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The Republic of Uganda, known as the “Pearl of Africa”, is located along the equator and is roughly the size of Oregon with an estimated population of 50 million.  Uganda is divided into three principal geographic areas: a fertile plateau, lowland swamps, and a semi-desert region. Ugandan weather is very beautiful all year round with great organic food grown in different parts of the country. Most produce is grown on small family farms using traditional methods, which means the flavors are naturally bold, clean, and vibrant.

 Uganda’s countryside is a tapestry of serene beauty. As you travel beyond the towns, the landscape opens into vast green hills that rise and fall like gentle waves, dotted with banana plantations, tea estates, and family farms. The air feels fresher, cleaner, and sweeter, often carrying the scent of rain on warm soil. Near wetlands and lakes, especially around Lake Victoria and the crater lakes of western Uganda, the countryside becomes even more magical—misty mornings, glassy water reflecting the sky, and birds everywhere: crested cranes, kingfishers, herons, and sunbirds flashing bright colors. This  peacefulness, natural richness, and  warmth of rural life make Uganda’s countryside truly unforgettable.

The capital, Kampala, is centrally located on the shores of Lake Victoria, which forms part of the southern border.  English is the official language. 

President Yoweri Museveni has led Uganda since 1986, following decades of internal strife, and is currently campaigning for another five-year term, with elections held in January 2026. Under Museveni, Uganda has experienced relative political stability and economic growth. However, Uganda faces significant challenges that could affect future stability, including rapid population growth, infrastructure and power constraints, corruption, underdeveloped democratic institutions, and increasing human rights abuses. 

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) government has increasingly restricted civil society activity, freedom of expression and association, political competition, and the media.  Economic and political pressures to create jobs and allow fair political competition have led to violent unrest in recent years.  Uganda's exponential population growth and high poverty rates continue to strain government services, particularly in education and health. 

Uganda is ethnically diverse, with over 56 ethnic groups and more than 40 languages, most of which fall into three major language families - Bantu, Nilotic, and Central Sudanic.  

Uganda has long been a regional partner with the United States in East Africa and shares U.S. interests in combatting terrorism and promoting stability. Uganda hosts 1.4 million refugees - the world's 3rd largest refugee population - and the leading troop contributor nation to the African Union (AU) peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AMISOM). It is a global hotspot for emerging infectious diseases and works closely with U.S. government partners to detect and respond to global health security threats.  The U.S. Embassy in Uganda supports activities and programs that promote economic growth and employability for 80 percent of Uganda's population who are under 35. In addition, the U.S. Embassy works with Ugandan counterparts to improve health and education, uphold democratic values, strengthen security, technology and innovation, and opportunities for U.S.-Ugandan private sector collaboration. Uganda has several established public and private universities. The U.S. Embassy in Uganda is committed to building stronger partnerships with  these institutions, which face a range of short- and long-term challenges. The Embassy is dedicated to improving the quality of instruction and delivery at these institutions, fostering long-term collaborations between Ugandan and U.S. universities. Academic semesters typically run from August through December, and January through May or June. Ugandan universities currently face a shortage of qualified and experienced faculty to help teach and develop curriculum. The Embassy also works alongside the universities in strategic areas outside of academia. 

The U.S. Embassy in Uganda oversees the small but robust U.S. scholar programs in the country.  We can offer airport pick-ups on initial arrival. We also make it a point to involve our Fulbrighters in our American Center programs where relevant.   

Housing: Grantees should coordinate with their host institutions to identify suitable local housing options. We advise against booking or paying for accommodation before arriving in Uganda.  Information can also be found here: Lamudi Uganda http://www.lamudi.co.ug , Properties to rent and for let in Uganda | Knight Frank and Airbnb.    

Schooling:  Most school-aged U.S. Embassy staff or expatriate children attend one of three schools:  The International School of Uganda (ISU) - www.isu.ac.ug, the Kampala International School (KISU), https://www.kisu.com, or Ambrosoli - www.ambrosolischool.com.   There are other options depending on the ages of the children, such as the French School, Acorns, Heritage and Kissyfur.    

Medical health care - Leading facilities in Kampala include - Mulago National Referral Hospital - Mulago National Referral Hospital | Life is Precious (mulagohospital.go.ug), Victoria Hospital - UMC Victoria Hospital (umchospitals.com), The Surgery - The Surgery Uganda – Health Facility, Nakasero Hospital - Nakasero Hospital – Quality Care With Compassion, St. Francis Nsambya Hospital - St. Francis Hospital Nsambya – Love & Serve (nsambyahospital.or.ug),  and International Hospital Kampala among others.  

U.S. Fulbright grantees receive health care benefits under the Department of State's Group Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE).  ASPE is a health benefits program;  not comprehensive health insurance and is subject to limitations. Grantees should review their ASPE benefits prior to arrival.  Traveler's medical insurance, particularly emergency evacuation coverage, is strongly recommended, especially for grantees based outside Kampala.  ASPE coverage is provided for the grantee only. 

Traffic- U.S. Fulbright scholars typically use private taxis during their programs. We recommend living close to host institutions, especially those located within Kampala, due to unpredictable traffic. “Rush hour” gridlock can begin as early as 7 a.m. and last until 8 or 9 a.m., with traffic especially heavy in downtown Kampala, north toward Mukono, along the road to Jinja, and south to Entebbe Airport. Traffic patterns are unpredictable; a trip may take 10 minutes one day and 90 minutes the next. Applications like Google Maps are not always accurate for predicting arrival times. 

Food- Kampala offers a wide variety of food options. U.S. Fulbright scholars can find great Italian, Indian, Lebanese/Middle Eastern, burgers, steakhouses, and wonderful coffee. There are thousands of “local” places where U.S. scholars can find posho, cassava, matoke, and all kinds of meat (goat is a delicacy and one of the most expensive options). If you yearn for a “taste of home,” there are many KFC and Pizza Hut locations. Restaurants are generally less expensive than in the U.S. Though hotels that cater toward expats may offer meals at “expat” prices (expect $25-$30 for a burger and coke).  There are many organic, gluten-free, and even vegan items available, though sometimes at a higher cost.