Uganda’s capital city is undergoing a remarkable architectural transformation. Kampala is expanding faster than ever, and modern high-rise buildings are increasingly reshaping the city’s identity. At the center of this shift is the NSSF Pension Towers, a massive new development that will officially become the tallest building in Uganda once completed in 2025.
NSSF Pension Towers: Uganda’s New Tallest Structure
Rising 35 floors above Lumumba Avenue, the NSSF Pension Towers represent one of the most ambitious construction projects in the country’s history. The complex consists of three interconnected towers and stands as a symbol of Uganda’s rapid modernization and growing commercial confidence.
Strategically located near key government offices, major companies, and Nakasero’s commercial district, the Pension Towers will provide extensive office space, retail outlets, and much-needed parking facilities. At 155 meters tall, it will redefine Kampala’s skyline and serve as a landmark for the city’s next era of urban development.
While the Pension Towers claim the top spot, several other buildings also contribute to Kampala’s evolving skyline.
Pearl of Africa Hotel, Nakasero (29 floors)
Once the second-tallest building in the city, the Pearl of Africa Hotel has remained closed since 2023 due to legal and financial disputes involving Aya Investment Group. Although the hotel was placed under threat of auction in 2023, President Yoweri Museveni intervened in 2024, halting the process. Despite its current non-operational status, the building remains an architectural landmark.
URA Tower, Nakawa
Standing approximately 120 meters tall, the URA Tower is the headquarters of the Uganda Revenue Authority. Officially opened in 2019, the building cost an estimated 140 billion shillings (about USD 37 million). It remains one of Kampala’s most important government facilities and is the city’s third-tallest tower.
JW Marriott Twin Towers Hotel
A major addition to the skyline, the JW Marriott Twin Towers are currently under construction and expected to open in December 2025. The luxury development will include 181 hotel rooms, 96 executive apartments, modern dining spaces, large conference halls, and what is expected to be Africa’s largest casino. The exact height remains undisclosed, but the project is already considered one of the most visually prominent in the city.
Other Important Structures That Shape Kampala’s Urban Identity
Beyond the tallest buildings, several iconic structures continue to define the city:
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Crested Towers, near Serena Hotel and UBC
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Workers’ House on Pilkington Road, a long-standing commercial hub
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Cham Towers, serving the growing corporate sector
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Church House, home to Equity Bank and Family TV, among other tenants
These buildings, alongside new developments, reflect Kampala’s evolving architectural character.
A Rapidly Changing City
Kampala is experiencing an unprecedented wave of construction, signalling its rise as a major urban center in East Africa. The completion of the NSSF Pension Towers in 2025 will mark a significant milestone—not just in height, but in the city’s overall evolution toward modern infrastructure.
With new high-rises like the JW Marriott Towers underway and other major developments on the horizon, Kampala’s skyline will continue to grow taller and more sophisticated. What was once a low-rise city is quickly becoming a modern metropolis.