 |
| Kampala, Capital City of Uganda |
It is, not only the capital city of Uganda, it has also been ranked as
the best East African city to live in. Kampala, has won itself this accolade
for the third time in a row according to the Mercer
Quality of Living Ranking 2019.
City of 7 hills, presently Kampala, was built over the old capital of
the Buganda Kingdom located on Mengo Hill.
Kampala is located only 72km away
from the center of the world, the equator. And even though this is so, it still
experiences mild climate despite the close proximity.
 |
| The Happy City, City of Seven Hills |
Seven is the magic number in the word Kampala, and seven is the number
of hills that make up this city.
The hills include Namirembe, Mengo, Nakasero, Rubaga, Kibuli, Mulago and Old Kampala. Ibadan city in Nigeria and Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon also take up the name ‘city of seven hills’ in Africa.
The hills include Namirembe, Mengo, Nakasero, Rubaga, Kibuli, Mulago and Old Kampala. Ibadan city in Nigeria and Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon also take up the name ‘city of seven hills’ in Africa.
‘Kampala' derives its name from the phrase "Kasozi K' mpala", which translates
to hill of impala. Legend has it that,
one time, the area had a large population of impalas. Luganda is the
predominant language spoken by most people in Kampala.
 |
| Uganda National Mosque, Kampala |
The National Mosque of Uganda is the largest mosque in East
Africa and was a gift donation from People of Libya to the People of Uganda
through Col. Muammar Gaddafi.
It was named ‘Gaddafi National Mosque’ in June 2007 after
its official opening only to be renamed 6 years later to ‘Uganda National
Mosque’ following the death of Colonel Gaddafi.
Defying all odds in the Old Kampala hill to reshape the
Skyline of Kampala; the National Mosque has a seating capacity of approximately
15,000 worshippers and can hold slightly over 4,000 other occupants at
ago. Gaddafi Mosque in
Tanzania is the second largest mosque in East Africa and a sister to
the renamed Gaddafi
National Mosque of Uganda.
 |
| Baby Mufumbiro |
The Mountain Gorillas (Mufumbiro or Muhavura if you like) exist only in Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. With a world population of 880 Mountain Mufumbiro, Uganda homes the biggest percentage of them all.
Lately, (as informed) most tourists get their trekking permits from the Uganda side since, it is claimed to be cheaper and have varieties of the Gorillas. The cheapest Gorilla trekking permit will cost you $600 for damages in Uganda.
 |
| Tony Adams after the 15th Kwita Izina. Onset is Willy Kamanzi |
Unlike Uganda, Rwanda, a nation bordering Uganda to the
South, every September holds an annual Gorilla (baby) naming ceremony
called Kwita Izina. Launched
in 2005, over 258 Mountain Gorillas have been named since then, with each baby
being given a different name based on the circumstances in which it was
born.
Tony Adams and Laureano Etamé are the most recent Arsenal legends who named new born gorillas Sur'urwanda and Ikipe respectively, in the 2019 Kwita Izina ceremony. Arsenal F.C signed a $30 million sponsorship deal with Rwanda that will run for three years. And part of the deal included a visit to Rwanda by Arsenal players.
Tony Adams and Laureano Etamé are the most recent Arsenal legends who named new born gorillas Sur'urwanda and Ikipe respectively, in the 2019 Kwita Izina ceremony. Arsenal F.C signed a $30 million sponsorship deal with Rwanda that will run for three years. And part of the deal included a visit to Rwanda by Arsenal players.
 |
| Longest river in the world, River Nile |
Did you know that River Nile in Uganda is not only the
disputed longest river in the world but also the primary water source for Egypt
and Sudan?
Estimated at about 6,650km long, its drainage basin covers
11 countries and Lake Victoria is sometimes believed to be its source.
Big deal as it may seem; it is told that Nile River only contains about 5% of the water volume of Congo River in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
 |
| Deepest river in the world, Congo River |
Congo River (A.K.A Zaire River) as described; is the second
largest river in Africa, second largest voluminous river in the world (after
Amazon River in Brazil) and takes the crown to be the world deepest
river!
They say, it's so deep that nobody really knows
how deep it is. Just so you know, there are about 212 bible
verses (could be more actually) that either mentions or describes River Nile in
the Bible (King James Version).
Busia, a town found in both Uganda and Kenya is famously
known for the Boda boda taxis. Boda bodas are motorcycles and bicycles that act
as alternative faster means of transport in most urban centers. According to
internet sources, by 2013, there were more than 300,000 Boda boda taxis
operating in Kampala, Uganda.
 |
| Boda boda rider with a passenger |
Unregulated and disobedience of road traffic rules, saw an
increase of accidents, crimes and disorderliness as the industry was rapidly
growing.
These occasioned the introduction of the Safeboda, one among
many technology innovations that has helped to streamline the sector in Uganda.
Certainly, Boda bodas, a very popular means of transport in most African
countries is truly a necessary evil.
Sports betting addiction and night clubbing is so tantamount
with Kenya and Uganda that you would think (the two nations) are cheeks of the
same butt.
 |
| 3in1 betting shop, Kampala |
A reliable source confirms, that despite sports betting ban
on January 21, 2019 by the by president of Uganda H.E Y.K Museveni, the orders
are yet to be implemented and the opposite is true.
