Visit Uganda’s Mukono Town! Mukono is one of the most relaxed and an attractive suburb in eastern Kampala, Mukono is a great place to stay if you want to explore Uganda’s fascinating capital- Kampala, and the adventure capital of Uganda- Jinja. Did you know Mukono also has a lot of hidden attractive adventures and historical sites?
The town is situated in rolling hills and forests, and seems far away from the hectic city centre, but it’s only a short drive from downtown Kampala, where attractions like Rubaga Cathedral, the Mengo Palace and Nommo Gallery await.
With excellent accommodation available as well, Mukono is the ideal start of your Ugandan adventure. For example, Kyampisi Backpackers Home, operated and managed by the Ssamba Foundation is situated in Mukono.
This guesthouse is a great place to hang your hat and rest your weary bones and to enjoy fascinating Mukono and surrounding towns. The guesthouse was started by the Ssamba Foundation as a place to host volunteers and to start the office for the organization.
Located in a humble neighborhood of Mukono town, we are nestled away from all the noise of the big city, but close enough to ‘quickly’ get you back to downtown to sight see or party at the pubs and clubs until the birds are chirping.
Kyampisi Backpackers Home runs a special tour package dubbed “the Mukono Experience”. We travel all across Mukono to find tourist attractions and hotspots at affordable rates for the perfect vacation that won’t make you break the bank.
We are just adventurous with an interest in Mukono, searching for the best activities and trending stuff and shares their discoveries through our website, social media platforms. With our initiative, our followers can get insider information on where to stay, what to do, plus exclusive insider deals in Mukono.
Most people on their first great Ugandan experience safari or holiday tend to flock to Jinja, western Uganda for safari. Mukono and Kayunga aren’t usually the first stop, or even the fourth. But Ssamba Foundation through our Kyampisi Backpackers Home we are endeavouring to attract more daring adventure lovers to lesser-known pockets of the country.
Our team is looking at taking the task to take over existing tourist attractions within greater Mukono and protected areas that have been ravaged by various circumstances. The organization is looking at identifying all tourist attractions in Mukono, manage them and bring back to life these places to bring in more visitors and revenue.
About Mukono Town
Mukono district lies in the central region of Uganda, sharing boundaries with the district of Buikwe in the East, Kayunga in the North, Luwero in the North West, Kampala and Wakiso in the South West, Tanzania and Lake Victoria in the South with the Islands of Buvuma district.
The town of Mukono is about 21 kilometres (13 mi) by road, east of Kampala, the capital and largest city of Uganda along the Kampala-Jinja Highway. It is bordered by Kalagi to the north, Kira Town to the west, Lake Victoria to the south, and Lugazi to the east.
The district headquarters are positioned in Mukono municipality central division. 21Kms East of Kampala City along Kampala-Jinja highway.
Topography
The northern part of the district is flat and gently laying but going down south there are sloping lands with many undulations; 75% of the land is less than 60o in slope. Buvuma Island in L. Victoria has 12% of land with 120 slopes.
Hydrology
Water bodies cover a total area of 1,181.73km2, out of which open water bodies cover 396.3km2 (rivers and the lakes) and wetlands/swamps cover 151km2. Hence, water bodies constitute 40% of the total area of the District.
Relief and Climate
The district lies on a high plateau (1000-1300) above sea level with some areas along River Sezibwa below 760m above sea level. The mean annual rainfall is 11,000mm distributed over 106 rain days, with peaks in March – May and September – November.
Temperatures range between 16oC and 28oc throughout the year. The relief and climate provide good potential for investment in cash crops and food crops, horticulture and floriculture on a commercial basis.
Vegetation
Generally, the vegetation cover is of savannah mosaic characterized by patches of dense forest in the south and scattered trees, shrubs and grassland to the north. Mukono constitutes of both private land and government-controlled forests.
Wetland flora comprises of typha, miscanthus, hyparrhenia species, some cyperaceous and creepers, mostly convolvulaceae. Several species found here are utilized by the local community for food, fuel, building materials, medicines and raw materials for crafts.
