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Kampala is the capital city of Uganda, situated near the shores of Lake Victoria in East Africa. It’s among the most dynamic cities in Africa, serving as the country’s economic, transportation, and cultural centre. Since its establishment, Kampala has been known for influencing other cities in the region. It is renowned for its unique blend of modern and traditional architecture, historical sites, and vibrant culture. Some of the landmarks that make it famous include the Uganda National Mosque, Kasubi Tombs, Uganda Museum, and the Kabaka's Palace.
Census in Uganda is conducted every 10 years, with the last one taking place in 2014. According to this census, Kampala had a population of over 1.6 million. Compared to other cities in Uganda, Kampala is considered to be more diverse. According to the 2014 census, the majority of the population is of the Baganda ethnic group, with numerous other groups represented. When it comes to religious beliefs, Kampala is diverse with most people identifying themselves as Christian or Muslim. According to the data collected during the 2014 census, 42.9% people in Kampala identified themselves as Catholic, 32.2% as Protestant, 13.7% as Muslim, and 8.4% as other Christian denominations. Kampala is also a linguistic melting pot, with Luganda, English, and Swahili being widely spoken among others. The city is home to Makerere University, one of Africa's oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning. Kampala also boasts of the Uganda National Mosque, one of the largest in Africa, capable of accommodating up to 15,000 worshippers.
Kampala is governed by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), which replaced the Kampala City Council. The KCCA is headed by an Executive Director, who is in charge of the day-to-day operations of the city. There is also a Lord Mayor, who is the political head of the city. The KCCA is responsible for the strategic planning and provision of services including urban planning, health, education, and infrastructure development. There are five divisions of Kampala, each headed by a Mayor: Central Division, Kawempe Division, Makindye Division, Nakawa Division, and Rubaga Division. These divisions are responsible for local services and implementation of policies made by the KCCA.
Kampala is the economic hub of Uganda, contributing a significant portion to the country's GDP. The city thrives in commerce, with vibrant markets such as the Owino Market and Nakasero Market. It houses the headquarters of most of Uganda's large firms and international businesses. The city's economy is diverse, with sectors such as manufacturing, real estate, telecommunications, and banking playing significant roles.
Kampala has seen significant infrastructural development in recent years. Major projects include the Kampala Northern Bypass Highway, the expansion of Entebbe International Airport, and the construction of the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway. The city's public transport system primarily consists of minibuses known as 'matatus' and boda-bodas, which are motorcycle taxis. Efforts are underway to introduce a Bus Rapid Transit system to alleviate traffic congestion. The city also boasts of a well-established telecommunication network with high-speed internet connectivity available.