Uganda

Beaches

Cost of Living: Low

Train Access: No

Bus Service: Yes (Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) buses, Pioneer Easy Bus, Link Bus Services, relatively safe)

Uganda, officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East Africa. It is bordered 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. The country's diverse landscape encompasses the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and immense Lake Victoria, which is also Africa's largest lake and the source of the Nile River. Uganda's biodiversity is notable, with dense mountain and lowland rainforest, savannah, and numerous lakes and rivers supporting a wide array of wildlife. The capital and largest city, Kampala, sits on the shores of Lake Victoria and is the commercial and cultural hub of the country. Uganda's population is composed of several ethnic groups, with the Baganda being the largest. English is the official language, with Swahili also widely spoken, and Luganda used among the Baganda people. The country has a young population, with a median age of around 16 years, reflecting high birth rates and a low life expectancy. The nation has a tumultuous history, including periods of dictatorial rule, most notably under Idi Amin in the 1970s. Since the 1980s, Uganda has experienced relative stability and economic growth under President Yoweri Museveni, although his long tenure has also been marked by concerns over governance and human rights. Agriculture is a significant part of the economy, with coffee being the top export. Uganda also has substantial natural resources, including fertile soils and significant deposits of copper and cobalt. Tourism is growing, with visitors drawn to its wildlife parks, which are home to a variety of animals including gorillas and birds, and cultural sites. Despite its natural wealth and progress, Uganda faces challenges such as poverty, corruption, and a high rate of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS. The country is also home to a large number of refugees from neighboring countries, placing strain on its resources. Nevertheless, Uganda's resilience and vibrant culture continue to shape its development and identity as a nation.

Expat Lifestyle

Private Schools

Family Friendly

Single Friendly

B-

Senior Friendly

C-

Crime

D-

LGBTQ+ Friendly

Weather

Healthcare

B+

Cost of Living

B-

Recreation

B-

Nightlife

Restaurants

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Uganda is generally low compared to many other countries. Basic goods and services are affordable, but there can be significant variations between urban and rural areas.

Weather

Uganda experiences a tropical climate with two main rainy seasons and no extreme temperatures. The country generally has abundant sunshine and a consistent temperature range throughout the year, with variations depending on altitude. The rainy seasons typically occur from March to May and from September to November, with the dry seasons in between.

Educational System Uganda

The educational system in Uganda is structured in a way that provides a series of levels from primary to secondary education, followed by tertiary institutions. Education in Uganda is mandatory for children between the ages of six and thirteen, which covers primary education. The primary level consists of seven grades, known as Primary One to Primary Seven. After completing primary school, students sit for the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) to qualify for secondary education. Secondary education is divided into two cycles: Ordinary Level (O-Level), which spans four years from Senior One to Senior Four, and Advanced Level (A-Level), which covers two years from Senior Five to Senior Six. Students take the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) at the end of O-Level and the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) at the end of A-Level. The school year in Uganda typically starts in February and ends in November, with breaks in between terms. The quality of education varies, with urban schools generally having better facilities and resources than rural ones. English is the language of instruction in most schools, which is beneficial for expatriate families. However, challenges such as large class sizes, limited resources, and teacher shortages can affect the quality of education. Despite these challenges, Uganda has made significant strides in improving literacy rates and educational access in recent years.

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Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average

Popular Expat Visa/s: Class G1 Ordinary Residence Visa, Class D2 Work Visa

Popular Nomad Visa/s: Class G2 Special Pass, typically allows for stays of up to 3 months

