Though best known for being the home of Entebbe international airport, Uganda’s largest commercial and military airport which was first opened in 1929, Entebbe is also the major town in central central Uganda and was the first administrative capital city of Uganda during the colonial era. The town is situated on the lake Victoria peninsula in Wakiso district about 37km southwest of Kampala the capital city, and harbours the state house, the official and residence of Uganda’s presidents.

The city derives its name from a luganda word “entebe” (seat) because this was a court place where Buganda chiefs used to gather and adjudicate legal issues

According to the Uganda bureau of Statistics’ recent 2014 population figures, Entebbe town is estimated to be with a population of about 85,000 people.

Entebbe features a tropical rainforest climate with relatively constant temperatures throughout the course of the year. Also has noticeably wetter and drier months, with January being the city’s driest month and a noticeably drier stretch from july through September. Entebbe’s wettest months are april and may. The city’s average annual temperature is approximately 21oC.

Entebbe’s attractions;

  • The national botanical gardens, laid out in 1988
  • Entebbe is home of the Uganda virus research institute (UVRI)
  • Entebbe is the location of the Uganda wildlife Education Center (UWEC). The center also serves as the national zoo
  • Entebbe is the location of Nkumba university’s
  • Presidential state house
  • Entebbe is also home to the historical site in Kigungu where the first catholic missionaries brother Amans and father mon Maple Lourdel landed to establish the catholic faith in Uganda.
  • Entebbe is home of the oldest golf course in East Africa called Entebbe Golf Club which was established in 1900.
  • The Entebbe International airport EIA the principal international airport in Uganda.

Getting to Entebbe

From the rest of the country will usually involve passing through Kampala, the country’s capital city where small mini buses and matatus commute to and from on a very regular and instant basis. Speak to the conductor about the fares. The journey itself can take anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours. This is all dependent on the traffic on the day.

Boda boda (motorcycle taxi) is the easiest choice to go around Entebbe town, however, boda boda accidents are commonplace and hiring a taxi from a trusted source would be your best bet, albeit slightly more expensive.

©2024 All About Uganda. All Rights Reserved.

CONTACT US

We're not around right now. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap.

Sending

Log in with your credentials

Forgot your details?