Masaka

Masaka lies in southwestern Central Uganda, west of Lake Victoria, along an important road connecting Kampala with southwestern Uganda and Tanzania.

Masaka is surrounded by fertile agricultural land and serves as a trading centre for the surrounding rural communities. Coffee, bananas, fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products are important to the local economy.

The city has grown into an important regional centre with markets, shops, banks, schools, healthcare facilities, restaurants and accommodation.

The wider area is part of the traditional Buganda region, and Luganda is widely spoken alongside English and other Ugandan languages.

Masaka developed as an administrative and commercial settlement during the colonial period. Its location along routes connecting Kampala with southwestern Uganda helped it become an important regional trading centre.

The city and surrounding district were significantly affected by the Uganda–Tanzania War in 1979, during which Masaka was captured by Tanzanian forces and Ugandan opposition groups.

After the war, Masaka was rebuilt and continued to develop as a commercial centre. Its agricultural connections and strategic road position have supported continued growth.

• It is 131 km from Masaka to Kampala and 136 km from Masaka to Mbarara.
• The Post Bus goes from Masaka to Kampala and from Masaka to Mbarare. Once per day.
• Bukakkata port is 39 km east of Masaka. You can get a ferry from Bukakkata port to the Ssese islands.
• From Masaka to Bukoba in Tanzania is 172 km from Bukoba you can take a ferry to Mwanza Tanzania.

Boda bodas, taxis, minibuses and private vehicles are the main forms of local transportation. The central commercial area is relatively easy to explore on foot, although traffic can be busy.

• Plot 99 Coffee house.  (updated Jun 2015)

• 1 Stanbic Bank. Has a Visa Card/Mastercard ATM. (updated Jun 2015)
• Equity Bank. Has a Visa Card/Mastercard ATM. (updated Jun 2015)

• Hotel La Nova, ☏ . Single room. US$10. (updated Jun 2015)
• 1 Masaka Backpackers Tourists Cottage & Campsite, Gayaza, Bukoba Road (drive Bukoba Road (Kyotera) 5 km towards Tanzania from Masaka town, turn right and follow the dirt road for 400 m), ☏ (mobile), (mobile), masakabackpackers@gmail.com. Check-in: 24 hr, check-out: 24 hr. Hostel with dormitories and private ensuite rooms. Campground has shared showers and toilets. There is a restaurant, bar, and secure free parking. The owner has long experience with Western customers. From US$7. (updated Jan 2018)
• Shabart Motel, Hobart Street. Single/double. $12/16. (updated Jun 2015)
• Vienna Guest House, Hobart Street, ☏ . single/double rooms. UD$7/9. (updated Jun 2015)
• Villa Katwe, Somero Road. Dorm bed. US$14 per person. (updated Jun 2015)