Transportation in Uganda

The East African country of Uganda is bordered by Kenya on the east, the Democratic Republic of Congo on the west, Sudan on the north, Tanzania on the south, and Rwanda on the southwest.

A fast and fun way to get around Uganda is by Boda-Boda. A favoured mode of transport, they are simply motorcycles or scooters with a cushion on the back.

Need to know the best ways to get to from and around Uganda? Our Uganda Transportation Guide has all the information you need. Taking a safari or tour in Uganda is an easy way to get around Uganda while also experiencing the many fascinating highlights Uganda has to offer. 

Uganda Transportation Guide

Getting to Uganda

By Air

The Entebbe Airport is the country's hub for air travel. Both international and domestic flights operate out of the airport. There are flights to several African cities from here. For example, South African Airways has direct flights to and from Johannesburg thrice a week.

Both KLM and Kenya Airways have daily flights to Amsterdam. While a few are direct flights, others fly via Nairobi. Boeing 737s operated by Ethiopian Airlines fly from Entebbe to Addis Ababa. You can fly from Entebbe to Dubaithrough Nairobi and Addis Ababa in the Airbus 340s operated by Emirates. Onward connections to Asia, Europe and North America are available from Dubai. Take a non-stop flight operated by Brussels Airlines from Entebbe to Brussels and then catch a connecting flight to India, China, Europe or the USA. British Airways has direct flights to London every alternate day.

For transport from the airport to the city (or from the city to the airport), we recommend Green Path Transfers, who offer eco-friendly airport transfers in hundreds of destinations around the world.

By Train

Uganda Railways is not currently providing passenger services. Kenyan Railways used to provide a frequent rail service between Kampala and Nairobi  though this is no longer in service.

By Land

Uganda has road connections with each of its neighbouring countries though they are not always open. Travellers are advised to seek local advice before crossing into Rwanda. Crossing the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo is highly dangerous and should not be attempted.

Crossing into Uganda from South Sudan was not safe earlier but now with the signing of the peace agreement between North and South Sudan, the border is open and can be safely crossed.

By Bus

Direct bus services between Kampala, Dar es Salaam, Kigali and Nairobi are operated by many bus companies. Night buses leave Kampala at 4 pm and reach Nairobi in 14 hours. Or you can cover the distance in two stages, travel up to the border by a matatu or bus, and then walk over to the other side. Daily services operate between Kampala and Nairobi, Arusha and Dar-es-Salaam.

By Water

Kampala in Uganda is connected with Mwanza in Tanzania by regular boat services that cross Lake Victoria.

Getting Around Uganda

By Boda-Boda

Boda-Bodas are bicycles, small mopeds, motorcycles, or scooters that are fitted with cushions at the back and are a cheap mode of transport in Uganda popular among the locals. Although convenient to get around in, ample care must be taken while riding them, as they are frequently involved in accidents. Nevertheless, they are a fast and fun way to get around Uganda.

By Bus

Two types of buses make up the Ugandan public transportation system. The so-called ‘taxis' are in fact commuter vans or minibuses that run on fixed routes, while the ‘real buses' run at a lower frequency and usually leave Kampala pretty early. Buses operated by several companies leave more or less from the same area.

Getting around Uganda's major urban centres by bus is an inexpensive way to travel. Buses however do not always run on time so unless you have time to spare, depending on the bus system is not a sound idea. Backpackers with time may find getting around Uganda by bus a good option.

A bus trip between Masindi and Kampala is covered in about four hours and costs about 8,000 shillings. It is important to remember that neither the buses nor the ‘taxis' run on fixed timetables, they leave the bus terminus when full. The official full capacity is 14, and buses on major routes leaving from Kampala must abide by this rule, but once out of view of the scrutinising eye of city officials passengers are packed in like sardines, making for one hell of a ride.

By Taxi

The matatus, which are minibus-type taxis, are the most convenient way to get around Kampala and the nearby towns. Although rather crowded, they are efficiently managed and are cost effective. They run at high frequency along scheduled routes and stop frequently. They pick up and drop off people at any point along the route.

Then there are the special hire taxis, which are the regular type of taxis. They are easily available in most towns. It is best to agree on a price before embarking on any long distance trip.

By Car

Ugandan road conditions are similar to those in most Sub-Saharan African nations. The main roads are largely metalled with a few bad patches here and there, though some badly pot-holed sections are common too. Smaller roads and side roads are made of murum, which is hard packed earth. When graded, such roads are reasonably good and quick. Heavy rains however completely damage such roads and wash boarding is a common phenomenon. Under the wrong conditions, driving in Uganda can be rather uncomfortable.

