5-Day Academic & Field Study Program
This specialized itinerary is designed for academics, graduate students, and research-oriented travelers seeking to understand Kampala's urban dynamics, governance, and cultural systems. The program combines structured site visits, expert-led discussions, and independent research time with logistical support.
Group Size: Max 6 researchers
Focus Areas: Urban development, governance, public health, informal economies, cultural preservation
Research Support: Includes local research assistant, pre-arranged interviews, transport to archives
DAY 1: URBAN FOUNDATIONS & GOVERNANCE
| Time | Activity | Research Focus | Details |
| 09:00-10:30 | Academic Briefing at Makerere University | Research methodology in Ugandan context | Session with Department of Social Sciences faculty on ethical considerations, local research protocols |
| 10:30-12:00 | Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Visit | Urban governance & planning | Meeting with planning department officials (pre-arranged). Discussion on Kampala Structural Plan |
| 12:00-13:30 | Working Lunch at Makerere Staff Club | Networking | Informal discussion with urban studies researchers |
| 14:00-16:00 | City Division Tour (Kawempe Division) | Decentralized service delivery | Visit to division headquarters, interview with local council officials |
| 16:30-17:30 | Documentation Session | Data organization | Research assistant helps organize notes, permissions, contacts |
| Evening | Independent Research Time | | Access to provided workspace with WiFi |
Research Output: Governance structure flowchart, initial contacts for future interviews
DAY 2: INFORMAL ECONOMIES & URBAN LIVELIHOODS
| Time | Activity | Research Focus | Details |
| 08:00-10:00 | Owino Market Field Study | Informal sector dynamics | Guided walk with market association leader. Focus on supply chains, vendor organization, gender roles |
| 10:30-12:30 | Kikuubo Business District | Informal-formal economy interface | Meeting with traders' association. Discussion on licensing, spatial politics, COVID-19 impacts |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch with SME Owners | Entrepreneur perspectives | Structured conversation at local restaurant |
| 14:30-16:30 | Boda Boda Stages Study | Transport informal economy | Visit to 3 different motorcycle taxi stages. Interviews with riders, stage leaders, and users |
| 17:00-18:00 | Data Analysis Workshop | Qualitative methods | Group session on field note techniques, transcription approaches |
| Evening | Optional: Evening with informal sector researchers | Networking | Meet with PhD students studying urban livelihoods |
Research Output: Case study profiles, interview transcripts (partial), spatial mapping of economic zones
DAY 3: PUBLIC HEALTH & URBAN SERVICES
| Time | Activity | Research Focus | Details |
| 08:30-10:30 | Kisenyi Health Center IV | Public health delivery | Tour and discussion with medical superintendent. Focus on urban health challenges, referral systems |
| 11:00-13:00 | Sanitation & Water Access Study | Urban infrastructure | Visit to Nabugabo sand filtration site, interview with National Water & Sewerage Corporation staff |
| 13:00-14:00 | Working Lunch | Health policy discussion | With public health graduate students |
| 14:30-16:30 | Community Health Outreach Visit (Kawaala) | Primary healthcare | Observe community health workers, interview household respondents (consent arranged) |
| 17:00-18:00 | Archival Access | Historical context | Arranged access to Uganda National Archives health records section |
| Evening | Independent Writing/ Analysis|
Research Output: Health service flowcharts, infrastructure maps, historical health data photocopies
DAY 4: CULTURAL HERITAGE & URBAN IDENTITY
| Time | Activity | Research Focus | Details |
| 09:00-11:00 | Ndere Cultural Centre Session | Cultural preservation | Meeting with directors on urban migration's impact on cultural practices |
| 11:30-13:00 | Kabaka's Palace & Buganda Parliament | Traditional governance in urban space | Guided tour with cultural historian. Focus on Kingdom-City relations |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch at Buganda-themed restaurant | | |
| 14:30-16:30 | Urban Art & Expression Tour | Youth culture & identity | Visit to graffiti murals in Kamwokya, interview with artists from 32° East arts center |
| 17:00-18:30 | Focus Group Discussion | Intergenerational urban perspectives | Moderated session with 3 age cohorts (20s, 40s, 60s) on "Being Kampalan" |
| Evening | Cultural Performance at Ndere Centre | Observational research | Traditional dance show with researcher observation guide |
Research Output: Focus group transcripts, photo documentation, cultural mapping notes
DAY 5: SYNTHESIS & FUTURE RESEARCH
| Time | Activity | Research Focus | Details |
| 09:00-11:00 | Roundtable at ACODE (Advocates Coalition for Development & Environment) | Policy-research interface | Discussion with policy analysts on research gaps and policy needs |
