Kabaka's Palace

2700 reviews

The Twekobe, Lubiri Ring Road Lubiri Ring Rd, Kampala, Uganda

www.buganda.com

About

Kabaka's Palace is a Tourist attraction located at The Twekobe, Lubiri Ring Road Lubiri Ring Rd, Kampala, Uganda. It has received 2700 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday8:30AM-5PM
Tuesday8:30AM-5PM
Wednesday8:30AM-5PM
ThursdayClosed
Friday8:30AM-5PM
Saturday8:30AM-5PM
Sunday8:30AM-5PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Kabaka's Palace: The Twekobe, Lubiri Ring Road Lubiri Ring Rd, Kampala, Uganda

  • Kabaka's Palace has 4.3 stars from 2700 reviews

  • Tourist attraction

  • "Site has no official online presence, so how are visitors supposed to know when it is open and how much it costs? I got there, ticket is 35,000 for one foreign adult ($10 USD)"

    "Pherook made the experience so memorable with the animated story telling"

    "Don't buy paintings in the palace because the prices are not normal you can find the same paintings in the crafts markets at a very lower price "

    "This is my favorite destination in Kampala"

    "Yesterday we are visited the place"

Reviews

  • Steve Kleiman

Site has no official online presence, so how are visitors supposed to know when it is open and how much it costs? I got there, ticket is 35,000 for one foreign adult ($10 USD). OK, do you take credit cards? Yes, but machine is broken. Right. Bought ticket and was then told I was not allowed to walk around by myself, I needed a guide. Is the guide included? No. How much is the guide? It's up to you. You mean guide is included but a tip is up to me? Guide is not included. I have no clue what that circular conversation was about. I was not charged an additional fee for the guide. I tipped the guide. This would be a lot easier if relevant information were posted online and also prominently visible at ticket office. Relevant info includes entry fees, whether credit cards are accepted (don't say they're accepted but not have a working machine), that a guide is required, that no additional fee is charged for the guide but tips are appreciated, hours of operation, and location of main security gate. Site is an important spot for Uganda, but as far as tours go, there isn't much to see. There is no museum or visitors' center. Guide takes you to exterior front of undistinguished 1930s house but you can't go inside or walk around the building. It's just a photo op. Basically guide verbally rehashes recent Ugandan history while standing in front of house. Perhaps main draw for many is an arsenal formerly used for torturing people. Dark place to be sure, but it looks like a truck unloading platform which is its purpose-built function. There is no exhibit, no supporting evidence, no oral histories, absolutely nothing to substantiate and deepen this presentation. It's "Bad stuff happened here, take my word for it." I went to see the arsenal. For those who aren't locals for which the site is imbued with meaning, unless you have a specific reason to visit, it's a tough sell. Given the unprofessionalism with which site presents itself to the world, it's an even tougher sell to foreign tourists. DATE VISITED: 24 Jan 2022; 35,000/foreign adult plus whatever tip for guide

  • Marura Nyambu

Pherook made the experience so memorable with the animated story telling. So much more can be done to visually enrich the experience like a limited access tour to the inside of the palace or have an outdoor museum. Preservation of some of the artefacts like the Kabaka's car and the torture chambers can definitely be done better UGX 10,000 gives you a guided tour of the palace grounds and armoury/torture chambers. A package deal of UGX 20,000 includes both parliament and the palace With enough time, one can walk the royal mile to the Baganda parliament or take a boda ride for about UGX 1000. Not much to see at parliament though. The guides at the palace and at parliament were however very accommodating and pleasant and made the experience that much better

  • James Muh

Don't buy paintings in the palace because the prices are not normal you can find the same paintings in the crafts markets at a very lower price .Also guides there have a behavior of imposing on the tourists to buy paintings and the prices are very high compared to the normal prices in the markets known for tourists where we expect the prices to be higher are actually several times lower than the prices at the palace for example a large size painting going for $200 yet at the market the prices are $30 you can imagine and if I am to help the travelers and tourists I would say don't buy paintings at the palace .
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Jonathan Neal

This is my favorite destination in Kampala. The grounds are lovely. When I was there the King was also there at the palace along with the Prime Minister. When I arrived the Prime Minister drove through the grounds and out the gate in a black SUV on his way back to the Parliament building. The subterranean prison and torture chambers were of course very sobering and scary. I had a wonderful tour guide. I can’t remember her name but her photo is attached. This ought to be the prime destination in Kampala, in my opinion.

