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A cat cafe builds community in Kampala

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Leilah Namwezi
October 17, 2026

Coffee and cats come together at a unique cafe in Kampala. Combining Uganda's coffee culture with animal companionship, the cafe offers visitors a welcoming and unexpected experience.

In the heart of Uganda, a unique cat cafe is changing lives one purr at a time. Founded by Ella Nankoma, Cat's Cradle began with a mission to rescue abandoned cats, challenge cultural misconceptions and find loving homes for animals in need. Inspired by her own experiences of feeling like an outsider, Ella discovered healing and purpose through caring for cats. Now, her cafe offers more than coffee and companionship — it creates a safe space where people find connection and a sense of belonging. As more Ugandans embrace cat adoption, Cat’s Cradle is transforming perceptions of pets and animal welfare. 

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