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The Uganda Museum in Kampala, founded in 1908, is the oldest museum in East Africa. Its galleries cover the country’s ethnography, history, natural history and archaeology, and its traditional musical instrument collection is a highlight, with some instruments visitors can try. Outside, reconstructed traditional houses from different regions show how Uganda’s peoples have lived.
What to see
Displays include tools, weapons, clothing, crafts and ritual objects from Uganda’s many ethnic groups, fossils and archaeological finds, and natural history exhibits. The music gallery has drums, harps, xylophones and thumb pianos from across the country. The cultural village outside has homesteads in regional styles.
Visiting
The museum is on Kira Road, a short drive from central Kampala. Allow one to two hours, and a guide is worthwhile to explain the collections. It is a good introduction to Ugandan culture before travelling to the parks.
Combining your visit
Combine the museum with other Kampala sights such as the Kabaka’s Palace or the Ndere Cultural Centre. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guides to Kampala’s religious landmarks and Kampala’s art scene.
Frequently asked questions
In 1908; it is the oldest museum in East Africa.
On Kira Road, Kampala.
The collection of traditional musical instruments.
One to two hours.
