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Parliament Building, Uganda - Things to Do in Parliament Building

Things to Do in Parliament Building

Parliament Building, Uganda - Complete Travel Guide

The Parliament Building of Uganda stands as one of Kampala's most significant architectural and political landmarks, representing the heart of the nation's democratic governance. Located in the bustling capital city, this impressive structure serves as the seat of Uganda's legislature and offers visitors insight into the country's political history and contemporary governance. The building's modern design reflects Uganda's aspirations while its strategic location in Kampala makes it an accessible starting point for exploring the wider city. Kampala itself is a vibrant East African capital built across seven hills, offering a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, historical sites, and natural beauty. The city serves as Uganda's economic and cultural hub, where traditional African culture seamlessly blends with modern urban life. Visitors can explore bustling markets, sample diverse cuisine, visit religious sites, and use the city as a gateway to Uganda's renowned national parks and the source of the Nile River.

Top Things to Do in Parliament Building

Parliament Building Guided Tour

Take an official guided tour of Uganda's Parliament Building to learn about the country's legislative processes and democratic history. The tour includes visits to the main chambers, committee rooms, and exhibitions showcasing Uganda's political evolution. Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the building's architecture and the role of parliament in Ugandan society.

Booking Tip: Tours are typically free but must be booked in advance through official channels, usually requiring 2-3 days notice. Best times are weekday mornings when parliament is not in session, and visitors should bring valid identification and arrive 30 minutes early for security screening.

Explore Kampala's Cultural Sites

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Uganda's capital by visiting key landmarks including the Kasubi Tombs, Namirembe Cathedral, and the Uganda Museum. These sites offer deep insights into Buganda kingdom history, colonial influences, and traditional Ugandan culture. The journey through these locations provides a comprehensive understanding of how modern Uganda evolved.

Booking Tip: Individual site entry fees range from $5-15 USD, with combination tickets available for multiple attractions. Hire a local guide for $20-30 per day for better historical context, and visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.

Owino Market and Local Shopping Experience

Immerse yourself in authentic Ugandan commerce at Owino Market, one of East Africa's largest markets, where you can find everything from traditional crafts to modern goods. The market offers an incredible sensory experience with vibrant colors, local foods, textiles, and handmade items. This bustling marketplace provides genuine interaction with local vendors and insight into daily Ugandan life.

Booking Tip: No booking required, but consider hiring a local guide for $10-15 to navigate safely and negotiate better prices. Visit between 9 AM-4 PM for best selection, bring small bills for purchases, and be prepared to bargain - start at 30% of the asking price.

Ugandan Culinary Adventure

Experience Uganda's diverse culinary landscape through food tours that include traditional dishes like matoke, posho, and fresh fish from Lake Victoria. Visit local restaurants, street food vendors, and markets to taste authentic flavors while learning about food preparation techniques and cultural significance of various dishes. Many tours also include cooking demonstrations.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost $25-45 USD per person and typically last 3-4 hours including multiple stops. Book with reputable operators who prioritize food safety, and inform them of any dietary restrictions in advance. Evening tours often provide the most diverse selection of street food options.

Lake Victoria and Source of the Nile Excursion

Take a day trip to Jinja to visit the source of the Nile River, one of the world's most famous geographical landmarks located just 80 kilometers from Kampala. The journey includes boat rides on Lake Victoria, visits to the actual source point, and opportunities for adventure activities like white-water rafting. This excursion combines natural beauty with historical significance.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips cost $60-120 USD including transportation and boat rides, with adventure activities as optional extras. Book through established tour operators who provide comfortable vehicles and experienced guides. Departure is typically early morning (7-8 AM) with return by evening.

Getting There

Entebbe International Airport, located 40 kilometers from Kampala, serves as Uganda's main international gateway with connections to major African cities and some international destinations. From the airport, travelers can reach the Parliament Building and central Kampala via taxi (45-60 minutes, $25-35 USD), pre-arranged transfers, or the more economical airport bus service. Overland travel is possible from neighboring countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, with bus services and private vehicles accessing Kampala through well-maintained border crossings.

Getting Around

Kampala's transportation network includes boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis) for quick trips ($1-3 USD), matatus (shared minibuses) for economical longer distances, and private taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber and SafeBoda for comfort and convenience. Walking is feasible in the city center where the Parliament Building is located, though the hilly terrain can be challenging. For visits to multiple attractions, hiring a private driver for the day ($30-50 USD) often provides the best value and flexibility, especially when combined with guided services.

Where to Stay

Central Business District
Kololo
Nakasero
Bugolobi
Ntinda
Entebbe Road

Food & Dining

Kampala's dining scene offers everything from high-end restaurants serving international cuisine to local eateries specializing in traditional Ugandan dishes. The city center near Parliament features numerous restaurants catering to government officials and business travelers, while areas like Kololo and Nakasero offer upscale dining experiences. Street food is abundant and safe when chosen wisely, with popular items including rolex (egg and chapati wrap), grilled meats, and fresh tropical fruits. Local markets provide authentic culinary experiences, and many hotels offer excellent buffet meals featuring both local and international options.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Kampala

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Café Javas

4.5 /5
(5324 reviews) 2
cafe

Cafesserie Arena Mall

4.5 /5
(819 reviews) 2

La Cabana Restaurant

4.5 /5
(755 reviews) 3

Yums Cafe, Ntinda

4.5 /5
(551 reviews) 2

Kardamom & Koffee

4.6 /5
(413 reviews) 2
bar book_store cafe

Emirates Grills

4.5 /5
(399 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Parliament Building and Kampala is during the dry seasons from December to February and June to August, when roads are more accessible and outdoor activities are more comfortable. These periods offer pleasant temperatures averaging 25-28°C (77-82°F) and minimal rainfall, ideal for sightseeing and photography. However, Kampala's equatorial location means it's visitable year-round, with the wet seasons (March-May and September-November) bringing lush green landscapes and fewer tourists, though some roads may become challenging and outdoor activities might be affected by afternoon rains.

Insider Tips

Parliament tours may be cancelled during active sessions, so confirm availability the day before your visit and have backup plans ready
Dress conservatively when visiting Parliament Building - long pants and covered shoulders are required, and security screening is thorough so arrive with minimal personal items
Combine your Parliament visit with nearby attractions like the Independence Monument and Central Business District to maximize your time in the area

Explore Activities in Parliament Building