  • Josipa Prgomet

Yesterday we are visited the place. Three of us, the price that we agreed was 60.000,00 UGX, after first offer of 36.000,00 UGX per person. In the palace we cannot enter, it is closed for visitors. So, we've just saw the yard where lives families of Ugandan soldiers, and the torture chambers. And guide guy told us story about 3 kings that lived there in palace. Also, he showed us paintings on peel of trees.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Vasyalifestyle

Kabakas palace , a residence of the emperor of the king of Buganda , great spot , but unfortunately can’t be visited indoor. If I’m not mistaken I paid 1k shillings for face mask , and 30k to enter the palace area and to have a professional guide . We also visited chamber cells where Idi Amin captured his opponents. The place consists of 4 big cell rooms without doors , the stories that our tour guide told us was so stunning . So many innocent people were killed in 60-70s

  • Asim Ali

My experience was very disappointing as we could only see the building from outside. I paid ten $ fee just to listen the history of this place from a guide and that’s it.. we went around and nothing else ..one thing I would like to high light is that the government must pay some attention towards the very poor living conditions of its staff quarters which are made less then 100 meters besides and are in very pathetic condition for families living there…

  • Dr. Esbon Gakuo

This place must be in your 'must visit places' while you are in Kamplala. It is nestled on top of one of the tallest hills around Kampala(It is the Kabaka's palace after all) and one gets a good panoramic view of downtown Kampala. One gets a guide to take you round the place who has good grasp of ugandan/Bagandan history. You also get to view the dilapidated torture chambers used by Idi Amin and Obote regimes. Really enjoyed the place.

  • Robert A. Belle

It was refreshing to learn more about the Buganda Kingdom and it’s history in Uganda’s history. We visited after taking the Royal mile from the parliament to the palace. Our guide Ben was very welcoming and knowledgeable about the wider East African region. Our tour was elaborative, seeing the torture dungeons and classic cars used by Idi Amin.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Lee

A visit to the King's palace, although he no longer stays there due to Idi Amin using the area to torture and kill around 25,000 Ugandans during his rule. Although you aren't able to go inside the palace it's a good and informative trip around the grounds, including the torture chambers. It costs $10. Recommended.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Håvar Bauck

A fascinating piece of Buganda history. The Royal Palace of the Buganda Kingdom, built in 1885 by Kabaka (King) Daniel Mwanga 11, is key to understanding Buganda culture and history, but thoroughly undermarketed as a tourist attraction. This is really a place all visitors to Kampala should have on their checklist. The site is also home to the torture chamber of former dictator Idi Amin Dada

  • Tara

The history on these grounds is so interesting! The guide will be able to tell you so much, so be sure to pay attention. A great place to learn about the history of the Bugandan Tribe, as well as the history of Uganda as well! Note: You will not be able to go into the actual palace. Tip: Wear decent walking shoes, (part of the tour is down a steep hill with no path.

  • Sahil Patel

You can not actually enter the Palace itself but instead go around the gardens. The visit is more about learning of the history of the Palace, the Baganda people and Uganda itself so it is inperative that you get a knowledgeable guide. We were assigned Noordin who was brilliant.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Dakshitha Karunaratne

When I heard about a palace in my mind it was a old and opulant place. But this is a modern palace well laid out in a hill top with possibly manicured gardens when the king actually lived there. Sadly the place was closed due to renovations. How ever the palace hide a dark secret, the Idi Amin's torture chambers. Was a humbling experience to visit the chambers

  • Innocent

What I used to think about palaces like being old, worn out crafts and all those others in native Nigerian movies have all been proven wrong. This modern palace lives with the history of Buganda to the present time. And the people seem to be so much attached to it showing the commitment to their culture amidst the modern times changes. Such a great one.

  • Adhiambo Agoro

Great place to visit and learn about the Ugandan history. Some stories are quite sad but it’s actually a great chance to get enlightened about what happened in the past. The guides are very friendly and patient and i indeed learnt all I needed to know. :)
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No

  • okiror george William

This is a traditional historical traditional place. It's full of Buganda heritage ranging from instruments of power to all history surrounding Buganda kings there is a lot to see hear and learn. If you are visiting Uganda you shouldn't miss this palace they also allow photographs sometimes and they also have large fresh garden to relax from.

  • David Schouten

Interesting place to visit to learn more about the Buganda kingdom and its current link with the Ugandan government. Upon entry you get a guide that shows you around and is very knowledgeable about everything. The tour takes about 50 minutes to an hour.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Lee BikeScapes

Day well spent reliving the history of the Buganda Kingdom and Kabaka's Palace. Saddest part was a visit to Idi Amins Armory, where hundreds if not thousands of people were murdered just for being suspected of being a friend of the former exiled President Obote. Horrid place filled with tales of torture, under the orders of Idi Amin.

