Often referred to as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is a country with fantastic natural sceneries, and a rich mosaic of tribes and cultures. It is where the East African savannah meets the West African jungle, making for captivating beauty, unique lush landscapes and is inhabited by the most friendliest people.
If you are (or plan to be) an expat living in Uganda, please find below a list of expat clubs, schools, general links for women living in Uganda, country information and more...
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Local Embassies
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
Expat in Uganda
To provide friendly and fun environment to expats living in Uganda who want to chat and share information. Expat in Uganda is the place for expats to gain and share knowledge about the country and life in general. Whether you are relocating to Uganda, visiting as a tourist, looking for work or have lived here for a long time or just want to interact with other expats, this is the place to do it.
Horse Back Safaris
Mihingo Lodge has been operating horseback safaris since December 2008 outside Lake Mburo National Park. We carefully adjust the rides according to the riding skills of each group; for beginners and inexperienced riders we only walk the horses. In fact a walk on a horse is the best way to view game. It is peaceful and relaxing and you get very close to the animals.
Website | Facebook
Muzungus in Uganda
A place for Expats, travellers and locals in Uganda to share common experiences, buy and sell their stuff, find jobs and offer hints and tips.
Charities and Support
Hands Across (HA)
Hands Across (HA) is a community based organization operating in the district of Wakiso, Uganda, East Africa. The head offices are located in Nakyesanja, Nabweru Sub County.
The organization is involved in organizing communities in ensuring that they have better life.
HA has a very strong goal of improving the quality of life of the people affected by HIV/AIDS, vulnerable people and orphans through providing education, giving care, love and support.
Additionally, it promotes empowerment to Community people in various areas affecting humanity.
Volunteering at HA not only helps us to fulfill our goals to help the people of Wakiso, it is also a life-changing experience for the volunteers themselves
The opportunity also exists for you to become a member of HA. Members must be willing to uphold the values of our organization, be committed and be passionate about a chosen role.
As a member you will have the opportunity to share and collaborate with us and together we can turn our dreams into realities. Membership of HA is free.
Tel: +256702742166/+256704747699
Location: Nebwura – Wakiso District
Email: [email protected]
International Schools
The Ugandan school year finishes in February and finishes in December; the first term runs from February to April, the second from May until August, and then the remainder of term is from September to December.
The educational system follows a fairly similar pattern to that in the United Kingdom; children attend primary school for seven years, and then continue through secondary school for the next six years.
It is quite a competitive school system in the country, and there are many children who want an education. For instance, classes in Uganda are not based on age, as children may drop out and re-enter school based on whether they can afford to pay school fees.
International School of Uganda
ISU is a leader in providing world-class, holistic education in a multi-cultural setting, inspiring and equipping students to be life-long learners, to reach their full potential and to be responsible global citizens active in shaping the future.
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Address: Plot 272, P.O Box 4200
Tel: +256 781 468000
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.isu.ac.ug
Kampala International School Uganda
Kampala International School Uganda offers an international education to students between 2 and 19 years of age. The school was established in 1993. Current enrolment is around 600 and is increasing steadily. Students come from almost 60 different nationalities and, depending on the family’s contracts and nature of their work, stay in Uganda for varying lengths of time. The school is privately owned with an Advisory Board of Governors and the day-to-day running of the school is managed by the Director.
Curriculum: English National Curriculum / Cambridge IGCSE / International Baccalaureate
Address: Plot 447, Block 213, Old Kira Road, Bukoto, Kampala
Tel: +256 752 711 882
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.kisu.com
Rainbow International School Uganda
The RISU stands firm on imparting its fundamental and underlying principles of enlightenment, determination, courage and equality in all its modes of teaching to its students. We strive to ensure that these inherent qualities are embedded into each student as we believe in not just developing careers, but lives.
Curriculum: National Curriculum for England
Address: Tyaba Zone, Nanganda-Lukuli, Makindye Division, Kampala
Tel: +256 312 266 696
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.rainbowinternationalschool.com
Galaxy International School
The school provides international education to students between 2 and 19 years of age. From kindergarten to year 13 students are taught using student-centred methods. Emphasis is on the development of the whole person.
