Where to live, schools, security & daily life
| Kampala is one of East Africa’s most dynamic cities, a place of warm hospitality, good food, and a comfortable social lifestyle. But relocating here requires local knowledge. This guide walks you through every major decision, from understanding how to ship your belongings, knowing what your daily life will look like, where to call home to where your children will go to school and security. |
1. Choosing where to live in Kampala
Kampala is built across a series of hills, and each neighbourhood has its own character. Expats tend to cluster in a handful of well-serviced areas with good security, reliable infrastructure and proximity to international schools.
| Neighbourhood | Character & Best For |
| Kololo | Very prestigious. Home many embassies, top restaurants, and close to Acacia Mall. Highest rents but best infrastructure. |
| Nakasero | Central business area. Quiet residential streets and close tocity amenities. |
| Entebbe | Easy access to the airport. Relaxed pace. Clean and quiet neighborhood. |
| Muyenga | Hillside suburb with stunning Lake Victoria views. Vibrant social scene. |
| Naguru | Located between Kololo and Ntinda, with Kamapala Parents School being its best academic facilities. |
| Ntinda | More affordable. Good to grow a community. |
| Lubowa | Popular with international families and home to the International School of Uganda (ISU) |
Nellions Tip
Always factor in your commute time, Kampala traffic is still high because of the road construction to improve on the transport system. Getting across the city during peak hours can easily add an hour or more to your journey. Living close to your workplace or your children’s school is one of the most practical decisions you will make.
2. International schools in Kampala
Kampala has a strong selection of international schools catering to international residents’ families. The city offers American, British and IB curriculum options.
- International School of Uganda (ISU) – American curriculum, Grades K-12, located in Lubowa.
- Kampala International School Uganda (KISU) – IB curriculum, located in Bukoto.
- Galaxy International School –British IGCSE curriculum, located in Lubowa.
- Rainbow International School – British curriculum, located in Kansanga. Good option for primary age children.
- Aga Khan Primary School- Part of the Aga Khan Education Services network.
3. Security in Kampala
Kampala can be safe for anyone who takes the right precautions. For international residents relocating to Kampala, planning is essential to improve personal safety and convenience. Here are key tips for day-to-day safety:
- Avoid movement at night, especially without any company.
- Use trusted means of transport with app-based service providers like Safeboda, Faras or Uber.
- Keep a low profile when moving with valuables and avoid moving with large amounts of cash.
- Choose housing in a gated compound with 24-hour security as opposed to a standalone property.
4. Shipping your household goods to Kampala
Sea freight is the standard choice for international residents relocating to Kampala with a full household. It is significantly more affordable than air freight and can accommodate everything from sofas and wardrobes to kitchen appliances and children’s bicycles.
Because Uganda has no coastline, all sea shipments arrive first at Mombasa port in Kenya which is the most commonly used entry point or at Dar es Salaam port in Tanzania. From Mombasa port, your items travel approximately 1,200km by road to Kampala. Air freight is mostly used for urgent or high-value items because it is more expensive.
5. Daily life, what to expect
Kampala offers a lifestyle that surprises many. The city has well-stocked supermarkets, modern malls and a lively restaurant scene. Healthcare has improved significantly with facilities that offer high-quality private care.
6. Healthcare
Healthcare quality in Kampala varies significantly. Public hospitals are less equipt underfunded and even under staffed, foreigners use private facilities exclusively. The best private options are International Hospital Kampala (IHK), Nakasero Hospital, Aga Khan Hospital, Ruby Hospital and The Surgery, all of which offer care approaching regional standards for routine, moderate and severe cases.
7. Food & Grocery Shopping
Kampala has a modern and well-stocked retail scene alongside excellent traditional markets. For imported goods, international brands, and familiar products from home, the main supermarket chains are Carrefour, Capital Shoppers, and Quality Supermarket all found in or near major malls. Online grocery delivery is available through various apps like Glovo and Jumia Uganda.
For imported fresh produce, Nakasero Market is the go-to destination for international residents. Here, fruit, vegetables, and fresh herbs are purchased at a fraction of supermarket prices. Ugandan fruits and vegetables are found in markets like Nakawa and Ntinda.
8. Restaurants & Nightlife
In Kampala, the dining scene is filled high-quality Italian, Indian, Chinese, Ethiopian, and Middle Eastern restaurants alongside Ugandan cuisine. Cafe Javas is one of the most popular local restaurant chains, with multiple locations across the city. The nightlife scene is vibrant, with bars, clubs, and live music venues concentrated in areas like Kololo, Bugolobi, Entebbe and Munyonyo. For quieter evenings, there are cinemas like Century Cinemax, art galleries, and theatre performances across the city.
