Living in Uganda

Living In Uganda The Easy and Cheapest Way

There are many people who are looking for the means of living in Uganda. On this page i will guide on how to secure the easiest way to live and work in Uganda

After several months beating about the bush, you may decide to come and live in Uganda The best palace to live will be Kampala because it has everything you need in terms of internet and telecommunications capabilities but is also the safest in the whole country.

How to get a visa or a working permit in Uganda?

Getting a tourist visa to Uganda is incredibly easy. However, it should be noted that if one receives a multiple entry visa, according to the Ugandan government that only means that the person is allowed to enter Uganda constantly throughout the visa's length. The longest stay on such a visa is only 30 days, though extensions can be obtained through the immigration office with a little bit of hassle.

A work visa is much more difficult and it’s actually hard to obtain such a visa because Uganda requires that anyone wanting to work in the country must be sponsored by a Ugandan company or at least a company with a Ugandan presence.

The process for such a permit is a lot more involved requiring letters of entry and descriptions of your function in the country; the requirements are all listed online but it is still sometimes necessary to contact the embassy because some things you may feel fulfill the requirements actually do not.

It is also possible to obtain a "special pass" to work in the country and the immigration department can provide information for this but it still requires information on your work in the country.

-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

As a former British colony, the vast majority of Ugandans speak English to at least an elementary degree and so it is not difficult to get by if you are coming from an English speaking country.

However, most locals express themselves just as well if not better in their tribal dialect, the most common of which in Kampala is Lugandan, with Kiswahili spoken widely throughout the country.

Being able to speak even a few basic phrases in the local language immediately separates you from the majority of foreigners who are in the country for tourism and know nothing of the language.

This difference can often aid in price negotiations and ingratiates you to the population. As for local customs, it is of course imperative for expats to respect these but there are very few that would be considered an imposition.

This is particularly true in the larger urban areas where customs are more in line with international sensibilities. In rural, local areas there will be more expectations but usually, as a foreigner little is expected of you and participation often goes a long way

-What is the cost of living in Uganda?

While Kampala can be expensive it is not unmanageable.

Often those that complain about prices are eating out regularly and at the nicer places or drinking at expat friendly bars. If one is willing to go to local places and eat in more questionable establishments it is much cheaper.

Also, while it may be comforting and less overwhelming to gravitate towards malls, chain stores, and recognizable names, these are also usually much more expensive.

Shopping in local markets and with street vendors will be hectic at first but once haggling becomes second nature you will get generally the same quality for a much lower price.

Finally, tourism activities are always going to be more expensive. Fifteen safaris are going to add up quickly and while you may want to experience "Africa," remember that the experience is the well-developed industry in Africa and the prices reflect the demand.

-What do you think about the Ugandan people as far as leaving in Uganda is concerned?

Ugandans are like any other people. Most are at least polite and helpful, some are overwhelmingly nice and others are standoffish like in any other country.

You will never really fee unwelcome in Uganda. As the tourist industry is well-established in Uganda, most locals are at least tactful to foreigners, though they are not above price gouging if the opportunity arises.

Conclusion

Most importantly, do not fall into the trap of believing that because it is Africa there is nothing.

With the exception of specific brand names and some types of food, there is nothing in the country that you cannot get.

There is no need to pack fourteen bags of stuff no matter how long you'll be living in Uganda.

Do make sure you get all your vaccinations and take your malaria pills because you never really know when you are being exposed to disease. Don't rely on guide books, they can help you but conditions change so regularly that even the most recent guides can be wrong about critical items.

Ask the local population about anything you have questions on, trying to figure it out yourself can be done but usually there is an obvious way that leads you through a maze of bureaucrats and hassles and then there is a faster way that everybody knows but nobody explains unless you ask.

Do not expect to pay for anything with credit cards except for the most expensive hotel rooms.

If you will be in country for an extended period, open a local bank account because wiring money is an expensive pain.

Do not be afraid of public transportation, even the motorbike taxis, it may look dangerous and is but driving conditions are dangerous no matter what you are on and public transport will teach you not just about the city's layout but about the population as well. Be careful about drinking water.

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