Kampala Nightlife

Did you know that Kampala city doesn’t sleep? True story. Kampala is busy both day and night. As the day breaks, the ‘night owls‘ (such as myself) hunt for where the ‘vibe’ is. Kampala’s nightlife is insane and captivating.

Beginning around 4 pm revellers start trickling to nearby “joints”. These are usually smaller bars near their homes or hostels. At this stage, they are still sober; their phones are busy, though. They are linking up with friends, drinking a few bottles here and there, playing pool as they wait for the night – it is dating time. By 8 pm the program is already finalised. They move to a bigger, nicer joint, drinking and enjoying Kikalayi Pork, getting ready for a crazy night.

Between 10 and 11 p.m., tens of thousands of Kampala’s teenagers, adults, and expats pour into the streets, and boda-boda riders begin their night shift, ferrying night revellers from club to club, usually in groups of two to three people per bike! 

For many Ugandan ex-pats, Kampala’s nightlife holds a special place in our hearts. Whether you’re planning a trip back home or simply reminiscing, here’s a guide to the city’s hottest happening nightclubs. 

1. Club Illusion 

This is a favourite for its sophisticated ambience, clientele and breathtaking city views. Oh, and did I mention how Club Illusion’s state-of-the-art sound system and LED screens set the stage for an electrifying night? That’s right! Here’s more –  they also have themed nights and guest DJs. Now, this is a place where you can dance till dawn. 

Location: Club Illusion is located inside Acacia Mall, 2nd Floor. Acacia Mall is situated on 14-18 Cooper Rd, Kampala. Cafe Javas Kisementi, another popular hang-out joint, is just opposite the mall on Kira Road.

About Kisementi: Kisementi is an upscale suburb located in Kololo. If you are visiting Kampala, I would recommend staying in this area. It is safe, the nightlife is crazy, it has lots of cafes, bars, eateries, and massage parlours, and it is close to government offices; you can easily connect to the city by boda-boda – it costs between UGX5,000 – 8,000 (about $2) one way, from Kisementi to Kampala Road (if you know how to haggle). It is also easy to connect to Kamwokya, Mulago, Wandegeya, and Makerere University.

There are many local and foreign cafes inside Acacia Mall. The clientele is mainly expatriate. The suburb has a 4.2 Google rating!

2. Guvnor Uganda 

Guvnor (Ange Noir) is your go-to spot if you prefer a mature crowd. In the mid and late 90s, Ange Noir had two lounges under the same roof: the ground floor was for the general public, while level one (then called Guvnor) was for the city’s more affluent clientele.

For decades, Ange Noir was the number-one nightclub in Uganda, attracting top DJs such as the late and crazy Alex Ndawula of Capital FM, Rasta Rob, and Ragga Dee. Most campus students frequented Ange Noir!

The club blends contemporary hits and fantastic throwback tunes, from Afrobeats to dancehall and Zairean Lingala. The sound systems are simply top-notch.

Across the road from Ange Noir was, and possibly still is, Club Silk, where high school teenagers used to dance to hip-hop and R&B. Unfortunately, high-profile clubs such as Guvnor and Club Silk lack a social media presence.

Location: Guvnor is located in Kampala’s industrial area, 6th Street, about 2 km from Kampala city centre.

3. Ninety9 By The Embers

Source: Facebook.

The Embers is a rooftop bar that offers a more laid-back vibe and is located at the heart of Kampala. This is a great spot to enjoy some great music with a cocktail. What better way to spend an evening listening to live bands gracing the stage?

Head over to The Embers and enjoy not just the music but also the stunning cityscape. I enjoyed the breathtaking views; they are therapeutic. 

There’s a downside: Ninety9 will disappoint if you seek a live and enthusiastic audience. However, it’s ideal for meeting friends and going on romantic dates. Ninety9 is a classy place with great views, a well-stocked bar, and excellent customer service. 

Source: Facebook

Location: 1 Water Lane Naguru, Kampala, Uganda

About Naguru: Naguru is a middle-class suburb in Kampala, just a few kilometres from the city centre, opposite Nakawa.