  • Msizi Mcanyana

I was disappointed that I paid 20,000 UGX only to get a history lesson (which I appreciated). But we stood outside the palace during the lesson and were told we’re not allowed to go inside - which I understand as the palace is actually in use by the King. But then why call it a tourist attraction if we can’t experience it.

  • Thomas Verbruggen

Although you can't go inside the palace itself, the guided visit of its surroundings is definitely worth it. Our guide was very knowledgeable and gave detailed answers to every question I had. The highlight was the torture chamber.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
No

  • PHEOBE POWERS

It's a nice place for a dinner date, evening walk and talks, with a cool environment, simple space for birthday parties with a nicer view of the city from the hill top and located within the heart of Buganda ( Kabaka's Palace).
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Kaushal Kafle

nice place to visit in Kampala. Walking along the streets Kampala to go from town to Kabaka palace to Buganda Parliament to the cathedral above the Melung hospital from where you can see a whole view of kampala and then to the Gaddafi mosque is a walk of around 2 hours but a wonderful way to spend time in Kampala.

  • Robert Attallah

So far, the most important landmark i have visited in Kampala. You pay 35k ugx and get a guided tour that tells you the history of the Bugandan kindgom and how the palace was the center of many coups. Dont miss it!. They have nice drawings in their shop but you would need lots of bargaining skills.

  • Kevin Owino

Great history about the Buganada Kingdom and the stories of Iddi Amin and other leaders who ruled Uganda, the place is clean with amazing well versed guides who will take you through when you visit, also be sure to check their souvenir shop as they sell nice stuff and the prices are just fair

  • birungi phionah

I wish I have the authority to clean and develop this place! I would put beautiful small boats, lights and lots of things to look at like star ferry of Hong kong I would make it free for everybody to come and enjoy the view of kampala city centre. But as it is now....it scares me! …

  • Konstantinos Anagnostou

Our guide, Ben, was do knowledgeable and kind! If one wants to know more about the Buganda kingdom this place and the guuded tour is a must! Historical details like Idi Amin's bunker is a nice plus!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • george ssempijja

Its palace of Buganda kingdom. It brings alot of people from diverse cultures annually in a bid to challenge their physical fitness in Kabaka birthday run. On that day all Kampala roads shine in red
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Justine Okello

It's a very lovely place where you can get to relax and meet some times new people and create new friendships and even you will be able to keep them for a long long time there are so many public institutions, secondary primary schools as well and royal hotels. Welcome

  • Anthony Abok

Was good especially viewing both palaces from one road and the beauty around good,the street connecting two gates well designed at center of the road good art work along street statues of buganda animals clans lastly the tree known as kabaka anjagala were re planted.

  • r41nm4k3r _

Interesting place to visit & know about modern Ugandan history. The tour guide Sarah was very friendly & provided thorough information about the place. The ticket is bit too overpriced at $10 knowing that one can't enter inside the palace. Overall, bit overpriced.

  • Joyce Njuguna

The gate man said we had to pay him inorder to get a picture . Beautiful topography and at the public garden, a lady came to charge us for the photos we took on our own phone but we refused.
Visited on
Weekend
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • John

Interesting place but you can't get into the Palace. You do get to see Amins torture Chambers. I had an informative guide but it is still just one hour visit max
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • BRIAN BAISWIKE

All the history about Buganda kingdom in Uganda is where you can best get it. With great informants and pictorial views about the kingdom. More so visit the once Amin's arsenal/ prison for Ugandans in the 1970s that was built by the Israelites.

  • Argun Konuk

Such a cool place. Came here with the tour and a lady guided me through my visit. Don't miss the museum about the royal family. Definetely check out Idi Amin's torture chambers that are located in a 10 min distance by walk from the main gate.

  • Shammah Njenga

This is a site to behold yet soul search too. It represents a transactional regime as well as an alleged former torture center in the Idi Amin regime. You aren't allowed to access the interior unless it's a state function or otherwise.

  • Edward Kabata

The guides are the ones that make this place worth visiting. They are really knowledgeable about the history and will keep you engaged for hours. Be sure to ask a lot of questioned to get more info that they may forget to tell you.

  • Bulamu Safaris Uganda

It was a great experience learning about the buganda culture, history, and also about Emin's history on where his torture chambers where located
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Dathive Mukeshimana

Kabaka's Palace opens you up to the rich historical way of life of the Bagamda people. This is where the King of the Baganda, the Kabaka resides. Along the one mile straight path you get to the Parliament of the Baganda people.

