Tipping for services in Uganda is not mandatory but is appreciated and often expected in certain situations. Understanding the local tipping culture can enhance your travel experience and ensure that you show appreciation appropriately.
In restaurants, a tip of around 10% of the bill is customary if service charges are not already included. However, you should always check the bill first to avoid tipping twice. In smaller, local eateries, tipping is less common, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is a nice gesture.
For hotel staff, such as porters and housekeeping, tips are generally appreciated. Giving porters 1,000-2,000 Ugandan Shillings (about $0.30-$0.60 USD) per bag and leaving a similar amount per day for housekeeping is standard. If you receive exceptional service, you can always tip more.
Tour guides and safari drivers often rely on tips as a significant part of their income. Tipping 5,000-10,000 UGX (approximately $1.50-$3.00 USD) per day for guides and drivers is a good practice, and more if you feel they provided an exceptional experience.
In taxis and boda-bodas (motorcycle taxis), tipping is not customary, but rounding up the fare to the nearest convenient amount is appreciated. For other services, such as hairdressers or spa treatments, small tips are welcomed but not obligatory.