Curriculum: Cambridge IGCSE
Address: Plot 2 – 16 Scott Road, Walukuba, P.O Box 5211, Jinja
Tel: +256 776 616 889
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.gisu.ac.ug
Heritage International School
The school provides international education to students between 2 and 19 years of age. From kindergarten to year 13 students are taught using student-centered methods. Emphasis is on the development of the whole person. Students in years 10 and 11 are prepared for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examination and those in years 12 and 13 are prepared for Cambridge A level examination.
Curriculum: International Primary Curriculum
Address: P.O Box 7899, Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256 41 459 6033
Website: www.heritage.co.ug
Local News in English
- New Vision: www.newvision.co.ug
- Daily Monitor: www.monitor.co.ug
- NTV Uganda: www.ntvuganda.co.ug
Country Information
Full name: Republic of Uganda
Location: Africa
Population: cc. 37 million
Capital City: Kampala
Other Important Cities: Jinja, Gulu, Lira
Currency: 1 Ugandan shilling = 100 cents
Language(s): English, Swahili, Luganda, Bantu, Nilotic
Religion(s): Christianity, Islam
Calling Code: +256
Internet TLD: .ug
Electricity: 220V 50Hz
Emergency Numbers: Fire – 112, Police – 999
Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa, it is bordered by the Republic of South Sudan, the Republic of Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Rwanda. And while it is a landlocked country, Uganda has lush landscape as it is where the East African savannah meets the West African jungle. It is also located almost completely in the Nile basin.
Due to its varying environments, expats can come across unique destinations with a vast range of animals; from lions to chimpanzees, hippos to crocodiles and the mountain gorilla. Uganda is blessed with a wide biodiversity, plus has a vast bird population with over one thousand species.
As the country is at the geographical heart of the African continent, Uganda has long been a cultural melting pot; over the years the existence of 30+ different indigenous languages, cultures and economies has made it wholly diverse, and such differences are evident in the different areas of the country. A large majority of the country’s population live in rural areas and survive directly off the environment and plentiful natural resources. Plus, the weather is ideal, and ranges from warmth in the lowland areas to the coolness of the highlands.
Embassy Information
Find a local embassy in Uganda, we found this link really useful...
www.embassyworld.com
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
All expats intending to work in Uganda must ensure that they are in possession of the relevant work permit. The requirements for the different categories / classes of work permits are listed below:
Business and Trade
Applicants should be persons intending to carry on the business or trade in Uganda. Application Requirements:
- Fill work permit form
- Attach Covering letter from company
- 2 passport size photos
- Photocopies of the passport
- Company's bank statement
- Uganda Investment Authority license ( where applicable )
- Articlesand memorandum of association
- Certificate of incorporation
- Income tax clearance
- Trading license
- Banking of Uganda Certificate of remittance of US $ 100,000
- Letter of good conduct from home country / interpol in country of origin
- Security bond
Professionals
Applicants should be members of prescribed professionals intending to practice such profession in Uganda. Applicantion Requirements:
- Fill work permit form
- 2 passport size photos
- Photocopies of passport
- Attach Covering letter
- Qualifications
- Registrstion with the relevant professional agency e.g Association of medical Practitioners
- Company documents
- Letter of good conduct from home country or Interpol letter from home country
- Security bond
Volunteers, NGO Workers, Missionaries
- Fill form
- 2 passport size photos
- Copy of passport
- Copy of NGO certificate
- Criminal record report ( from home country ) or interpol letter from home country )
- Attach Covering letter from institution / NGO
- Covering letter
- Appointment letter
- Qualifications
Employees
Applicants should be persons intending to work as employees whether for gain or not in Uganda. Applicants under this category can only enter Uganda after grant and payment for their work permits. Application Requirements:
- Fill EP form
- 2 pasport size photos
- Photocopies of passport
- Academic qualifications
- Letter of good conduct
- Appointment letter
- Attach Covering letter from company
- Proof of failure to employ a Ugandan
- Training opportunities for Ugandans
- Investment letter
- Income tax clearance
- Articles and memorandum
- Trading license
- Securuty bond
- Company's Bank statement
- Certificate of incorporation
Work Permit Renewal
- Fill work permit form
- Attach Covering letter from company
- 2 passport size photos
- Photocopies of permit in the passport and copy of bio-data page of the passport
- Bank statement
- Proof of Ugandans' trained
- List of Ugandans' employed
Certificate of Residence
- Fill CR form
- 3 passport size photos
- LC1 recommendation letter
- Covering letter
- Medical report
- Copy of passport
- Proof of ownership of property (if any)
Certificate of Residence due to Marriage
Requirements as above plus:
- Marriage certificate copy ( at least 3yrs )
- Copy of spouse's Uganda passport
Anyone applying for any of the above must go in person to the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control for the Republic of Uganda.
