Kololo

Location

Kololo is close to the centre of Kampala, bordered by Naguru to the east, Bukoto to the north, Mulago to the north-west, Makerere to the west, Nakasero to the south-west, and Kibuli to the south. Kololo is in the Kampala Central Division. The coordinates of Kololo are 0°19'46.0"N, 32°35'41.0"E (Latitude:0.329445; Longitude:32.594725).

Overview

Since the 1950s, before Uganda's Independence, Kololo has been an upscale residential area because of its central location in the city and to the views from the hill. Kololo is a popular location for diplomatic missions to Uganda, housing more than a dozen embassies and ambassadors' residences.

During the 2000s, hotels, banks, hospitals, and other corporate entities began to infiltrate the hill, mainly to serve those who reside there, away from the noise and traffic congestion in the central business district located on the neighbouring Nakasero hill. At the summit of the hill, there are radio, television and telecommunication masts.

Kololo gets its name from the 19th century Acholi Chief Awich. From Northern Uganda, he, along with Kabalega of Bunyoro resisted British rule. He was arrested and brought to Kampala and incarcerated on top of Kololo Hill. Awich is alleged to have cried out in Luo, “An atye kany kololo”, which means “I am here alone.” Awich was lamenting over the fact that he had been left alone in the wilderness, miles away from home. His captors and the Baganda started calling the place the hill of Kololo, resulting in its name today.

Points of interest

The following points of interest are found on Kololo hill:

Photos