Recommendations for Entebbe hotel and afternoon itinerary
I would recommend Sienna Beach Hotel located next to the Botanical Garden and also has a beach shore with fantastic gardens. Some of their rooms esp on the upper floor have nice views of the lake Victoria. Tours to the botanical gardens, ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary, UWEC Zoo. You will fin an on-site restaurant and bar. Rates from USD 80 for singles. The other alternative could be Peniel Beach Hotel located 2kms from the Airport. There's a restaurant on site, though don't have a bar - since the family who run this hotel belong to Seventh Adventist church. You will also have access to the beach front. There is a large garden. The Zoo and Botanical Gardens are located 3km away from the hotel. Tours can be arranged. Just like other hotels near Entebbe Airport, the above hotels offer free airport shuttles to guests. Most of the local tours can be arranged at the hotel tour desk.
Travel tips
Do not pack anything in your carry-on luggage that might cause problems at security check points, nor anything in your checked luggage that require you to have to go to security and explain why you have a questionable item. (There are provisions for transporting a restricted item if you clear it in advance with the airline and make security aware what you bag contains)
Be sure your medications are properly labeled and packed according to packing tips for prescriptions.
Be certain to have on your person or in you carry-on anything that you must have should your bags be delayed or even lost.
Cut back on sugar and caffeine before and during your trip. These stimulants will exacerbate anxiety and prevent rest.
Drink lots of water on very long flights
Control whatever you can around you, light, fan, seat position, foot room, etc.
Be prepared to keep yourself occupied with reading material, CD player etc. The flight will offer music, movies, and short videos, but you may not be interested in what they offer so have your own.
Finally, do not stress over safety. You already survived the most dangerous part of your trip, travel to the airport!