Airport Shuttle

These are private taxis that are specifically liscenced to operate in  Entebbe International Airport.

Domestic Bus Service - Countrywide

These shuttle from Kampala to all major districts east, west or north of Uganda but do not cross any international border points.

Uganda Post Bus
Plot 35 Kampala Road, Kampala
Tel: +256 (0) 414 255511 Or +256 (0) 414 255515
Email: upl@ugapost.co.ug
Website: http://www.ugapost.co.ug

Domestic Bus Service - East

These shuttle from Kampala to the districts in eastern Uganda but do not cross any international border points.

Gateway Bus Service Ltd.
Plot 19 Wilson Road, Kampala
Tel: +256 (0) 414 234090
Email: innocentos2001@yahoo.com
Elgon Flyer Ltd.
Kampala Bus Park
Tel: +256 (0) 312 110912 Or +256 (0) 352 275711

Domestic Bus Service - North

These shuttle from Kampala to the districts in northern Uganda but do not cross any international border points.

Gaaga Bus Coach Ltd.
Kampala Bus Park
Tel: +256 (0) 392 393955 Or +256 (0) 772 465104
Email: go-gaaga@yahoo.com
Nile Coach Bus Services Ltd.
Kampala Bus Park
Tel: +256 (0) 414 259568
Email: nilecoachbus@yahoo.com

Domestic Bus Service - West

These shuttle from Kampala to the districts in western Uganda but do not cross any international border points.

Link Bus Services Ltd.
Kampala Bus Park
Tel: +256 (0) 414 255426 Or +256 (0) 772 482297
Email: admin@link.co.ug
Kalita Coaches Ltd.
Namirembe Road, Kampala
Tel: +256 (0)701 292704 Or +256 (0)701 033025
Horizon Coaches Ltd.
1 Barclay Road, Kampala
Tel: +256 (0) 772 504565 Or +256 (0) 772 428527
Email: horizon@ymail.com

Private Car Hire

These are private car hire services for vehicles such as sedans, SUV, and mini-buses. They often come with a driver.

Europcar
Entebbe International Airport
Tel: +256 (0) 414 237211 - Fax: +256 (0) 414 237211
Website: http://www.europcar.com/car-UGANDA.html Hertz Rent A Car
Communications House Plot 1, Colville Street
Tel: +256 772 450 460
Email: hertz@cnc.co.ug

Regional Bus Service

These buses shuttle between the countries in the East African region including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and South Sudan.

Akamba Public Road Services Ltd.
Plot 28 De Winton Road, Kampala.
Tel: +256 (0) 414 250412
Email: aprs-kampala@africaonline.co.ug
Website: http://www.akambabus.com Gateway Bus Service Ltd.
Plot 19 Wilson Road, Kampala
Tel: +256 (0) 414 234090
Email: innocentos2001@yahoo.com
Kampala Coach Ltd.
Jinja Road, Kampala
Tel: +256 (0) 755 553377 Or +256 (0) 772 384906
Email: info@kampalacoach.com
Website: http://www.kampalacoach.com/ Scandinavian Express Ltd.
Plot 0 Lumumba Avenue, Kampala
Tel: +256 (0) 348895
Email: kampala@scandinaviangroup.com
Website: http://www.scandinaviangroup.com Onatracom Ltd.
Mackay Road, Kampala
Tel: +256 (0) 774 316781 Or +256 (0) 774 475853

Domestic Airlines

These fly from Entebbe to all major districts east, west or north of Uganda but do not cross any international border points.

Eagle Air
Plot 11 Portal Avenue, Kampala
Tel: +256 (0) 414 344292 Or +256 (0) 414 232185 - Fax: +256 (0) 414 344501
Email: marketing@flyeagleuganda.com
Website: http://www.flyeagleuganda.com/ Kampala Aeroclub Aircraft Charter
Kajansi Airfield, Kampala-Entebbe Road
Tel: +256 (0) 772 712553 Or +256 (0) 414 200059
Email: russell@flyuganda.com
Website: http://www.flyuganda.com/ Ndege Juu Ya Africa
Kajansi Airfield, Kampala-Entebbe Road
Tel: +256 (0) 392 225 360 Or +256 (0) 772 220132
Email: tc@ndegejuu.com
Website: http://www.ndegejuu.com/

Regional Airlines

These fly between the countries in the East African region including Kenya, Tanzania, Congo, Rwanda and South Sudan.

Air Uganda Ltd.
Plot 4 Wampewo Avenue, Kampala
Tel: +256 (0) 312 165 555
Email: info@air-uganda.com
Website: http://www.air-uganda.com/