The Rise of Street Food Culture in Urban Uganda

By Urban Gazette Lifestyle Desk

Kampala — On a busy street corner in Ntinda, a rolex vendor flips chapati with practiced ease. Within minutes, hungry customers are lined up. Street food has become more than a quick meal — it’s a cultural phenomenon.

Street Food as Identity

From rolex (chapati and eggs) to nyama choma (roast meat), Uganda’s street food reflects local tastes and urban hustle. Vendors serve thousands daily, often late into the night.

A Source of Income

Street food provides jobs for thousands of urban youth and women. “I started with one pan,” says Janet, a rolex seller. “Now I employ three assistants.”

Health Concerns

But not all is delicious. Food safety remains a challenge, with concerns about hygiene and unregulated vendors. Kampala authorities have pledged periodic inspections but enforcement is inconsistent.

Tourism Potential

Cultural tours now highlight Kampala’s street food scene. “Tourists want to taste the city’s life,” says a local guide.