HISTORY OF KAMPALA

WORLD WAR MEMORIAL MONUMENT.

Kampala’s oldest monument was built by the protectorate Government in memory of Ugandans who died during the two world wars. Upon return, world war veterans played an important role in the struggle for Uganda’s independence.

It was built in 1945 by the British Colonial government. The Monument is located at the Constitutional Square in Kampala near the Uganda High Court. The 5Ft monument is also depicted on the Front side of the Uganda Shilling Five thousand Note (2010).

INDEPENDENCE MONUMENT

The construction of the independence monument was funded by the British colonial government in the days leading up to Uganda’s first independence celebrations on October 9th 1962. Depicting a man in bondage unwrapping a child and raising the Child to touch the sky, the towering sculpture signifies a new born country let free from the bondages of colonization. It magnificently rises to a height of 6 Meters

Built by Gregory Magoba, one of Uganda’s first professional sculptors, this heralds the new newly born country let free from bondage. It was unveiled on 5th October 1962 by Apollo Milton Obote, Uganda’s first prime Minister after independence.

Uganda was colonized by the Britain  in 1890 and Captain Fredrick Lugard the Imperial  British East East African Company (IBEAC), raised the Union Jack (British Flag) at a Fort he established on Old Kampala Hill (Fort  Lugard) and declared Uganda a British Protectorate. 

From that time, Uganda and her resources belonged to the British government. Indeginous people had little or no say about the future of their country. The monument is also depicted on the back side of the Uganda Shilling Five thousand Note.

It is located opposite the Grand Imperial Hotel.

SIR EDWARD MUTESA 1 MONUMENT

Located at Speke Road and Nile Avenue Junction across the Road from the Independence Monument, the statue tells a story of the first president Uganda who at the time was also the Kabaka. He was the only man in Uganda to hold both titles.

Sir Edward Frederick William David Walugembe Mutebi Luwangula Muteesa II (19th November 1924 – 21 November 1969) was the King of the Kingdom Of Buganda from 22 November 1939 untill his death.  He was the 35th Kabaka of Buganda and the First President of Uganda. Knigted by the Queen Herself and trained in British Military Techniques, the Colonialists ahd hoped to use him control the people. He led the people of Uganda to Independence. The Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi unveild this monument in 2007.

THE KABAKA MONUMENT

The monument whose centerpiece is agigantic split drum [calledengalabi in luganda],it is in the middle of the stretch from b Bulange[headquarters of the Buganda government] and the  lubiri[the kings palace],the stretch is aslo known as the royal mile or king’sway.thhe structure rises 11 metres above the ground and the area has a diameter of 12.8 metres.The spear and shield hanging in middle of the split drum represent the kingdom’s emblem seen on the Buganda flag.

THE STRIDE

This monument was built in memory of the hosting of commonwealth Heads of government (CHOGM) in 2007. It was uncovered  by the Queen of England  and it is so far  the most  Expensive  Monument in Uganda with a Total cost of  150 Million Uganda Shillings. The works of the Stride Monument were conducted by a team of eleven professional sculptors under the Command of Prof. George Kyeyune. The Wife, husband and son aluminum assemblage moving forward depicts that Common wealth Countries are developing together as a Family.

it is about 1km away with a short distance  from the mojor upmarket hotel in kampala.it is situated just behind the parliament of Uganda in front of kampala serena Hotel [conference hall].

EDUCATION MONUMENTS

Various institutions contain monuments depicting the role of education .Kyambogo university had a monument with three kids struggling to touch a book and it was put up in commemoration of 100 years of education sector in Uganda. The monument was unveiled   by kintu musoke 1996. The 75th anniversary monument at the CoNAS, school of statistics and planning roundabout .makerere university it is the tittled hatching news generation infront  of college of naturai sciences. It depicts the new dawnin the world of academics in Uganda with the rising of many insitutions under the example of fully established makerere university.

THE JOURNEY

This monument depicits five youthful individuals, among which three of them are carrying  a flag, taking a steps up on a pedestal. “The five youthful individuals represent the five decades Uganda has passed through as an independent state,” it can be found at the kololo indepence grounds.

