Find Out How to Get a Job and Work in Uganda

Employment in Uganda

Economic Overview

Currently, Uganda’s economic freedom score is 59.7, which puts the country’s economy as 92nd within the 2015 index.

From 2006, the country of Uganda’s GDP growth has slowed from 7% down to an average of around 5%. However, Uganda has a positive economic outlook, despite its risks. According to the World Bank, an increase in public investment should increase Uganda’s economic growth to a rate of around 6.2% in 2015, which should maintain the economy’s upward trajectory over the next couple of years.

It’s predicated that Uganda’s main source of economic growth will spring from the construction sector, as the country has been investing in several significant infrastructure projects. The bulk of Uganda’s labor force is employed in the agricultural sector, which at the moment seems unlikely to reach high-level growth rates due to constraints on the supply side – including low levels of mechanization and a lack of irrigation systems.

Work Permits for Uganda

All foreign nationals must carefully choose the correct work permit before completing their application. If you wish to work in Uganda, it is absolutely essential that you acquire a work permit before commencing work – regardless of whether you are working for financial gain or on a voluntary basis.

There are seven main types of work permit for working in Uganda. These are:

• Class A and A2 apply to government and diplomatic service workers, and government contractors
• Class B for those wishing to invest in the agricultural industry
• Class C applies to mining
• Class D for applicants who wish to conduct business or trade 
• Class E for manufacturers who wish to establish or invest in a Ugandan manufacturing business 
• Class F applies to working professionals who wish to practice their profession in Uganda
• Class G1 and G2 for volunteers, missionaries, and NGO workers

Pay close attention to the requirements of each work visa, as these vary depending on the type of permit you need. For more information on the different types of work permits available, visit the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Job Hunting in Uganda

Uganda already welcomes a growing community of foreign expats, particularly those who work with management consultancies and NGOs.

With so many great online resources to choose from, you should hopefully be able to find a job to suit your skill level. Some of the websites you can use to search for jobs include:

• Uganda Jobline Jobs
• Jobs.co.ug
• Kazijobs
• Great Uganda Jobs
• Career Jet

If English is your native language, you may also choose to work in Uganda as an English teacher. There are usually quite a lot of opportunities available at any one time, and you can find English teaching jobs using the following resources:

• ESL Employment
• Total ESL
• Tesall
• ESL Café

You can also visit the website of the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development, which may answer any questions you have while you are searching for employment in the country.