Kampala’s skyline is undergoing a noticeable transformation in 2026. The transformation is being driven by economic growth, demand for office and residential units due to the fast-rising population of Kampala and preparation for major events like the African Cup of Nations 2027.
A dozen buildings are currently under construction or nearing completion, whose height and floor count will add a new look to the Kampala skyline. Whereas Kampala doesn’t have super tall Skyscraper buildings, several high-rise developments in a range of 15-32 floors are reshaping the Central Business District, Kololo, Nakasero and the up-town areas.
The list compiled here includes recently completed buildings and towers under construction. Most of these buildings are owned by private investors, highlighting the role of the private sector in the real estate industry in Uganda. Nevertheless, the government also remains one of the key players.
Current state of Kampala Skyline.
Kampala skyline has been characterised by a few buildings with fewer than 10 buildings having 15 floors or more. These buildings were built over time, with some of them as old as 60 years old. Most of these buildings are owned by the government or were owned by the government parastatals before they were privatized. And are summarized in the table below.
| Rank | Building Name | Floors | Height (meters) | Year of Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Pearl of Africa Hotel Kampala (formerly Kampala Hilton) | 24 | ~90 | 2017 |
| 2 | Uganda Revenue Authority Tower (URA Tower) | 22-23 | 101 | 2019 |
| 3 | Workers’ House | 20 | ~70-80 (est.) | ~2001 |
| 4 | Crested Towers (Tall Tower) | 20 | ~70-80 (est.) | 1970s (renovated later) |
| 5 | Mapeera House | 19 | ~68-75 (est.) | 2012 |
| 6 | Uganda House | 16 | ~60-70 (est.) | 1980 |
| 7 | Cham Towers | 16 | ~60 (est.) | 1979 (renovated 2016) |
| 8 | Communications House | 16 | ~60 (est.) | 1970s-1980s |
| 9 | Janani Luwum Church House | 15-16 | ~55-65 (est.) | 2018 |
| 10 | Sheraton Kampala Hotel | 14 | ~52 (est.) | 1970s (original; renovated) |
New High-Rise Buildings Transforming the Kampala Skyline
As of 2026, the new set of buildings is being completed, which will compete among the tallest buildings in Uganda. Pension Towers, which is nearing completion, will be the tallest building in Kampala once completed, replacing Pearl of Africa hotel, which has reigned as height king for 9 years.
Here are the 10 notable emerging high-rise buildings contributing to this change, ranked by prominence and height impact. Most of them are of mixed use with shop rooms, offices, hotels and residential, which reflects Kampala’s push for commercial space.
10. The Vista Naguru.
This is a premium residential condominium located in Naguru, Kampala. Unveiled in 2025, the building is owned by The Living Group, which is part of the Ruparelia group led by Sudhir Ruparelia. The building is a 12-floor high-rise apartment project offering luxury with a panoramic view.
9. Insurance tower
Located on plot 6 Lumumba Avenue, Nakasero Hill, Insurance Tower is a high-rise building located in Kampala Central Business District that is owned by Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA). The recently opened building works as a one-stop centre for main IRA officers and also contains rentable office spaces. The building has 11 floors.
8. Cadenza Residence.
Located in Nakasero, Kampala, Cadenza is Uganda’s tallest residential tower with 24 floors. The building is known for its LED integrated façade lighting, looking like a glowing jewel at night. Sharp lines, reflective glass and luxury apartments make Cadenza an emerging icon that is visible from afar.
7. Haruna Towers.
Located on Wilson Road and Arua Park Junction in the Kampala Central Business District, Haruna Towers is a pair of 16-floor glass-clad buildings, currently being developed by Kampala City businessman Ssentongo Haruna. The building’s estimated cost is UGX 202 billion. The building will have commercial space and offices.
6. Uganda Revenue Authority Tower.
Opened in 2019, URA was the first high-rise building located outside Kampala Central Business District. The building is located in Nakawa and houses the offices of Uganda Revenue Authority, the tax-collecting body of Uganda.
With 22 floors, the tower cost $37M. The building can be seen from many directions in Kampala as a lone tower in a generally low buildings environment in Nakawa.
5. Pearl Tower One
Located on Yusuf Lule Road, Kampala, Pearl Tower One is a recently completed 19-floor building. It is the first phase of the larger Pearl Business Park, which will see other towers and complexes constructed on the 18-acre land block.
Pearl Tower One has 24000sqm of lettable space, 3 basement levels of secure parking, 360 parking slots and cutting-edge infrastructure.
4. Kampala Marriott Hotel & Executive Apartments (Twin Towers).
Located in Nsambya, Kampala, the Kampala Marriott Hotel is a project with twin high-level buildings forming an impressive silhouette. The building will feature a 5-star luxury hotel, executive residences and commercial space. The 28-floor building is soon to be completed.
3. Twed Heights and Hilton Hotel.
Located on Muwafo road, Nakasero in Central Business District, Kampala, Twed Heights and Hilton Hotel is a 26–floor mixed–use development currently under construction.  Once completed, the building will have 257 rooms, 6 restaurants, a 200-seater ballroom and 508-car parking space in addition to an international standard helipad on the rooftop. It is being developed by real estate developer Twebaze Dan of Twed Developments.
2. Kingdom Kampala Phase 2
Located on the Nile Avenue, Kingdom Kampala phase two is an ambitious project launched by millionaire Sudhir Ruparelia. The project will be an expansion of the existing Kingdom Kampala complex that will see a 21–floor mixed–use tower constructed. The new complex will have retail, offices, hospitality and a roof helipad. When completed, the building will rank among the 10 tallest buildings in Uganda.
1. NSSF Pension Towers
Located in Nakasero on both Lumumba Avenue and Nakasero Road, Pension Towers is a building currently under construction. The building is owned by the National Social Security Fund. The building will have 32 floors and 155 meters in height, which will make it the tallest building in Uganda once completed.
The building is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 or early 2027, and the construction cost is estimated to be $110M (UGX 410 billion).
Table New High-Rise Buildings in Kampala with heigh and estimated cost
| Rank | Building Name | Floors | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NSSF Pension Tower | 32 | ~US$110 million (for Phase 2; total project revisions around US$110M+) |
| 2 | Kingdom Kampala Phase 2 | 21 | |
| 3 | Twed Heights and Hilton Hotel | 26 (mixed-use tower) | |
| 4 | Kampala Marriott Hotel | ~24 above ground (29 total including basements) | ~US$120 million+ |
| 5 | Pearl Tower One | 19 | |
| 6 | URA Tower | 22-23 | ~US$37-38 million (UGX ~140 billion at completion) |
| 7 | Haruna Towers | 16 | ~US$55-62 million (UGX 202 billion) |
| 8 | Cadenza Residence | 24-27 | ~US$30 million (project valuation) |
| 9 | Insurance Tower | 11 (+2 basements) | ~US$8 million |
| 10 | The Vista Naguru | 12 |
These 10 projects are giving Kampala skyline a total new look, evidencing a massive transformation of Kampala to a commercial hub requiring high-quality residential, office and commercial space.
Other projects are also under construction or being planned, which also deserve a mention like the JLOS Towers in Naguru, Mukwano Mall redevelopment on Ben Kiwanuka Street, planned phase two of Pearl Business Park and the Uganda National Farmers’ 16-floor planned building of Uganda National Farmers Federation. These will all contribute massively to the beauty of Kampala’s skies.
Read also: 5 Mega Infrastructure Projects that are Transforming Uganda in 2026