4. Bubbles O’Learys 

Are you craving a taste of Ireland in Kampala? Bubbles O’Learys opened in 1999. The pub, or at least a significant portion of its interior, was imported from Ireland.

Bubble’s O’Learys is also known as Kampala’s most popular pub and nightclub. This pub offers more than just an excellent food menu. It also has a spacious outdoor yard equipped with a pool table, an outdoor bar, ample seating, and a perfect ambience.

However, about 10 years ago, there were concerns that Bubbles O’Learys was racist; those complaints seem to have subsided, and the club receives good reviews. 

Location: Bubbles O’Learys is located in upscale Kololo at 19 John Babiha (Acacia) Ave, Kampala, Uganda

About Kololo: Kololo is the heart of government power. Lush and green with multi-million dollar colonial houses, it is where the powerful and wealthy live. A piece of real estate in this area is unaffordable even for Uganda’s middle class.

5. Nexus Lounge Kampala

Nexus is a sophisticated lounge that offers a relaxed clubbing experience. You’re guaranteed a fun time with a great selection of drinks, a spacious dance floor, and regular DJ sets. Expect a stylish crowd, and get ready to enjoy good music and food and meet an enthusiastic crowd. 

Location: Nexus Lounge is in Najjera, Kampala, a bit far from the centre.

About Najjera: Najjera is about 12 km from Kampala, in Kira. This pub is best suited for locals who know the place well.

6. Thrones Lounge Bar & Restaurant

Open 24/7, Thrones Lounge Bar & Restaurant is the place for late-night revelry. This famous hangout spot boasts a lively atmosphere with a mix of local and international DJs. It also has a wide selection of drinks and food and plenty of space to dance. So do check out whenever you’re here. 

Location: Thrones Lounge is located in the middle-class suburb of Bugolobi, on Bandali Rise

About Bugolobi: Bugolobi is located about 5 to 6 km from Kampala. Makerere University Business School is located in Nakawa, near the Thrones Lounge. Although a suburban area, Bugolobi has established many new businesses, including shopping malls, in the past two decades.

Kampala nightlife safety and security tips

Kampala is a city that never sleeps. Is it safe to move at night? Yes, but take precautions, just like in London, New York, or Sydney.

I will write another article to give detailed security tips, but here are a few for now.

• Only party in safe suburbs. For example, you are more likely to be safer at Club Illusion in Kisementi than at Club White Nile in Katwe.
• Don’t use boda-boda (this is like asking a child not to eat lollipops, lol). Mzungus love boda-bodas. First, they are quick and won’t be stuck in traffic. Second, they are cheap. Third, they are always available during the day, night, or public holidays. But they are risky. Yes, you heard me loud and clear, didn’t you? THEY ARE RISKY but the BEST OPTION.
• Go out with local friends you met at your workplace or neighbourhood. As a foreigner, this is your best protection.

I know terrorists have tried to cause mayhem in Uganda and scare away tourists, but that trick has not worked. Uganda’s tourist numbers have gone up post-COVID-19. Under President Museveni’s leadership, the government has established a robust security apparatus to detect and pounce on troublemakers.

During your night out, the Uganda Police and the no-nonsense Red Beret (in the streets, we used to call them Red Top) will be on the lookout, several in night patrol vehicles and others in plain clothes and “drones,” trying to weed out troublemakers and ensure your safety. Do you want to laugh? Here is a meme for you. Well, it’s not a meme; it’s a real-life scenario.

A Namibian friend recently asked why there are so many army men in Entebbe, but that is not something you should worry about if you mind your own business. , they are there to ensure security and order. Entebbe, the beautiful city by Lake Victoria, where Benjamin Netanyahu’s brother Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu was killed in the Entebbe Raid of 1976, houses the State House, Entebbe International Airport, big hotels often used for conferences, and is home to senior military, political and business dignitaries. Just imagine if terrorists infiltrated the city.

Bottom Line 

Kampala’s nightlife is a vibrant mix of music, dance, and culture. There’s a spot for every mood and preference. So, grab your dancing shoes and immerse yourself in the electric energy of Kampala after dark. It’s an adventure that’ll have you coming back for more! 

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