Children in Uganda

[Jacinta McLean]

Hello,
My family and I are looking forward to moving to Uganda but I need some questions answered in regards to Pre Schools, price of food and the best place for expats to live.

1. I have a 2 year old and a 3 year old and I would like them to go to an expat pre school 3 mornings a week. Could someone name 2 or 3 for me.
2. Is living in Uganda expensive e.g food and rent
3. Where do most expats live
4. Are there expats sporting clubs e.g soccer clubs
5. Also I know a lot of people ask this question but is it safe to live in Uganda with 2 small children
6. Are there play groups/activities for mothers and children

We have been told from lots of people that Uganda is a great place for expats and we are looking forward to grass and trees as we have been living in Bahrain (Middle East) for the past 3 years.
Thanks
Jacinta and family

[AFC]

Hi Jacinta<
I hope I can shed some light on some of your questions.
1. There are many in Kampala all of which follow the British curriculum. For the younger age group there is Kissy fur it has been in Kampala for many year (more than 10 years) then the next popular choice for expats is Rainbow School they have children from 1st year all the way ready for college. I have had good reports about both places.

2. Living in Uganda is not expensive, food prices are comparable fruit is very cheap and meets are (I think very reasonable) there is an expat dominated place called Quality Hill where we buy all out meet, very clean, well priced and excellent cuts. There is also a good chemist, wine store and bakers all at the same location.
Rent can range from $500 per month to $4,000 all depends on your location and choice. For a reference, we have a very nice 4 bed 4 bath house + maids room and bathroom, power inverter, gated community, security, swimming pool, (gym, sauna and steam room to be installed soon) all for $2,000
Houses are mainly unfurnished. The power can be hit and miss at times so think about bringing a gas hob at least.

3. Kampala is spread out. Expats try and live close to where they work as travelling is a pain due to traffic especially when you would need to be going to work. In town the places expat live are, Kololo, Naguru, Nakasero, Bugolobi, then out of the centre you have Munyonyo on the lake, this is where we live. Again it depends on your work location unless you have the patients of a saint and can sit in traffic for over an hour every day both ways.

4. There are expat clubs, there is Entebbe Sailing club, there is the American club (tennis) the Kampala Golf club but it all depends on what you want, there are clubs out there.

5. It is safe, however you need to be aware of your surroundings, I am here with my wife and 2 sons one is only 18 months and the other 18 years, he has his own circle of friends and travels around town, again there are basic rules to follow to avoid making your self a target. We feel safe.

6. Not sure about the mother baby groups but my money would be on yes....I will have my wife enquire.

We love it here, the weather is grea and our little boy has many friends on the gated community we live on. I am glad we did not choose a house in it own compound, this way our baby son mixes with all the other kids and we feel happy knowing it is a safe environment.

I hope this gives you a decent overview.

Always shout if you need more questions answering.

Good luck

[Jacinta McLean]

Thank you so much for your help!! We were looking at a house but now I think we will look at a gated community, also I will look up the schools today!! Once more thank you for taking the time to help me.

[Jay]

Hi Jacinta

Have a look at the Kissyfur and the Hungry Caterpillar for pre-school. As for schools, good schools are Rainbow, Kabira International School and the International School of Uganda.

I've got an 18 month old son, and we love it here.

Gated communities are not common here. I think there are only a couple. Security is not a real issue, but I do think that children benefit from the gated communities a lot.

As AFC said, you should look into living close to your place of work, and that will determine the rental prices. Kololo and Nakasero are lovely and in the centre of Kampala, but quite expensive. However, if your office is around Muyenga, Entebbe road, Industrial zone etc, there are many nice areas with more affordable housing.

In any case, I think this is a great place for families.

Cheers