on Old Kampala Hill, one of Kampala’s seven hills in the Central Region, the Uganda National Mosque, formerly known as Gaddafi Mosque, is East Africa’s largest mosque, completed in 2006 with funding from Muammar Gaddafi. 
It accommodates up to 15,000 worshippers, with a 50.5-meter minaret offering panoramic views of Kampala, and serves as the headquarters of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council. 
Visitors can expect guided tours showcasing its vibrant Arab, European, and African-inspired architecture, intricate interior designs, and a climb up the 304-step minaret for stunning city vistas.