Katwe Slum Tour

The Katwe slum is located in Makindye Division, bordered by Nakasero to the north, Nsambya to the east, Kibuye and Makindye to the southeast, Ndeeba to the south and Mengo to the west. The residential areas of Katwe have been a slum, right from when human habitation started to appear along the railway tracks leading from Kampala to Kasese in the first half of the 20th century. However, starting around 2007, respectable office space started to appear on Katwe’s main streets. Quality Chemical Industries Limited.

Katwe Slum is one of the oldest and famous slum in Kampala city, it came to life after the completion of the Uganda Railway, that this area used to act as a railway station, which later people started selling commodities to those who were waiting for the train.

This required establishment of small houses along the railway station which did not grow but rather escalated to a slum after the train breakdown. This slum was later popularized by the documentary, “THE QUEEN OF KATWE” which later adopted into a movie by one of the world film producer “Disney Motion Pictures”.

The area of Katwe is home to a significant population of approximately 65,000 people, who face numerous challenges due to inadequate security measures. This has resulted in an increase in criminal activities within the region, which poses a serious threat to the safety and well-being of its residents. Additionally, the hygiene standards are poorly maintained, making it difficult for individuals to access proper medical attention when necessary procedures arise. These factors contribute significantly to the overall poor living conditions in Katwe and make life exceedingly difficult for those residing in the area. Most of the people in Katwe Slum are scrap collectors and smelters especially from railway remains. Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to improve the situation and provide better living conditions for the community members.

Tour Highlights

Owino Market

Katwe Slum

• Tour Duration

 3 – 4 Hours