7 Things They Don’t Tell You About Jobs in Uganda

We live in a country where thousands of job seekers compete for limited opportunities. When looking for a job, it’s important to keep in mind that most well-established or well-known organizations often don’t pay enough! It’s likely to feel as though they’re doing you a favour by letting you join their ranks.

As a young person in need of money to set up your life, aside from government jobs—hard to secure those ones…—consider starting with emerging businesses, private companies, or NGOs. These often pay better compared to established and fancy workplaces that have been around for years. Take, for instance, the Kampala Parent’s saga, which reveals just a fraction of what’s happening in those highly sought-after workplaces.

Additionally, steer clear of employers with a reputation for not paying their employees—some media houses in Uganda, for instance, are always at the helm of recruiting but fail to deliver on compensation. The pattern rarely changes; it’s the same old.

Focus on Your Capabilities
This might sound controversial, but when applying for a job, remember that the focus is on your capabilities. What can you do? While qualifications—like which school you attended or where you worked before—are key, employers are ultimately looking for results and a return on their investment in your salary. Does this mean you don’t need papers? Not exactly, but if you have the required skills to effectively execute the job, don’t be afraid to walk into that office for a job.

Salary Expectations: Be Smart
When asked, “How much do you expect to be paid?” it’s a tricky one. Be smart! Without inflating figures, know how much you need. If you’re unsure about numbers, take the amount you expect to be paid and add 20-25% before presenting it as your desired salary. If you tend to overestimate, subtract about 20% instead. Alternatively, you can simply state a figure😅

It’s also important to bear in mind one of the biggest lies during recruitment: “We’ll give you a pay raise after six months blab bla…” This barely happens, and pushing for a raise could even put you at risk of being fired. Therefore, it’s crucial to agree on a figure you can balance life with, along with a side hustle if you have one.

Hard Work Doesn’t Always Mean Promotion
Hard work doesn’t necessarily translate to promotion—often, it just results in more work. Go easy on yourself. If a promotion is your ultimate goal, desperation might push you to make compromises you could regret. In most workplaces, employers promote whomever they want, often without considering the qualities or results you’re striving to achieve.

Maintain Discretion
This is crucial. If you’re not in a position to report what’s happening among fellow employees or bosses, then it’s none of your business. Playing the hero or trying to be the “good employee” will likely get you fired or create disputes with colleagues. Remember, you’re all employees and could meet again in other workplaces or even live in the same neighbourhood. Avoid creating unnecessary enemies at work, as it can harm your career. Most bosses hardly care about your feelings, so weigh whether reporting minor issues is worth it.

Navigating Sexual Harassment
Your recruiter’s or superior’s gender in most cases matters. Abuses—such as demands for sexual favours in exchange for promotions or recruitment—are a harsh reality in some Ugandan workplaces. Women are often the biggest victims, dealing with inappropriate advances from male bosses and resentment from female colleagues. Additionally, the rise of workplace harassment involving LGBTQ dynamics adds complexity. Be extremely cautious about the workplace environment when applying for and accepting the job.

Treat Workmates with Respect
Workmates are people you’re supposed to collaborate with for better results. Go easy on them; everyone is trying to make ends meet. Treat others as you’d like to be treated, and avoid crossing boundaries, especially with long-term employees or those in support roles, like cleaners or maintenance staff.

Plan for the Future
Always remind yourself that your job is not permanent. You can be fired, or you may outgrow the role as life evolves. This calls for good planning to ensure you’re not caught off guard. Make it a habit to reassess your career path every once in a while, perhaps twice a month.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll navigate the job market in Uganda with greater awareness and preparedness. Good luck!