Entebbe

Entebbe is a town in central Uganda, situated on the northern shores of Lake Victoria, about 40 kilometers south of Kampala. It lies within Wakiso District in the Central Region and serves as an administrative and transportation hub for the area. The town is best known for Entebbe International Airport, Uganda’s main international airport, which handles a significant portion of the country’s air traffic. The nearby Port Bell area on Lake Victoria provides ferry services and acts as a local port for goods and passengers.

A notable historical and cultural site in Entebbe is the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, established in 1898 by the British and recognized as one of Africa’s oldest botanical gardens. The Uganda Virus Research Institute, a national reference laboratory for viral diseases, is also located in Entebbe, contributing to regional health and scientific work.

Entebbe township has economic activity centered on aviation, transport, research, tourism, and services. The town’s proximity to Lake Victoria makes it a gateway to water-based recreation and related attractions, complementing its role as a transportation hub for the country.

International attention in Entebbe history centers on the 1976 hijacking of an Air France flight and the subsequent Israeli hostage-rescue operation at Entebbe International Airport, widely known as Operation Entebbe. Today, Entebbe continues to function as a key entry point and regional center in Uganda.