Mukono District is currently one of the fastest growing Districts in Uganda. It flourishes under a rich Tropical climate in mence arable and fertile lands and water reserves. The climate is indeed tropical, no extreme weather condition, it has the sunshine throughout the year with mild temperatures. The short rainy seasons and dry seasons that allow for the rich agricultural activities.
Mukono boasts of two Giant industrial parks. These have been developed in the last fifteen years. The Namanve industrial park where you find the renowned coca cola, the century bottling company, Rwenzori mineral water and Roofings. The Mbalala industrial park and here are Riley packaging, Tian Tang etc.
Tourism:
As one of the fastest growing Districts in Uganda and with a rich cultural history and beautiful science, Mukono is now seeing the development of the District’s tourism sector with lots of existing and various potentials and attractive tourist sites.
Ngamba Islands
Imagine a pristine East African 100 acre rain forest surrounded by peaceful waters, where you can experience the wonders of mankind the chimpanzees. Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary was established to cater for orphaned and confiscated chimpanzees in Uganda.
The sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to watch and learn about chimpanzees and over 120 bird species as otters monitor around its shores. The sanctuary operates in an environmentally friendly in compost toilet system, rain water collection, solar system and proper waste management practice to minimize pollution and environmental hazards on Lake Victoria and environs.
Ngamba is one of the Koome islands, 23km from Entebbe and south of the Equator in Mukono district. It’s approximately around one and half hours’ drive on a traditional motorized boat and faster on a speed boat from Mukono main land or Entebbe. And there is plenty more to offer, sunset cruises on the equator, fishing trips, forest walks with the chimpanzees, bird watching and overnight trips to Ssese and as well as swimming in the Lake, Kayaking.
Source of the Nile
The rive Nile is one of the longest rivers in the world, makes its source a major tourist point of visit. At the source there is a feeling of rock trembling to the world’s most powerful natural flow of water as it starts its run for approximately 3months 6670km mouth in Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea.
Activities in the local craft shops, restaurants among others are also available to visitors, with fascinating boat trips to the actual spot of the source to physical notice the difference between the Lake and the start of the River. At the spot also is the site for the Rippon falls and two special monuments there. It’s at the Banks of the Nile that one of the oldest civilization in the world begun.
The Ssezibwa falls
Ssezibwa river falls is sighted back to 300years. The falls are located in Nakisunga sub-county. The venue is well attached to the culture and hence local culture activities are still practiced widely on the grounds and caves besides the falls.
Ssezibwa’s birth place is located on Wakiso hill village and it is said that here, River Ssezibwa was born with a lion brother. The creatures can be seen in this area seasonally and locals with cultural attachment frequent the reserved place.
Caves
Caves do provide an extraordinary diversity of creation to visitors. In Mukono, there are a number of caves in different areas though some cannot simply be visited due to cultural attachments. They have a huge history that is best explained by the guides on the site.
Cultural Rocks
The cultural rocks here in Mukono district, are mainly natural features. However they have carried a lot cultural back ground for the Buganda Kingdom. These places are visited annually for special ceremonies by respective clans for prayers, cultural blessings and activities.
Different features connected to the cultural beliefs like fire (stove) places Alters of prayers, springs of water, spears, back cloth, animal skin and many others with respective specifically assigned cultural keepers stationed at these places like Dindo and Kasawo in Jjumba hills. The most famous are Dindo in Kasawo Sub County and Jjumba hills in Nabbaale Sub County.
Forests
Mukono’s forest reserve is very impressive. Among the huge buttressed trees and tangled vegetation of lianas epiphytes, you find the habitats of literally thousands of forest species which provide one of the best places in the world to see the natural creatures in their natural habitats.
As the means to conserve these fascinating and valuable natural species, the Uganda Forestry Department has set up forestry eco-tourism projects at sites like at the National Forestry Resource Research Institute (NAFORI) which is located in Kifu Nama sub county, Mukono District and MABIRA forest in the District to collaborate with the surrounding community to generate and support both tourism and community.
Mabira forest
Mabira forest is the biggest eco-tourism attraction in Mukono, located about 306 sq kms of land. This 1900 establishment between the Buganda and British was first gazette as a reserve in 1932 it currently have about 86kms of trail, its located on Kampala Jinja high way providing a unique atmosphere the only one that remains in the central Uganda. Mabira has 312 flora, 315 birds, 218 butterflies, 97 moth and 23 small known mammals and Mabira also brags of 9 bird species that are only to exist here.
