Home › Destinations › Uganda National Theatre
Uganda National Theatre, Uganda - Things to Do in Uganda National Theatre

Things to Do in Uganda National Theatre

Uganda National Theatre, Uganda - Complete Travel Guide

The Uganda National Theatre stands as Kampala's premier cultural landmark and the heart of the country's performing arts scene. Located in the bustling city center, this iconic venue has been showcasing Uganda's rich theatrical traditions, music, and dance since its establishment, serving as a cultural bridge between traditional African performances and contemporary artistic expressions. The theatre not only hosts local productions but also welcomes international acts, making it a vibrant hub for cultural exchange in East Africa. Beyond its role as a performance venue, the Uganda National Theatre represents the soul of Ugandan creativity and artistic expression. Visitors can experience everything from traditional Buganda court music to modern theatrical productions, often featuring stories that reflect Uganda's diverse cultural heritage and contemporary social issues. The theatre's colonial-era architecture, combined with its dynamic programming, offers visitors a unique glimpse into both Uganda's historical legacy and its evolving cultural identity.

Top Things to Do in Uganda National Theatre

Attend a Live Performance

Experience authentic Ugandan theatre, music, or dance performances in the main auditorium. Productions range from traditional folk performances featuring local instruments like the adungu and engoma drums to contemporary plays addressing modern African themes. The intimate setting allows for an immersive cultural experience that showcases Uganda's storytelling traditions.

Booking Tip: Check the theatre's schedule in advance as performances are not daily. Tickets typically range from 10,000-50,000 UGX ($3-15). Book directly at the box office or through local cultural centers for the best prices and authentic experiences.

Take a Theatre Building Tour

Explore the historic architecture and backstage areas of this colonial-era building turned cultural center. Guided tours reveal the theatre's transformation from its original purpose to becoming Uganda's national performance venue. You'll learn about the building's role in Uganda's cultural development and see rehearsal spaces where local artists hone their craft.

Booking Tip: Tours are available by appointment and cost around 20,000 UGX ($6) per person. Contact the theatre administration office directly, or arrange through your hotel concierge for group bookings.

Participate in Cultural Workshops

Join hands-on workshops in traditional Ugandan music, dance, or drumming led by local artists and performers. These interactive sessions teach participants about different tribal traditions, the significance of various instruments, and the stories behind traditional dances. Workshops often conclude with a group performance.

Booking Tip: Workshops are typically offered on weekends and cost 30,000-60,000 UGX ($9-18) per person. Book at least a week in advance through the theatre's community outreach program or local cultural organizations.

Explore the Surrounding Arts District

Wander through the vibrant neighborhood around the theatre, which hosts numerous art galleries, craft shops, and street art installations. The area comes alive with local artists selling paintings, sculptures, and traditional crafts, creating an open-air cultural market. Many artists are happy to discuss their work and the cultural significance of their pieces.

Booking Tip: Best visited during daylight hours for safety. Bargaining is expected when purchasing art or crafts. Allow 2-3 hours to fully explore the area and interact with local artists.

Attend Poetry and Literature Events

Experience Uganda's vibrant spoken word scene through poetry slams, book readings, and literary discussions held regularly at the theatre. These events showcase both established and emerging Ugandan writers, often addressing themes of identity, social justice, and cultural pride. The intimate setting creates meaningful connections between artists and audiences.

Booking Tip: Events are usually free or low-cost (5,000-15,000 UGX/$1.50-4.50). Check local newspapers, social media, or the theatre's bulletin board for upcoming events. Arrive early as popular events fill up quickly.

Getting There

Uganda National Theatre is located in central Kampala, easily accessible from Entebbe International Airport via a 45-minute drive along the Entebbe-Kampala Expressway. Taxis from the airport cost around $25-30, while airport shuttles and ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt are available for $15-20. If staying elsewhere in Kampala, the theatre is within walking distance of major hotels in the city center, or accessible via boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) for short distances.

Getting Around

The theatre is centrally located, making it easy to explore on foot during daylight hours. Boda-bodas are the quickest way to navigate Kampala's traffic and cost 2,000-5,000 UGX for short trips. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are safer for evening visits and longer distances. Many visitors combine a theatre visit with walking tours of nearby attractions like the Kampala City Market, Independence Monument, and various religious sites, all within a 15-minute walk.

Where to Stay

Kampala City Center
Nakasero Hill
Kololo
Bugolobi
Ntinda
Mengo

Food & Dining

The area around Uganda National Theatre offers diverse dining options reflecting the city's multicultural character. Local restaurants serve traditional Ugandan dishes like matooke, posho, and grilled tilapia, while Indian restaurants offer excellent curries and samosas reflecting the significant South Asian community. Street food vendors near the theatre sell rolex (chapati with eggs), mandazi, and fresh tropical fruits. For upscale dining, nearby Nakasero and Kololo neighborhoods feature international cuisine and rooftop restaurants with city views.

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 theatre operates year-round, but the dry seasons (December-February and June-August) are ideal for visiting as evening performances are more comfortable and getting around the city is easier. The cultural calendar is busiest during school holidays and around national celebrations like Independence Day in October. Evening performances are particularly atmospheric, though afternoon matinees offer a different energy and are often family-friendly. Avoid visiting during heavy rainy season (March-May) when transportation can be challenging.

Insider Tips

Dress modestly and avoid flashy jewelry when visiting the theatre area, especially for evening performances
Learn a few basic Luganda phrases like 'webale' (thank you) - locals appreciate the effort and it enhances cultural interactions
Combine your theatre visit with stops at nearby Owino Market for authentic crafts and the Uganda Museum to understand the cultural context of performances you'll see

Explore Activities in Uganda National Theatre