Nommo Gallery Kampala: Uganda’s most important art space

Updated 18 October 2026

Nommo Gallery on Victoria Avenue in Kampala is Uganda’s national art gallery, opened in 1964, two years after independence, and run under the Uganda National Cultural Centre. Its name comes from the Nommo, ancestral spirits in the beliefs of the Dogon people of Mali, chosen as a statement of African identity. It hosts changing exhibitions of contemporary Ugandan painting, sculpture and mixed media, and is a good starting point for exploring Kampala’s lively art scene.

What you will see

Exhibitions change regularly, featuring established and emerging Ugandan artists working in oil, acrylic, bark cloth, wood, metal and found materials. Themes range from landscapes and daily life to politics, identity and the environment. The gardens around the gallery often display sculpture, and some works are for sale. Opening times and fees can change, so check before visiting.

Kampala’s art scene

Uganda’s modern art has deep roots at Makerere University, where Margaret Trowell began teaching art in the late 1930s; the school that bears her name trained many of East Africa’s leading artists. Today Kampala also has independent galleries and art centres, studios in Kansanga and elsewhere, and events such as art festivals and biennales that bring together artists from across Africa. Many artists use bark cloth and other local materials, linking contemporary art with tradition. See our guides to bark cloth and Uganda’s music scene.

Planning a cultural day in Kampala

Nommo is in Nakasero, close to many central hotels. Combine it with the Uganda Museum, the Kasubi Tombs or an evening at the Ndere Centre for a day of Ugandan culture before or after your gorilla trek. Buying art directly from galleries and artists supports the creative economy; ask for a receipt for export. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guides to the Uganda Museum and cultural sites in Uganda.

Frequently asked questions