Experience in Kampala, Uganda by Murekye

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

Kampala is the capital and biggest city of Uganda, it is a very good for higher education because 80% of good universities in Uganda are located in and around Kampala.

What is the student lifestyle like in Kampala?

Student life in Kampala cuts across all the socio-economic classes of the Ugandan society. Universities in Kampala attract many students from the neighbouring countries of Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and South Sudan. There are many social services within university neighbourhoods e. g. Wandegeya around Makerere University, Banda around Kyambogo University, Mengo around Ndejje University, Kansanga around Kampala International University and International University of East Africa. Personally I have attended Kyambogo university (2006 - 2010) and Makerere University (2013 - present).

How much does it cost to live in Kampala?

Monthly student living costs in Kampala i. e. accommodation, feeding, stationery and miscellaneous can range between UGX 700, 000 to 900, 000 (EUR 220 to 280). Note that most hostels have shuttles to transport students to and from campuses.

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

Public universities have hostels where they allocate some students at a friendly price but most privately sponsored students are responsible for finding their accommodation in the private hostels around universities. Its very straight forward because it only requires the student to approach the hostel with proof admission to the university and is given a room after payment; payments are made per semester (4 months). Rent costs including utilities (water and electricity) range from EUR 150 to 250 depending on the economic class and number of occupants per room.

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

The most popular foods are the local dishes; Matooke, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes (chips), rice, posho, beans, beef, chicken, fish etc. My best dish is Matooke, rice, sweet potatoes and beans.

What places would you recommend visiting in Kampala?

Tuskeys supermarket around Makerere University for shopping, Garden city in city centre, Nakkumat Oasis mall, Entebbe beaches, Club Guvnor, Angenour discotheque, Ground zero in Wandegeya.

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

For students its convenient eating in restaurants than cooking; Guild Canteen at Makerere university a meal goes at EUR 2. 50, Food Science & Technology Canteen also the same price range. A student can also try places off-campus in Wadegeya i. e. Kicken tonight, College Inn, Ground zero etc.

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

Students can have fun on weekends and specific days designated as campus nights at different clubs when ladies enter for free. Popular clubs include; Club Guvnor, Angenour discotheque, Ground zero in Wandegeya, College Inn etc.

What advice would you give future students heading to Kampala?

The city appears congested for starters but with time its nice living in Kampala after getting used.