The prospect of relocating to an African country with your family for work or a temporary stay can sometimes be met with pessimistic attitudes, especially by those who haven’t been to enjoy the range and quality of housing options. Uganda is commonly referred to as ‘the pearl of Africa’ owing to the beauty of amazing tourist destinations and natural marvels, from Lake Victoria and River Nile to the abundant wildlife and diversity. 

The country also has much to offer as a destination for expatriates and employees relocating for work with aid organizations, NGOs or an adventure experience. According to the World Bank, Uganda’s economy is steadily improving and actively mobilizing public investment and revenue to develop human capital development drivers, such as healthcare, to sustain resilience and achieve inclusive growth. Agriculture is the main economic activity and the country’s oil and energy industries are attracting foreign investors from all over the world.

Whether for work, vacation, or retirement, choosing to move to Uganda with your family has challenges and opportunities. Discover the essential aspects of moving to Uganda and how Nellions provides comprehensive destination support for families, from real estate screening to residential house shifting services.

Joining the Expat Community in Uganda

Living in Uganda as an expatriate with children can be described as exotic, extreme, and much different from living in New York or London; the people naturally drift toward each other in community spirit. Given that expats earn significantly higher salaries than the rest of Ugandans, it makes sense that they are clustered in high-end neighborhoods of Kampala and Jinja with bigger houses and premium access to quality outdoor space and social amenities.

While immersing oneself in the local culture and people has proven to be a more fulfilling experience, expatriates sometimes relocate with family to Uganda because they want to enjoy kinship from raising children or living with a spouse from home. Expatriate communities are typically small in Uganda, and you might have to count on school or the gym or events for like-minded expats such as fitness walks or wildlife safaris to make acquaintances and possibly befriend your neighbors.

Uganda is a suitable environment to move in with your family as you can enjoy more spacious accommodation that is more affordable than you would usually have back home. The amazing weather in Uganda owing to its position on the Equator confers a sunny and warm climate with well-distributed rainy seasons suitable for outdoor activity that is favorable for raising adventurous children.

Depending on your budget and personal preferences regarding family and lifestyle, you can live in any of the following top neighborhoods in Kampala;

Kololo

• Safe and secure gated community
• Round-the-clock security
• Expect embassies and diplomatic enclaves and multiple other housing choices including apartments and executive mansions when shifting to Kololo.

Naguru

• Located on a hill and provides stunning views of trees and greenery 
• Host to many international schools, multiple hospitals, and residents can access most social amenities for a life of convenience
• Communities are strictly regulated and many diplomats and high-ranking government officials prefer shifting to Naguru due its posh vibe. 

Ntinda

• Tight security, gated community
• Most amenities are easily accessible once you relocate to Ntinda
• In close proximity to about three universities.

Munyonyo

•  Preferred for international conferences and meetings to hosting major resorts in the country
• Expatriates prefer shifting to Munyonyo because it is one of the fastest growing neighborhoods preferred by expatriates.

Lubowa  

• Well-known for its churches and international schools. 
• Great for Christian families searching for safe, secure neighborhoods
• Another benefit that draws many newcomers moving to Lubowa is its proximity to the city’s economic district. The accommodations here are lovely, spacious, and also a tad pricey but worth the lifestyle change.

Nakasero

• When it comes to city life, the Nakasero area is unmatched, offering a wealth of commercial, leisure, and business prospects
• Movers to Nakasero  can expect a bustling and vibrant neighborhood at night, best enjoyed if you reside higher up in an apartment building with beautiful nighttime views.

Muyenga

• Posh suburb located southeast of Kampala and about 8 km from the Central Business District
• Hosts high-end residential developments and units for commercial services.
• Popular neighborhoods to expect when shifting to Muyenga include Palm Villas Munyonyo, Bunga, Kiwafu Estate, and Bukasa, among others. 

Giving Your Children a Better Life in Uganda

Many expatriates commend the strong sense of community and the spirit of adventure, freedom, risk-taking, and responsibility afforded by kids raised in Uganda compared to their counterparts in Western countries. Even as a developing country, Uganda is still relatively free of the demands and high-technology lifestyle of the West, meaning they are less exposed to social media standards, fashion, and celebrity fandom and can still have a golden childhood.

Education and healthcare are the primary considerations for giving your children a better life after moving with them to Uganda.

Many international schools in Uganda offer American, British, and French International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula, including Ambrosoli International School, Kampala international School Uganda (KISU), the Aga Khan High School, and the International School of Uganda. These schools provide high educational standards and extracurricular offerings to help your children continue their education with a familiar curriculum while enjoying cultural diversity.

Healthcare facilities are equipped with modern technology and highly qualified medical professionals, delivering services from general care to specialized treatments. Major hospitals in Uganda include International Hospital Kampala, Nakasero Hospital, Paragon Hospital, and the St. Francis Hospital Nsambya.

Most foreigners prefer private clinics and hospitals, where hygienic standards are more excellent, and treatment is covered by health insurance rather than the public health care system. Depending on your company’s employee relocation benefits policy, most expatriates opt for an international insurance plan covering emergency medical evacuation.

The Cost of Living in Uganda

Expatriates are mainly attracted by the low cost of living in Uganda, with Kampala ranked the most affordable city compared to Nairobi, Doha and Cairo. Opening a bank account in the capital is simple; however, you must complete the international relocation of your belongings to provide valid proof of a Ugandan address in your application. While you may begin the bank account application process online after signing home paperwork and settling at work, you might be asked to visit the bank in person to finish setting up.

As a tropical country, Uganda has favorable weather for growing cereals, fruits, and vegetables. These foodstuffs are affordable and readily available in local grocery stores and open-air markets in major towns. If you choose a residential unit with a garden and have the skill and inclination, you can easily grow most of the food yourself.

Understanding Family Immigration Laws in Uganda

Uganda’s family immigration laws provided and reinforced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs provides a legal framework and procedure for legal residents to relocate and live with their families in Uganda. The relative, already a citizen or legal resident, must usually sponsor their family members by demonstrating their ability to accommodate and support them financially during their stay.

The various immigration permits depend on the circumstances and duration of stay, from residency permits, work permits, student or dependent passes with different terms and conditions. They can also be renewed or extended if family members opt to stay past the validity period. Even though challenges like budget constraints, communication problems, and administrative delays may occur, applicants can lessen these difficulties by contracting legal support and taking advantage of the available resources and support systems.

Uganda’s immigration policy strongly emphasizes reunifying families across borders, reflecting the nation’s dedication to social integration and family values.

Nellions’ Comprehensive Destination Support Services

Regarding moving with family to Uganda, Nellions acts on Uganda Customs’ with port authorities and shipping routes, effectively countering most of the challenges relocating brings, especially for families. We deliver your belongings, unpack, assemble furniture, and mount fine art on your behalf if required. We are certified by the International Association of Movers with qualified and experienced staff, and global quality standards govern our moves.

Suppose the immigration clearance process is complete before your lease agreement, or you have more belongings than you initially expected, we can provide secure temporary storage for your goods until you are ready. We are the trusted choice for expatriates, UN and EU employees, multinationals relocating employees, and Ugandans returning home from abroad. From mundane moving tasks to bigger projects, it will be our pleasure to assist you.Moving to Uganda with family? Reach out to us.