Gulu, Uganda 🇺🇬
#641
2.770239, 32.304427
Nomad Score:
51%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Gulu is the largest city in Northern Uganda and serves as an important economic and administrative center. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 150,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 10-20 Mbps, can vary based on location and provider. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 3,700 UGX. Multiple banks available such as Stanbic and Centenary Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. Recommend purchasing bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, uses Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include MTN and Airtel, with reasonable prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted in major establishments. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb. Prices range from $20 to $100 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited. Cash is still preferred but mobile money (e.g., MTN Mobile Money) is gaining popularity. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on Airbnb and local listings, average price around $30/night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Capsule Hotel and Gulu Backpackers, averaging $15 to $25 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kahawa Space, offers desks and Wi-Fi for $5/day. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Bino, known for reliable Wi-Fi and a comfortable environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Weekly meetups organized by local NGOs; check local bulletin boards. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Gulu Expat Community Facebook Group for networking and social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in Gulu; local motorcycles (boda-bodas) are common for quick travel. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options, but local garages offer motorbike rentals starting at $10/day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No nearby beaches; Gulu is inland with natural attractions instead. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Uganda operates flights from Gulu to Entebbe. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Turkish Airlines have international connections from Entebbe. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well connected via the Gulu-Kampala highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bus terminal in Gulu city center for regional travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local minibus services operate on informal passes for routes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to Kampala and other cities, costing approximately $10. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, providing comprehensive services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Limited options; consider private studios or local community classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gulu Fitness Centre, offering basic gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available, or inquire at accommodations; typically around $5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food available for ordering various local cuisines. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Luwombo, a traditional stew served with posho. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian options widely available; try local vegetarian restaurants. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Deli ice cream parlor in Gulu, popular for local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Gulu Market offers a variety of local produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia is a popular online shopping platform in Uganda. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited; local shops may offer delivery upon request. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Gulu Town Center has various bars popular with locals and expats. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Nile Breweries produces popular local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; local eateries serve basic drinks. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Popular around Gulu market, offering samosas and fried plantains. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and burgers available at multiple local restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Nyero Rock Paintings and Gulu War Museum. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Gulu War Museum showcasing the region’s history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Otaleo Shrine, memorializing local culture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of Uganda and St. Joseph’s Cathedral. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Gulu Agricultural Show held annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Local crafts markets showcasing traditional art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Traditional dance performances often held in community spaces. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Gulu Market is vibrant and frequented by locals. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at various venues, especially during local festivals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local murals and art installations in town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes available through local cultural centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited, but occasionally, community exhibitions are held. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Governor’s House, showcasing colonial history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Famous for traditional folk tales and storytelling practices. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Murchison Falls National Park is about 2 hours away, great for safaris. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kibale National Park, though farther, is also a known attraction. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails around Gulu town; local community-led hiking options are organized. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Hilltops around Gulu provide panoramic views of the area. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Primarily in Murchison Falls National Park. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Select campgrounds near natural sights allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide mobile phone and laptop repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited; inquire at local community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local NGOs occasionally offer English and Luo language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Gulu Library has basic resources available for research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers host events and classes regularly. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Not prevalent in Gulu; local gaming centers may exist. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos available; gambling is limited. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m². |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m². |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Source-based taxation for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, rules apply to foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on property value; specific rates vary. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1% on property purchases. |