When you visit Kampala, Uganda, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Nakasero Market, a bustling marketplace nestled at the base of Nakasero hill. Nakasero Market is conveniently located in the heart of Kampala city, making it easily accessible to both residents and visitors. If you’re traveling by road from Kampala city center, it’s a mere 600 meters along Kampala-Entebbe road. As Uganda is primarily an agricultural nation, a visit to Nakasero Market offers an authentic glimpse into the daily life and culture of the country. We highly recommend this experience as it allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant market atmosphere and gain insights into Uganda’s rich agricultural heritage.
Historical Roots
Nakasero Market started in 1895 where it was first established in the Lubiri (Palace). Nakasero Market was established in 1895 and is one of the oldest trading hubs.
Nakasero market has been witness to many of the political and economic disturbances of postcolonial Uganda: from the Asian expulsion and the magendo (black market) of the 1970s, to the structural adjustment programmes (SAPs) and privatisation initiatives of the 1990s.
Exploring Nakasero Market The Heart of Kampala's Culture & Cuisine
Layout and Offerings
Nakasero Market is divided up into two areas; The open area which is partially covered and the closed area which is in an old building. Nakasero Market is a vibrant hub where you can find a wide variety of fresh produce, textiles, footwear, and affordable electronics.
Stepping into Nakasero Market feels like entering a world of endless possibilities. The market’s central section is dedicated to fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices. Discover tropical delights like jackfruit, passion fruit, papaya, and matoke (green bananas).
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Navigating the Market
The vendors at Nakasero Market are warm, welcoming, and always ready to share their stories. A friendly attitude goes a long way. Most vendors do not accept cards.
How to Get to the Market
Nakasero Market is conveniently located in the heart of Kampala city, making it easily accessible to both residents and visitors.
The Story of Owino Market
Owino market is the largest market in Kampala and Uganda. It is found right at the heart of Kampala city. The history of its establishment dates back to the year of 1971 when about 320 traders were shifted to its current location from Nakasero Market. Nakasero Market had become very crowded and the government decided to de-congest it.
How did the name Owino Market come about? There once lived an elderly trader called Owino who was already in the area became it became the famous market it is today. Owino would roast maize and potatoes in the area before the traders from Nakasero arrived. As the market grew, people did not forget the elderly Owino.
After a major facelift/revamp in recent years, the Kampala City Council (Now Kampala Capital City Authority) decided to change the name to St. Balikuddembe Market. St. Balikuddembe was one of the Uganda Martyrs who were killed in 1886 under the orders of Kabaka (King) Mwanga of Buganda. Unlike the other Martyrs who were burnt to death at the current Namugongo Shrine, St. Balikuddembe was beheaded in a place called Nakivubo just next to Owino Market.
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The City Authorities decided to honor him by naming the market after him. St. Balikuddembe market also has thousands of stalls dealing in delicious Ugandan local dishes.
What is sold at Owino Market?
Owino Market has grown to become the largest in Uganda and sits on an area measuring 7.04 hectares. It can accommodate more than 50,000 traders most of whom are women. Owino Market is famous for second hand/used clothes in all their forms. This is the place to get baby clothes, ladies/men’s clothes, bedding, shoes, bags and many other used accessories. Visitors to the market can be sure to get some of the world’s well known labels like Calvin Klein, Gucci, Armani, Nike, Adidas and others in excellent condition. The price for the second hand clothes is half what you would pay for at official high-end stores.
Are you looking for second hand and original Air Jordans in mint condition? This is the place to go. Traders in Owino Market also deal in almost any other commodities you might think of.
Visiting Owino Market
Owino Market attracts a lot of people compared to others because it unites people from all income levels and social backgrounds. Both the rich and poor can find what to buy from the market. Prices of items start from as low as 500 Ugandan shillings. The market also attracts buyers from other parts of the country and neighboring countries. These buyers come from as far as South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They buy from Owino Market in bulk and transport the products back to their cities or countries.
Owino Market is one of the top places to visit while in Kampala city. Travelers on a Uganda Safari are advised to include a visit to Owino market so as to experience the feel of shopping in a crowded busy African market. It is the best place to experience the culture of Ugandans as they go about with their daily routines. You will find traders smiling at passers-by and giving them all sorts of compliments just to make a sale. Other traders can be sited singing funny songs related to the products they are selling while others dance along to musical sounds made by rubbing two empty plastic water bottles together.
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Are you interested in the language or latest political gossip? Owino Market is the place to get all the information you need about what is happening in Uganda.
Owino Market is large with many entrances from all directions. The entrances also serve as exits. It can be very difficult to know where you entered through. Many get lost or fail to get back to the initial entrance they used. They end up getting out from a completely different gate which might lead to another part of the city that they never knew existed. The market registers the greatest number of visitors during weekends and holiday seasons.
Given the shear variety of goods/services available, it’s important that one makes a shopping list that they will stick to. The urge to buy out of impulse is very strong if you don’t have a pre-planned list. Additionally, it’s important that you don’t carry along valuables as you may lose them to pickpockets. Dress casually to avoid looking rich as traders could decide to charge you twice the actual price of the commodity. Women should dress decently to avoid becoming the attention of uncouth men. It is highly recommended that foreign travelers visit the market in the company of a local Guide or friend.
While visiting, it is important to learn the art of bargaining because prices in St. Balikuddembe Market are not shown or fixed. After visiting Owino Market, you can also consider the Nakasero market which is famous for fruits and vegetables.
Kampala's Charm and Attractions
While in Kampala, you’ll discover a city brimming with charm and nestled among seven rolling hills. Each hill offers a unique perspective of the city’s captivating chaos and a range of attractions to keep you engaged during your stay.
The Kasubi Royal Tombs serve as the final resting place for the Kings and royal family members of the Buganda Kingdom. Recognized by UNESCO for their historical significance, these tombs provide a glimpse into the rich heritage of the Buganda Kingdom.
Kampala is adorned with vibrant craft markets, often referred to as craft villages. These markets offer an array of colorful crafts, including prints, baskets, paintings, pottery, jewelry, and more. Some markets have permanent locations, while others are weekly or monthly.
Explore Kampala’s diverse culinary scene by dining at local restaurants that specialize in authentic Ugandan cuisine. These eateries offer a unique and fine dining experience, emphasizing the use of fresh, natural flavors and high-quality produce.
Bulange serves as the administrative and parliamentary center of the Buganda Kingdom. This grass-thatched building has a rich history, with construction commencing in 1955.
The Nakasero Market tour in the heart of the capital city is an adventure you won’t forget.
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