Uganda Museum

Step into the Uganda Museum on Kitante Hill in Kampala to explore East Africa's oldest museum, founded in 1908. Housed in an architecturally significant landmark designed by German architect Ernst May, this institution showcases Uganda's rich cultural heritage, natural history, and traditional life. As you wander through its diverse spaces, you will discover the Ethnography Gallery, featuring over 100,000 historic objects, traditional dressing, health systems, and ceremonial items behind a traditional reed door.

Visit the Music Gallery to see a comprehensive collection of East African musical instruments—including drums, percussion, wind, and string instruments—some of which are playable. Explore the Natural History/Palaeontology Gallery to view entomology, weaponry, hunting equipment, and prehistoric fossils, such as the 19-to-20-million-year-old Uganda Pithecus skull discovered in Napak. Head outside to the back of the building to experience the cultural village, featuring traditional huts like the Batooro, Ankole, Bugisu, and Baganda houses, which showcase indigenous lifestyle items from across Uganda's regions.

The site also features a canteen serving traditional Ugandan foods, an internet cafe, and gift shops selling local crafts.

What to see at Uganda Museum

• The Music Gallery featuring playable traditional East African instruments
• Natural History exhibits including the 19-20 million-year-old Uganda Pithecus fossil skull
• The Ethnography Gallery showcasing over 100,000 cultural artifacts
• The outdoor cultural village depicting traditional regional huts and lifestyles

Visiting tips

Be sure to explore the outdoor cultural village behind the main building to see authentic regional huts and traditional items like milk gourds, circumcision tools, and musical instruments.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Flexible

How to get there & what’s nearby

Uganda Museum is easy to reach on Kampala’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Kasubi Tombs and Kampala Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Kampala travel guide.