We’ve gathered a list of our favorite streets and shops that you shouldn’t miss while you’re in Kampala, one of Uganda’s top cities for shopping. With these insider recommendations, you’ll explore the best spots, from well-known shopping areas to specialized niche stores.
Store Opening Hours in Uganda Most stores are open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with some closing at 7 PM or for an hour during lunch. On Sundays, some stores in the city center and neighborhoods will remain open.
Main Shopping Areas Kampala is quite diverse, so you can find almost anything you need if you know where to look. Starting at the malls is a good idea, though. Acacia offers a pleasant experience, Garden City is the largest, and the Village, Lugogo, and Forest malls are also good options.
Garden City Complex With three stories of clothing, books, shoes, and Western food, this is Kampala’s upscale hub. Situated in the city center, it features a food court, movie theater, and bowling alley. If you’re after high-end clothing, footwear, books, or Western fast food, this is the place. For a more authentic experience, skip this and head to Owino Market.
Markets Kampala is not only about luxury stores; it’s also perfect for bargain hunting.
Owino Market The largest and busiest market in Uganda stretches around Nakivubo Stadium in Kampala. Though it might feel overwhelming, it’s a unique experience. Booths line crowded alleyways, offering everything from used clothes to home appliances. Bargaining is common, so haggle for great deals, especially on Western brands sold at low prices.
Neighborhood Markets Almost every neighborhood in Kampala has its own market, lively and filled with fantastic bargains.
Popup Markets Prunes hosts a renowned Saturday market with great produce, and Le Petit Village has weekend markets. Makindye Country Club hosts a flea market monthly.
Grocery Shopping For a more relaxed grocery experience, here are some recommended stores.
- Capital Shoppers: Large with excellent cheese, pastry, meat, and produce sections.
- Chida Freshmart: A unique store with intriguing Chinese-labeled items.
- Embassy Supermarket: Small but well-stocked, offering standard items and some goodies.
- Italian Supermarket: Known for Italian treats like cold cuts, frozen fruit, and a variety of cheese.
- Millennium: Modest-sized supermarket with essentials, fruit, vegetables, and liquor.
- The Pantry: Offers a variety of artisanal products, wine, and cheese.
Hardware & Home Furnishings Shopping in Kampala
- Game: Offers hardware and a range of items, from alcohol to sports equipment.
- Hardware World: Offers essential items at reasonable prices, surrounded by other tool stores.
- Villa Kololo: For quality interiors and antiques, ideal for upscale shoppers.
Sports and Jerseys You’ll find sports memorabilia for rugby, soccer, and more on Ben Kiwanuka Street, with Katumwa Sports Centre being a well-known sporting goods store.
Souvenirs & Ugandan Products
- Banana Boat: Offers unique African mementos.
- Craft Village: Offers a variety of crafts and souvenirs.
- Definition Africa: Features high-quality items with African motifs.
- Exposure Africa: Offers various African crafts, but haggling is advised.
- Flock of Birds: Features goods by African designers.
- Kona: Offers jewelry, bags, and home goods blending Ugandan and Indian influences.
- Kampala Fair: Offers furniture, rugs, clothing, and accessories.
Other Categories
- Printing: Nasser Road, especially Colour Chrome for passport photos.
- Gardening: Game and Hotel Harambe street for seeds.
- Books and Art Supplies: Aristoc.
- Pets: Game or Aquaria Pet Shop.
- Meat: Quality Cuts.
- Plants: Mukwano Road.
- Movies and TV Shows: Funz Video.
- Phone Screen Repair: Gadget Mania.
- Fabric: Kiyembe Lane area.
Other Locations Besides the capital, there are great buying opportunities in Jinja and Fort Portal, offering unique items that are hard to find elsewhere.
To Conclude Owino Market, the largest in Uganda, is a shopping haven in Kampala. Haggle for the best deals. On the other end of the spectrum, Garden City Mall offers upscale shopping. Uganda Arts & Crafts Village and Fair Trade Craft 2000 are perfect for unique handicrafts and souvenirs.
If you’ve discovered any great places we haven’t mentioned, please share them here.
