Jinja City is located in Eastern Uganda nearly 82km from Kampala capital by road, and is strategically located on the shore of Lake Victoria, and is popular for hosting the source of the Nile, the world’s longest river.
Jinja is among the oldest urban areas in the country and was the first industrial town in Uganda before independence till the last 2 decades.
Becoming a city Jinja was on the list of the recently approved cities in Uganda by the legislation arm of Uganda with effect from July 1st, 2020. The city is majorly dominated by old architectural Indian fashioned buildings and characterized with a broad outskirt extension.
The city was far founded by the colonial British settlers in 1901 and was planned as a unban center by a German architect Ernst May in 1948, which plan created an elite unit at the outskirts of the city center which led to an area slum clearance displacing over 1,000 people.
The main treasure of Jinja city is the source of the Nile which as well is endowed with various surpassing features, particularly waterfalls and clips. Jinja city derives its name from sharp rocks causing waterfalls, the word Jinja is derived from “Mayinja” a Luganda word meaning “Stones”.
As well these features have facilitated greatly the development of Uganda at large. In 1955, Hydropower dam construction started on Ripon falls and the Owen Falls Dam was constructed.
And Nalubale Hydro Power dam was also constructed in 1993, and an extension was completed in 2003. The Hydropower energy generated in Jinja is supplied to all countries and the neighboring Rwanda and Kenya.
Jinja City is dominated by the Basoga people, though there are people from various regions and tribes across Uganda. The city headquarters of the Busoga Kingdom is one of the prominent traditional trails of the country.
Tourist Attractions in Jinja City
Jinja city is another mid-night moon as war as tourism destinations are concerned in Uganda. Jinja is more than just an adventure city but the East African Adrenaline capital of adventure, there is a variety of considerations including the Source of the Nile and a monument honoring British explorer John Hanning Speke and Mahatma Gandhi.
Owen Falls Dam and Bujagali Dam both span the Nile. Farther north on the river, Itanda Falls is known for its white-water rapids. East of Jinja, on Lake Victoria, Samuka Island is home to birdlife, including little egrets.
Things to Do while in Jinja City
Boat ride to the Source of the Nile, Sunset boat cruise, City walk to Jinja Central Market, New Bridge walk and Photography, White water rafting, Kayaking, Bungee Jumping, Tubing, Horse riding, Quad Biking, Camping, Nature walks, cultural visits, and hiking with a great number of other activities.
Transport
There are various means of transporting used to reach and within or going away from Jinja city.
- The boat is used from Jinja Masese to Buvuma Islands
- Bodaboda
- Public Taxis
- Special hire
- Train but currently it is not currying passengers only applies for cargo.
- Bus
- Self-drive
Where to stay in Jinja
- Brisk Recreations Hotel
- The Mansion Hotel
- Jinja City Hotel
- Jinja Grand Hotel
- Lemala Wild-water Lodge
- Nile Eden Resort
- Nile Village Hotel