Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Uganda Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Uganda Property Pack
This guide breaks down the real numbers behind running an Airbnb in Uganda, from what you can legally do to what you can actually earn.
We cover current nightly prices, occupancy rates, expenses, and which neighborhoods in Kampala and Entebbe actually perform well for short-term rentals.
We update this article regularly to keep the data fresh and accurate for 2026.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Uganda.
Insights
- The average nightly rate for an Airbnb in Uganda in 2026 sits around $50, but properties in Kololo or Nakasero can command $55 to $95 per night thanks to proximity to embassies and NGO offices.
- About 59% of Kampala's short-term rental listings are one-bedroom units, which reflects the strong demand from solo consultants, NGO workers, and corporate travelers passing through Uganda.
- Typical occupancy rates for Airbnb listings in Uganda hover around 35%, but top hosts with reliable power backup and fast Wi-Fi can reach 45% to 60% occupancy.
- Uganda has no official "90-night cap" like London or Paris, so hosts can rent year-round without hitting a legal ceiling on nights.
- Monthly gross revenue for an average Airbnb in Uganda ranges from $350 to $900, with net profits typically landing between $100 and $600 after expenses.
- The most saturated neighborhoods for Airbnb in Uganda are Kololo, Nakasero, Bugolobi, and Ntinda, where investors and expats cluster for reliable utilities and security.
- Properties near Entebbe Airport can charge a premium because travelers value smooth late-night check-ins and proximity to their flights.
- A significant share of Kampala listings require 30-day minimum stays, which signals strong demand from corporate and expat tenants rather than weekend tourists.
- The "white space" opportunity in Uganda's Airbnb market sits in the $60 to $95 per night range, where work-ready units with backup power and excellent Wi-Fi are still scarce.
- Events like Nyege Nyege Festival in Jinja and major conferences at Munyonyo create short but significant demand spikes where nightly rates can jump 30% to 50%.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Uganda in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Uganda in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term renting is allowed in Uganda, but there is no single "Airbnb law" that specifically governs it, so hosts need to navigate existing tourism and business frameworks instead.
The main legal framework comes from the Uganda Tourism Act of 2008 and the Tourist Accommodation Regulations of 2014, which together regulate how paid accommodation facilities should be licensed and operated.
The most important thing hosts must understand is that if you repeatedly offer paid stays and market your property publicly, the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) expects you to comply with accommodation licensing requirements.
Operating without proper registration can result in warnings, fines, or being required to cease operations, though enforcement has historically been uneven across different parts of the country.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Uganda.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Uganda.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Uganda as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Uganda has no official minimum-stay requirements or maximum nights-per-year caps imposed by law, which means hosts can set their own stay lengths without hitting a legal ceiling.
These flexible rules apply across all property types and regardless of whether you live in the property or own it as an investment, so there is no distinction based on residency status.
That said, many hosts in Kampala voluntarily set 30-day minimum stays to target corporate and expat tenants, which is a market choice rather than a legal requirement.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Uganda right now?
Uganda does not require hosts to live in the property they rent out on Airbnb, so owner-occupancy is not a legal barrier to operating a short-term rental.
Owners of secondary homes or investment properties can legally operate short-term rentals, which makes Uganda more flexible than many Western cities with strict primary-residence rules.
There are no special permits required specifically for non-primary residence rentals, though you still need to comply with the general tourism licensing and local business licensing frameworks that apply to any accommodation operation.
In practice, there is no meaningful difference in rules between renting a primary residence versus a secondary home in Uganda, which simplifies the decision for investors looking at multiple properties.
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Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Uganda right now?
Uganda allows hosts to operate multiple Airbnb listings under one name or business entity, with no explicit cap on how many properties a single person can list for short-term rental.
There is no maximum number of properties set by law, so you could theoretically run ten or twenty listings if you have the capacity to manage them.
However, operating multiple units pushes you more clearly into "commercial operator" territory, which typically means you should have proper business registration with URSB and ensure each property meets UTB's accommodation standards.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Uganda as of 2026?
As of early 2026, hosts in Uganda should think of compliance as a three-layer stack: tourism accommodation licensing through UTB, local business licensing through your city authority (like KCCA in Kampala), and formal business registration through URSB if you operate commercially.
The process typically starts with registering your business name or company at URSB, which can be done online and usually takes one to two weeks.
You will generally need proof of ownership or a lease agreement, fire safety compliance documentation, and evidence that your property meets minimum accommodation standards like having first aid supplies and adequate sanitation.
