Experience in Kampala, Uganda by Apio

What is it like to live in Kampala? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Kampala is a city for people from all parts of the world. This is because the people are welcoming and friendly. Its also known as a city for hustlers. During day time..its very populated because people are carrying out different activities like hawkers.. Taxi's...boutiques.. Road side vendors.. In fact its very easy to get what you need in Kampala town. And for those who love partying....Kampala is the best place to be in East Africa...very many night clubs, people are care free, lots of drinking and you can party all night as long as you want provided you can handle it...When you have  just enough money...Kampala can turn out to be the best city for you be especially if you get friends who know places..BUT NOTE THIS: As I had said its a city for hustler..you have to be very careful with whoever you associate with, it's where i reside so I know what it means..You dont have to show everyone you have got a lot of money especially if your a foreigner. Unless your good at using your brains...The weather is usually sunny and often rains once in a while. The major means if transport are taxis ,Boda Motorcycles. And private cars too.. Because the town is usually busy , there is always a lot of jam during early morning hours when people are heading for work and evening when people are travelling back home from work.

What is the student lifestyle like in Kampala?

The biggest number of people who enjoy Kampala life are students especially university students.. Clubbing and partying is their thing. Everything a student will require concerning scholastic material are all in the city and that's why when its a period for reporting back to school, a lot of students storm Kampala for shopping. Its just a matter of knowing where to get the best of it. Once you get to know the do's and dont's of this city. Your good to go.

How much does it cost to live in Kampala?

It depends on which standards you want to live in..but at even 100$.. You spend a week in Kampala at a cheaper standard but that will depend on how you manage your expenditure. The cost of food depends on how the season yields. If the yields turn out low the cost rise abit but the more the yields the lower the prices. Otherwise things like clothes, handbags, shoes and so own depends on where you decide to go for shopping..But the prices are appropriate.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Kampala? Is there any advice you can give?

Absolutely very easy hotels and apartments are all easy to find because they are everywhere. What matters is finding someone who can help you get a better place that you deserve and will make you fill comfortable. Places like Kololo. Munyoyo.Ntinda.Bugolobi are some of the places for high class residents. Then for low costs, there are places like Katwe (the head)where you finds people who are so innovative and reallyvuse their heads to come up with all of creative things. Its also the best place to shop for your kitchen, Sitting Room and your music studio.There is Komwokya...the biggest Ghetto area in the city. Nansana and also kalwere.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

We have plenty of food. Matooke, local chicken,millet flour,white Posho from maize flour. Most university students enjoy what we locally call "Kikomando" its a sliced chappati mixed with beans...very nice too..another is a Rolex...very easy to make and can be found just anywhere in town..especially at night or evening hours...its an egg rolled in a chappati..u can add in any other thing rather than just an egg.
We also enjoy roasted maize...fried grass hoppers..White ants..very delicious though not to everyone. We have cassava, gnut soup, pumpkins. Sweet potatoes. Peas, and rice. 

What places would you recommend visiting in Kampala?

The National Museum, Kasubi tombs,Gaba beach for those who enjoy fried fish basically Tilapia.Ndere Troupe center for cultural dance entertainment. Theatre LA Bonita for comedy nights. Other towns like Entebbe are also good. Its the first town from the National Airport. A variety of beaches. The Botanical Gardens for camping Picnic's and evening walks..its also very quite. Then the zoo still in Entebbe. The reptile village the list is endless.

Is it good to eat out in Kampala? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes its very good. We have Serena hotel. Hotel African. Imperial Botanical Hotel in Entebbe. Imperial Golf View Hotel. Javas cafe.Silver springs hotel. kFC. And many more

Is the nightlife good in Kampala? Where is good to go?

Very good indeed. We have Gouvanors club. Club Amnesia. 90° club. X5club. Night Riders. 4 Turkey's, Nyondo pub,  Shooters pub ,Chicken tonight . they just some of the best spots u can go for an outing. Strictly above 18years of age are allowed in such places.

What advice would you give future students heading to Kampala?

Don't be Gullible. Try as much as u can to learn a number of places around Kampala and maybe the basics of the language used.. That is Luganda though there many but that is the most spoken. Try to be free with your self enjoy as much as u can but do it responsibly. Choose friends wisely and life will be much easier for you