Mabira forest reserve is found about 30km from Mukono town, along Jinja-Kampala high way. Part of the forest reserve is developed into an eco-tourism centre, comprising trails, a composite and Bandas.
It is located in Mukono and Buikwe Districts and famous for forest walks, picnics, cycling trails, over 100 species of moths and 315 bird species, 218 butterfly species, 97moth species, 23 small mammals and nocturnal species, these include statungas, wild pigs and antelopes to mention but a few.
Mabira forest is also popular for it’s for its rich 312 flora. It is located on a 306 square km of land. It was first gazette in 19932 as a forest reserve. Mabira has 9 species of birds which are endemic to these features alone. The forest is ideal for bird seeing, cycling, camping, forest walks and education supports among others. The key attraction at the reserves include mountain/forest biking walks. It is an ideal spot for tourists who love natural forests.
Bird watching
As a tropical rain forest, it is an ideal venue for more touring activities like cycling, camping, forest walks and education supports among others. It has also developed a community concern program to help collaborate with the local community. Mabira provides Bandas for accommodation forest style also encouraging revenue generation.
Graves
The late Mother Kevin (Maama Kevin): She is the founder of the organisation of the little sisters of St. Francis which had its headquarters in Nkokonjeru parish. She served the church relentlessly. At her death in1957 she was considered a woman of sanctity and therefore buried in a manner that will assist the church to prove that she was anointed by God during her life time before proclaiming her a saint.
It is alleged that the day she died white egret birds pitched camp on the church during the requiem mass, more less mourning her death. She is well remembered by the community of Nkokonjeru and beyond. Mother Kevin was the first mother General of the little Sisters of St. Francis.
Polish graves
These families lived in Uganda between 1942-1951; they are believed to come to Uganda due the war in Europe between Germany and Poland. Sir Edward Muteesa II granted them this land in Mpunge sub county, Mukono District. Many died due to diseases, crocodiles and torture. They were buried in Mpunge the parish community rebuilt the graves and set up a memorial. It’s regularly visited due to its priceless contributions and remembrance.
Mukono City Walking Food Tour
Mukono City budget Walking Food Tour will give you a chance to discover street food which you would not get if you were just a tourist walking around by yourself. Our guides are mostly lovely, knowledgeable, fun and young people who can bring you great moments walking around the town.
They are willing to share all the things about local life or even their personal life if you are curious. The guides will be your true local buddies! And at the end of the tour, you will feel all is out of your expectation. Our tour guides are friendly, enthusiastic and experienced. They sure will help you have good memory during your stay in Mukono.
Our tour guide will welcome you at our office. Then we will try many kinds of delicious food from food stalls to the market. Get to know more about the history of the food, how they make them, how to enjoy them, as well as Uganda’s culture and daily life.
Road side markets
Other activities in Mukono: these include many different types of residential or commercial scale activities. These include among many, brick making, road side markets, artistic products and other activities among others. The products are mainly lined at the main road giving a huge market to traveling tourists and a chance to participate in the activities. There are also economic benefits for the youth and elders of the community involved in the work.
Transportation
All modes of transport can be used in Mukono district. The 5th largest district in Uganda is networked tarmac and murrum roads as the major mode of transport. Water transport is still maintained to the islands mainly due to the varsity presence of Lake Victoria waters. It has then been easy to move from places as to locate these attractions which are widely distributed in this district. 4×4 and air conditioned vehicles are encouraged and these services can as well be available by county’s tour operators. It also gives a chance to check out green land scape in the country sides.
Hotels
Accommodation is the major factor in travel and tourism. Hence, one should definitely consider the type of accommodation to stay many other areas in Uganda, Mukono has many accommodation facilities to stay in different types according to their services and prices and these range from range from budget accommodation to high class hotels.
They are all in accessible places. The bandas or cottages are located in major tourist visited areas like Mabira forest to modern classic hotels especially in urban centres. It should be noticed that, Mukono is one of where homestay accommodation is encouraged and these are mainly in private homes of well to do families also encouraging interactions with the local life style.