Mbuya
By
Colin
Posted in Location Guides On
Mbuya
Mbuya is a hill in southeastern Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. It has earned a reputation as one of the most comfortable neighbourhoods to live in Kampala city.
Mbuya is located in Nakawa Division, one of the five administrative divisions of Kampala. It is bordered by Kyambogo to the north, Kinawataka and Kireka to the northeast, Butabika and Biina to the east, Mutungo to the southeast, Port Bell, Kitintale and Bugolobi to the south, Namuwongo to the southwest, Nakawa to the west and Ntinda to the northwest.
Traffic
Mbuya is about 10 kilometres form the central business district(CBD). Traffic on the outskirts of Mbuya gets busy in the rush hours owing to traffic flowing to & from town but remains progressive unlike other areas.
It takes about 30-50 minutes to reach the CBD on a busy day and much less(20 mins) during normal day hours.
Environment
The hill is largely quiet with no actual busy streets with bars and the like. It is mostly residential over here with a few offices running quiet operations.
This area has a number of expatriates and upper class Ugandans with families that usually require big gardens and a relaxed family atmosphere. Most expatriates whose work is based in the CBD or Kololo will opt for Mbuya if their kids go to the international schools along Entebbe road like ISU.
There is minimal or no pollution in Mbuya and the streets are largely quiet and traffic free making it ideal for jogging, pet walking and cycling.
In some locations, it has been reported to attract noise from the bars in the valley at night but nothing too destructive.
Most of Mbuya hill enjoys a great view of Kampala and a good part of it has a clear view of the famous Lake Victoria.
Among the notable landmarks include ‘Our Lady of Africa catholic Church’ annexing the Vatican embassy and popular for having hosted the pope on his latest tour to Uganda, the defence ministry headquarters and Mbuya military barracks.
Security, as expected, is great in this location.
Lifestyle
Mbuya in itself doesn’t actually have any recreational centres and shopping malls but utilises its proximity to Bugolobi and portbell road for easy access to most of these amenities.
The nearby Bugolobi market, Village mall and Bandali rise have several shops, restaurants, bars and all banks.
In a nutshell, most amenities accessible in Bugolobi are as easily accessible to Mbuya residents making it a convenient location by all means.
Schools
Similarly, Ambrosoli International School is within a few minutes’ drive from Mbuya and a couple of other local schools. Makerere University Business School is also within walking distance from Mbuya.
Hospitals & Clinics
The military hospital at the defence ministry comes in handy but isn’t always accessible. Paragon hospital in Bugolobi and AAR clinic on Solent Avenue are some of the private facilities here.
