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
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.
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 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's best to exercise caution and avoid walking city streets at night.
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, 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 informal. Many cities rely on minibuses and boda bodas (motorcycle taxis). The country does have a small railway system, but it operates well under capacity. 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 a rural area.
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. Compared to many global cities, Kampala remains an economical choice for expats, with everyday expenses generally lower than in many Western and Asian metropolises.
While overall expenses are lower, bear in mind that salaries for expats in Uganda are often more modest than in other international destinations. Some imported goods and services can be unexpectedly costly.
Families and children in Uganda
There are several international schools in Uganda’s capital if you’re moving to the country with children, but their fees are high. It’s worth negotiating an allowance for this as part of your employment package if you're moving here for work.
There's a lot to see and do here. A visit to Lake Bunyoni is always refreshing, or you can go on a mountain trek. The crater lakes make for beautiful natural scenery, and the Queen Elizabeth National Park has all sorts of animals to marvel at.
Climate in Uganda
Due to the country’s diverse geography, Uganda experiences various weather patterns across its different regions. The weather in Uganda is largely governed by its tropical climate. There are two rainy seasons and two dry seasons in a year, each lasting 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: 53 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.
Political system: Unitary dominant-party presidential republic
Major religions: Christianity
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. Plugs are Type G.
Internet domain: .ug
International dialling code: +256
Emergency contacts: 999 or 112
Transport and driving: Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Public transport is limited and mostly in the form of minibus taxis.