Uganda

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Interesting Facts

  • The origin of the longest river in the world, the Nile River, is in Uganda.
  • Winston Chirchil called Uganda “the pearl of Africa”
  • The Ruwenzori mountains in Uganda are home to highly endangered mountain gorillas
  • Motorcycle taxis in Uganda are called “Boda-Bodas” (derived from “Border-Border”).
  • Yoweri Museveni, Uganda’s President, has been in power since 1986.
  • Oil was discovered in Uganda in 2006.
  • Despotic former President, Idi Amin, gave himself the title, ‘His Excellency, President for Life. Field Marshal Al Hadji Doctor Idi Amin Dada, VC, DCO, MC, Lord of All the Beasts of the Earth and Fishes of the Seas and Conqueror of the British Empire in Africa in General and Uganda in Particular”.

Key Market Alerts

  • Rentals in Kampala are paid either bi-annually or annually, in advance.
  • The cost of living in Kampala is fairly low when compared to other East African cities.
  • Uganda is a conservative society – homosexuality is illegal and is punishable by a prison sentence.
  • Malaria is endemic throughout Uganda.

An Overview of Uganda

Uganda’s economy has enjoyed high levels of economic growth which is expected to continue at a steady pace. Uganda’s major exports include coffee, fish and fish products, tea, tobacco, cotton, corn, beans, and sesame.

Kampala is Uganda’s capital and its commercial centre. The city has a population of 1.66 million people.

Living in Kampala

Following a period of civil war and political unrest in the 1980s, under Idi Amin, Uganda has enjoyed a period of relative peace and stability. Since the discovery of oil in 2006, the population of expatriates in Uganda has increased as oil companies, and supporting industries arrive. Kampala is responding to this increase in expatriates by constructing more shopping malls, increasing the goods and services available.

Expats tend to find living in Uganda an enriching experience – from the hospitality of Ugandans to the country’s incredible natural beauty. The adjustment is easier for English speakers as this is the country’s official language.

Housing in Kampala

New developments are being built, including luxury and expatriate quality housing – particularly in the areas of Muyenga, Kololo, Ntinda, Naalya, Naguru, Bukoto, Kamwokya and Lubowa. Expatriates in Kampala favour the city centre and the newer developments towards the outskirts of the city. Types of housing available in Kampala range from apartments, to maisonettes to free-standing houses. Rentals vary according to area.

Schooling in Kampala

The education system in Uganda consists of pre-primary, primary, secondary and tertiary education and there are a number of UK, French and American international schools.



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