THE CENTENARY MONUMENT

This is positioned in the famous centenary park along  Jinja road in close proximity to hotel Africana. It commemorates the centenary of the Kampala city council –the governing body of kampala  city council. This feature was designed by a Makerere university Artist, Sylvia Katende and it stretches up to 6 feet.

THE STATUE OF LEADERSHIP

This statue is situated in front of the Amber House on Kampala Commemorating the introduction of Electricity in Kampala. The Sculpture features Sir Apollo Kaggwa the Prime minister of Buganda Kingdom from 1890 – 1926. He is celebrated for having advocated for the extension of Electricity and Purified Water to the Kingdom of Buganda amidst Critics from the local Baganda who thought he was wasting time on un necessary things instead of requesting for gold and guns. The 7 Feet Monument was Facilitated by Electricity body with a hand from National Water and was uncovered in 2002 by the then Minister of Energy Hon. Said Bbumba.

UGANDA RAILWAY STATION (1949)

Built after the Uganda the Uganda Railway had reached Kampala from Mombasa in 1931, this imposing Buildingattests to the Status of the Railways in the colonial Period, when all of the protectorate foreign trade and much of its passenger traffic depended on rail. Contains many original fittings.

PARLIAMENTARY BUILDING (1958 – 1962)

A monumental building ,designed by peatfield and bodgeners to herald the optimismof the late 1950’s with Uganda soon to be declared independent.the light on top of the tower ,when switched on, signifies that the house is sitting ,A spectacular wooden mural showing Uganda,s rich flora and fauna can be seen in the foyer.

A monumental Building, designed by peatfield and Bodgener to herold the Optimism of the late 1950s with Uganda soon to be declared independent. The Light on top of the tower, when switched on signifies that the House is sitting.

A spectacular wooden mural showing Uganda’s rich Flora and Fauna Can be seen in the foyer.

EBENEZER HOUSE (1937)

The last Building of this period in central Kampala, Ebenezer House has been occupied by the Uganda Bookshop and  arm of the  Church of Uganda – Since 1977. The City council has encouraged its preservation as one of remaining historical buildings in Central Kampala.

BUGANDA ROAD PRIMARY SCHOOL (1933)

Formerly named its founder Norman Godinho, an Important Goan property owner and philanthropist, the school was renamed in the 1970s after the expulsion of Asians from Uganda. Initially exclusively an Indian School, it was handed over to government, expanded in 1954 and later opened to indigenous Ugandans.

MAYOR’S PARLOUR (1949)

The Old Hall for Kampala City Council was opened by the Government of Uganda, sir John Hall in 1949 and marks the time when Kampala became a city. The white Hall replaced the Old Hall in the Mid 1960s.

NAKASERO FORT (1900)

One of the few remaining symbols of the British Military presence in Uganda, the Colonial administrators occupied it in 1903 after moving from Fort Lugard at Old Kampala. The Fort had two canons to defend the premises and the city incase of attack. Part of the perimeter wall still stands, as well as the remnants of military Quarters built in a defensive quadrangle.

THE EMIN PASHA HOTEL (1940’S)

Partly built around a renovated Villa, the home of the first department store owner in Kampala (Drapers, now Crane Bank on Constitutional Square). A good example of a historical building renovated with care to turn it into a useful economic asset.

VECTOR CONTROL UNIT (1962)

Formerly the Malaria Control unit, this building was initially for the exclusive use of Colonial officials and reminds us that illness was a persistent feature of early colonial life.

NAKASERO MARKET / KCCA KATALE

Constructed by the colonial administrators, this is the Oldest and probably the first market built as a permanent structure.  Originally located the Lubiri Kabaka’s Palace from 1895, it was moved to makerere – Kagugube in 1905 for better access, then to Nakasero hill in 1915 untill construction at its present location in 1927.

Though not exactly monuments, the KCCA katale (held on Sundays) and Nakasero market are not to be skipped during your tour of Kampala city. Perfect for travelers who love to shop and are looking for colourful places to photograph.

