About Kampala
Welcome to Kampala, the capital and biggest city of Uganda situated approximately 44.5 km
away from Entebbe International Airport. In 2016, Kampala was ranked the best East African
city to live in by the 18th Annual Quality of Living Ranking done by a New York-based global
consulting agency. The city has seven hills, each housing an important government or religious
building. Kasubi hill is the home of the Kasubi tombs, a sacred burial ground of Buganda kings.
The Uganda museum sits atop Kololo Hill and features a hands-on collection of ethnological,
natural history and traditional life of Uganda’s cultural heritage. Once again welcome to
Kampala and feel all that it has to offer: amazing attractions, cool hang out spots, superb
culture/nightlife, events, restaurants, hotels and much more.
Conference venue
The conference will be held at Hotel Africana, Plot 2-4 Wampewo Avenue, Kampala, Uganda.
Accommodation
We have provided a list of hotels in Kampala that have been pre-approved by the UN
security department as meeting minimum standards for use by international guests. However,
we encourage participants to stay at the conference venue that is providing discounted rates
at $110 for single rooms if you book using the code “Makerere University School of Public
Health (MakSPH)”. Otherwise, we advise you to book a hotel that is close to the conference
venue for easy access.
Money
There is a wide array of banks and forex (foreign currency exchange) bureaus to choose from
in Kampala, with several international banks represented (Barclays, Standard Chartered and
Stanbic).
The US dollar and the Pound sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange to Uganda
shillings. As US dollar notes dated prior to 1997 are turned away, we recommend if you are
using US$ to bring notes issued not earlier than 2000. Also, notes smaller than US$50 attract
a lower exchange rate. All forex bureaus take cash, so please look around for the best
exchange rate. We suggest you bring cash and/or credit cards with you as opposed to
traveler’s cheques, as the exchange rate (on traveler’s cheques) is much lower.
You can change money at the airport in Entebbe as it is convenient. However, be aware that
the airport exchange rate is currently not as competitive as forex bureaus in Kampala.
Credit Cards: Despite what some guidebooks claim, credit cards are not widely accepted in
Uganda. At times they are used in big hotels and companies. However, some surcharges are
common. Barclays Bank (open Mon-Fri, 8.30 am – 4.00 pm), also offers cash advances
against credit cards with a small surcharge.
With Visa cards as well as MasterCard cards you can withdraw money from the several
VISA ATMs in Kampala.
Transport from the airport and within Kampala
To travel from the airport (which is located in Entebbe, approximately 44.5 Km from
Kampala) to your hotel, you can use a taxi or make arrangements with your hotel to pick you
up. If you are not staying at the conference venue, there are a number of options that you can
use to get to it:
There is a global online taxi firm, Uber, a technology company that connects riders and
drivers at the touch of a button. All you need is to download the Uber app free from your
Appstore for Android, iPhone and blackberry 7. Once your app is open, Uber automatically
uses GPS and Wi-Fi to pick up your location. Alternatively, you can enter the address of your
exact location to request a ride. All of this can be done from the comfort of your hotel. To
ensure you are getting in the right Uber, check that the license plate number of your car and
driver match the one shown in the app.
You can as well use a taxi (city cab) to travel to and from Hotel Africana. Public means of
transport such as commuter taxis and commercial motorcycles (Boda boda) are largely
discouraged.
Health
There are several hospitals and clinics in Kampala. In case of any medical requirements, we
recommend you to use hospitals and clinics that accept insurance cards some of which are
listed here. These include: SAS clinics, the Surgery hospital, St. Catherine hospital, Case
Medical Centre, AAR, International Medical Centre (IMC), International Hospital Kampala,
and Nakasero hospital among others. You are also advised to carry anti malaria drugs and
your health insurance cards. Do not drink water that has not been boiled. Preferably, use
bottled water, which is available.
Mobile communication
Mobile phones are the cheapest way to make local and international calls. The country code
for Uganda is 256. There is no city code needed while making local calls, just dial the
number. Local SIM cards are easily available and are sold at Entebbe International Airport.
You can also buy them at telecom companies’ services centres in Kampala. You will be
required to register with the telecom company to get a SIM card. Most hotels have internet,
and most coffee shops have wireless internet.
Security
Kampala is generally a safe place. However, as in all world cities, beware of petty theft.
Weather
April is among the hottest months in Kampala. The average daytime temperature will be ranging from 19-26°C.
Tourist attractions
There are a number of tourist attractions that you may want to check out before leaving
Kampala. These include Kabaka’s lake, the independence monument, Uganda national museum, Kasubi royal tombs, National theatre and craft village, Ndere centre, the Royal mile (Lubiri palace and Bulange parliament), Uganda martyrs shrine Namugongo, Rubaga cathedral, Old Kampala national mosque, and Bahai temple.
Majority of Uganda’s other tourist attractions that you may want to visit are outside
Kampala. These include national parks such as Bwindi impenetrable, Murchison falls,
Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, Lake Mburo, Kidepo Valley, and Mount Elgon. Others tourist
attractions include: the source of the Nile, equator, Bujjagali falls, Ssese Island, Lake Mutanda,
and Entebbe wildlife sanctuary. More information about these places can be accessed
online.
Shopping
There a number of famous shopping malls in Kampala for your shopping needs. These
include Acacia mall, Oasis mall, Lugogo mall, Forest mall and Garden City mall. All these
are located near the conference venue. There are also a number of crafts markets for
souvenirs as shown below:
Exposure Africa is a favourite with tourist and Ugandans mainly because of its location.
Located in the heart of Kampala city on Buganda road, this craft market has several stalls
that sell all kinds of African crafts and souvenirs. Most stalls in the market sell the same
items so the bargaining prowess of the shopper determines the price at which they take those
African items home.
Craft Africa also on Buganda Road, it has various stalls that sell numerous African crafts
like batiks and Masai. Security is taken seriously at both markets as there are guards at the
entrance who check everyone that enters. Both markets are open seven days a week from
Monday to Sunday, and shops open from 8am to 6pm except on public holidays when they
are closed.
Uganda Arts and Crafts Village on Dewinton Road next to the National Theatre. This
craft market is well organised and has a number of retail stalls arranged in a semi-circle that
vend different art and crafts plus souvenirs. The clientele is mixed with a fair range of
locals, foreigners and tourists. The Uganda Arts and Craft Village market also is open from
8pm to 6pm seven days a week except on public holidays.
Other craft shops include: Maridadi crafts, Kyaligonza creative African fashion, Uganda
crafts 2000, Banana boat, 1000 Cups Coffee House Craft Shop, MishMash Craft Shop, and
Banana Boat.
Contact Information
In case you need to contact us about any travel or other related information, below are details
of members of the local organising committee. They can also be reached via
WhatsApp.
Ms. Rebecca Nuwematsiko: +256781507824; ifehmuehsa2019@musph.ac.ug
Mr. Charles Ssemugabo: +256706066096; cssemugabo@musph.ac.ug