Kabalagala

Kabalagala is a suburb of part of Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. Its main focus is the junction where Ggaba Road meets Muyenga Road, up to what is called Rest Corner. While the road frontages give the impression of a bustling downtown area the remainder is largely slums. However, it is these slums that give the area its distinctiveness. Kabalagala, and its neighbouring area Kansanga are among the cheaper red light districts of Kampala, and the slums provide the human capital needed for its operation. Much of the population of the slums who are not involved in prostitution are involved in drug dealing, or petty trade supplying the main streets with its needs. There are a lot of mixed race children in the slums - the result of liaisons between prostitutes and European sex tourists.

Main highlights of the Kabalagala area are its many bars and clubs. Most notable of which is Capital Pub which is run by a Swiss emigre, and where most of the prostitutes hang out. Capital pub follows the main formula of bars in the area which is lots of girls, pool tables, satellite TV and loud music. Capital is very well established in the area and is huge building with a tree as the centre of one of the bars, and almost a barn like structure for the rest. Locals call the place Kinnya (pronounced Chinnya) - meaning "The Hole".

Over the road from Capital is Lucy's bar which is a small shack like structure that has not been decorated in years. The bar is popular with northerners, who are currelty oppressed in Uganda. However, it is very close to the main road into the slums, which make it a very interesting place to sit to watch the comings and goings of local slum dwellers.

Other bars in the area focus on much of the same. I.e. girls, pool, DSTV and loud music. Interestingly, within almost the same distance of the Muyenga Road junction are both the most expensive and most seedy of places in Kampala. Go towards town, and you have Quality Cuts butchery, easily the most expensive place to eat, with delicatesson attached. Go the other way towards Kansanga, and you reach Al's Bar. Al's has exactly the same formula as other bars except it has no DSTV and the music is largely rock music. Al's is very popular after midnight when other places in Kampala city have closed. Often its at its busiest at 3-6AM at the weekend, when you will find white expatriates and hungry prostitutes in equal measure.