Hoima

Hoima is a historic town in western Uganda, serving as the capital of the Bunyoro kingdom and the administrative headquarters of Hoima District. Located approximately 200 km north-west of Kampala, Hoima is a rapidly growing town driven by the recent discovery of commercially viable oil deposits in the Lake Albert basin. The town is also a gateway to Murchison Falls National Park.

The Banyoro people are the dominant ethnic group, and Runyoro is the primary language. The Bunyoro kingdom has a rich history as one of Uganda's most powerful traditional kingdoms.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Entebbe International Airport (EBB IATA), about 200 km east.

By Train

There is no passenger train service to Hoima.

By Car / Road

Buses from Kampala travel to Hoima (3–4 hours) via Kyenjojo. The road is paved. Private taxis from Kampala cost around 200,000–300,000 UGX.

Boda-bodas are the main form of local transport. The town centre is walkable.

• Bunyoro Royal Palace (Mparo Tombs) — The burial grounds of the Omukama (king) of Bunyoro and a small museum

• Hoima Cathedral — A large Catholic cathedral in the town centre

• Lake Albert — About 50 km west, a beautiful but crocodile-inhabited lake on the DRC border

• Kibiro Salt Gardens — Traditional salt extraction site on Lake Albert's shores, a culturally significant site

• Tour the Bunyoro Royal Palace and Mparo Tombs for cultural history

• Visit the Lake Albert shoreline for views of the lake and the DRC mountains

• Explore the Kibiro salt gardens to see traditional salt processing

• Hotel Vanilla Restaurant — Popular for local and international dishes
• Hoima Resort Restaurant — Lake Albert fish and Ugandan cuisine

Local bars serve Nile Special and Club beer. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Hoima Guest House (basic rooms from 20,000 UGX)
• Mid-range: Hotel Vanilla (rooms from US$50) and Hoima Resort (from US$60)

Hoima Market sells crafts, produce, and household goods.

• Murchison Falls National Park (80 km north, 2 hrs) — Uganda's largest park
• Masindi (50 km north) — Gateway to Murchison Falls
• Lake Albert (50 km west, 1 hr) — Lake views and fishing villages
• Kyenjojo (70 km south) — Town with hot springs