Random Tips on Navigating The Streets of Kampala’s CBD

Much has been said and written about Uganda’s capital, Kampala—from its historical seven hills to the Indian influence and now the chaos of Boda Boda riders and pothole-filled roads. Whether you’re passing through for business or a trip, you’ll quickly realize it’s not an easy city to navigate.

Like any other city, people get lost in Uganda’s capital city Kampala. Seven out of ten people will tell you they struggled to find their way around Kampala’s CBD (Central Business District), often ending up in risky areas for theft or wandering into eerily empty streets. Yes, some streets in Kampala will make you question why no one else is using them.

Having faced these challenges myself, I decided to put together a few tips that might save you—whether it’s your first time in the city or not—from falling victim to the misfortunes that catch many. Before being told “Kampala ssi bi zimbe.”

Yeah, yeah, aside from the obvious—when you’re lost, locate Mapeera House, Mega Standard, and the rest—there are stories on both sides, like;

Boda Boda riders and taxi (blue-striped minivans) drivers are sworn enemies. If you’re a passenger in either, be ready to hear one hurl insults at the other—or worse, see tensions rise when they’re side by side on the road. On a good day, this can be another experience😂

Whenever you feel lost inside one of Kampala’s mall buildings, follow the food vendors—usually young ladies carrying empty plates. They’re likely heading out, so trailing them might lead you to an exit. Or simply use Google Maps.

From my time in Kampala’s CBD, I’ve noticed that aside from the dusty street boys, most scammers and pickpockets are men and women over 30. The least suspected grown men often turn out to be the biggest culprits of theft and lawlessness.

That guy approaching while staring at your phone is likely plotting how to snatch it—or working with someone walking beside you. Hold your phone tight or keep it in your front pocket.

If you ask a Boda Boda rider for directions, chances are, he’ll reply, “Kankutwaleyo” (let me take you there), only to circle the same roads for a higher fare. A better option is to ask a shop attendant—preferably one you have bought something from.

Shop attendants will barely state, “We don’t have that.” Instead, they’ll source it elsewhere and sell it to you at an added cost. If you’re on a budget and not in a hurry, don’t fall for these traps. While some attendants are actually helpful and will guide you to a better deal—it’s advisable to be observant of who you’re dealing with.

The biggest online vendors, especially on Jiji, are Bayilibbi (translated as middlemen in Kampala). Most of them don’t own shops but can walk you into any shop and sell you anything. Crazy, right?

It’s important to note that most shop owners and direct attendants often don’t have much time to instantly reply to inquiry texts on Jiji. This creates an opportunity for the Muyilibi (singular)—quick with their phones—to step in and make fast sales, benefiting both shop owners with increased sales and buyers with swift transactions.

However, as with most middlemen, they inflate prices on both ends, leading to higher prices.

Different streets and buildings in Kampala specialise in specific items. Buying from the right hub gives you room to compare prices and quality while exploring different options. For instance, ladies’ hair products are on Gazaland Street, computers and accessories along Kampala Road, Clothing garments on Kiyembe Lane (Mu Kiyembe), and paper and printing services on Nasser Road.

With all that, I can conclude that Kampala is a safe and welcoming city with loving and kind people. On a good day, if by bad luck your belongings get snatched, locals are likely to help you chase down the grabber and retrieve them.

Don’t mind the army men with big guns at entry points like Kibuye Roundabout and Nakawa—it’s probably just for some political drama. Overall, the city and its people are peaceful.

Written by Isaac Odwako O.