City Guide 2026
Uganda
Living in Kampala
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in Kampala, Uganda.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$1,495
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
44.4/100
Use caution
Avg Temperature
22°C
72°F average
Tourist Visa
90 days
No DN visa
Internet Speed
25 Mbps
Basic
Cost of Living in Kampala
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $900 | $585 |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,500 | $975 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$275/month
Healthcare
$150/month
Utilities
$120/month
Transport
$50/month
Climate in Kampala
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
22.5°
Feb
23°
Mar
22.8°
Apr
22.4°
May
22°
Jun
21.8°
Jul
21.4°
Aug
21.6°
Sep
22°
Oct
22.2°
Nov
22°
Dec
22.1°
Air Quality (AQI)
95
Poor
Avg Rain Days/mo
11
days per month
Beach Distance
15 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
40 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in Kampala
Walkability
60/100
Internet Speed
25 Mbps
Cultural Score
65/100
Nightlife
50/100
Outdoor Activities
48/100
English Proficiency
80/100
Expat Community
medium
Transit Quality
good
Coworking Spaces
3+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
moderate
Visa & Immigration in Uganda
| Visa Type | Status | Duration | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Available | 90 days | Standard passport |
| Digital Nomad Visa | N/A | Not available | — |
| Investment Visa | Available | Available | Min $50,000 investment |
Residency Pathway
Typically 5 to 10 years of continuous legal residence.
Tax Overview in Uganda
Tax System
Worldwide (taxes global income)
Tax residency threshold: 183 days/year · Treaty network: excellent
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 30% |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 30% |
| Dividend Tax | 30% |
| Interest Income | 30% |
| Wealth Tax | None |
| Crypto Gains | 15% |
| Exit Tax | No |
| Estate Tax | No |
Special Regime: Investment Incentives (UIA)
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Kampala?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in Kampala costs approximately $1,495-2,392/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $900/month.
Is Kampala safe for expats?
Kampala has a safety index of 44.4/100 (higher is safer). Kampala requires heightened awareness. Stick to well-known neighborhoods, avoid walking alone at night, and take standard urban safety precautions. Healthcare quality is rated 53/100.
What is the weather like in Kampala?
Kampala has an average annual temperature of 22°C (72°F). The warmest months reach 23°C and the coolest drop to 21.4°C. Air quality is moderate with an average AQI of 95.
What is the internet speed in Kampala?
Average internet speed in Kampala is 25 Mbps, which is adequate for basic tasks but may struggle with large uploads. There are 3+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in Uganda?
Uganda uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 30% (long-term) and dividends at 30%. There is no wealth tax. Tax residency kicks in after 183 days/year. A special regime (Investment Incentives (UIA)) may offer reduced rates.
Can I get a visa to live in Kampala long-term?
Uganda does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Tourist stays are allowed for 90 days. The typical residency pathway is: Typically 5 to 10 years of continuous legal residence..
Is Kampala good for digital nomads?
Kampala has decent internet at 25 Mbps, a medium expat community, and 3+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is high at 80/100. The cost of living index is 37/100 (NYC = 100), making it moderately priced for remote workers.
Compare Kampala with other cities
See what your money actually buys across housing, food, healthcare, and more with our lifestyle purchasing power tool.