Uganda’s Craft Markets to Explore

Uganda, often called the “Pearl of Africa,” is a country brimming with natural beauty, cultural richness, and artistic expression. While many travelers come for gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and adventure sports, there is another side of Uganda that offers just as much color and vibrancy—its craft markets. These bustling spaces are not merely places to shop; they are windows into Uganda’s diverse traditions, creativity, and community spirit.

Exploring Uganda’s craft markets is an experience that blends culture, commerce, and storytelling. Every basket, bead, and carving has a history, often passed down through generations. These items reflect not only Uganda’s artistic heritage but also the resilience and resourcefulness of its people. Visitors will find everything from handwoven mats and batik fabrics to jewelry, drums, and wood carvings, all crafted with care and pride.

For travelers, Uganda’s craft markets offer more than souvenirs. They provide opportunities to meet artisans, learn traditional skills, and contribute directly to local livelihoods. In this article, we explore some of the most vibrant craft markets across Uganda and why they deserve a place on your itinerary.

Kampala Craft Markets – A Capital of Creativity

Kampala, the bustling capital city, is home to several craft markets that showcase the best of Ugandan artistry. These markets are vibrant spaces where locals and tourists mingle, bargaining for colorful handmade treasures.

Uganda Crafts 2000 Limited

Located along Bombo Road, Uganda Crafts 2000 is one of the most established craft centers in the country. It is renowned for supporting disadvantaged artisans, including women and people with disabilities, by providing them with fair-trade opportunities. Visitors can browse through a wide range of products, including woven baskets, hand-carved wooden animals, jewelry, and batik textiles. Shopping here is not just about acquiring beautiful items—it is also about supporting social empowerment.

Exposure Africa Craft Market

Another favorite in Kampala is Exposure Africa, situated on Buganda Road. This open-air market is famous for its variety, with dozens of stalls displaying everything from paintings and leather sandals to beadwork and clothing. The atmosphere is lively, filled with chatter, laughter, and the sound of craftsmen at work. Bargaining is expected, adding a playful dynamic to the shopping experience.

National Theatre Craft Village

For those who want to combine culture and crafts, the National Theatre in Kampala hosts a small craft village right outside its gates. Here, artisans sell their creations while musicians and performers entertain visitors with traditional dances and music. It’s a great spot to pick up souvenirs while enjoying the city’s cultural vibe.

Entebbe Craft Markets – Lakeside Shopping

Entebbe, the gateway to Uganda through its international airport, offers a more relaxed craft market experience. The town’s proximity to Lake Victoria adds to the laid-back atmosphere, making shopping here a delightful introduction or conclusion to a Ugandan journey.

Entebbe Crafts Village

Located near the Entebbe Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the Entebbe Crafts Village features rows of stalls selling a wide variety of handicrafts. Items range from African print clothing to intricate carvings of wildlife, reflecting Uganda’s natural heritage. The friendly vendors are eager to share the stories behind their crafts, making each purchase feel personal.

Entebbe’s craft markets are also known for unique jewelry made from recycled materials, such as paper beads. These sustainable creations highlight the innovation of local artisans while offering travelers meaningful souvenirs that symbolize resilience and creativity.

Jinja Craft Markets – The Spirit of the Nile

Jinja, often called the “Adventure Capital of East Africa,” is famous for white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and its position at the source of the Nile. Yet, it is also home to vibrant craft markets that reflect the town’s cultural and artistic spirit.

Stalls in Jinja’s craft markets sell colorful kitenge fabrics, hand-painted drums, and woven bags. Many of the artisans here are part of community groups that focus on women’s empowerment and poverty reduction. The crafts capture the energy of the Nile, with bold designs and vivid colors that mirror the river’s vitality.

Visiting Jinja’s markets also provides opportunities to see artisans at work. Watching someone carve a drum or weave a basket adds depth to the appreciation of the final product, reminding you that every item carries hours of dedication and skill.

