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teach english in uganda

Teach English in Uganda

Stunning natural beauty, a gigantic demand for English and, at the top end, decent salaries: Uganda has a lot to offer the right TEFL teachers.

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When it comes to teaching English abroad in Africa, you'll struggle to find a more interesting country than Uganda. Often called the "Pearl of Africa," Uganda is resplendent with natural beauty. We're talking gorilla trekking, rainforests, breathtaking mountain landscapes - not least the stunning Rwenzori - the sheer vastness of Lake Victoria, and, of course, the Ugandan section of the Nile River, which has natural waterfalls and beautiful views aplenty.

If a large part of your interest in teaching English abroad is seeing something different, Uganda must be a destination on your shortlist. There's so much to explore in a country where English is an official language, with over 48.5 million residents proud of a reputation for friendliness and nature that's scarcely believable.

With a growing tourism industry, significant natural resources and a strong economy, Uganda has a tremendous demand for high-quality English teaching. While English is widely spoken, it's one of about 70 languages used in Uganda, with Lugandan being the primary language above official languages English and Swahili. Regarding economic and educational opportunities, proficiency in English can be crucial, and knowledge of the English language is essential.

So, where are all the English language teaching jobs in Uganda? Can you make a decent monthly salary teaching English in Uganda? What about the cost of living, visas and other factors? It's time to look at the Pearl of Africa and see what opportunities exist for TEFL teachers.

Uganda: an overview

If you're even vaguely curious about what it's like to teach in Uganda, there's plenty to entice you. For one thing, English is an official language, and it's used widely in politics, law, education, and business. Uganda is described as the friendliest country on the planet, with many visitors receiving a warm welcome whether they're just visiting or making Uganda their new home. However, this isn’t the case for everyone, as we’ll cover shortly.

Economically speaking, Uganda is in an interesting place. Its booming service sector is, in large part, replacing agriculture as the dominant force in the economy. However, in terms of GDP spending on education, Uganda underperforms, and school attendance isn't nearly as high as it could be, especially at the secondary level.

Regarding English language proficiency, Uganda ranks 54th of 116 countries in EF's English Proficiency Index. On a global scale, that's not too bad, but you might expect higher proficiency rates for a country where English is an official language. However, as discussed, Uganda is linguistically diverse, with more than 70 languages spoken.

Uganda is a distinctive destination for teaching English as a foreign language. Private schools don't perform well, and state education is usually better funded. However, this funding often comes from NGOs and outside charities instead of investment from the central government. This means the teaching experience can sometimes be quite difficult, with large classes and sparse materials. Some international schools exist, and there is a litany of universities in Uganda, so highly qualified TEFL teachers with vast teaching experience can find lucrative opportunities in specific roles.

Teaching English in Uganda, unfortunately, isn't for everyone. Uganda has some of the most draconian anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the world.

Requirements

What do you need to teach English in this fascinating part of East Africa? What's vital for any teacher's CV when scoping out job opportunities in Kampala, Gulu or Jinja?

TEFL certificate

A TEFL certificate is crucial if you're serious about teaching English in Uganda. To be recognised by employers as a ready-made, TEFL-certified teacher, you must complete 120 hours of TEFL study. 120 hours is the industry benchmark for teaching jobs. Your TEFL certification should be from a reputable course provider, endorsed by multiple recognised accreditation bodies. To find particular opportunities in Uganda, it's worth seeking out advanced TEFL certification, specifically in teaching young learners or Business English. Why? Well, the vast majority of jobs in Uganda will either be in schools with children aged under ten or with adults looking to advance their career opportunities.

Degree/no degree

A university degree can provide particular advantages when seeking teaching jobs in Uganda. Teaching opportunities can be highly competitive in the cities, especially Kampala, Uganda's capital city, where current vacancies are frequently advertised online. Usually, a bachelor's degree is required. At institutions like international schools and universities, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree - usually, a master's or above is required.

However, you can still teach English in Uganda without a degree. A TEFL certificate and preferably some teaching experience may suffice in rural areas. Indeed, a degree is not required for many volunteer roles.

Experience

Previous teaching experience is highly valued in Ugandan education. In elite educational establishments like international schools or exceptionally high-performing state schools, prior teaching experience is usually essential. At least two years of classroom teaching experience is usually required, but in some circumstances, these employers will consider highly qualified newer teachers.

In rural areas, where there's a significant demand for teachers, you can teach English without experience far more quickly. Volunteer programmes are also excellent for building teaching experience, and there are plenty of volunteering opportunities in Uganda.

Visa

Gaining a work visa to teach English in Uganda is relatively straightforward, with the E-Visa system helping to expedite the process. You'll need to secure work before heading over to Uganda, as a job offer is an essential criterion for entry into the country.

The education sector in Uganda is keen to bring in English teachers from around the world, so while processing times can be relatively slow, you're unlikely to be rejected if you meet all the criteria for a visa. So, what do you need?