  • abdikarin yusuf

It was great day to see this historical palace and what idi Amin doing to the people we have to learn from the history of our mother Africa and work how to get continent like the white developed educated less corruption

  • Bea Alexandra Wintschnig

A great place to get an overview of Buganda's history! I really enjoyed the tour, our guide (Namaganda) was soooo friendly and knowledgeable and answered every single of our very many questions. We had a nice time :)

  • brad waterfield

Excellent guided tour from Fred. A thorough history lesson and recommended visit for those looking for this type of excursion. Word of warning, do be prepared to learn about some harrowing atrocities during the tour.

  • David Thomas

This is a must visit place in Kampala. Make you get a guide to show upon around. Especially the torture chambers used by Idi Amin and other rulers then. It's one straight road to get there, and it's well maintained.

  • Peter Biggs

Only able to see the Palace from the outside and hear about some of the King's experience. Learning that Kampala as a Royal Mile .
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Fatumah Namugenyi

It was really interesting to hear the rich history of Buganda Kingdom,Uganda and the torture chambers of Idd Amin
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Piyush Ranjan

Nice historical place but loves the painting done on paper made out of the woods... I highly recommend buying one...!!!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Komakech Brian

Wonderful place. Our guide Timothy gave us a 50-minute history of Buganda and the Kabaka. It was so amazing a must visit
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No

  • Ssebulime twaha

It’s a great experience learning about the history and culture of the kingdom and as well learning about how the palace was used as military base by Former presidents of Uganda Idi Amin and Milton Obote

  • Andrejs Kostenko

Expensive place. Entrance fee 70000 ~ 16 Eur. Possible to visit only with guide, I think that is why cost so high. I did not go there, because as I think better to spend money for something else.

  • Kenya Safaris

As a Kenyan visiting Uganda, I found this visit to be enlightening and educational. The history of the Kings of Baganda gives you a look into the past and the structure in the African culture

  • Katie Thompson

Our guided tour around the palace was very interesting and gave us further insight into Uganda’s rich political history. I would suggest for anyone visiting Kampala to check it out!

  • Ssenyonjo Jireh

I was amazing there are tour guides who tell us about the culture of the place and its awesome
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Winnie Murigu

A great place to learn the history of Baganda and Uganda. The tour guide Michael was great.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Vineet Kumar

Big, beautiful and dominating. Interested one can take a conducted tour to get a peep into the history and understand the present structure. Recomended if you have spare time.

  • Amit Haim

Arrived on the 30 years for the kabaka's in crown. It was an amazing experience!
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Chris O. Ogunmodede

it was a delight visiting Kabaka's Palace for the first time after having read so much about it from when I was a young boy. so much history here. i hope to come back soon.

  • Ruby Valentina

Enjoyed the guided tour through the grounds. There is so much history to reminisce on.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • nampiima sharons

Its the best experience ever, one receives both cultural and political tourism within just one kingdom The biggest, the strongest and most powerful kingdom in East Africa

  • Tony Okungu

Get to learn and emerse yourself into the rich history of the Baganda royal family. The torture chambers can be a bit scary. The tour guide was amazing and knowledgeable.

  • Cynthia Townsend

Rich history. The king does not live here due to the dark history of this place. It was once used as a military post, an armory, and a place of torture (in the armory).

  • kyagambidwa rodney

a very interesting place alot of things that cannot find any where else
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Matovu Saddam

A very conducive environmental and social access for all the public with no tribalism. I like it so much ‍♂️‍♂️ …

  • Sophie Wairimu

Nice place but horrible customer service. Our guide was impatient and rude.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Daegeon Ko

this place has lots of historical facts. most important thing is that torture room makes me feel weird. tour guide explains how cruel torture it was happened.

  • Kayongo Daniel

Beautifully preserved cultural site. The palace is magnificent and regal.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • zahrah foy

Very beneficial to get a quick overview of the history and understand how the politics works in Uganda. Guides are knowledgeable and easy to ask questions ro

  • UFUK DOGAN

A house English style designed. History of it little bit sad. There is a place next to palace done for torture the people, they said many people died there.

  • Moses Kisembo

This amazing place has reach history, of the kingdom I recommend
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Sue Jeurink

Very nice palace take the historical tour and see the torture chambers
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Katerega Richard

The lubiri forms one of the different palaces of His Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda. Space available for sporting activities, football, netball, volleyball.

  • Double 4

Historic and a great monumental to Ugandans and the entire African.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • N H

Elvis was a very professional kind guide to me. Everyone should visit this place which is so beautiful and horrible at the same to never forget the history

  • Derek Makby

One of the most amazing places you'll ever go to in Uganda
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Truth Defender

Place full of history and interesting facts about Idi Amin regime. Not far from palace is torture chamber where your guide will take you. Scary place.

