The night is perpetually young in Kampala. Since the dawn of independence in the 1960s, the Ugandan capital’s 24-hour pub and club scene has never hit pause, spilling from Fridays and Saturdays into every day of the week. When the sun dips, cafés and restaurants switch gear and transform into trendy bars, then again into pulsating clubs as the hours stretch on, teeming with crowds of locals, tourists and international expats.
The soundtrack is driven by the city’s eclectic international influences, from Afrobeats and dancehall to reggae and hip-hop, with smooth, strummy acoustic jazz often serenading more relaxed spots. Sip on expertly crafted cocktails with local twists and rooftop views, or settle down at one of the city’s more down-at-heel pub-clubs — but wherever you land, get ready to dance until dawn, and then some. Here are Condé Nast Traveller’s Middle East’s picks of the best nightlife spots in Kampala.
Cask Lounge & Restaurant
This smoky, phosphorescent nightclub on the Acacia Avenue strip bursts into life with vibrant colours and dazzling light shows until the early hours, only to morph into a breakfast haunt come dawn. Weekly party nights are a highlight, with local DJs spinning Afrobeats and house music to a relentless, energetic crowd as psychedelic patterns pulse on the LED screens that flank the open-air dance floor. Outside, the street buzzes with bargain boda boda bike drivers plying for fares, but for a safer journey through the chaotic weekend streets, it's best to call an Uber.
Address: Cask Lounge, Plot 37, Acacia Avenue, Kololo
Bubbles O’Leary’s Irish Pub
“Céad mile failte” reads the gold Gaelic sign above Bubbles bar, greeting visitors with “one hundred thousand welcomes”. This loud and lively Kampala pub-club earned a spot among the top 10 Irish pubs outside of Ireland in the Irish Times — and deservedly so. Transported piece-by-piece from Drogheda thousands of miles away in County Louth by owner Nigel Sutton, it was meticulously rebuilt by Irish builders to ensure maximum authenticity. The pub's outdoor gardens and pool tables draw a diverse mix of locals and internationals on weekends, with regular DJ nights and special deals.
Address: Bubbles O’Leary’s Irish Pub, Acacia Avenue
Golden Hill Restaurant & Lounge
Set across three levels on one of Kampala’s highest hills, Golden Hill’s rooftop is the perfect perch for 360-degree views of the city — slink into a sofa or crowd around a high table and take it all in. Kick off the evening downstairs with Asian-infused mezze, pasta and salads, plus a solid selection of Ethiopian stews served on spongey injera bread. Then, make your way to the top floor to try expertly crafted classic cocktails and spirits served by the bottle. The bittersweet negronis here are best sipped while gazing out over the constellation of lights that illuminate the surrounding streets.
Address: Golden Hill Restaurant & Lounge, Tank Hill Road, Muyenga
Otters Bar
Hidden behind high garden walls on the edge of Kololo, this British-owned watering hole is a popular hangout among Kampala’s expat crowd. Lazy afternoons on the shaded terrace transition into lively themed nights (Abba is a perpetual crowd favourite), DJs spinning out Cuban beats under twinkling fairy light and rustic pizzas served fresh from the stone oven. Keep an eye out too for the all-night raves that run until 6am on special occasions. Sports fans also flock here on match days, with international football and rugby matches beamed live onto huge screens positioned around the venue.
Address: Otters Bar, King's African Rifles Drive, Kololo
The Drop
Co-working café by day and laid-back bar by evening, The Drop is best known for its Thursday karaoke nights with a twist, where brave singers spin a “fun and unpredictable” roulette wheel then belt out whatever the arrow lands on (thankfully, My Way and Mr Brightside are absent). Wednesday quiz nights and Tuesday taco specials are another major draw at this open-air, graffitied metal hangout. For sustenance, enjoy a simple menu of bargain shawarma and hot Ugandan rolex wraps, served all night long.
Address: The Drop, Tank Hill Road, Muyenga
The Gazebo at Bight of Benin
Beneath a traditional open-sided Ganda hut, a few steps down from the restaurant's more subdued dining room, the Gazebo bar at Bight of Benin is one of Kampala's tucked-away nightlife treasures. The easygoing spot features a state-of-the-art sound system that pumps out bass-heavy noughties beats at just the right volume while friendly staff serve up round after round of local draught drinks and expertly mixed cocktails. For a relaxed, sharing-style dinner, you can also order from the restaurant's extensive menu of West African classics.
Address: Bight of Benin, Plot 20, Kyadondo Road, Nakasero
Urban Chevre
After the hearty shakshuka breakfasts, superfood smoothies and laptops have been cleared away, this art-filled venue on Tank Hill Road transforms into a trendy cocktail bar. Bursting with splashes of colour, the venue offers drinks infused with local spices and coffee beans, each fresh and full of flavour. Live acoustic jazz serenades guests on the airy terrace during weekends, adding to the ambiance. While it’s a bit pricier than some of Kampala's other bars, the high-quality cocktails and vibrant atmosphere make it well worth the splurge.
Address: Urban Chevre, Tank Hill Road, Muyenga