SAMAJ TRUST BUILDING

Patidar Samaj trust building built in 1935, is an example of Indian architecture in Kampala in 1930’s. Originally built as a social, Cultural and religious center for the Patel or Gujarati community, as did other Asian Communities in the City. It also Houses the Uganda National Library.

NAKASERO HINDU TEMPLE (1954)

“The Shree Sanatan Dharma Mandir” was built in 1954 by Public Subscription and Follows the Precepts of Hindu temple Architecture. Bulding material were imported from india and no steel bars were used. A masterpiece of indian masonry with intricate   stonework, Hindu gods stand sentry on the outside walls of the temple, while the inside is equally richly decorated.

The Denomination is said to have a deity believed to have created everything, a deity to sustain everything, a deity of death and destruction, a deity of fertility, a deity of war, a deity of Peace, a deity of Rain, a deity of Music, almost a deity for everything.. Hinduism is one of the Faith that arrived in the Country about the same time as Islam in the 1880s. Its subscribers from Indian Sub-continent first arrived as traders.

With the ultimate goal of building an unbroken strong bond with one’s god, a hindu has to make Worship a lifestyle. One worships not just on Occasion but also through one’s every day actions and thoughts.

A sufficient number of the Hinduism religion increased in 1920s when many Indians had come as construction Labourers on the Kenya – Uganda Railway Settled in the then emerging towns like Entebbe and Kampala.

The hindu temple is open to all vistors during the day .The only requirement is to maintain silence and remove the shoes at entrance. Here you will be able to see various Hindu gods and watch their faithful feed and dress them. Photography is allowed as long as you silence your shutter sound. The temple is located at 8 Snay Bin Amir Street, Nakasero Market, Kampala.

SWAMINARAYAN HINDU TEMPLE (1960)

The Spiritual Centre for swaminarayan Hinduism consists of two Worship Halls. The temple has provided a religious, Cultural and Social Focus point for the Gujarati Community in Kampala. It is said to be the Most spacious and Imposing of the swaminarayan Temples in East Africa, reflecting the strength of the community in the Country, Especially in the Mid-20th Century.

WATOTO CHURCH (1950’s)

Previously the Norman Cinema after the N.Godinho, Its builder. The first large, lavish and well – appointed movie house in Kampala, then a performance stage Elly wamala, Jimmy Katumba and the Ebonies performed there, until it was turned into a church in the early 1980’s.

GOVERNMENT NATIONAL ANALYTICAL LABORATORY (1925 – 1927)

A magnificent example of early colonial architecture, this laboratory was constructed to provide specialized scientific, analytical, advisory and referral services to foster public health, a major concern during the early colonial period. Laboratory services in Uganda were introduced in 1926 at the European hospital in Nakasero (demolished) before being moved to this building.

BANK OF UGANDA

Construction of the Bank’s first permanent premises started in 1967, one year after Uganda first issued its own national currency. Designed by Peatfield and Bodgener. The building’s striking design is accompanied by the monument in front, a mosaic – clad structure that symbolizes the new Bank’s authority over the nation’s wealth.

Bank of Uganda (BOU) is the central Bank of the Republic of Uganda. The Primary purpose of the Bank is to foster price stability and a sound Financial System together with other institutions, it also plays a pivotal role as a center of excellence in upholding Macroeconomic stability.

The Bank of Uganda Headquarters are located on plot 37/45 Kampala Road.

The Bank has 9 branches headed by Branch Managers in Kampala, Jinja, Mbale, Gulu, Mbarara, Kabale, Fort portal, Arua and Masaka Town.

HIGH COURT BUILDING (1930)

The high court building provides examples of neo – classical early colonialism

TREASURY BUILDING (1930’S)

This imposing nature of the building illustrated its importance in the colonial economy, as a main collection point for taxes of different kinds. The Building was rehabilitated in keeping with its architectural character in 1998.

ST. LUKE AND ST. KATHERINE WARDS, MENGO HOSPITAL.

