Uganda’s capital, Kampala, is one of the fastest growing cities in Africa. Having recovered from the country’s civil war in the 1980s, Kampala is now an attractive city to live and work in. With English widely spoken and a stable economy, it’s no wonder that its expat community is growing fast too.
While the choice of international schools in Kampala might be small, most of the schools are long-established and have great reputations. Thanks to Uganda’s colonial past, British curriculum schools dominate here. However if you’d prefer an alternative, some schools teach the American, French, and Indian curricula. There are of course a selection of schools teaching the International Baccalaureate as well.
Kampala is divided into 5 boroughs; Kampala Central, Kawenpe to the north, Nakawa to the east, Makindye to the south, and Rubaga to the west. Most of the city’s international schools are located in Nakawa and Makindye, with a small number in other districts and further afield. Makindye and Nakawa have some of the more prosperous neighbourhoods in Kampala, and both are considered good areas to live in.
While it may have a healthy economy and growing population, Uganda is still a developing nation. Even in the capital Kampala, the infrastructure and facilities don’t compare to countries in Europe or other developed regions. Traffic is chaotic and school bus services are not a standard offering (although many do include it), so it’s worth researching your school commute and transport options before deciding.
Extracurricular activities in Kampala’s international schools are often focused on sports. Most school campuses have great sports facilities including basketball courts, football pitches and sometimes swimming pools. Music and arts are also commonly offered.
Like many international schools around the world, Kampala’s schools keep class sizes small. Around 20 students per class is the norm here. Expat students are usually in the majority – in some schools the student body can be up to 85% expats. International school fees are often too high for most Ugandans to afford, although those who can pay for private education will almost always do so.
That said, international school fees in Kampala are actually among the lowest in the world. Native English-speaking teachers are very common, facilities are as good as anywhere. So if you were thinking of making a big move to Uganda, Kampala’s international schools can offer very good value for money.
Here is a List of Best International Schools in Uganda
Vienna College Namugongo
Vienna College opened its doors to international students early in January 2000. It rapidly established itself as a haven for senior students from Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Europe, the United States and of course, its home setting – Uganda. Vienna College is a Cambridge International (CIE) Centre UG0010 offering I.G.C.S.E and G.C.E “A-level” Courses. This premier school takes pride as the largest Cambridge International School by enrollment and candidates in Uganda.
GEMS Cambridge International School Kampala Uganda
Address: Plot 102/104 Butabika Road, Next to Royal Palm Estate, Kirombe-Butabika Rd, Kampala, Uganda
Phone: +256 755 177982
Kampala International School Uganda
The Kampala International School is an international school in Kampala, Uganda, located in the neighborhood of Bukoto. It was formerly named Kabira International School of Uganda.
Address: Plot 447 Kyebando – Kisalosalo Rd, Kampala, Uganda
Phone: +256 752 711909
7Hills International School Kampala
Address: 39 Malcolm X Ave, Kampala, Uganda
Phone: +256 752 744557
Galaxy International School Uganda
Address: 1077, Kampala, Uganda
Phone: +256 781 468000
Rainbow International School
Rainbow International School is an international school for infant, junior and secondary education in the Kampala district of Uganda. The Rainbow International School was established in September 1991 as a primary school with 29 children
Address: Kintu Road, Tyaba Zone, 41 Nkrumah Rd, Kampala, Uganda
Phone: +256 758 032501
Heritage International School
Address: Kiwafu Crescent, Kampala, Uganda
Phone: +256 39 3596033