For more information about the different types of visa/permits available, please visit here.
Accommodation
The country’s capital city of Kampala is quite popular with expatriates looking to move to Uganda. The cities residential areas are pleasant, uncrowded and have green places in which to live. Areas such as Nakasero, Kololo and Bugolobi are also popular.
The supply of expat housing has continued to increase over the years, and most real estate brokers will have a reasonable number of houses of all categories on their books.
There is a small but rapidly increasing supply of apartments available in central areas of the country, varying from small blocks of four the eight apartments, to city center flats on the upper stories of commercial buildings. There are also large developments of fully furnished, fully serviced apartments with facilities such as squash and tennis courts, gyms and saunas for the use of residents.
Remember however – the 1996 Constitution vested ownership rights in land in the people of Uganda. Meaning, the general rule is that foreigners and expats may purchase a new leasehold interest in land for a term of only 49 years, and up to 99 years for an existing leasehold.
Driving License
Driving in Uganda is often described as a series of ‘near misses’… Meaning, driving on the roads of this country can be somewhat of a nerve-wrecking experience, so prepare for battle when driving! The level of driving is poor, and is on the left of the road; whether people remember that fact is a different matter.
It seems the bigger your vehicle the better. Bull horns on the front of your car helps with intimidating other drivers, and loud horns and full-beam lights are a must.
Pedestrians are an occupational hazard of driving across Uganda, and cyclists may be a nuisance. Boda bodas – a.k.a. motorbike taxis – are common, and can be seen carrying families together.
Exchanging your License
- Visit the Uganda Revenue Authority Website at ura.go.ug
- Locate the Payment Registration link.
- Select option NTR and under Tax head, scroll down and choose Full Exchange D/P
- Continue filling all parts especially those with a red start as they are mandatory, click accept and register and then on the next page, click print
- Go to the bank you choose as your payment bank and enact your payment
- Go to any URA branch; pick the Drivers license application forms (Form A – Make sure to check box with Driving Permit Exchange and Form B – Medical form).
- Fill in the form A and take form B to the nearest eye care clinic or hospital for thorough checking on especially the eyes
- Take back the filled forms together with your bank payment receipt and drop them to the URA branch of your choice
- Go to an official driving permit processing center after the period as recommended by the URA staff
- You will be given a temporary paper driving license which will be valid for one month after which you will take it back so as to get the real driver’s license.
Healthcare
Uganda is considered a developing country, which means it lags behind in certain areas. Both alcohol consumption and the use of tobacco are huge risk factors in country. And maternal health across the region has previously been an area of concern.
Insurance Companies
- UAP: www.uapuganda.com
- Jubilee Insurance: www.jubileeinsurance.com
Hospitals
International Hospital Kampala
Address: 4686 Barnabas Road, Kampala
Tel: +256 712 200 400
International Medical Group
Tel: 0772 200 400
Website: www.img.co.ug
Kisiizi Hospital
Address: Church of Uganda, Kisiizi Hospital, P.O Box Kabale
Tel: +256 392 700 806
Website: www.kisiizihospital.org.ug
Kumi Hospital Uganda
Address: Kumi Hospital Ongino, P.O Box 9 Kumi, (U) E.A
Website: www.kumihospital.org
