Uganda Today Edition: Did You Know? Kampala’s Distance Measurements Start at Amber House, Not the Post Office
Many Ugandans mistakenly believe that road distances from Kampala to other parts of the country are measured from the iconic Kampala Post Office. However, the true starting point for these measurements lies within the quadrangle of Amber House, which houses the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
Amber House is home to an obelisk constructed in 1907 by Mr. Weldon, a member of the British colonial government under the Egyptian Survey Department. This obelisk, known as the “zero point,” serves as the reference marker for all distance measurements in Uganda. Kampala’s altitude was also calculated at this point to be 3,905.40 feet above sea level, based on the reference sea level in Mombasa, Kenya, which is set at zero.
The Significance of the Zero Point
The obelisk at Amber House plays a crucial role in infrastructure planning and navigation. Every road distance indicated by the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), such as the Kampala-Kanungu distance of 424.6 km, originates from this point.
Historical Context
This measurement system highlights the precision and legacy of colonial-era surveying practices in Uganda. By establishing a definitive starting point, the colonial government ensured consistency in mapping and infrastructure development. Today, it remains a hidden yet important landmark in Kampala’s history.
What You Should Know
The next time you encounter a road distance sign, remember that it doesn’t reference the Kampala Post Office, as commonly thought, but rather Amber House’s zero point. This small yet significant piece of history underscores the meticulous work of surveyors over a century ago, whose legacy continues to shape Uganda’s infrastructure.
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