Uganda was given the title “Pearl of Africa” by Winston Churchill during his adventures throughout the continent. It was gifted this name due to its breathtaking color, vegetation, the abundance of wildlife and overall beauty.
Uganda is attracting more and more expats, making it become one of the best places to live in Africa. This land has so much to offer at an extremely affordable rate, so why wouldn’t you want to live here?
Best Places to Live in Uganda for…
- Expats: Entebbe
- English Speakers: Kira
- Digital Nomads: Mbarara
- Solo Travelers: Kampala
- Couples: Fort Portal
- Groups: Gulu
Top 10 Places to Live in Uganda
1. Entebbe
Best Place to Live for Expats
Cost of Living:
$$
The perfect city to find your feet in, Entebbe offers an expat all they need. A short drive to the capital city, beaches, friendly locals, an airport, and buzzing markets. This city is a great introduction to the Ugandan lifestyle for anyone moving here.
Located on Lake Victoria, it offers a variety of water activities to explore. The area also offers land activities, such as a 5-hour guided bike tour.
Tip: Learn about the diverse ecosystem that is native to Uganda at The Uganda Wildlife Education Center
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats and Solo travellers
Pros:
- International airport access
- Many outdoor activities
- Located on Lake Victoria
Cons:
- Housing is more expensive
- Not many job opportunities
- Crowded during peak season
2. Kabale
Best Place to Live for English Speakers
Cost of Living:
$$
English is one of Uganda’s official languages, so getting around is a breeze. Kabale is a town in southwestern Uganda, known for its beautiful landscape and vibrant culture.
The area is surrounded by rolling hills, lush vegetation, and tea plantations, making it an ideal spot for hiking. Kabale offers many outdoor activities, such as gorilla safaris and jungle tours. This city is home to Lake Bunyonyi, which is the 3rd deepest lake in the world!
Tip: Cool off in the deep Lake Bunyonyi and visit the 29 little islands within it.
Who Would Like to Live There: English speakers and groups
Pros:
- Friendly people
- Beautiful scenery
- The city is kept clean
Cons:
- Limited job openings
- Far from Lake Victoria
- Very limited nightlife
3. Mbarara
Best Place to Live for Digital Nomads
Cost of Living:
$
Mbarara is found in the southwest region of Uganda and offers a cool, comfortable climate and a picturesque landscape. With a population of over 150,000, it is a growing city with plenty of amenities, but still maintains a small-town feel.
Mbarara is an affordable city to live in, which makes it perfect for digital nomads. Note that connecting to wifi shouldn’t be an issue, but the prices are more expensive than that of Uganda’s neighbouring countries.
Tip: Learn about Uganda’s cultural heritage by visiting The Igongo Cultural Centre.
Who Would Like to Live There: Digital nomads and Expats
Pros:
- Cooler climate
- Close to national parks
- Rich in culture
Cons:
- Limited infrastructure
- Internet is expensive
- Dress code is slightly more conservative
4. Kampala
Best Place to Live for Solo Travellers
Cost of Living:
$$$
As the capital and largest city in Uganda, Kampala offers a vibrant mix of culture, nightlife, and business opportunities. With a massive population that is getting larger and larger, it is the economic and cultural hub of the country.
Kampala has a wide range of shops, restaurants, and cultural events to pick from. You will never get bored in this busy city.
Tip: Visit the Uganda Museum, which has a collection of traditional artifacts.
Who Would Like to Live There: Solo travellers and expats
Pros:
- Buzzing nightlife
- Business opportunities
- Western conveniences
Cons:
- Traffic is heavy
- Air quality isn’t great
- Problem with bad drivers on the road
5. Fort Portal
Best Place to Live for Couples
Cost of Living:
$
This small city is located in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountain, the highest mountain in Uganda. Fort Portal is known for its mild climate, tranquil energy, and beautiful scenery. This makes it a popular destination for couples, retirees, and expats.
Tip: Go on a 3-Day Chimpanzee Safari and Wildlife Exploration at the Kibale Forest National Park.
Who Would Like to Live There: Couples, retirees, and expats
Pros:
- Amazing tourist attractions
- Tranquil atmosphere
- Mild climate
Cons:
- Land value is on the rise
- Infrastructure is limited
- 300km (186 miles) from Kampala
6. Gulu
Best Place to Live for Groups
Cost of Living:
$$
As a major trading center in northern Uganda, Gulu offers a bustling, vibrant, and culture-rich atmosphere. With a population of over 200,000, it is a growing city with plenty of amenities and a strong sense of community. The weather in Gulu is generally warm, with temperatures averaging in the high 20s.
Tip: Learn about the history that shouldn’t be forgotten at Fort Patiko – Baker’s Fort.
Who Would Like to Live There: Groups and Couples
Pros:
- City is expanding
- Many activities to do
- Investment opportunities are available
Cons:
- Post-conflict area
- Few job openings
- Less conveniences than Kampala
7. Tororo
Best Place to Live for Entrepreneurs
Cost of Living:
$
A city that is filled with economic potential and Victorian buildings, Tororo is an amazing place to visit. This city is known for its thunderstorms, which is a unique phenomenon that occurs due to the mineral-rich land. If you have a knack for business and want to create a company, then Tororo is the perfect spot to settle
Tip: Hike up Tororo rock, which formed due to volcanic activity many years ago
Who Would Like to Live There: Entrepreneurs and Couples
Pros:
- Economic potential
- Highly affordable
- Friendly locals
Cons:
- Nightlife isn’t large
- Many industrial buildings
- Limited activities
8. Jinja
Best Place to Live for Adventure Bunnies
Cost of Living:
$$
Known as the “adventure capital” of Uganda, Jinja offers white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and other adrenaline-pumping activities. It is located in the Eastern region of Uganda and sits at the source of the Nile river. This city has recently become one of the busiest commercial areas in Uganda, resulting in many expats relocating here.
Tip: Go on a boat ride to visit the source of the Nile River – Speke monument.
Who Would Like to Live There: Adventure bunnies and expats
Pros:
- Variety of water sports
- Commercial opportunities arising
- Bustling nightlife
Cons:
- Fast-paced lifestyle
- Property prices could rise
- Influx of people moving here
9. Mbale
Best Place to Live for Country Hoppers
Cost of Living:
$
Mbale is located in the Eastern Region of Uganda, which is convenient if you want to visit Kenya’s popular cities. It is known for its agriculture, tourism opportunities, as well as the popular Kadodi dance.
Mbale is also known for its coffee plantations, so many coffee lovers find themselves making their way here. The city has a beautiful climate and many scenic landmarks to explore.
Tip: Trek through Mount Elgon National Park, which is home to the world’s largest caldera!
Who Would Like to Live There: Country Hoppers, coffee lovers and Groups
Pros:
- Stunning scenery to explore
- Easy access to Kenya
- Many cultural experiences
Cons:
- High population growth
- Unemployment
- Waste management is overloaded
10. Arua
Best Place to Live for Laidback Travelers
Cost of Living:
$
Arua is a town located in North-Western Uganda, 19 kilometers from the Democratic Republic of Congo border. This city is still developing, which means housing and amenities are very affordable, but it doesn’t have as many luxuries. Arua offers a peaceful lifestyle and some modern conveniences, such as an airport.
Tip: Head to Club Matonge and enjoy live Congolese music
Who Would Like to Live There: Laidback travellers and couples
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Access to local markets and produce
- Scenic beauty and access to nearby attractions
Cons:
- Not much nightlife
- Isolated from rest of Uganda
- Smaller expat community