Options for teaching in Uganda
From elementary and secondary public schools to international schools and language centers, there are a wide variety of teaching jobs for overseas educators across all subjects and experience levels.
Certified teaching jobs in Uganda
International schools in Uganda
Certified teachers looking for opportunities to teach in Uganda can do so in international schools. Teaching jobs are available at the preschool through high school level. The majority of international schools are located in Kampala, the capital of Uganda or Lubowa, Jinja, Lira and Gulu.
For international schools in Uganda, the school year runs from September to June, following a typical North American calendar.
English teaching jobs in Uganda
Private language schools in Uganda
Demand is high for English teachers in Uganda, meaning English teaching jobs can be found in language schools across the country, with students of all ages.
Requirements to teach in Uganda
Teaching English in Uganda – Requirements for ESL teachers
Typically, the minimum requirements to land a job in a private language school in Uganda include a bachelor’s degree, native English proficiency and a TEFL certificate. Teaching experience, while considered an asset, is not strictly required.
Teaching in Uganda – Requirements for certified teachers
Teachers looking to teach at an international school in Uganda, such as Galaxy International School, should hold a bachelor’s degree, a teaching license and at least two years of relevant, full-time teaching experience.
Salary and benefits while teaching in Uganda
Most international schools in Uganda offer a lucrative benefits package on top of your monthly salary as well as free flights, medical insurance and housing.
Teaching Benefit Type | Teaching Benefit Details |
---|---|
Monthly salary | $1,700/month |
Accommodation | Provided |
Airfare & baggage allowance | Provided |
Working hours | Up to 40 hours/week, 5 days a week |
Vacation | June-August plus all national holidays |
Health insurance | Provided |
Visas for overseas teachers in Uganda
Living in Uganda
From UNESCO World Heritage sites and national parks to waterfalls, lakes and rolling mountains, Uganda justifiably has a reputation for being one of the best tourist hotspots in the world. If you’re into seeing some mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, then Remote Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an unmissable experience. And as Uganda situated on the Equator, you’ll also get to bask in Uganda’s beautiful tropical climate, consists of mostly sunny days and blue skies.
The cost of living in Uganda, even in cities like Kampala, is relatively low, especially in comparison to most Western cities, making it a great option for overseas teachers. The biggest costs incurred living in Uganda tend to be housing (which may be covered by your school) and transport. Uber has recently arrived in the capital, Kampala, and is generally much more affordable than their traditional taxi counterparts. On any given night, Kampala becomes a thriving hotspot. Bars and clubs cheek by jowl, vie for your attention.
Most Ugandan locals speak English to some degree which makes communicating for expat teachers vastly easier. However, we do recommend you learn some basic Swahili phrases to help you get by prior to relocating to Uganda. And don’t worry about being a newcomer in Uganda – the country was recently named the friendliest country in the world!
Your new teaching adventure is waiting
Apply now to teach in Uganda
Uganda at a glance
Country information
Capital: Kampala
Language: English, Swahili
Population: 41.5 million
Currency: Ugandan shilling
Government: Presidential republic
Major religion: Indigenous religions, Islam and Christianity
Climate: Tropical and rainy with two dry seasons (December - February and June - August), semiarid in the northeast
Quick facts
Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa, bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the DRC, to the southwest by Rwanda and to the south by Tanzania.
Coffee accounts for about 20% of Uganda’s total exports.
Uganda has a wealth of natural resources, including copper, gold and oil.
The southern part of Uganda includes a substantial portion of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake.
Education has been identified as key to eliminating poverty in Uganda. The national adult literacy rate rose from 68% in 2002 to 74% in 2015, while the youth literacy rate has hit a new high of 87%.
Almost half of Uganda’s population is under the age of 14, making it one of the youngest countries in the world.
Uganda is visited by over 800,000 tourists each year.