World by City

Heritage & monuments

Independence Monument

Open in Maps
Independence Monument

Independence Monument

Located in the King George V Jubilee Gardens on Nile Avenue, this 29-foot concrete sculpture commemorates Uganda's independence from British rule on October 9, 1962. It stands on the site where a statue of King George V was previously located. Visitors go here to see a primary national symbol of Ugandan sovereignty and history.

Getting There

The monument is situated within the central business district of Kampala. From the city centre, it is accessible via a short taxi ride or a walk of approximately 5 to 15 minutes, depending on your starting point.

Duration of Visit

Most visitors spend between 20 and 40 minutes at the site, as it is a single outdoor sculpture within a garden setting.

When to Visit

The site is outdoors and open to the public. It can become crowded during national holidays or official commemorations. Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon helps avoid the midday heat.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, the monument can be combined with other nearby sites on foot:

  • Aga Khan Mosque: 0.3km
  • Nakasero Market: 0.4km
  • Watoto Church: 0.8km
  • Fort Lugard: 1.5km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

GetYourGuide GetYourGuide 클룩 Klook Tiqets Tiqets KKday KKday WeGoTrip WeGoTrip

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Independence Monument

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Independence Monument Nearby stays

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Pick your dates — we'll search Kampala hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

View on Compare sites 부킹닷컴 View on Booking.com 호텔스닷컴 View on Hotels.com

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Itineraries including this place

3 nights, 4 days

Kampala 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Kampala grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Aga Khan Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Aga Khan Mosque

A Shia mosque in Kampala's old town, serving as an important place of worship for Uganda's Muslim community. Its historic architecture offers a glimpse into the city's religious diversity.

0.3 km away
Nakasero Market

Shopping & districts

Nakasero Market

A market at the foot of Nakasero Hill in Kampala, offering everything from fresh produce to clothing, shoes, and electronics. It's a great spot to experience locals' lively daily life right in the heart of the city.

0.4 km away
Watoto Church

Temples & religious sites

Watoto Church

A Pentecostal church in Kampala, well known for its child care programs and choir. Beyond worship services, it shows a strong connection to the local community through these activities.

0.8 km away
Fort Lugard

Museums & galleries

Fort Lugard

Fort Lugard is a fort-turned-museum in Kampala that served as an administrative base during the British protectorate era. Traces of the Buganda Kingdom remain here too, making it a good place to explore Uganda's modern history.

1.5 km away
Kibuli Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Kibuli Mosque

A mosque in the Kibuli area of Kampala, of great historical significance to the local Muslim community. It offers an up-close look at a center of local faith.

1.7 km away
Uganda Museum

Museums & galleries

Uganda Museum

Uganda's leading museum, located in Kampala and founded in 1908. It houses a wide range of artifacts—traditional instruments, hunting tools, and weapons—that reflect the country's history and culture.

2.2 km away