  • King Joseph Wabwire Layoo the Beloved

Went to do a photoshoot at the amazing gardens of this palace. The palace guards were very nice and understanding, the fee we paid was very affordable

  • Konde Moses

So Amazing place to visit and experience the well setting of governance by the King of Buganda. Banana plantations are so amazing to see in Buganda

  • Magumba Ayub Womuju (Ssubbi Womuju)

Last time I was here we enjoyed everything. Actually I had come for the Kabaka birthday run organized by Airtel Uganda. It was really a nice place

  • Stephen Tomusange

Commemorating the 30 years of coronation of the King of Buganda. We took gifts (Amakula).
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min

  • Yiga Shafic

A warm welcome to visitors and pure culture at the palace. Long live the Kabaka of my Kingdom.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

  • Anatooli Jjooga

Great cultural and historical site for one to experience on a Kampala city tour. Guides are available to make your visit flawless and memorable.

  • Robert Kirunda

A great part of Buganda and Uganda's history! Amazing
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Isaac Pitwa

This palace provides good background for wedding pictures and free environment with your loved ones .. it also has Historical artifacts inside

  • WANDULU SHAFIK BULAFU

The Kabaka's palace is a good place to visit. Well, the conditions there are heart warming and fair enough. Am sure any one can love it there.

  • MICHAEL MWANIKI

Good historical tour on the baganda Kingdom n Uganda by extension. Nice scenery n goodies to take home. The charges r 10k ug shs per person

  • TI Exotics (Tropical Island Exotics)

I wish the inside of the palace was open to the public. I was able to see the begining of what Uganda's current government is made of.

  • Kimuli Tonny Anthony

It was a nice trade show with very many things from animals birds reptiles, farming foods corporate companies children play ground etc

  • Kuteesa Beth

It was fun,the place is rich with Ugandan History
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • ALEX TUHUMURE

It's a wonderful palace.. there is more reasons to visit Kabaka's palace if you really like Buganda's history, culture and traditions

  • Jihee Lee

Not organized and old place. But they have graceful story that is interesting. One of photo is about charge for explainig and tour.

  • MATOVU FRANCIS XAVIER

More organised this time than usual
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Kakonge Joseph

I actually love this Kingdom so much it is one of the oldest and I get to Canada homes in Africa I'm proud to be one of its own.

  • David Baguma

Good place to visit for all people who want to know more about cultures, traditions and history. Tourists envoy visiting here.

  • Ssesanga Dennis Ernest

This is the place to be when you want to see the kabaka of Buganda. The Kabaka run takes place here too and other functions.

  • Moses Gakubu

A place rich in Uganda history
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Muks Steven

such a huge place but the guide was in a hurry and could not show us the whole palace
Visited on
Weekday

  • Manuel Silva Gallego

Your can't visit the palace inside, but they goddess are knowledgeable and we'll explain a lot of the Ugandan history

  • Shahz Sheikh

Great tour that shows you the palace as well as Idi Amin's torture chambers. This is a must on your visit to Kampala

  • Joram Jadwong Jr

The place is gem, culture and it's history intact and well documented plus the people are so welcoming. More

  • ali zali

if you want to get familiar with buganda kingdom, here is good place. entrance fee is 10 usd dollar. More

  • Paul S Mukama

I recommend the guided Royal Mile Tour organised by Buganda Tourism Board. Rich is history about Buganda.

Similar places

Centenary Park Kampala

6363 reviews

8H9V+6CR, Jinja Road, Kampala, Uganda

Uganda Museum

2833 reviews

after Mulago Referral Hospital, Plot 5 Old Kira Road, Kitante Cl, Kampala, Uganda

Uganda National Mosque

1749 reviews

Old Kampala Rd, Kampala, Uganda

St Mary's Cathedral Rubaga

1327 reviews

Mutesa Rd, Kampala, Uganda

Kasubi Royal Tombs

913 reviews

Masiro Rd, Kampala, Uganda

Mayfair Casino

539 reviews

Kisozi Cl, Kampala, Uganda

Baha'i House of Worship

374 reviews

25b Minsaaki Lusaaka Rd, Kampala, Uganda

Independence Monument

364 reviews

8H8J+6M3, Speke Road, Kampala, Uganda

Afriart Gallery

237 reviews

110 Seventh St, Kampala, Uganda

Casino Simba

159 reviews

Yusuf Lule Road, Kampala, Uganda