Stands where Albert Cook built Uganda’s first grass thatched hospital in 1897. It was rebuilt with earth and grass bricks in 1904 with most of the labor provided through Community services.

ALBERT COOK’S HOUSE

Formerly the residence of Dr. Albert Cook, Uganda’s Pioneer Missionary Medical doctor. The stone built home related to an English Cottage, is where his wife, Katherine Cook, helped Lady Drusilla Namaganda deliver Kabaka Muteesa II in 1924.

BUSEGA MARTRYR’S MEMORIAL (1984)

A memorial to the first three Uganda Martyrs Killed in 1885 for having embraced Christianity: Noah Sserwanga, aged 19, Mark Kakumba, 16 and Yusuf Lugalama 12 under the order of King Mwanga II of Buganda. In 1984 the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Dr. Robert Runcie laid the Foundation stone.

NATEETE MARTYRS CHURCH (1906) AND MACKAY’S CAVE (1884)

One of Uganda’s Oldest Churches, Built on the site of Alexander Mackay’s Original Structure (1878).

Mackay Taught the First Anglican Converts and Translated the Bible into Luganda, a 12 year Task using the press displayed at the Uganda Museum. The Brick Cave protected him during Kabaka Mwanga’s religious persecutions.

“FORT JESUS BUILDING” ST. PETER’S SCHOOL NSAMBYA (1895 – 1907)

The first Mission House of the mill Hill Missionaries in Uganda, after Kabaka gave much of Nsambya Hill to the Catholic Church in 1895. This Partitioned building  served as a church, residence and Education Centre, before St. Peter’s Church Nsambya was Built in 1951.

UGANDA MUSEUM (1954)

The Uganda museum is a museum in Kampala which displays and exhibits ethnological, natural – historical and traditional life collections of Uganda’s cultural heritage. The museum was founded in 1908, after Governor George Wilson called for “all articles of interest” on Uganda to be procured. Among the Collections in the Uganda Museum are playable Musical instruments, hunting Equipment, Hunting equipment, weaponry, archaeology and Entomology.

The Museum has a number of Galleries like Ethnography Gallery, Music Gallery, Paleontology, Education Service, Cultural Village.

The Museum Building is a historical land mark which was designed by a German architect Ernst May. It was designed with ample natural lighting and air to ensure proper preservation of Objects.

It is East Africa’s Oldest Museum started when the then Bristish Governor directed all district heads to collect Ethnographic objects in 1901. These artefacts were housed at Fort Lugard (1908), Moved to the Margaret Trowell School of Art at Makerere in 1941 and later funds were raised for a permanent home and the Museum was moved to its current location on Kitante Hill in 1954.

It is located in the Northern part of Kampala Kitante Hill on Plot 5 Kira Road 5Km away from the City Centre, Uganda.

ST.PAUL’S CATHEDRAL NAMIREMBE, LUTIKO (1915 – 1919).

Saint Paul’s cathedral, Located on Namirembe Hill, is commonly referred to as Namirembe cathedral. It is the oldest cathedral in Uganda, it serves as Both a Diocesan and provincial cathedral of the church of Uganda. Consecration and Enthronement of the Bishop of  Namiremebe and that of the Archbishop of the Church of  the Province of Uganda are held here. the first diocese to be found in the church of Uganda province since 1889. Before this date the mission station was at Nateete about 5kms from the Current Location at Namirembe Cathedra on land which was donated by the King of Buganda not far from his headquarters, which were in Lubaga by then.

The Building which is 100years Old is recognized as one of the most significant religious sites in Africa Today whose previous structures were destroyed by wind, termites and Lightening. With its neo_ gothic and byzantine features, it was constructed with Clay bricks and roof tiles. Bishop Hannington( who was murdered on Kabaka Mwanaga’s order, Albert Cook and his wife and Lady Sarah Nalule, Kabaka Mutebi’s Mother are Burried in the  grave yard.

The Cathedral represents one of Kampala’s greatest attractions and makes a significant Contribution to the Tourism development of Kampala City.