You'll have to provide these basic requirements, regardless of which Ugandan work permit you require:

Valid passport
Completed application forms
2x passport photographs
Cover letter
Appointment letter from employer
Police background check from country of residence
Qualifications (copies of certificates)

Depending on your employer, you'll be eligible for a specific Ugandan work permit. For example, if you work for a state school, you'll qualify for a Class A2 permit for government employees. Your employer will advise you on which paperwork you must complete to ensure you have the right to work in Uganda.

Download our teaching English in Middle East & Africa guide

Salary, benefits and cost of living

How much can you earn in Ugandan English teaching jobs? What kinds of benefits are on offer, along with salaries, and how do they contrast with the cost of living? It's time to put earning potential in Uganda under some scrutiny.

Salary

Teaching salaries for Ugandan English teachers vary wildly, from around UGX 600,000 - 5,000,000 per month (£128 - £1,070 / $163 - $1,358). Salaries for English teachers depend on qualifications, teaching experience, and the type of institution they teach in, with higher wages on offer at international schools and the lowest salaries - funnily enough - in private schools.

Benefits

It's uncommon to receive a suite of benefits for teaching English in Uganda unless you're teaching in an international school. International schools are known for providing an "expat package", including flights, accommodation and medical insurance.

Cost of living

With a relatively cheap cost of living in Uganda, you can comfortably get by on a decent English teaching salary. In Kampala, the capital of Uganda, a one-bedroom city centre apartment costs about £305/$386 per month to rent, which falls to £183/$232 outside of central Kampala. Monthly utilities come to about £32/$41, though internet access is expensive, costing around £55/$70.

If you're keen to try out Ugandan cuisine, Kampala is full of delightful cafes and restaurants, and they tend to be reasonably priced. A solo meal at a cafe usually costs about £2/$3, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-market restaurant usually costs around £24/$30.

Country	Avg. monthly salary	Degree required	Start of term	Teaching experience	Housing & flights included	Suitable for non-native English speakers	Age restrictions
Teach in Uganda	600,000 - 5,000,000 UGX £128 - £1,070 GBP $163 - $1,358USD		September to June	Preferred	Generally provided by international schools		None

Jobs

Where can you find the most rewarding and fulfilling English teaching jobs in Uganda? It's time to look at different kinds of TEFL teaching roles.

Public Schools
Private Language Schools
International Schools
Universities
Private Tutoring

Public Schools

Teaching English in public schools in Uganda offers a rewarding experience for educators, though you can't just walk in and expect a job. These teaching jobs will usually require a teaching qualification (sometimes a QTS, in addition to a TEFL certificate) and, in many cases, two or more years of relevant teaching experience.

The Ministry of Education, which oversees public schools, is keen to attract English teaching talent from around the world. Therefore, highly qualified teachers—especially in urban areas—are likely to be offered competitive salary and benefit packages. However, attracting teachers to rural schools remains challenging, and literacy rates are far lower in Uganda's countryside.

Private language Schools

Private language schools—and adult literacy schools more generally—provide a range of teaching opportunities for TEFL-certified teachers in Uganda. These schools cater to students of all ages, from young learners to adults, and are typically situated in large urban areas, with the majority running in Kampala. Private language schools can test TEFL teachers, who are either helping students brush up on the skills they're learning in school or going through the absolute basics with new English learners.

The salary and benefits package you receive as a teacher in a private language school really can vary wildly. Usually, these aren't well-paid positions, but there is scope for career progression, and you can be more creative in your lesson planning.

International Schools

International schools offer the highest wages and best benefits for exceptionally qualified English teachers, but job openings are ultra-competitive and have high demands. Class sizes are small, and the facilities are usually excellent, but teachers must meet high standards to be considered. You'll need a master's degree, a TEFL certificate and extensive teaching experience.

Universities

Universities in Uganda offer opportunities to teach English as a foreign language to university students, with jobs ranging from lecturing to class assistance and translation. TEFL teachers usually need a master's degree, a TEFL certificate, and relevant teaching experience to be considered for these positions. University teaching can provide a lucrative salary and a chance to engage with students seeking to improve their English proficiency for career advancement.

Private Tutoring

Private tutoring is another option for English teachers in Uganda, online or offline. The demand for private tutoring in Uganda is considerable, with English language proficiency being seen as a ticket to a comfortable economic situation. Your students will generally be young adults looking to boost their chances of employment either in the service industries or business sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much does teaching in Uganda pay?

English teaching salaries in Uganda can range widely, from around UGX 600,000 at the lowest to UGX 5,000,000 monthly at the top end (£128 - £1,070 / $163 - $1,358). Salaries depend on the type of school you teach in, qualifications and teaching experience. Private schools and private language schools tend to pay less, while international schools and universities pay more.

Q. What qualifications do you need to teach in Uganda?

To teach in Uganda, you'll need at least a TEFL certificate. Beyond that, individual employers might insist upon a bachelor's degree or a teaching certificate (for example, a QTS).

Q. Do they speak English in Uganda?

Yes, English is one of the primary languages spoken in Uganda.

Q. Can I teach English without an English degree in Uganda?

Can I teach English without an English degree in Uganda?

You don't need an English degree to teach English in Uganda, though some employers may insist upon a specific English literature or English language degree.