Remote work has transformed the way we travel. For most remote workers, the temptation to work in new and unique places goes beyond marking off travel hotspots—it's about immersion in local culture while maintaining productivity. Uganda, fondly known as the Pearl of Africa, is quickly becoming a hidden gem for remote workers seeking to balance natural beauty, local immersion, and reliable workspaces.
If Kampala comes to mind—the country's lively capital—your next remote work destination, read below about how to obtain your Uganda eVisa and a handpicked guide to the best co-working centers and cafes to fuel your work and wanderlust.
Why Uganda is a Great Pick for Remote Workers
Uganda offers a pleasant mix of affordability, local warmth, and surprisingly good café culture. While still behind Southeast Asia or Europe in terms of the sheer number of hotspots for digital nomads, Kampala provides:
Low Living Costs – Accommodation, dining out, and transportation are inexpensive compared to many of the popular digital nomad cities.
Reliable Internet – Internet quality is significantly improved, with cafes and coworking spaces offering good high-speed coverage.
Colorful Culture – Music, arts, and cuisine are brought to life in Kampala. Telecommuters can enjoy a full after-work life.
Nature Retreats – Uganda boasts beautiful scenery, from Lake Victoria to gorilla trekking in Bwindi, all within reach when a respite is required.
Step One: Getting a Uganda eVisa
Before diving into Kampala’s café culture, remote workers need to sort out their entry requirements. Thankfully, Uganda has made the process simple through its eVisa system.
What is the Uganda eVisa?
The Uganda eVisa is an electronic travel authorization that allows foreign visitors to enter Uganda for tourism, business, or family visits. For remote workers, it falls under the tourism visa category, since Uganda doesn’t yet have a dedicated “digital nomad visa.”
Types of eVisas Available
Uganda Tourist eVisa – Valid for up to 90 days.
Multiple Entry eVisa – Available in 6, 12, or 24-month options.
East Africa Tourist Visa – Grants access to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda with a single visa (perfect if you want to explore the region while working remotely).
Application Process (Easy & Online)
Fill out the online Uganda eVisa application form.
Upload the required documents:
Passport valid for at least 6 months.
Recent passport-sized photo.
Return/onward ticket.
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or Airbnb).
Yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Pay the visa fee online.
Wait for approval (usually 3–7 business days).
Receive your approval letter via email, which you’ll present upon arrival.
💡 Pro Tip for Remote Workers: If you plan to base yourself in Kampala for a few months, the Multiple Entry eVisa is the best choice. It saves you from reapplying if you want to do quick trips to Kenya or Rwanda.
Working from Kampala: Where Productivity Meets Lifestyle
Kampala has a thriving café and co-working scene that caters to entrepreneurs, freelancers, and expats. Whether you prefer a quiet coffee corner, a trendy café with steady Wi-Fi, or a fully equipped co-working hub, you’ll find plenty of options.
Here’s a guide to the best cafés and co-working spaces in Kampala for remote workers:
📍 Best Cafés in Kampala for Remote Work
1. Endiro Coffee
A favorite among digital nomads, Endiro Coffee offers excellent coffee brewed from Ugandan beans, healthy food options, and a calm environment. With its cozy seating and reliable internet, it’s an ideal spot for a few hours of focused work.
Vibe: Relaxed, eco-conscious.
Wi-Fi: Strong and stable.
Must-Try: The avocado toast and cold brew.
2. 1000 Cups Coffee House
This café is a celebration of Uganda’s coffee heritage. It’s spacious, welcoming, and a popular meeting point for creatives and entrepreneurs.
Vibe: Rustic with a cultural flair.
Wi-Fi: Consistent enough for Zoom calls.
Must-Try: Local coffee tasting flights.
3. Café Javas
One of the most established café chains in Kampala, Café Javas is perfect if you want guaranteed comfort, good food, and consistent service. Many remote workers love it for its long opening hours and comfortable seating.
Vibe: Busy but efficient.
Wi-Fi: Reliable across locations.
Must-Try: Milkshakes and hearty sandwiches.
4. Prunes Café
A chic spot tucked away in a green garden, Prunes offers fresh juices, breakfast bowls, and artisanal coffee. It’s perfect for remote workers who thrive in a serene, nature-inspired environment.
Vibe: Modern, leafy, and refreshing.
Wi-Fi: Excellent for extended work sessions.
Must-Try: Smoothie bowls and cappuccino.
5. Good Glass Wine Bar & Café
For those who like to blend work and leisure, Good Glass provides a cozy environment during the day with Wi-Fi and turns into a lively social spot in the evening.
Vibe: Creative and social.
Wi-Fi: Strong enough for multitasking.
Must-Try: Cheese platters and flat whites.
📍 Best Co-Working Spaces in Kampala
1. The Innovation Village
More than just a co-working space, The Innovation Village is a hub for startups, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. It offers event spaces, mentorship opportunities, and networking with Kampala’s tech and business community.
Facilities: High-speed Wi-Fi, private offices, meeting rooms.
Vibe: Professional, innovative, collaborative.
Best For: Networking and building business connections.
2. Outbox Hub
Outbox is another leading co-working space in Kampala, well-known for its tech and startup ecosystem. They host workshops, pitch events, and accelerator programs, making it ideal for remote workers who thrive in dynamic environments.
Facilities: Shared desks, meeting rooms, printing services.
Vibe: Tech-driven, community-focused.
Best For: Developers, entrepreneurs, and startups.
3. The Hive Collaborative
A modern co-working hub that prioritizes flexibility. You’ll find hot desks, private offices, and even creative studio spaces for artists.
Facilities: High-speed Wi-Fi, ergonomic seating, café.
Vibe: Creative, youthful, and buzzing.
Best For: Freelancers looking for flexible work hours.
4. Design Hub Kampala
This space combines co-working with design studios, art exhibitions, and event hosting. If you’re in a creative field—graphic design, photography, or content creation—Design Hub is a perfect match.
Facilities: Open-plan desks, workshop areas, art-friendly environment.
Vibe: Artistic, collaborative.
Best For: Creatives, designers, and content creators.
5. Regus Kampala (Acacia Mall & other locations)
If you’re used to global co-working brands, Regus offers consistency. Their Kampala branches provide premium office setups, making them perfect for remote workers who prefer a corporate-style environment.
Facilities: Private offices, virtual offices, business lounges.
Vibe: Professional and upscale.
Best For: Business travelers or remote workers needing polished office setups.
Tips for Remote Workers in Kampala
Get a Local SIM Card: Airtel and MTN are the most reliable providers for backup internet.
Use Power Backup Solutions: Some areas may experience power cuts—carry a power bank or choose cafés with backup generators.
Balance Work & Adventure: Kampala is lively, but don’t miss weekend escapes to Jinja (Nile River rafting) or national parks.
Stay Safe: Kampala is generally safe, but keep an eye on your belongings when working in public spaces.
Final Thoughts
Kampala may not yet top the charts of global digital nomad hubs, but it has everything a remote worker needs: affordable living, strong community vibes, great food, and reliable workspaces. With an easy-to-apply Uganda eVisa, you can seamlessly base yourself in this vibrant city while soaking in its energy and culture.
Whether you’re typing away at Endiro Coffee, networking at The Innovation Village, or brainstorming in the leafy corners of Prunes Café, Kampala gives you a fresh perspective on what remote work can look like.
So, pack your laptop, secure your eVisa, and let Uganda surprise you—it might just become your favorite remote working destination in Africa.