Fort Portal Craft Markets – Culture Amidst Crater Lakes

Fort Portal, in western Uganda, is known for its scenic crater lakes and as the gateway to Kibale Forest National Park. The town’s craft markets reflect the traditions of the Toro Kingdom and the creativity of communities in the region.

Crafts here often feature intricate basketry, handmade pottery, and items inspired by local nature, such as carvings of chimpanzees or crater lakes. Fort Portal’s markets are smaller than those in Kampala but offer an authentic and less commercialized experience. Buying from artisans here feels personal, as many sellers are also the makers, eager to share the inspiration behind their work.

Kabale and Kisoro – Crafts of the Highlands

In southwestern Uganda, near the borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the towns of Kabale and Kisoro offer access to Lake Bunyonyi and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The craft markets in these areas are influenced by the cultures of multiple communities, including the Batwa.

Travelers will find handwoven baskets, clay pots, and crafts made from natural fibers. The artistry here often reflects the highland landscapes, with designs inspired by hills, valleys, and lakes. Many cooperatives focus on supporting women artisans, making purchases here a direct contribution to community development.

These markets are also excellent places to buy souvenirs after gorilla trekking. A handmade craft becomes not just a keepsake but a reminder of the natural and cultural wonders of Uganda’s southwest.

Gulu Craft Markets – Northern Uganda’s Revival

Gulu, the largest town in northern Uganda, has emerged from a history of conflict to become a center of creativity and resilience. Its craft markets showcase this spirit, with artisans producing works that reflect both tradition and innovation.

Here, visitors can find jewelry made from recycled paper, hand-carved utensils, and vibrant fabrics. The crafts often carry messages of peace and renewal, making them powerful souvenirs. Gulu’s markets are also tied to social enterprises that empower war-affected communities, particularly women and youth.

For travelers who wish to see Uganda’s resilience firsthand, Gulu’s craft markets offer a chance to support positive transformation while experiencing authentic artistry.

What to Buy in Uganda’s Craft Markets

While every market offers its own specialties, some crafts are particularly iconic across the country:

• Baskets and Mats: Often made from papyrus or banana fibers, these come in vibrant designs and are both decorative and functional.

• Paper Bead Jewelry: Recycled paper is rolled, varnished, and transformed into colorful necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

• Wood Carvings: From gorillas and elephants to drums and masks, these carvings capture Uganda’s wildlife and cultural symbols.

• Batik Fabrics: Hand-dyed cloths with bold patterns and bright colors, often used for clothing or wall hangings.

• Musical Instruments: Drums, harps, and flutes are common finds, offering travelers a way to take home Uganda’s rhythms.

Purchasing these crafts does more than provide souvenirs—it sustains artisans, preserves cultural practices, and fosters community pride.

Why Uganda’s Craft Markets Are Worth Exploring

Uganda’s craft markets are not just about shopping. They are living cultural spaces where tradition and modernity intersect. They allow travelers to engage directly with artisans, hear their stories, and contribute to community livelihoods. Each market visit is an opportunity to celebrate Uganda’s diversity, creativity, and resilience.

For those seeking meaningful souvenirs, the markets provide treasures that are not mass-produced but carefully handmade. They carry the fingerprints of artisans and the soul of Ugandan culture. Exploring them enriches your journey, turning travel into connection.

Travel With Muhiga Safaris

To fully enjoy Uganda’s craft markets, it helps to travel with guides who know where to find authentic artisans and how to blend cultural experiences with other adventures. Muhiga Safaris offers expertly crafted itineraries that include visits to vibrant craft markets alongside gorilla trekking, safaris, and cultural tours.

With Muhiga Safaris, you can shop at Kampala’s bustling craft villages, meet artisans by Lake Bunyonyi, or support women’s cooperatives in Gulu—all while knowing your journey is meaningful and responsible. Their local expertise ensures that you not only buy souvenirs but also understand the stories behind them.

Choose Muhiga Safaris, and let Uganda’s craft markets become a highlight of your adventure in the Pearl of Africa. Each purchase will carry not just beauty, but a memory of connection with Uganda’s warm and creative communities.