Obtaining a residency visa in Uganda involves several steps and the process can be considered average in terms of difficulty. The most common types of visas for expats are the Class G1 Ordinary Residence Visa and the Class D2 Work Visa. The Class G1 visa is suitable for those who wish to stay in Uganda for an extended period for purposes other than employment, such as retirees or dependents. The Class D2 visa is designed for those who have secured employment in Uganda and is often sponsored by the employer. To apply for a residency visa, an expat must first gather the required documents, which typically include a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, a letter of invitation or employment from a Ugandan company, police clearance from the expat's home country, and possibly a medical report. The applicant must then complete the relevant application forms, which can be obtained from the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) or its website. Once the application is submitted along with the necessary fees, it is reviewed by the immigration authorities. The process can take several weeks or even months, and it may require an interview or additional documentation. Expats should be prepared for potential delays and should apply well in advance of their intended move date. For digital nomads, the Class G2 Special Pass is often used. This pass is not a long-term residency visa but allows for stays of up to 3 months, which can be ideal for nomads who wish to live temporarily in Uganda while working remotely. The application process for the Special Pass is similar to that of other visas, requiring documentation such as a passport, proof of sufficient funds, and a return ticket. Overall, while the process is bureaucratic and can be time-consuming, it is manageable with proper planning and preparation. Expats are advised to closely follow the guidelines provided by the DCIC and to seek assistance from local contacts or professionals if necessary.

Moving with a Pet to Uganda

Homeschooling in Uganda

How to Enroll Your Children in School in Uganda

Educational System in Uganda

10 Things to Know Before Moving to Uganda

Buying a Home in Uganda

How to Rent a Home in Uganda

Guide to Residency in Uganda

Expats Talk about Moving to Uganda

Living in Uganda

Movies Set: The Last King of Scotland, Queen of Katwe

Popular Foods: Ugandan cuisine includes dishes like matoke (steamed and mashed green bananas), which is often served with a stew of meat, groundnut sauce, or beans. Another popular dish is posho (cornmeal) served with beans or meat. Rolex, a street food consisting of a chapati rolled with eggs and vegetables, is also widely enjoyed. For dessert, sweet potatoes, jackfruit, and mandazi (fried dough) are common.

Unusual Eats: Grasshoppers, locally known as nsenene, are a delicacy in Uganda, especially when they swarm during certain seasons. They are caught, fried, and eaten as a crunchy snack. Another unusual food is white ants, which are also collected, fried, or roasted and consumed for their flavor and protein.

Popular Sports: football (soccer), netball, basketball, athletics, rugby

Popular Teams: Uganda Cranes (football), City Oilers (basketball), Kobs Rugby Club

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: Pointing at someone with your finger is considered rude in Uganda, and it is more polite to use a nod or your whole hand to indicate a person. It is also a faux pas to eat or pass items with your left hand, as it is traditionally considered unclean. Visitors should always use their right hand for eating and greeting.

Uganda Guide

"I am a Filipina living in the US and now considering a job offer in Kampala Uganda. I have traveled and lived in a lot of other countries but just not africa, so I am quite unsure how I will be able to handle the big adjustment in case I decide to move. If anyone could let me know how the cost of living is really like over there, and what the living condition is - I know the media tend to be exaggerated a lot of times so I don't really want to rely on it. Are there a lot of other expats working or living in Kampala etc. Any information will really help me in making this important decision in my life. Thanks in advance!" - francesy

Connect with Others on the Uganda Community

Healthcare in Uganda

The healthcare system in Uganda is a mix of public and private providers. The public healthcare system is underfunded and often lacks adequate resources, which can lead to shortages of medical supplies and long waiting times for treatment. Private healthcare is available and generally offers higher quality services, but at a cost that is unaffordable for many Ugandans. The cost of public healthcare is relatively low, but the quality varies greatly, and in some cases, patients may need to pay for services that are supposed to be free. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare, but it is recommended that they have private health insurance to cover the costs of private healthcare, which provides a higher standard of care.

"If you are currently looking for or have recently bought a home abroad, we'd like to put your story on TV! Our hit show is looking for energetic individuals, couples and families to share their story about moving abroad. Participating in our show is a lot of fun and a great way to document your exciting search for a home and new life abroad. Contributors should be fluent in English and between the ages of 25-50 with fun, enthusiastic personalities. If you are interested in participating with our show or learning more, please send an email to [email protected]." - internationalhunt

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Uganda

Visa & Residency

Living in Uganda

Healthcare in Uganda