Uganda — often referred to as the ‘Pearl of Africa’ — is a landlocked country located in East Africa. Moving to Uganda will expose you to a wealth of diverse music, food, social life, arts and crafts. It is made up of four main regions: Central, Eastern, Northern and Western. It has over 30 different indigenous languages and has a population of over 42 million people. Uganda has a rapid economic and population growth rate. Its main Capital city is Kampala and its main airport is Entebbe International airport. Uganda is also a major tourist attraction destination, with mountains, Lakes, rivers, national parks & game reserves, monuments and museums to visit.
Uganda has a welcoming environment for trade and business both to the local people and foreigners. As such, there is widespread migration to Kampala at the moment, leading to increased business opportunities and labour force participation.
Here are a few things you need to know about moving to Uganda:
- Climate
Uganda has a warm tropical climate with the months from December to February being the hottest. With that said, there are some cold months with temperatures dropping to as low as 17 degrees celsius especially from June to August. When preparing to move to Uganda, look up the season and pack your clothing appropriately. Or better yet, visit some of their vendors to vest yourself with some local garb.
- Visas
Single entry visas to Uganda are valid for a period of three months from the date of issue. Multiple entry visas can also be obtained for six months. You must apply at the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Kampala if you wish to extend your multiple entry visa ( to 12, 24, or 36 months). Uganda’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control under the country’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has an Electronic Visa Application system that allows one to easily apply for a visa to the country.
Uganda also has a visa exemption policy for citizens of 37 countries. The countries include:
Uganda currently maintains 31 Embassies and High Commissions oversees as well as 41 consulates. On the other hand, its capital city, Kampala, is home to 43 embassies and high commissions, in addition to 41 consulates.
- Business Environment
Uganda’s stability combined with a vibrant workforce creates an environment that is conducive for business. As a foreigner wishing to start business in Uganda, you need a visa and a passport. You also need to apply for an investment license, which stipulates the limitations placed upon you in regards to what businesses you can and cannot do in Uganda. The national corporation tax rate is 30%.
- Living in Uganda
Being new in Uganda, you may not know your way around. You can use a realtor to help you secure a place to live, but take care to only use realtors of good repute.
You can easily navigate through its major cities using Uber or other taxi services. If you’re of the adventurous spirit, you can have a thrill on local public transport.
- Language
Uganda’s official languages are Swahili and English but Luganda is the most widespread lingua franca. You can learn the basics especially Swahili, which is a major language spoken by citizens in Eastern Africa. Learning some Luganda words will help reduce the miscommunication and language barrier.
What does the process of making an international move to Uganda look like?
International moving is a process laden with uncertainty and lingering confusion. As such, making an international move is a process that needs to be thought out well ahead of time. Involving a moving company certainly eases the stress, but there’s a lot more that you need to personally look into:
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Allocate a moving budget
As one may expect, international moving gets rather pricey due to logistics. While most people have enough money to cover the costs they anticipate, other incidental costs do arise. These may include: hiked fares, rescheduling flights, fines and other emergencies that arise in the process. The best practice is to have about 30% more money than your budget requires to cater for any incidentals.
Besides the actual move, it is prudent to research the cost of living in Uganda so as to plan your finances.
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Renew your passport and apply for a visa
You need to have a valid passport in order to enter Uganda. If your country is not on the list of Uganda’s visa exemptions, you will also need a visa to gain entry.
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Plan ahead for health care
Uganda’s tropical climate harbors illnesses that are not common everywhere else in the world. You may need vaccination against such illnesses like malaria and yellow fever before going there. Find out from your insurance provider if you’re covered while in Uganda, and carry your medical records. If you’re on any prescription drugs, find out if you can access them locally. If unavailable, you’ll need to make arrangements how to get the medication while in Uganda.
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Do your research
Moving to a new country is one thing, but living there is another. In order to make Uganda work for you, you will need to research the following things:
- Shipping vs. Storage vs. Selling/Give away
Will you store your items in your home country, ship to your new home, sell or give away to family or friends? You need to calculate the logistics for each option. Find out whether you can buy must-have items in your new country. Remember, the less you carry, the less costly it is.
- Transportation
Will you be driving in Uganda? Acquiring a Ugandan driving license requires one to present their passport, a valid visa (at least 1 year), work permit, dependant pass, or student pass.
Another thing to consider is whether your new house is easily accessible through public transport. This is important if you plan to hire household help that commutes daily.
- Culture
Get acclimated to the culture before the move. Research on the history of the country, how the government operates, read up on its social norms and rules of etiquette. Research on the nation’s belief to avoid accidentally disrespecting or offending people.
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Contact your bank and phone providers
Inform your current bank and credit card Company of your travel dates, and consider getting an international credit card to avoid foreign transaction fees. You should also research banks in Kampala and find out what paperwork you’ll need to set up a savings or checking account. Inform your current bank to make payments for outstanding bills and loans.
Since international cell phone plans can get costly, we also suggest asking your carrier to unlock your smartphone ahead of your trip. Once you are in Uganda, you can purchase a SIM card from a local carrier and replace it with the one in your phone. Local mobile network operators in Uganda are; MTN Uganda, Airtel Uganda, Uganda Telecom, Africell Uganda, Smile Telecom, K2 Telecom, Vodafone Uganda and Lycamobile Uganda
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Make copies of important documents.
These include your passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, and immunization records. You might need them when you least expect it, and it will make your life much less stressful if you can easily access them.
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Contact utilities about your move
These are among the first people you should contact. We all have different services installed in our homes. Amenities such as Internet, Cable, electricity etc. are services we pay for regularly. Inform your service providers that you will be moving so that they don’t continue charging you.
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Take care of your paperwork
You can change your address and update your driver’s license and your car registration after having settled in your new home, but certain issues need to be taken care of prior to your move for instance:
- Notify your employer (and your landlord, if relevant) of your imminent relocation as soon as possible and take care of the related paperwork (end contracts and lease agreements, get letters of reference, etc.);
- Contact your children’s school and your family physician and retrieve all the necessary school records and medical records;
- Put your financial documents in order (transfer your bank accounts, notify your insurer and your credit card company of your move, etc.);
- Arrange for the shipment of your pets and your motor vehicles;
- Buy plane tickets for your trip to your new home or have your car serviced in case you are going to drive to your final destination.
The advice above will help make your move to Uganda less stressful.
Above all else, ensure that you hire a reputable moving company to help you with this next phase of your life.
Your adventure in the Pearl of Africa awaits…
Happy moving