The First Church on Namirembe Hill was built on the lower slopes in 1890 at a place called ‘Kitesa’ by the Church Missionary Society (CMS). It soon became apparent that the building was not large enough for the Rapidly growing congregation. A new design for a larger building on the Top of the Hill was done by a man Called Nikodemu Sebwato, the then Chief of Buddu.

OLD KAMPALA POLICE STATION (1929).

The only surviving of the first three police stations erected during the early years of Colonial period with Entebbe and Nakasero Fort.

The Lower storey, the first commander’s residence and the mango tree he planted remain as well as another mango tree planted by Kabaka Muteesa II upon his return from Exile in 1955.1

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY MAIN BUILDING (1939)

The administrative building for east Africa’s oldest university which was established in 1922 and  constructed with funding from the colonial Development fund, the building was designed to partly resemble the senate building at the university of   London to which Makerere college was then affiliated.

 OLD MICHEL HALL, MAKERERE UNIVERSITY (1922)

Among the first building at Makerere university and originally known as Mitchell hall was named after the British Governor of Uganda Sir Philip Mitchell (1935/1940) who proposed moving Makerere beyond Vocational Training and expanding it to become the center for higher Education in British East Africa (Kenya, Tanganyika, Uganda). It housed the first residential facilities for male students, including Julius Nyerere who lived in the first room on the left of the entrance to block cc. In 1937 Makeerere began to Offer Post high school Certificates. The University of London, whose recognition of Makerere’s academic program was crucial to its legitimacy as a post-secondary Institution, initially refused to certify its curriculum. Finally in 1949 the University of London affiliated with Makerere.

MARGRET TROWELL SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL AND FINE ARTS.

Named after the funder of the school in 1937 Makerere College introduced art among the subject taught. Mrs MagretTrowell and her Husband Dr. Hugh Trowell influenced the humble beginnings of the School on the  Verendah of their  residence in Mulago.

As an artist who was passionate about Ugandan crafts and artifacts, Margret trowel endured the Bureaucratic hurdles of Colonial  Administration and meagre resources allocated to successfully get the Art school up and running.

 The building also housed the collection of the Uganda museum (1941/1954). The Margret Trowel School of Industrial and Fine Art has three departments: Fine Art, Industrial Arts and Applied Design.

KIBULI MOSQUE (1941 – 1951)

It is located on land that was donated by Prince Nuhu Mbogo, a prominent Ugandan Muslim. A spot where the first Permanent Muslim with its Qibla, where the word “Kibuli” Originates.  It was built in 1894. Outside the mosque stands a mango tree where the first meeting to plan the construction of the current mosque took place. Prince Aly Agha khan laid the Foundation stone in 1941 and Opened it in 1951.

RASHID KHAMIS ROAD.(1930’S)

Located on plot 44, is a Unique Example of the 1920’s Art Deco Architecture in Kampala. Originally built as a petrol Station.

MENGO PRIMAMRY SCHOOL (1904)

Christsian Missionaries  established Kayanja Elementary School which was later named Mengo Primary School in 1985. The Chwa Building was the first Formal Education Building in Uganda financed by Buganda Kingdom and British Donations. The Muvule tree King Chwa Planted on its inauguration still stands in the yard. This was followed by the Muteesa 1 Dormitory, Both buildings having thick walls made of Mud and Grass.

KASUBI TOMBS(1880)

Situated on kasubi hill, within kampala ,Uganda,the kasubi tombs site is an active religious place in the Buganda kingdom. To the Baganda the  kabaka is the unquestioned symbol of spiritual, political and social state of the Buganda nation.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Originally it was the Palace for Kabaka Muteesa 1 (1880 – 1884). The graves of Muteesa 1, Mwanaga II, Daudi Chwa and Muteesa II are found in the main House. “The Muzibu Azaala Mpanga. Bujjabukulu”  The Gate House is where Muteesa 1 Lived 1880 – 1882, awaiting completion of the main House.

“Ndoga Obukaba” Is the House Containg the Royal Drums.

