Uganda: Job Opportunities, Visa Requirements, and Volunteering Options for Expats

Are you interested in working in Uganda, a beautiful and diverse country in East Africa? If so, you may be wondering how to find a job, get a visa, and settle in. This guide will give you some tips and advice on how to work in Uganda as an expat.

Uganda offers a range of job opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and telecommunications. It is advisable to research the job market and connect with local recruitment agencies or online platforms to explore available positions. Additionally, understanding the visa requirements and obtaining the necessary work permits will be crucial for a smooth transition into working life in Uganda.

Finding a job

There are many job opportunities in Uganda, especially in the fields of NGO, diplomacy, oil, and teaching.  Kampala is the home base of the Malaria Consortium a large NGO that works to combat malaria. The organisation sometimes hires many people at once.

However, there is also a lot of competition, and the government enacted new laws in June 2012 that limit the employment of foreign nationals by NGOs. The aim is to give more opportunities to Ugandans who have the required skills and qualifications. NGOs have to justify their reasons for hiring expats convincingly.
Therefore, the best way to find a job in Uganda is to:

• Come in person: It is much more effective and attractive to potential employers if you show up in person and start looking for a job, rather than sending your CV online from abroad. Try to identify some organisations of interest and contact them before you arrive, and have enough savings to cover your living expenses for the first few months.
• Network: The expat community in Kampala, the capital city, is very small and close-knit. You can easily meet people who work in your field of interest and find out about job openings through social events, cafes, and online groups. You can also use LinkedIn to connect with professionals living and working in Kampala.
• Check job websites and newspapers: There are some websites and newspapers that post job vacancies in Uganda, both for local and international organisations. Some of the most popular ones are: ReliefWeb, Idealist, DevelopmentAid, UN Jobs, Uganda Jobline, and Future Options. And don’t forget to check newspapers (and their online versions) such as the Daily Monitor, New Vision, and Observer that also have job sections. You can also check our job listings for more opportunities.
• Go door to door: Another effective way to get your CV noticed and make some contacts is to visit the offices of the organisations you are interested in and hand in your CV in person. This can help you find short-term or freelance jobs or get your CV saved for future openings.

Getting a Visa and Work Permit

If you plan to work in Uganda, you will need to apply for a work permit, which costs around $250 USD and should be paid by your employer. You will also need to provide some documents, such as your passport, academic records, and a letter from your organisation explaining why they need you. The work permit can take up to three months to process, so you will need to keep your entry visa updated in the meantime.

Please see the official Uganda Immigration website for more information.

If you are volunteering in Uganda and not getting paid, you do not need a work permit, but you can stay on a tourist visa. If you are volunteering for longer than three months, you can apply for a special pass, which costs around 300,000 UGX and gives you an extension of three months.

If you have any visa issues or need to renew or change your visa status, you can visit one of the two immigration offices in Kampala, located at plot 75 on Jinja Road and at Port Bell 11. The Port Bell office is smaller and less busy, and the officers there may be more lenient.

Volunteering

Many people come to Uganda to volunteer, especially with Christian organisations. Volunteering is a good way to spend your time while looking for paid work and to gain some experience and skills. There are many volunteer organisations in Uganda, but here are a few examples:

• Sanyu Babies Home: This is the oldest and largest baby home in Kampala, and it welcomes volunteers who can help with taking care of the babies. You can volunteer here for one week to six months.
• Watoto Church: This is a large and popular church in Kampala, and it has many volunteer opportunities in various areas, such as education, health, and community development. You can check their website for current vacancies.
• Mulago Hospital and International Hospital Kampala (IHK): These are two of the major hospitals in Kampala, and they often need medical staff and trainees. If you have medical qualifications from a respected institution, you can contact them and arrange some work experience.

PSST: We are happy to announce Here in Uganda, it has been listed on 90 Best Uganda Blogs and Websites on Feedspot..com

We hope this article has been helpful to you. However, we understand that everyone’s experience is unique and there may be aspects we haven’t covered. If you have any additional insights or experiences about working in Uganda that you’d like to share, please leave a comment below. Your input could be invaluable to others looking to work in Uganda. We look forward to hearing from you!

We wish you all the best in your job search and career.