Tiered wooden booth seating upholstered in teal velvet, topped with tropical plants and flowers, overlooking the street through large windows at Café Shires

Café Shires Opens in Jinja City | Premium Casual Dining Arrives on Nalufenya Road

Café Shires, the celebrated casual dining and pastry brand that built a strong following in Tororo Town, has officially opened its doors in Jinja City located in Eastern Uganda.

The new flagship branch is conveniently located next to Total Energies Jinja on Nalufenya Road and is poised to elevate Jinja city’s growing food and hospitality scene.

The expansion brings Café Shires’ signature offering of artisanal coffees, freshly baked pastries, and a diverse all-day dining menu to Jinja residents, professionals, and the many tourists who pass through this historic adventure hub.

The distinctive curved bar at Café Shires, clad in vertical wooden rods with a white countertop, espresso machine, and illuminated tropical leaf mural in the background
The distinctive curved bar at Café Shires, clad in vertical wooden rods with a white countertop, espresso machine, and illuminated tropical leaf mural in the background. Photo Credit; CaféShires Jinja

Designed as a modern and welcoming space, the Café Shires caters equally well to family gatherings, casual meetups, business lunches, and convenient grab-and-go stops.

“We are thrilled to bring the Café Shires experience to the historic city of Jinja,” the management team shared. “Our goal is to create a community hub where passion for great food meets exceptional service.

From our early morning brew to late-night dinners, we look forward to serving the people of Jinja and creating unforgettable dining moments.”

Opening Hours for Café Shires

Café Shires Jinja operates seven days a week with extended weekend hours:

  • Monday & Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Thursday to Sunday: 6:30 AM – 12:00 AM (Midnight)
Dining tables with marble tops and light-wood armchairs in the main seating area of Café Shires, set against a geometric tiled floor and soft pendant lighting
Dining tables with marble tops and light-wood armchairs in the main seating area of Café Shires, set against a geometric tiled floor and soft pendant lighting. Photo Credit; CaféShires Jinja

Guests are invited to explore the newly unveiled breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus at Café Shires. For reservations, event bookings, or inquiries, contact the team on +256 782 900106 or follow updates on Instagram @cafeshires_jinja.

About Café Shires

Café Shires is a premier Ugandan hospitality and casual dining brand recognised for its dedicated pastry craftsmanship and vibrant culinary offerings. The brand focuses on delivering high-quality meals and specialty coffee in an elegant, community-focused atmosphere.

Highlighted Tourist Attractions in Jinja City

Jinja City is one of Uganda’s premier tourism destinations, famous as the historic Source of the Nile. Key attractions near the new Café Shires location include:

  • The Source of the Nile and associated viewing points
  • The Nile River itself, with its powerful rapids and scenic stretches
  • Jinja town centre with its markets, colonial-era architecture, and lakeside atmosphere
  • Nearby access points to Lake Victoria experiences
Photograph taken from the Source of the Nile in Jinja, Eastern Uganda during an adventure tour to Jinja
Photograph taken from the Source of the Nile in Jinja, Eastern Uganda during an adventure tour to Jinja. Photo Credit; Responsible Tourism Company

Trips and Activities You Can Combine with a Café Visit

A stop at Café Shires fits perfectly into a Jinja itinerary. Popular activities in and around the city include:

  • White-water rafting and kayaking on the Nile
  • Bungee jumping from the Nile High Bungee site
  • Quad biking and other adventure sports
  • Scenic boat cruises on the Nile
  • Visits to the Source of the Nile monuments and gardens
  • Relaxed lakeside or riverside walks and photography
  • Day trips that combine Jinja with broader Eastern Uganda or Lake Victoria experiences

You can also book the following tours with us at Responsible Tourism Company;

A photograph of a tourist taken during a bungee jumping tour in Jinja in Eastern Uganda.
Photograph of a tourist taken during a bungee jumping tour in Jinja in Eastern Uganda. Photo Credit; Adrift East Africa LTD

For accommodation in Jinja chek out our Jinja hotels for a vast number of options from budget, mid-range to luxury accommodation in Jinja.

Many travellers enjoy starting the day with coffee and pastries at Café Shires before heading out for adventure, or returning in the evening for a relaxed meal after activities on the river.

Getting There – Transport Options to Café Shires

Most international visitors arrive at Entebbe International Airport. From Entebbe or Kampala, Jinja is easily reached by road (approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic and exact starting point).

Transport Options include: 

  • Private transfers or hired drivers (most comfortable for tourists)
  • Scheduled coaches and buses from Kampala
  • Organised tour vehicles that can include a café stop as part of a broader Jinja day trip

Once in Jinja city, Nalufenya Road is a well-known artery, and the café’s location next to Total Energies makes it straightforward to find. Local boda-bodas and taxis are readily available for short transfers within the city.

An aerial photograph of Jinja City and the Nile River in Jinja City in Eastern Uganda
An aerial photograph of Jinja City and the Nile River in Jinja City in Eastern Uganda. Photo Credit; Jinja City Uganda

Plan Your Jinja Experience with Responsible Tourism Company Ltd

Whether you are visiting Jinja for the Source of the Nile, adrenaline activities on the river, or a relaxed lakeside escape, good local knowledge makes the difference between a standard trip and a memorable one.

Responsible Tourism Company Ltd specialises in sustainable and authentic Uganda travel. Our team can design itineraries that include adventure activities in Jinja, cultural experiences, Nile cruises, and convenient dining recommendations such as Café Shires, all while supporting local communities and responsible practices.

Contact us Responsible Tourism Company Ltd today to plan your Jinja visit. Pair world-class adventure and heritage with excellent casual dining on Nalufenya Road for a well-rounded East African experience.

Call/WhatsApp: +256 704 023 485

Visit www.responsibletourismcompany.com

Email: info@responsibletourismcompany.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is the new Café Shires located in Jinja? 

Café Shires is situated next to Total Energies Jinja on Nalufenya Road in Jinja City.

What are the opening hours for Café Shires? 

  • Monday & Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Thursday to Sunday: 6:30 AM – midnight.

What kind of food and drinks does Café Shires offer? 

Artisanal coffees, freshly baked pastries, and a full all-day dining menu covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Is Café Shires suitable for tourists visiting Jinja?

Yes. Café Shires’ central location on Nalufenya Road, extended hours, and welcoming atmosphere make the café ideal for travellers needing coffee, meals, or a comfortable meeting point before or after activities.

What are the main tourist activities in Jinja City? 

White-water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, quad biking, boat cruises on the Nile, and visits to the Source of the Nile are among the most popular.

How do I get to Jinja from Entebbe or Kampala? 

The most convenient options are private transfers or hired cars (2–3 hours). Buses and organised tours are also available.

How can I book a complete Jinja trip that includes dining and activities? 

Responsible Tourism Company Ltd can arrange tailored itineraries covering transport, adventure activities, cultural sites, and recommendations for places such as Café Shires.

Café Shires’ arrival on Nalufenya Road adds a welcome premium casual-dining option to Jinja’s vibrant tourism landscape.

Whether you are refuelling before rafting the Nile or unwinding after a day at the Source of the Nile, the new branch offers quality coffee, pastries, and meals in a modern setting, a perfect complement to everything this historic city has to offer.