KASUBI MUTEESA 1 ROYAL MOSQUE (1856)

It was the First Mosque in Uganda, Originally Built with Earth and Bamboo, Untill it was completely reconstructed in in 1967. The Mosque O        riginally had two Qiblas, One facing “Muzibu Azala Mpanga”  and the other Mecca. Kabaka Muteesa 1’s Quran, His Kettele and Wooden Ablution Sandals (Mikalabanda) can be seen at this Site.

PRINCE NUHU MBOGO’S TOMB(1921)

Born in 1835, the son of Kabaka Ssuuna II and brother to Kabaka Muteesa 1, Prince Mbogo acquired his name when  he urged the  Muslims to Fight  like Embogo (Buffaloes) during the religious wars.

The Grave is located at Kawempe, named after the Papyrus Shelter under which Mbogo Hid from the British, Shortly before being exiled to Zanzibar In 1893.

NAMASOLE MAASOMBIRA’S PALACE (1930’S)

These are Grounds only, located inKanyanya, the Palace of Evelyn Kulabako Maasombira, the Namasole (Queen Mother) of Kabaka Daudi Chwa II and Wife to Kabaka Mwanag II was burried there in 1951.

MAKINDYE SUB- COUNTY (GOMBOLOLA) BUILDING (1930)

An Exampala of the adminstravtive structures built by the Buganda kingdom in the colonial period and used till 1966, partly as a court house and cell for prisoners.

THE BAHAI HOUSE OF WORSHIP (1958)

BAHAI TEMPLE

The mashriqu’l-Adhkar is situated on 8.5 hectares [21.5acres] of land on kikaya hill on the outskirts of kampala,Uganda.

Surrounded by extensive gardens, the mother Temple for Africa was designed to fit with Uganda’s Culture and Environment. With its nine sided Circular Shape and striking dome, it was built under the supervision of the architects of the Bulange at the time the highest Building in East Africa, It remains one of the Largest religious structures in Africa.

ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL LUBAGA(1914 – 1925)

RUBAGA CATHEDRAL

Saint mary’ cathedral rubaga,commonly reffered to as Rubaga cathedral, is the parent cathedral of the roma catholic Archdiocese of kampala, the oldest Roman catholic diocese in Uganda.

Constructed by the white Fathers, the Cathedral sits on the hill given to the catholic Church Following the 1888 religious wars. The Romanesque Cathedral Contains the remains of Archibishop Kiwanuka, Uganda’s First native Archibishop. Images of the 22 Catholic Martyrs are displayed in the stained Glass windows

OLD MULAGO HOSPITAL BUILDINGS (1927- 1937)

Initiated by Albert Cook in 1913 as a center for treating venereal Diseases and sleeping sickness, Mulago Hospital’s surviving oldest Buildings include the department of Orthopaedics(1927), Originally a Medical training Facility, the STI Control Clinic (1933) and a residence for Hospital Staff (1937).

MUNYONYO MARTYR’S SHRINE

The munyonyo martyr’s shrine is a Roman catholic shrine dedicated to the Uganda martyr’s.it was at munyonyo where king mwanga took the fateful decision to begin putting Christians to death. The blood of Ugandans  was shed on the soil around the soil of munyonyo.

BUGANDA’S ROYALE MILE (KABAKA ANJAGALA ROAD) AND ITS SURROUNDINGS.

Kabakanjagala Road, the Royal Mile, lies at the heart of Mengo, the Kibuga (City) of Buganda.

It connects the King’s Palace (Lubiri) to the Parliament (Bulange). Midway is the Entawetwa Round about, through which only the Kabaka is allowed to pass. Several Buildings carrying the history of Buganda and Uganda can be found in the Vicinity.

The Phrase “Kabaka anjagala” (the King Loves| needs Me) was commonly used by the King’s Subjects when visiting the Palace, or when given a Candlenut tree.

It also refers to  the 52 such trees (Kabaka Anjagala Trees), one for each Clan, Originally  planted along the road by Zakaliya Kisisngiri upon his return  from visiting the exiled Kabaka Mwanaga in the Seychelles.

