Moving to Uganda

Nicknamed the Pearl of Africa, Uganda lies at the heart of the continent. And though the country may be landlocked, it doesn’t disappoint in terms of impressively diverse landscapes, from waterfalls and lakes to the glaciated and snow-peaked Rwenzori Mountains.

Straddling the equator, Uganda has relatively pleasant albeit humid weather year-round. You’re going to be welcomed by warm and friendly locals when moving to Uganda, and you’ll soon realise why the locals are famous for their hospitality. All in all, making friends and meaningful connections shouldn’t be hard.

Living in Uganda as an expat

Communication barriers are unlikely to present a major culture shock. Uganda is a multilingual country, with English and Swahili as its official languages. The country also has a rich, welcoming culture, making it easy for expats to settle in.

Most visits to Uganda are also trouble-free. Despite terrorist threats, there have been no major attacks since 2010. Most crimes committed against expats in Uganda are opportunistic, and common crimes are burglary, muggings, and credit card fraud. It is best to exercise caution and avoid walking city streets at night.

Since the discovery of oil, Uganda’s economic prospects have improved, and its expat labour force is employed in various sectors. Many foreigners work as journalists, diplomats or aid workers in NGOs, and some are in the financial sector or major industries, such as coffee.

Accommodation in Uganda is relatively cheap. That said, renting property in a safe expat neighbourhood in Kampala could cost two or three times as much as elsewhere in the city. Still, you’ll likely find that most expats choose not to compromise on safety and security and end up staying in one of these areas.

Public transport in Uganda is largely rather informal. Many cities rely on minibuses and boda bodas (motorcycle taxis). The country does have a small railway system, but it operates severely under capacity. Cycling on Ugandan roads can be dangerous, as there is little space left for cycling lanes. The country’s roads are often filled to the brim, and conditions are generally rather poor, so if you’re looking to drive in Uganda, you should remain vigilant and drive defensively.

Public health services are free here, but public hospitals are understaffed and underfunded. The country does have private healthcare options, which is usually the route expats take when medical attention is needed. You will need to invest in a comprehensive international health insurance policy before moving to Uganda, as treatment in private hospitals can be expensive. Malaria and bilharzia are health issues in certain parts of Uganda, so you’re advised to take preventative measures if you’re living or working in rural areas.

Cost of living in Uganda

New arrivals will enjoy an affordable cost of living and will likely find themselves living comfortably in a major urban area, such as Kampala, Uganda’s capital and largest city. Mercer’s Cost of Living City Ranking for 2024 ranked Kampala at 177th out of 226 cities surveyed.

Similarly priced cities include Lima, Peru and New Delhi, India. While Uganda’s cost of living ranking may be low, salaries may be less glamorous than in other expat destinations, and certain things might prove pricier than expected.

Families and children in Uganda

Uganda offers its residents enrolment in Universal Primary Education (UPE), but the quality of schooling is generally poor, with schools being underfunded and understaffed. You will be glad to hear that there are several international schools in Uganda’s capital if you’re moving to the country with children, but the fees for these are high. It’s worth trying to negotiate an allowance for this as part of an employment package.

You can expect to get out and about here, with many things to do and see in the country. A visit to Lake Bunyoni is always refreshing, or you can go trekking for mountain gorillas. The crater lakes make for beautiful natural scenery, and the Queen Elizabeth Nationals Park has myriad animals to marvel at.

Climate in Uganda

Due to the country’s diverse geography, Uganda experiences various weather patterns across its different regions. Largely, the weather in Uganda is governed by its tropical climate. There are two rainy seasons and two dry seasons in the year, each taking place for around three months.

The northern and eastern parts of the country are drier and hotter, with little rainfall. The southwestern regions are more humid with cooler temperatures.

Overall, expats moving to Uganda can interact with friendly locals while enjoying spectacular landscapes, a mosaic of cultures and exciting wildlife. While you may miss certain home comforts, you will surely be treated to an unforgettable experience.

Fast facts

Population: Almost 46 million

Capital city: Kampala

Neighbouring countries: Uganda is a landlocked country surrounded by Kenya to the east, South Sudan to the north, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, Rwanda to the southwest and Tanzania to the south.

Geography: Uganda is situated in the Nile basin, and a substantial portion of Lake Victoria lies in the south of the country. Uganda has a varied but generally moderate equatorial climate.

Political system: Unitary dominant-party presidential republic

Major religions: Catholicism, Christianity, Islam

Main languages: English, Swahili

Money: The country’s official currency is Ugandan Shilling (UGX). Some ATMs may be available in major urban centres, but you may struggle to find these in more rural areas.

Tipping: It’s customary to tip a guide, driver, porter or cook, depending on the level of service.

Time: GMT+3

Electricity: 240V, 50Hz

Internet domain:.ug

International diallingcode: +256

Emergency contacts: 999 or 112

Transport and driving: Ugandans drive on the left side of the road. Public transport is rudimentary and mostly in the form of minibus taxis.