Bugala Island- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Buggala Island, located in Lake Victoria, is the largest of Uganda's Ssese Islands and the third-largest lake island in Africa. Covering 275 square kilometers, it serves as the administrative and economic hub of Kalangala District, with the town of Kalangala acting as the central settlement. The island is accessible by ferry and features a relatively developed infrastructure compared to neighboring islands, including a 65.6-kilometer murram road network, two oil palm processing plants, and hybrid-electric power generation. Since June 2024, Buggala has also been connected to Uganda's national power grid via a submarine cable, enhancing its energy capacity for over 3,000 households and businesses. Tourism, fishing, agriculture, and retail trade form the backbone of Buggala's economy. Travelers are drawn to its white-sand beaches at Lutoboka, the culturally significant Luggo Forest—source of the Buganda Kingdom's Ddamula (symbol of authority)—and heritage sites like John Speke's Cave and Bugoma, visited by early Catholic missionaries. The island is also notable as the birthplace of influential Ugandan figures such as Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala and the late politician Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere. Educational and health facilities are concentrated in Kalangala town and nearby sub-counties, making Buggala not only a point of interest for visitors but also a vital part of Uganda's cultural and economic landscape.