Costs vary, but business registration fees at URSB start around UGX 50,000 (about $14), while trading licenses in Kampala depend on your property's location and assessed rental value.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Uganda as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Uganda does not have official neighborhood bans or government-designated restricted zones that prohibit Airbnb operations in specific areas.
Instead, restrictions tend to come from private sources like apartment building rules, landlord lease clauses, gated community covenants, or estate management agreements that ban short-term subletting.
If you are buying or renting a property to use for Airbnb in neighborhoods like Kololo, Naguru, or Muyenga, always check the property's title conditions and any homeowners association rules before committing.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Uganda compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How much can an Airbnb earn in Uganda in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Uganda in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly price for an Airbnb listing in Uganda is approximately $50 (UGX 180,000 or EUR 46), while the median sits lower at around $42 (UGX 151,000 or EUR 39) because many budget listings pull the middle down.
The typical nightly price range covering about 80% of residential listings in Uganda falls between $25 and $95 (UGX 90,000 to 342,000 or EUR 23 to 88), depending on location and property size.
The single biggest factor affecting nightly pricing in Uganda is location, specifically whether your property sits in an expat-heavy area like Kololo or Nakasero versus a more suburban neighborhood like Kisaasi or Naalya.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Uganda.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Uganda in 2026?
As of early 2026, nightly prices for Airbnb listings in Uganda can vary by more than $80 between neighborhoods, with premium areas like Kololo reaching $95 per night (UGX 342,000 or EUR 88) while budget-friendly areas like Kisaasi start around $35 (UGX 126,000 or EUR 32).
The three neighborhoods with the highest average nightly prices in Uganda are Kololo, Nakasero, and Munyonyo, where well-furnished units typically command $65 to $120 per night (UGX 234,000 to 432,000 or EUR 60 to 111) thanks to embassy proximity, lakefront views, and conference traffic.
The more affordable neighborhoods include Kisaasi, Naalya, and parts of Ntinda, where nightly rates range from $35 to $55 (UGX 126,000 to 198,000 or EUR 32 to 51), and these areas still attract steady bookings from budget-conscious travelers and local business visitors.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Uganda in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Uganda sits around 35%, which reflects the market's mix of short leisure stays and longer corporate bookings.
The realistic occupancy range covering most listings in Uganda falls between 28% and 48%, with significant variation based on property quality, location, and whether hosts target nightly or monthly stays.
Uganda's occupancy rates are comparable to other East African markets but lower than major global tourism destinations, largely because demand concentrates around specific events and corporate travel rather than year-round leisure tourism.
The single biggest factor for achieving above-average occupancy in Uganda is operational reliability, meaning properties with backup power, consistent hot water, and fast Wi-Fi consistently outperform similar listings that lack these basics.
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What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Uganda in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly revenue per Airbnb listing in Uganda is approximately $525 (UGX 1,890,000 or EUR 486), calculated from typical nightly rates and occupancy levels.
The realistic monthly revenue range covering roughly 80% of listings in Uganda falls between $350 and $900 (UGX 1,260,000 to 3,240,000 or EUR 324 to 833), depending on location, property quality, and booking strategy.
Top-performing Airbnb listings in Uganda can achieve $1,000 to $1,500 per month (UGX 3,600,000 to 5,400,000 or EUR 926 to 1,389), especially properties in Entebbe or the Munyonyo lakefront that maintain 50% or higher occupancy at premium rates. A well-positioned two-bedroom in Kololo at $80 per night with 50% occupancy would gross around $1,200 monthly.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Uganda.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Uganda in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical low-season monthly revenue for an Airbnb in Uganda ranges from $300 to $550 (UGX 1,080,000 to 1,980,000 or EUR 278 to 509), while high-season months can bring in $650 to $1,200 (UGX 2,340,000 to 4,320,000 or EUR 602 to 1,111).
Low season in Uganda generally falls during the rainy periods from March to May and October to November, while high season aligns with dry months from December to February and June to September when both tourist arrivals and corporate travel peak.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Uganda in 2026?
As of early 2026, realistic monthly operating expenses for an Airbnb in Uganda range from $180 to $750 (UGX 648,000 to 2,700,000 or EUR 167 to 694), depending on whether you self-manage a small apartment or professionally operate a larger villa with staff.
The single largest expense category for most Airbnb hosts in Uganda is utilities combined with backup power solutions, which can run $80 to $200 monthly (UGX 288,000 to 720,000 or EUR 74 to 185) when you factor in electricity, water, internet, and generator or inverter fuel.