It can be seen across one street in Kampala, a building
housing even up to 3 in 1 betting shops just like that! In Kenya, on May 21,
2019, 17 foreigners were deported for being involved in illegal gambling
business in the country.
In Kenya, the popular gaming firm SportPesa in 2018, announced a mega jackpot winner who scooped a whooping $2 million!
Betting (sports), was birthed at the tail of the 1990s and has since evolved into a popular online service in many countries.
Cases of tax evasion, addiction and exploitation have been main reasons why both governments in the two countries, Kenya and Uganda are going ham on betting companies.
The African capital city that
never sleeps. The city that believes that good music has no expiration date. A
city that is free flowing with all alcoholic beverages.
A country that’s a
proud home to Waragi and the Nile Special. A country that has patented the
famous rolex, because the citizens and the foreigners alike couldn’t help
themselves but salivate thanks to its authentic flavored taste. Rolex, a street
food that is readily available to all and sundry both day and night in the
streets of Kampala.
Arsenal Fans Festival is on its
tour of Africa. And on its fourth expedition of the continent, Kampala Uganda,
will be the privileged host come Easter 2020.
Apart from the charity activities and round visits to historical sites of the Pearl of Africa, must do on the list is, spending memorable, quality evenings in the city that never sleeps. Only one word to visiting gooners and anyone new to Kampala night life, do not leave your common sense in the hotel rooms. Tag along with it.
 |
| The city that never sleeps: HQ of Entertainment in East Africa |
Just like Nairobi night life, Kampala comes to a standstill as from late evenings. Bars and clubs remain open all night long, and some run for 24 hours. Do not leave your drinks unattended, your drinks will get spiked for sure. Watch out for conmen and women who are out for petty crimes. For your best interests, always move around with a Ugandan, especially at night.
Call girls and ‘escort girls’ are very present in almost all
the clubs, don’t fall for their traps. A little birdie told me they are called ‘mosquito
girls’. It’s advisable to always practice the ABCs at all times. For your security, the bouncers are ever
present, and digital taxis are readily available.
“… without you I can start
complaining, without you my life has no meaning. Let’s make an appointment,
breakfast in bed in your apartment, I need no disappointment…”
 |
| The late Ugandan Musician, Mowzey Radio |
“… unapendeza sana sana zuena, zuena x2, unaniumiza sana sana, zuena, zuena x2. Zuena nagonjwa sana ndani, zuena unaniumiza deep inside me…” May Mowzey Radio’s gentle soul continue resting in peace.
“Muda mrefu Jamila hatuonani, eti ni gari imekuleta kwangu nyumbani. Karibu
nikupe kiti, unielezee nini mamaa…” Those lyrics used to rock, right? Cheers to
good times and good music. It is musically illegal and forbidden to talk about
the HQ of Entertainment in East Africa, without mentioning the melodious
musicians who introduced Kampala to the world.
 |
| Juliana Kanyamozi, Musician |
Every Kenyan, the 80s and 90s
babies, grew up listening to Jose Chameleone, Juliana Kanyamozi, Radio &
Weasel, Obessions, Bebe Cool (my sisters’ all time crush), Bobi Wine, Blu3,
Jackie Chandiru among unmentioned lot.
Throw Back Thursdays gives us good memories
of songs like; Jangu, Jamila, Amaaso, Dorotia, Magnetic, Zuena, Nakudata, Bread
and Butter just to mention a few.
Truth is most songs in Uganda are in Luganda, but all you need is a combination harmonized instrumentals to tell you what a good music is, and for sure Kampala entertainment spots will feed your souls with those. It’s also a good opportunity to learn Luganda and be able to whisper to your better half, nkwagalanyo!
#TugendeKampala2020
Arsenal Uganda Supporters Club is full of joy and cannot hide its excitement even as the preparations to host the fourth edition of the Arsenal Africa Fans Festival hits a notch higher.
News flash is that the preliminary outline of the planned event is out and the nitty-gritties of the budget already dispersed to the invited guest nations. A more detailed breakdown of the budget is still a work in progress and this will be shared in
the coming days.
 |
| Nob View Hotel, Ntinda |
Good news is that Nob View Hotel Ntinda has been confirmed to be the host hotel during the coveted Easter bonanza for 2020 in Kampala.
Damages will be $30 per person, per night, which will be half-board.
Swimming pool and Wi-Fi will come as a compliment for the package. In addition, gym, dhobi services, and airport shuttles will be available at a friendly cost. The hotel is approximately 47 minutes away from Entebbe International Airport and 15 minutes away from the Kampala main bus terminal.
Further details on
#TugendeKampala2020 will be shared in our next episode on this series of #TulambuleUganda2020.
I hope you enjoy this read out.
Follow on twitter:
Arsenal Supporters Club Uganda
#TugendeKampala2020
#TulambuleUganda2020
@biwottlisa
Follow on twitter:
Arsenal Supporters Club Uganda
#TugendeKampala2020
#TulambuleUganda2020
@biwottlisa
Your girl, yours truly,
With utmost regards and sincere appreciation to:
Jacob Katumba
Ninaz Sherry
Dr. Hannington Mwesigye
Soule Kuteesa
Olivier Rusell
Fadhili Bora
William Steve Kamanzi
William Steve Kamanzi
Arsenal Uganda Supporters Club
Executive Committee, Gooners Uganda
Weebale nyo ❤
Sources