| 11:30-13:00 | Research Synthesis Workshop | Data consolidation | Guided session to organize findings, identify patterns, note contradictions |
| 13:00-14:00 | Farewell Lunch | Networking | With local academics and research partners |
| 14:30-16:00 | Individual Consultations | Research planning | 30-minute slots with our research coordinator to plan follow-up work |
| 16:00-17:00 | Departure Briefing & Documentation Handover | | Receive digital archive of contacts, permits, and research materials |
Research Output: Research priority list, institutional contact directory, personalized follow-up plan
RESEARCH SUPPORT PACKAGE INCLUDES:
1. Logistical Support:
- Dedicated research assistant (fluent in English and Luganda)
- Pre-arranged permissions and interview appointments
- Transport to/from research sites in dedicated vehicle
- Digital voice recorder and backup batteries
2. Documentation Package:
- 50-page Kampala Research Handbook (maps, institutional profiles, key data)
- USB drive with: historical urban planning documents, recent research papers, contact database
- Signed permissions for site visits and recorded interviews
3. Academic Connectivity:
- Introductions to 8-10 relevant researchers/academics
- Invitation to Makerere University research mailing lists
- Post-tour check-in at 1 month and 3 months
4. Workspace & Technical:
- Daily access to co-working space with reliable WiFi
- Black-and-white printing/scanning (100-page limit)
- Secure data backup service
PRICING & PRACTICAL DETAILS
**Tour Price: $1,850 per researcher
Deposit: $500 (non-refundable, covers permit arrangements)
Single Supplement: $300 (for private accommodation)
What's Included:
- All activities and entry fees
- Research assistant support
- 4 nights accommodation (research-friendly hotel with workspace)
- Daily breakfast, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
- All ground transportation for scheduled activities
- Research documentation package
- Emergency support
What's Not Included:
- International flights
- Uganda visa
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Evening meals on Days 2 & 4
- Personal research expenses
- Extended archive access fees
Physical Requirements: Moderate. Involves walking through markets and informal settlements. Some areas are crowded and uneven.
Ethical Research Pledge: All participants must agree to ethical guidelines including informed consent, confidentiality, and respect for community protocols. Full guidelines provided upon booking.
BOOKING NOTES:
1. Application Process: Interested researchers must submit a brief (200-word) research interest statement
2. Pre-Departure: Receive research packet 4 weeks before arrival with reading list and preparatory materials
3. Flexibility: Schedule can be adjusted based on group's specific research interests (must be confirmed 30 days prior)
4. Post-Tour Support: 3-month access to research coordinator for follow-up questions and introductions.
Target Audience:
Executives, entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals interested in East Africa's business landscape.
5-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVAL & STRATEGIC ORIENTATION
- 14:00-15:00: VIP arrival at Entebbe International Airport – fast-track immigration assistance, meet & greet by executive tour coordinator
- 15:00-16:00: Luxury transfer to accommodation in executive vehicle (WiFi, refreshments, briefing pack)
- 16:00-18:00: Check-in at Kampala Serena Hotel (Executive Suite) – time to refresh
- 18:30-20:30: Welcome Briefing & Sunset Networking
- Venue: Serena Hotel rooftop lounge
- Welcome cocktail with premium Ugandan beverages
- Economic overview by Mr. Robert Mbabazi, Senior Analyst at Stanbic Bank Uganda Research
- Light bites featuring Ugandan fusion cuisine
- Attended by 3-5 preselected local business contacts (banking, consulting, legal)
- 20:30: Return to hotel
DAY 2: TECH & INNOVATION HUB DAY
- 07:00-08:30: Breakfast at hotel with daily business newspaper briefing (Daily Monitor, The EastAfrican)
- 09:00-11:00:Visit to Innovation Hubs
- Tour Outbox Hub (Level 2, EADB Building)
– meet with Managing Director, Richard Zulu
- Interactive showcase of 3-4 promising startups (fintech, agritech, healthtech)
- 11:30-13:00: Roundtable: "Fintech & Digital Transformation in East Africa"
- Hosted at The Innovation Village, Ntinda
- Panelists confirmed: Head of Digital Payments, MTN Uganda; Head of Strategy, Airtel Money; CEO, XENO (fintech startup)
- Discussion focus: Regulatory landscape, consumer adoption, interoperability challenges
- 13:00-14:00: Working lunch at The Innovation Village
- 14:30-16:00: Visit to Fundi Bots (STEM education social enterprise)
- Demonstration of robotics education model
- Discussion on tech talent pipeline development
- 17:00-18:30: Leisure time – optional hotel spa or gym
- 19:30-21:30: Dinner at The Lawns, Lugogo Bypass
- Casual networking with 2-3 tech entrepreneurs
- Cuisine: Contemporary African with pairing wines
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DAY 3: AGRIBUSINESS & EXPORT SECTOR FOCUS