BULANGE (1952 – 1956)

The administrative seat of the Buganda Kingdom, built at the considerable cost of 5 Million and inspired by the stormont building in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Many of the Kingdom’s clan Totem can be seen displayed at the Entrance. The Building was occupied by the army from 1966 during the Mengo Crisis, until 1993 when Kingdoms were reinstated.

KABAKA’S LAKE (1886)

This is the largest man-made lake in uganda located in Ndeeba, Rubaga Division kampalacity,Ugandaa.it was constructed by the 52 clans of Buganda from 1885-1888 during reign of Ssekabaka Mwanga 11. The plan of the king was to construct a channel wide enough for him to travel by boat to the lake Victoria for swmming and fishing.

Possibly the largest hand dug Lake in Africa, excavated at great Human Cost, after Kabaka Mwanaga II’S Command as part of an  un completed escape route from Mengo Palace to Lake Victoria. Buganda’s Clan Leaders are Responsible for Mobilising People to keep it clean.

BASIIMA HOUSE (1902 – 1905)

Juxtaposing British, Arab and Uganda Architectural designs, one of the first two storeyed buildings in Uganda Built with Compacted Earth Bricks, its construction was supervised by Sir Apollo Kagwa, the Katikkiro at the time. After being confiscated by the Army in 1966, and subsequently served as president Obote’s seat of Military Intelligence.

KISOSONKOLE HOUSE (1905)

The residence of Tefiro Kisosonkole, Buganda’s Prominent army Commander, Later Kabaka Daudi Chwa’s Prime Minister, and the Current Kabaka’s Grandfather. It now houses a Charity, training needy girls.

HAM MUKASA KEWEERIMIDDE HOUSE (1902)

The former Residence of Ham Mukasa, Buganda’s prominent school and Long serving Ssekiboobo (County Chief of Kyaggwe) 1905 – 1935. A scholar who never went to school, M ukase was among  the first boys taught by Alexander Mackay at Nateete. He co-founded Gayaza High School, Kings[ Collage Buddo, Bishop Tucker Theological College, Mukono and Introduced the Scouts Movement to Uganda.

BUTIKKIRO HOUSE (1929)

The Official residence of the Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda was occupied by five Prime Ministers from Martin Luther Nsibirwa to Mayanja Nkangi, before being taken over by the Army between 1966 and 1993, when it was handed back to the Buganda Kingdom.

TWEKOBE (GROUNDS ONLY) 1922- 1933

The Official residence of the Kabaka of Buganda, where the Namulondo (Buganda’s royal seat) is kept. The House which sits in the  60 acre Lubiri (Palace grounds), was Occupied by the army in 1966, when the Kabaka was exiled until repossessed in 1993 and renovated in 1998. A constant fire at the entrance symbolizes the Continuity of the Kingdom – It is only extinguished upon a Kabaka’s death.

KISINGIRI HOUSE (1895)

The residence of Zakalia Kisisngiri, One of the three regents to Young Kabaka Daudi Chwa II. Kisingiri became treasurer (Omwanika) for the Buganda Kingdom when Chwa succeeded his Father Mwanga II.

AMIN’S DUNGEON (1971)

Within the Mengo Palace grounds, constructed as an arsenal, then used in the 1970’s in president Amin’s regime as Torture Chambers, from which few would ever come out alive.

THE NATIONAL MOSQUE

The National mosque famously known as Gaddafi Mosque is located at Kampala Hill in the old Kampala area of Uganda. Kampala started from this Hill in 1896 when the British arrived and Camped here and Hoisted there Flag on this Hill and since this Hill was full of Animals named Impalas.  The British called it ‘the Camp of Impalas’ a word that resulted from camping on the hill of Impalas and the Baganda Called it “Akasozi ka impala, thus the name Kampala”.

The National Mosque was completed in 2006 and it can hold up to 25,000 visitors at once. With Beautiful Architectural designs inside the Mosque of Moroccan designs with a mixture of Cultures.

From the top of the tower visitors can   enjoy views of Kampala City at 360 degrees. For respect of the Islamic Culture ladies are provided with Head scarfs and Tunics for the men in shorts.