Nope, Kampala is not only about alcohol and shisha

A few days ago, Sofi Lundin, a Swedish journalist and photographer based in Uganda, lit up social media when she asked whether one has to fly to Nairobi-Kenya, for one to enjoy fun activities in a city.

“It is actually a tragedy that there is nothing to do in Kampala apart from eating, drinking and smoking shisha,” she posted on Twitter, where sadly many in the comments section agreed with her.

Today The Observer brings you a list of fun things one can do in Kampala capital city and Kampala metropolitan area, on any day of the week:

PLANET WATER PARK

This is the in-thing for children and family outings. Located in Ggaba near the beaches, it is a popular place for those interested in water slides, swimming and generally playing with water.

GO-KARTING

Have you seen those things that look kind of like rough bumper- cars, only that they are outdoors on a special track? That is Go-Karting. It is a fun activity you can do in Lubowa and Bugolobi, both city suburbs.

PAINT AND SIP UGANDA

Located along East African road in Kyambogo – Kiwatule, opposite the Kabaka’s farm, this studio is open Wednesday to Sunday. Here, for Shs 80,000 (Shs 55,000 for children), one’s ticket gets one a welcome drink, all painting materials, instructors, access to karaoke and games, etc.

DIDI’S WORLD

Back in the day, Didi’s World in Kansanga was the only plug. Then they seemed to have gone belly-up and the amusement park became better known for the university that took up some of their space.

But, last year, management fixed most of the rides and the place is up and running again. You can go ride the pirate ship or squeeze into those teacups. Didi’s World is the ultimate day-long adrenaline fix.

AQUA WORLD WATER PARK

Located in Naalya outside Quality Shopping mall, this water park is massive and boasts possibly Uganda’s only wave pool. It is a major attraction at weekends, having been recently reopened after some time out for renovation and expansion.

DANCE CLASSES AND DANCE WORKOUTS

Where do I even start on this one! From Sukuma, Zumba, Cheza to Koona, there is a dance workout on schedule in most upmarket gyms, and these use the latest music; so, it feels very much like being in a well-choreographed club sometimes!

That aside, there are also actual dance studios that teach ballroom, contemporary and Latin dances. Everything from Bachata, Rumba, Cha Cha Cha, even the steamy Kizomba, can be found in Kampala.

Andrew Mawejje and Karim Mukwano are behind In-Motion Dance Studio, while others like Valentino are also amazing dancers. Noors restaurant at Kingdom Kampala offers dance recitals/classes for fun every Friday evening, with Monica and other instructors.

KAMPALA HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

Okay, so, they describe themselves as “a drinking club with a running problem”, but this group that has been jogging for fun since 1986 is organized and it is real fun.

Check their website for where they take off from next. They set off from hotels around Kampala every Monday evening, run for at least an hour to an agreed destination, which pit stop is also where they have dinner and drinks.

THEATRE

And how can we forget our theatre scene? Apart from National theatre, there is Theatre La Bonita, Bat Valley theatre, all in the city centre with vibrant programs.

Fine, Bat Valley and La Bonita may feature plays mostly in Luganda, but National theatre is known for its diversity. You can catch plays, stand-up comedy and even arts festivals, there.

NDERE CENTRE

If you want to understand the sights, sounds, tastes and more of Uganda, Ndere Centre in Kisaasi is your plug. Also home to Ndere Troupe, this serene place outside the hustle and bustle of the city will introduce you to all Uganda’s cultural dances, history and traditions.

ZOO

Since Kampala metropolitan stretches to as far as Entebbe municipality, need I remind anyone that our only zoo is still there?

Recently the zoo stocked tigers… you will not see those in any national park in East Africa; so, there!

At Entebbe, you can also go to the botanical gardens for walks and picnics, although to the management of that once-exquisite place: why can’t you keep it clean, yet one has to pay to enter? Because of how disgusting the public toilets can get, the abundant bushes in the gardens have become latrines. Shame on you, management.

GAMING ARCADES

In different malls around the city, including Acacia mall in Kamwokya, there are places you can go for virtual reality or to play video games, if that is your thing.

Unfortunately, the best gaming lounge that was on Ggaba road went down with the Covid-19 pandemic, but gaming enthusiasts can still find several places to play at such as UK Mall, Kansanga.

HARP HAMILTON

Just 15 minutes out of the city centre, the Harp Hamilton Park is an impressive investment in Kira, where one can go for basketball, swimming, play football on their artificial turf, enjoy the bicycle track, a video arcade and health club, among others.

CINEMA

And what about the movies? Our cinema halls are pretty decent and up to date with the latest releases. Surely, no one should be travelling to Nairobi to catch the latest blockbuster!

LIBRARY

It may not be the best, but hey, our public library on Buganda road still counts. Go read a book.

KIRA TENNIS CLUB

And right opposite Harp Hamilton is Kira Tennis Club, where the name speaks for itself. If you are a tennis fan but have trouble finding a decent court, racquet or partner to play, this place will sort you.

NYUNGU YAMAWE

Then there is this forest park in Kira, where one can enjoy ziplining, horse riding, or meditation/picnics in the park or by the artificial lake. They also have cottages if your plans are more detailed.

So, Ms Lundin, as you can see, there is no need for that trip to Nairobi to have fun. If all fails, you can still enjoy shopping or even a spa day right here in Kampala.

carol@observer.ug