- 07:00-08:30: Breakfast with special guest: Agricultural Economist, Ministry of Agriculture
- 09:00-11:30: Field Visit to Mukwano Industries Agri-Processing Plant
- Tour of edible oils, soap, and detergents production lines
- Supply chain briefing: from farmgate to export
- Meeting with **Head of Corporate Affairs** (confirmed)
- 12:30-14:00: Meeting at Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) Headquarters
- Presentation by Director of Investment Promotion
- One-on-one Q&A session
- Investment incentives booklet and sector profiles provided
- 14:30-16:00: Coffee Value Chain Session at Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA)
- Coffee tasting of premium Ugandan arabica/robusta
- Presentation: "From Bean to Export: Uganda's Coffee Revival"
- Meeting with Export Manager
- 16:30-18:00: Retail Market Visit: Nakumatt Oasis or Carrefour Garden City
- Guided analysis of retail landscape, product placement, local vs. imported goods
- Evening: Free for individual business meetings or rest
DAY 4: FINANCE, SUSTAINABILITY & CULTURAL INTEGRATION
- 08:30-10:30: Session at Uganda Securities Exchange (USE)
- Briefing by Chief Executive Officer
- Market performance, listed companies, ESG initiatives
- Interactive trading floor visit
- 11:00-12:30: Sustainability & Impact Investing Roundtable
- Hosted at dfcu Bank Headquarters (Sustainability Department)
- Focus: Green bonds, renewable energy financing, SME climate resilience
- Panel: CEO, Uganda Bankers Association; Director, Ecobank Uganda; Founder, SolarNow Uganda
- 13:00-14:00: Lunch at Café Javas (local successful franchise model)
- 14:30-16:30: Cultural Intelligence: Buganda Kingdom Business Models
- Guided tour of Kabaka's Palace (Lubiri) and Bulange (Buganda Parliament)
- Discussion: "Traditional Governance & Modern Business: The Buganda Kingdom Economic Model"
- Speaker: Official from Buganda Kingdom Ministry of Finance
- **18:30-21:30: Gala Dinner at Speke Resort Munyonyo (Lakeside)
- Guest Speaker: Patrick Bitature (Chairman, Simba Group) and Barbara Mulwana (Chairperson, Nice House of Plastics)
- 4-course dinner with entertainment: Ndere Troupe cultural performance
- Attended by 15 select Ugandan business leaders
DAY 5: LEISURE WITH BUSINESS TWIST & DEPARTURE
- 08:00-10:00: Optional A: Golf Networking at Uganda Golf Club, Kitante
- Includes green fees, caddy, and refreshments
- Artisan Entrepreneurship Tour
- Visit Nsambya Railway Craft Market with guide explaining artisan business models
- Meet founder of Mivumba African Designs (fashion social enterprise)
- 10:30-12:30: Closing Strategy & Synthesis Session**
- Venue: Makerere University Business School (MUBS) Executive Boardroom
- Facilitator: Professor Waswa Balunywa (Principal, MUBS)
- Structured workshop: "Identifying Partnership Opportunities & Action Plan"
- Each participant presents 3 key takeaways and 2 potential next steps
- 12:30-13:30: Farewell lunch at MUBS Executive Restaurant
- 14:00-15:00: Return to hotel for checkout
- 15:00: Departure transfer to Entebbe Airport (2 hours prior to flight time)
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS:
1. Accommodation: 5 nights at Kampala Serena Hotel (Executive Suite)
2. Transport: Executive SUV with dedicated driver (Mercedes V-Class or equivalent), airport transfers
3. Meals: Daily breakfast, 3 business lunches, 4 dinners (including gala dinner)
4. Business Facilitation:
- All meeting arrangements and confirmations
- Pre-tour briefing document (20+ pages)
- Sector profiles and investment guides
- Post-tour curated contact list (digital and print)
5. Logistics Support:
- Dedicated tour coordinator throughout
- Complimentary local SIM with 10GB data
- Emergency 24/7 business concierge line
6. Documentation:
- Professional photography of key meetings
- Summary report of discussions (post-tour)
- Certificate of Participation from organizing partners
COST ESTIMATE:
Per Person (Minimum 6 Participants):
- USD $4,850 (Single occupancy)
- USD $4,200 (Double occupancy)
What's Included: All above inclusions, VAT, service charges
Exclusions: International flights, visa fees, personal insurance, alcoholic beverages beyond specified events, optional add-ons
SECTOR-SPECIFIC CUSTOMIZATIONS AVAILABLE:
For Fintech/Finance Groups:
- Replace Day 3 with: Bank of Uganda visit, Financial Intelligence Authority briefing, mobile money agent network field visit
For Agribusiness Groups:
- Replace Day 2 with: National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), EA Grain Council, visit to medium-scale commercial farm in Wakiso
For Renewable Energy Groups:
- Replace Day 3 with: ERA (Electricity Regulatory Authority), UEDCL, visit to solar microgrid installation in peri-urban community
HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS:
- Dedicated security briefing on arrival
- 24/7 medical support partnership with Nakasero Hospital
- Executive vehicles equipped with first aid, COVID protocols
- Emergency evacuation insurance recommended