Best Neighborhoods in Kampala to Stay!

Real Estate as an Investment in Uganda
There are over 30 neighborhoods in Kampala which is often puzzling for those considering moving to the city. 

To make your moving choices a little easier, we have compiled a list of some of the best neighborhoods in Kampala to stay in. 

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1. Kololo

Kololo is one of Kampala’s most prestigious neighborhoods and is known for its luxury and exclusivity.

A favorite among high-profile individuals like diplomats and executives, Kololo offers the best of everything!
  • Kololo stands out, in particular, for its safety and security maintained by gated communities under constant surveillance — a given considering the establishment of embassies and diplomatic enclaves.
Kololo offers many choices when it comes to housing styles. These range from beautiful mansions to sleek and modern apartments.

2. Nagurut

Just like Kololo, Naguru is another posh area home to many diplomats and high-ranking officials.
  • Naguru is located on a hill, 4300-ft above sea level, and thus, offers stunning views and an abundance of greenery. 
  • Security in Naguru is super tight with strictly regulated communities.
  • Naguru is home to multiple hospitals and international schools, as well as many local grocery stores. With everything at easy access, you can expect to live an easy, convenient life.
Naguru offers luxurious lifestyles and comfortable living to its residents no matter what their preferences may be.

3. Ntinda

Ntinda, also known as the “Ministers Village”, is the perfect option for upper middle-class families and individuals looking for comfortable yet modern living without breaking the bank.  
  • Ntinda offers tight security with active police personnel and constant surveillance.  
  • Amenities of all sorts are easily accessible
  • Three major universities are located in close proximity.
Often described as classy, Ntinda is Kampala’s fastest growing neighborhood with a high popularity among both locals and foreigners. There are numerous churches and mosques which highlight the diversity in the region.

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4. Bugolobi

The Bugolobi neighborhood is home to people of varying economic backgrounds and has borders touching Kampala’s industrial region as well as multiple towns. This makes it perfect for those working in the industries or the central business district.
  • Despite showing great economic diversity, Bugolobi has above-average rents
  • It is among the most well-to-do neighborhoods of Kampala with modern amenities like the Village Mall Bugolobi.
  • When it comes to housing, the options include everything from apartment complexes to luxury bungalows.

5. Muyenga

Located on Muyenga Hill and close to Lake Victoria, Muyenga is a neighborhood with ideal scenic views and a cooler climate compared to the city centre.
  • Muyenga offers a blend of affordability and modern living which makes it an attractive option for young middle-class families. 
  • The area can be best described as a residential cum commercial neighborhood, thus offering a great opportunity for those looking to settle into new lifestyles.
  • Muyenga is well-connected to shopping malls, schools, and restaurants, ensuring residents have easy access to all the essentials. 
  • If you’re moving with your family, you will certainly appreciate the parks and the close proximity to Lake Victoria, which offers various recreational activities.
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6. Munyonyo

Located right at the border of Lake Victoria, Munyonyo is the place to be if you love water and beaches. 
  • Munyonyo ranks among the most upscale neighborhoods of Kampala with major resorts and often hosts international conferences and meetings.
  • Munyonyo offers strictly gated communities, lots of water-based activities, and malls; thus, becoming an ideal, well-rounded neighborhood for families.
This region is perfect if you’re looking to invest into real estate in Kampala, as foreigners frequently visit for tourism and business purposes. 

For example, you can easily rent out properties as AirBnBs or guest houses to incoming locals and foreigners.

7. Makindye

The Makindye neighborhood is an area of great significance when it comes to regional administration. This is credited to its position as a major constituent of the Makindye division.
  • Makindye has a strong community vibe with extensive options for amenities such as local markets, schools, and health services along with communal opportunities.    
  • Security in this neighborhood varies from region to region so, be sure to pick the right locality. 
It is best to go with a reputable real estate service when picking a property to make sure you get maximal benefits.
Also Read: Gated Communities in Uganda You Need to Check Out in 2024

8. Lubowa

Lubowa is a fast-growing suburban Kampala neighborhood that is becoming increasingly popular among local families and rich expats. 
  • Known for its churches and international schools such as the Galaxy International School, Lubowa is ideal for Christian families looking for secure areas to live.
  • Closeness to Kampala’s business center is an additional plus point that attracts many people who move here.
Housing here is beautiful, and spacious and errs slightly on the expensive side. However, the kind of lifestyle the neighborhood offers is totally worth the price.

9. Nakasero

Top of the Nakasero hills is home to Kampala’s central business district and some of the most important buildings of Uganda.
  • The Nakasero neighborhood is unparalleled when it comes to city-life with lots of opportunities for business, entertainment, and commercial activities. 
At night, the city is vibrant and lively which is most enjoyable if you live higher up in an apartment complex with lovely night views.

10. Kibuli

Kibuli is a small, well-packed neighborhood with a cozy vibe to it. 
  • Kibuli is home to a diverse background of people thus, making for a welcoming community for newcomers.
  • Kibuli is the ideal locality for Muslims in, or traveling to, Kampala. There is a large Muslim population in the area along with a central mosque and the Kibuli Muslim Tower.  
  • The highlight of Kibuli is its walkable cityscape with easy access to most services. 
Kibuli is at a close distance to the Industrial Area of Kampala which makes it a great option for those who work at the factories.

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Use This Checklist to Find the Ideal Kampala Neighborhood for Your Needs!

Each neighborhood in Kampala has its own unique benefits. However, it is essential to be practical when choosing a locality you will likely be staying in for the next few years. Keep in mind the following list when deciding on a neighborhood in Kampala:
  1. Compare housing prices to your budget. Consider rents, taxes, and the fact that a particular neighborhood may offer properties with a wide range of rents.
  2. Check proximity to your workplace, children’s schools, and other critical service centres like gyms, etc.
  3. Look up crime statistics in the area and visit personally to assess safety.
  4. It is especially important to consider access to public transportation if you don’t own a personal transport.
  5. Assess whether the area is pedestrian-friendly and has bike lanes. This is especially important for students and young professionals.
  6. Investigate any planned developments or zoning changes in the area.
  7. Look up recreational and communal facilities, and spend time in the neighborhood to get a sense of its atmosphere.

Ready to Move? TLG Living Group can help you find the finest homes at the lowest rates!  Contact us for custom insights.

You can determine living costs in specific neighborhoods by researching housing prices, utility costs, and general expenses in the area. r/Uganda can be a great place to start.
Rent varies greatly by neighborhood and property size. You can check out real estate listings on TLG living Group for current rates.
Kampala frequently experiences traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. Many residents opt for boda-bodas (motorbike taxis) for quicker travel, but safer alternatives include personal vehicles and ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt.
The cost of living in Kampala’s upscale areas, like Kololo and Nakasero, ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 per month for rent, with basic utilities and expenses adding around $350 to $700 monthly. However, it greatly depends on your personal lifestyle.
Furnished apartments are common, especially in expatriate-heavy areas like Kololo, Ntinda, and Munyonyo.

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Azmi Anees

Azmi, with a passion for storytelling, has extensive experience in developing informative content on real estate, finance, technology, education, and lifestyle.

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