Arriving in Kampala

There are so many things I (Deb) can say about our arrival in Kampala. Let’s just say it’s a good thing I’m writing this post several days after our arrival. But within the span of two short (and long weeks), I have a completely different view of the city – it really is an amazing place. Here’s a round-up of all of the things people have been asking us about and we were anxious about: 

Getting off the plane in Uganda: To quote our dear Gareth, I was overcome with a sense of having ‘arrived’ in Africa and Stu’s response was, “hey look, I’m not wearing any socks!” 

Driving to Kampala from Entebbe (where our flight landed): Intense. Exciting. Scary (mostly due to the drivers…more on that later). But most of all, real. For two people that have never been to Africa before, the drive crystallised our Uganda expectations and imaginations. We are not in Kansas anymore, Toto. 

The Weather: Yes, it’s rainy season and boy does it rain. Fortunately, it mostly rains, well pours so hard you can’t see through the rain, during the night and in the morning and then it’s clear and sunny in the afternoon and evening. The afternoons are hot and sunny, about 25 degrees. The heat is lovely if you are standing still in the shade, but considering Kampala is built on seven hills and you seem to always be climbing up a hill, we sweat when we move. So we don’t move too fast and neither does anyone else, so it all works out. The evenings are cool; I wear a sweater, Stu wears sandals (Stu’s sandal wearing obsession is now in full force). 

Food, Shopping & Entertainment: Kampala has a restaurant for any type of food craving – Italian, Greek, Indian, Chinese, Lebanese, English pub, burgers, ribs & steaks, and pizza to name a few. This kind of surprised us, but is a welcome surprise. But also, Ugandan food, well what we’ve had in Kampala, is great. The staple food is matooke, which is cooked and mashed plantain served with groundnut paste, which is a thick peanut sauce. Both are very delicious. There is also great meat (chicken, beef, goat) cooked in a flavourful stew or BBQ’d, also delicious. As for shopping, there is lots of that from crazy markets to malls. Truly anything you need can be found in Kampala. And entertainment also abounds. There are several nightclubs (which we haven’t explored yet) and many bars (which we may have visited a few). 

Finding a place to live: This is by far the trickiest thing to do. There is such a variety in what’s available from huge houses in a compound to apartments and cottages and everything in between. We have been going around with a few agents, but it’s hard to get out of the trap of being charged triple the going rate because we are expats. We are trying to find a place close to where I work (Mulago Hospital) which is difficult as the places closest are quite expensive. But we are keeping our fingers crossed. And not to worry, we are getting a two bedroom so that you can all come and visit! 

Ugandans: It seems there are a couple mandatory requirements for being Ugandan – you need to be extremely friendly and helpful. We have met the most lovely people in the past couple of weeks. Everyone is so friendly and willing to help out. There are many people through my work and that we’ve met being out and about that have been helping us find a place to live, telling us where to go for dinner, hooking us up with drivers (you need a few ‘private hire drivers’ in this city….explaining transport is another post), etc. It’s been a really great introduction to the city. 

Oh, there are so many more things to explain, but all in due time. We hope you’ve enjoyed the blog so far. Please do send us a message and let us know how you are and if you have any questions about life in Kampala…we will definitely go out and find the answer!! 

xoxo