Uganda’s capital, Kampala is a city of all classes. When it comes to shopping, there is a window for all as well from the lavish lovers that shop high end to downtown. Here are the top places for downtown shopping while in the beautiful Kampala.
St. Balikuddembe
Commonly known as the Owino market. This is arguably the largest and busiest market within the Capital city. All kinds of products including but not limited to , foodstuffs, clothings, utensils, cosmetics etc, but most- popular for second hand items of all kinds from overseas at different prices. There’s no specific price here as the final price paid depends on the buyers bargaining power. Test your bargaining skills here and brace yourself with the tug of war as vendors hold on your limbs for your attention, – they however, mean well !!. But it’s quite a maze of a place and unless you’re dead-set on what you’re going to buy, these vendors might succeed in coercing into buying something you didn’t need.
Nakasero market
Located at foot of Nakasero hill on the edge of the central business district , only 50M off the Entebbe Road. It’s well known for its fresh farm produce. Here you’ll find everything, from eggs to chicken, Halal meats, fish, all kinds of vegetables,tubers, and fruits. This is where most restaurants in the City buy their ingredients. Come buy at dawn when the products are still fresh and even the prices are still lower.
Kikuubo shopping zone
Located in the heart of downtown Kampala and is the most thriving market of them all. Here you’ll find everything, including, but not limited to hair products like weaves and wigs, foodstuffs, scholastic materials, clothing, and home equipment.
Crowded Kikuubo market
Kikuubo has a number of branches of major banks just incase you run out of cash and like most African markets, it’s Chaotic, full of buzz , energetic and very vibrant. Where to find a particular item isn’t really specified – you just have to look around and ask different people. Kikuubo will also put your bargaining skills at test as the prices aren’t fixed.
What an experience it is!
Kalerwe market
One of Uganda’s largest market. Is located on Gayaza road adjacent the Northern By-pass, about 5 kilometers from Kampala city center. The market primarily sells fresh fruits, vegetables and meat from all around the country as it has been the main arrival place for them for decades. Other products are there, too. The market is quite busy in the morning hours as there’s a bit of traffic jam since it’s located on Gayaza road and easily accessible from the Northern By-pass.
Nakawa market
This is located along Jinja road, about 5 kilometers from the city center and has a bit of everything you’ll need for sale, from food to school supplies, clothing and household bits and pieces at negotiable price since the prices aren’t fixed.
Usafi market
Was opened up in 2013. Strategically located in Katwe. This is where most of the relocated (evicted ) street vendors and street hawkers are found with a variety of products here like foodstuffs, scholastic, clothing etc.
Gazaland
An excellent shopping center. Apart from having a lot of people in the same place and it being downtown, you can find everything you need in terms of cosmetics, hair products, costume jewelry, electronic accessories, hardware etc and services such as phone sales, phone repairs, hair plaiting for ladies and more in one place. This is a one place for all classes of people in our community.
Yamaha center building
Located opposite Mutasa Kafeero building is a ware house for all electronic appliances. A one stop center for everything you need especially for home use like electrical appliances such as TV sets, fridges, blenders, bulbs, car and motorcycle batteries, generators and more you can need. You can also get new motorcycles here mainly Yamaha brands. Boats engines are sold here too. When it comes to music, such as music on phones, hard disks and on computers, it’s where to go. There’s no parking here except street parking and the affordability of the items depends on one’s bargaining power.
Kiyembe lane
This is the only place to go for all your sewing essentials. Don’t cancel your party or any other occasion because you failed to get a nice dress, do you want to knit uniforms for your school kids, this is the right place to visit.
