How to get to Jinja and Source of River Nile from Kampala

Distance: The distance from Kampala, Uganda’s capital, to Jinja, the source of the River Nile and one of the country’s industrial and commercial cities, is approximately 80 kilometers.

Routes: There are three alternative routes to travel to Jinja/the Source of the River Nile from Kampala.

The Kampala-Jinja highway (A107): This is the most popular route, passing through several towns and trading centers. This is a single carriageway tarmac road; it is the shortest route, but it has heavy traffic. The Kampala-Jinja Highway is the best route if you are using public means of transport. It takes approximately 1.5 to 3 hours to reach Jinja; this can take longer depending on the traffic flow.

Kayunga Road: The distance from Kampala to Jinja via Kayunga is 120Km. This is the best route if you are using private means of transport. This route is fast; you can be assured of zero traffic and reach Jinja and the Source of the River Nile within two hours.

Mukono Katosi Road: This is an alternative route for people using private means of transport. To join this road, you ride from Kampala town to Mukono, then divert off Kampala -Jinja Highway at the Katosi turn.

How much does it cost to travel from Kampala to Jinja?

The transport cost depends on the means of transport used.

Tax: Traveling in a matatu taxi costs approximately UGX 15,000-25,000 for a one-way trip. This can go higher depending on consumer demand and the time of year.

Minibus (coaster): The fare is typically lower than that of the matatu taxi. The charges range from UGX 10,000 to UGX 15,000. Using the bus may take longer to reach your destination, as buses take longer to fill and are slower due to traffic. However, it is considered the safest by most travelers.

• Please note that these costs tend to go higher during the festive season.
• There are various boarding points around Kampala city. The old taxi park is the most popular one. Other boarding stations are City Square, Total Gas Station opposite Uganda House, Centenary Park opposite the Uganda Electoral Commission offices, Kireka, and Bweyogere stations. The recommended boarding station is the old taxi park, especially for first-time travelers.