Kampala

Kampala is the capital and largest city of Uganda, situated in the central region of the country along the northern shore of Lake Victoria. It functions as Uganda’s political, economic, and cultural center, hosting the national government ministries, Parliament, major financial institutions, universities, and media outlets. The city is administered by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), created in 2011 to oversee the city area, succeeding the Kampala City Council.

Geography and climate: Kampala sits on a series of wooded hills near the lake, with a humid tropical climate and year-round rainfall. Temperatures are typically warm, with a wet and a dry season pattern that yields two main rainy periods.

History: The area formed part of the Buganda kingdom and grew as an administrative center during the colonial era; it has remained Uganda’s capital since independence in 1962. The city's growth has been driven by trade, administration, education, and health services.

Economy and institutions: Kampala is a major transport, trade, and services hub. Economic activity centers on markets such as Owino, banking, and commerce, as well as education and health services. Notable institutions include Makerere University, Mulago National Referral Hospital, and the Uganda Museum. Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site, lies in Kampala, along with important religious and cultural landmarks.

Demographics and culture: The city is ethnically and linguistically diverse, with English as the official language and Luganda widely spoken. The Namugongo Shrines nearby are a national pilgrimage site and reflect the cultural landscape surrounding Kampala.

Population: Estimates vary, but the city proper is commonly placed around one and a half million residents, with the wider metropolitan area home to several million.