Hosts in Uganda should expect to spend between 35% and 55% of gross revenue on operating expenses, with leaner operations at the lower end and fully staffed properties at the higher end.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Uganda.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Uganda in 2026?
As of early 2026, realistic monthly net profit for an Airbnb in Uganda ranges from $100 to $600 (UGX 360,000 to 2,160,000 or EUR 93 to 556), with profit per available night typically falling between $3 and $20 (UGX 10,800 to 72,000 or EUR 3 to 19).
The realistic monthly net profit range covering most listings in Uganda spans from a conservative $100 for basic properties in less central locations to $600 or more for well-optimized units in prime areas like Kololo or Entebbe.
Net profit margins for Airbnb hosts in Uganda typically land between 25% and 50%, with the higher margins going to owners who minimize turnover costs through monthly stays or who achieve premium pricing through exceptional amenities.
The break-even occupancy rate for a typical Airbnb listing in Uganda is around 20% to 25%, meaning you need roughly seven to eight booked nights per month just to cover your operating costs before seeing any profit.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Uganda, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Uganda versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How competitive is Airbnb in Uganda as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Uganda as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Uganda has an estimated 6,000 to 9,000 active short-term rental listings, with Greater Kampala alone accounting for roughly 3,700 properties according to tracking data.
This represents continued growth compared to previous years, as Uganda's short-term rental market has expanded steadily alongside increasing tourism arrivals and a growing expat community, though the pace of new listings has moderated from the rapid growth seen in 2022 and 2023.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Uganda as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods for Airbnb in Uganda are Kololo, Nakasero, Naguru, Bugolobi, and Ntinda in Kampala, plus Entebbe's town center and lakeside areas like Nakiwogo.
These neighborhoods saturated because they combine the three things guests value most: reliable utilities and infrastructure, proximity to embassies and business centers, and a perception of safety that makes them the default choice for both tourists and corporate travelers.
Relatively undersaturated neighborhoods that may offer better opportunities for new hosts include Kansanga, Lubowa, Buziga's outer edges, and parts of Wakiso near the airport corridor, where demand exists but supply has not yet caught up.
What local events spike demand in Uganda in 2026?
As of early 2026, the main events that spike Airbnb demand in Uganda include the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) in Kampala, Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at Namugongo, Nyege Nyege Festival in Jinja, and major conferences at Munyonyo's lakefront hotels and resorts.
During these peak events, Airbnb bookings in affected areas can increase by 40% to 80%, while nightly rates often rise 30% to 50% above normal levels as supply tightens and last-minute travelers compete for remaining inventory.
Hosts in Uganda should adjust pricing and tighten availability settings at least four to six weeks before major events, as savvy travelers book early and waiting too long means missing the premium pricing window.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Uganda in 2026?
As of early 2026, top-performing Airbnb hosts in Uganda achieve occupancy rates between 45% and 60%, significantly outperforming the market average.
By comparison, average hosts in Uganda typically see occupancy rates of 30% to 40%, which means top performers fill their calendars roughly 50% more often than their peers.
New hosts in Uganda can typically reach top-performer occupancy levels within six to twelve months if they invest in professional photos, maintain fast response times, accumulate positive reviews, and ensure reliability basics like backup power and stable internet.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Uganda.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Uganda right now?
The most crowded price range for Airbnb listings in Uganda falls between $25 and $55 per night (UGX 90,000 to 198,000 or EUR 23 to 51), where the majority of one-bedroom apartments in Kampala compete for budget-conscious travelers.
The "white space" opportunity for new hosts in Uganda sits in the $60 to $95 per night range (UGX 216,000 to 342,000 or EUR 56 to 88), where guests are willing to pay more but struggle to find reliably excellent options with proper backup power, workspace setups, and consistent quality.
To successfully compete in this underserved mid-premium segment in Uganda, new hosts should focus on work-ready amenities like a proper desk and ergonomic chair, guaranteed power backup via inverter or solar, excellent Wi-Fi with a backup data solution, and spotless presentation with professional photography.
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What property works best for Airbnb demand in Uganda right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Uganda as of 2026?
As of early 2026, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units get the most bookings for Airbnb listings in Uganda, with one-bedrooms being particularly dominant in the Kampala market.
The estimated booking rate breakdown by bedroom count in Uganda shows one-bedroom units capturing roughly 55% to 60% of bookings, two-bedrooms taking about 25% to 30%, and three-bedroom-plus properties accounting for the remaining 10% to 15%.
One-bedroom units perform best in Uganda because the primary demand comes from solo business travelers, consultants, and NGO workers who need a comfortable base for short assignments rather than families on vacation needing extra space.
