Afriart Gallery

Afriart Gallery was founded in Kampala in 2002 by the artist Daudi Karungi and has grown into an established name on the international circuit. It describes itself as an international gallery representing artists who live and work on the African continent, and its aim is to connect those artists with collectors and audiences around the world. For visitors, it is the easiest place in the city to see serious contemporary work by Ugandan and other African artists in a calm, well-hung space.

The programme is built around curated exhibitions that change every couple of months, often solo shows by established and emerging artists. The gallery says artists it represents have shown at international fairs including Art Basel Miami Beach, EXPO Chicago, Art Paris, 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair in New York and London, Investec Cape Town Art Fair and Art X Lagos, which gives a sense of the level of work on the walls. Beyond exhibitions, Afriart runs workshops, residencies and mentorship programmes, and works on archiving and documenting artists' careers.

The gallery is at 110-112 7th Street, east of the city centre. It is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00 and on public holidays from 10:00 to 16:00. The gallery is open to the public during these hours. Check the website before you go to see what is currently showing, as there may be short gaps between exhibitions while new work is being installed.

A visit suits anyone interested in art, design or contemporary Ugandan culture, and it makes a good counterpoint to the crafts and heritage sites that dominate most Kampala itineraries. Works are for sale if you are a collector. Allow 30 minutes to an hour, longer if a talk or opening is taking place.

The simplest way to reach 7th Street is by taxi or boda boda. Combine the gallery with the National Theatre and Crafts Village in the centre, or with lunch in Kololo or Nakasero, both a short ride away. If you are in Kampala for longer, sign up to the gallery's mailing list or follow it online to catch exhibition openings, which are a good way to meet the city's art community.