International Schools in Kampala, Uganda | Scholae

Kampala

Name: Kampala
Address: Kampala, Uganda

Uganda

22 schools13 curricula

Kampala, Uganda's vibrant capital, offers expat families an authentic African experience with a growing selection of international schools and a welcoming local community. Known as the 'Pearl of Africa,' Uganda provides stunning natural beauty, wildlife experiences, and a relatively stable political environment. The city has a warm climate year-round and lower living costs compared to other African capitals. However, infrastructure challenges are significant, including unreliable electricity, poor road conditions, and limited public transportation. Healthcare quality varies widely, with some good private facilities available. The expat community is smaller but tight-knit, consisting mainly of NGO workers, diplomats, and business professionals. Families should be prepared for a more adventurous lifestyle with basic amenities that may require patience and flexibility.

3/5

Safety

2/5

Quality of Life

4/5

Expat Friendly

$800

Avg Rent/mo

☀️ Climate & Weather

Monthly temperatures, rainfall, and sea conditions

28°C

Hottest (Mar)

16°C

Coolest (Jul)

Sunny days/mo avg

1200mm

Annual rainfall

Avg highAvg lowRainfall

💰 Cost of Living

Monthly family budget estimates (USD)

At a Glance

$800

Avg. rent /mo

$4.00

Budget meal

$20

Mid-range dinner (2 ppl)

Dining & Drinks

Cappuccino$3.00

Domestic beer$1.50

Imported beer$3.50

Water (1.5L)$0.50

Groceries

Loaf of bread$1.20

Milk (1L)$1.30

Dozen eggs$1.80

Chicken (1 kg)$4.00

Transport

Taxi flag-drop$1.50

Taxi per km$0.80

Monthly transit pass$30

Gasoline (per liter)$1.40

Monthly Bills

Internet$35 /mo

Utilities (avg.)$60 /mo

Gym membership$45 /mo

Domestic help$200 /mo

Preschool / nursery$300 /mo

Comfortable

A 2-bedroom apartment in Ntinda or Bukoto, affordable international or good private Ugandan school, a used car or boda-boda rides, eating local food with occasional restaurant visits, full-time house help.

$2,030/mo

Rent$600

Groceries$300

Lifestyle & leisure$100

Transport$150

Utilities$80

Dining out$150

Healthcare$100

School fees (per child)$400

Domestic help$150

Established

A house in Kololo or Naguru, reputable international school, a reliable car, dining at expat restaurants, a night guard and house help, weekend trips to Jinja or the national parks.

$5,400/mo

Rent$1,500

Groceries$500

Lifestyle & leisure$350

Transport$350

Utilities$150

Dining out$400

Healthcare$300

School fees (per child)$1,500

Domestic help$350

Premium

A luxury compound or large house in Muyenga or Bugolobi, top-tier international school (ISU, Aga Khan), a 4x4 with driver, premium healthcare (or medevac insurance), country club, frequent international travel.

$11,350/mo

Rent$3,500

Groceries$900

Lifestyle & leisure$1,000

Transport$700

Utilities$250

Dining out$900

Healthcare$600

School fees (per child)$2,800

Domestic help$700

Kampala is affordable by international standards but can be surprisingly expensive in the expat bubble. At current exchange rates (~3,750 UGX to 1 USD), local goods and services are very cheap, but imported items, international schools, and secure housing command premium prices. The gap between local and expat costs is among the widest in Africa.