What property type performs best in Uganda in 2026?
As of early 2026, well-furnished apartments and serviced-apartment-style units perform best for Airbnb in Uganda, outperforming standalone houses and villas on a risk-adjusted basis.
Occupancy rates across property types in Uganda show apartments achieving 35% to 45% occupancy, townhouses in gated estates reaching 30% to 40%, and larger standalone houses or villas typically landing at 25% to 35% unless they target the premium event or family-stay market.
Apartments outperform in Uganda because they are easier to standardize, have lower maintenance requirements, often come with shared security in residential buildings, and match the profile of the typical guest: a solo professional or couple looking for a reliable, hassle-free stay.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Uganda, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda Tourism Act, 2008 | This is the primary law that sets the rules for licensing and regulating tourism facilities in Uganda. | We used it to anchor what "tourist accommodation" means legally and why licensing applies. We also used it to frame what is and is not clearly regulated for short-stay hosting. |
| Uganda Tourism Accommodation Regulations, 2014 | This is an official implementing regulation made under the Tourism Act that defines accommodation categories. | We used it to understand which accommodation types are regulated, like guest houses and serviced apartments. We also used it to infer how an Airbnb-style unit might be classified. |
| Uganda Tourism Board Registration Notice | UTB is the statutory regulator responsible for tourism facility standards, inspection, and licensing in Uganda. | We used it to confirm UTB's current enforcement stance and practical expectations for accommodation businesses. We also used it to shape our compliance checklist. |
| UTB Minimum Requirements Document | This is a government-hosted document listing specific compliance items like safety, staffing, and insurance requirements. | We used it to translate compliance into concrete, beginner-friendly tasks like fire safety and first aid. We also used it to estimate realistic compliance costs. |
| URSB Online Business Registration | URSB is the official registrar for companies and business names in Uganda. | We used it to show where a host would register a business if operating commercially. We also used it to build a compliance path that does not assume you already have a company. |
| KCCA Trading Licence FAQs | KCCA is the city authority responsible for licensing and regulating businesses in Kampala. | We used it to explain that business licensing is a city-level compliance layer in Greater Kampala. We also used it to guide what to ask local authorities outside Kampala. |
| KCCA eCitie Property Rates | This is KCCA's official description of property rates and the governing laws in Kampala. | We used it to flag that property rates apply separately from income tax. We also used it to make expense planning more realistic for owners inside Kampala. |
| IGC Property Tax Report, Dec 2025 | The International Growth Centre is a respected policy research organization with access to administrative tax data. | We used it to confirm that property rates collection is a real, active system rather than theoretical. We also used it to support the idea that enforcement capacity is strengthening. |
| MTWA Tourism Statistics 2025 | This is an official tourism statistics publication from Uganda's Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities. | We used it to ground demand drivers like arrivals, earnings, and stay patterns in real tourism performance data. We also used it to justify seasonality assumptions. |
| UBOS CPI Press Release, Nov 2025 | UBOS is Uganda's national statistics agency and the definitive source for inflation data. | We used it to anchor cost inflation and explain why expenses like cleaning and utilities tend to increase over time. We also used it to keep UGX budgeting realistic. |
| Bank of Uganda Monetary Policy Report, Nov 2025 | Bank of Uganda is the central bank and the most authoritative source on macroeconomic and interest rate conditions. | We used it to frame the financing environment and why borrowing costs matter for profitability. We also used it to contextualize risk for non-professional investors. |
| Bank of Uganda Exchange Rate Portal | This is the central bank's official exchange rate gateway for UGX conversion. | We used it as the official reference point for UGX to USD conversions throughout the article. We also used it to keep revenue and expense examples coherent across currencies. |
| AirDNA MarketMinder Kampala | AirDNA is a widely used short-term rental analytics provider with transparent Airbnb and Vrbo tracking methodology. | We used it to anchor market structure including listing counts, bedroom mix, amenities, and directional occupancy and ADR figures. We also used it to understand what typical competition looks like in Kampala. |
| PwC Tax Summaries: Uganda | PwC is a top-tier global tax advisory firm that summarizes statutory tax rules clearly and accurately. | We used it to state a practical, investor-relevant rule of thumb for rental income tax treatment. We also used it to avoid relying on hearsay about tax rates. |
| PwC Uganda Rental Tax Webinar | This is a professional tax training deck from a major firm, aligned to current Ugandan tax law. | We used it to triangulate how rental income tax is computed in practice and what categories matter. We also used it to build a simple tax planning section for hosts. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Uganda. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.