A CV in Uganda is a one–to–two-page document that summarises your skills, work experience, education, and achievements. To write a strong CV in Uganda in 2025, include clear contact details, a professional summary, measurable results in your experience section, and tailor the CV to each job.
This guide breaks down every section recruiters expect, real examples, and tools to help you improve your CV fast.
Table of Contents
What Is a CV in Uganda?
A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a professional document used when applying for jobs in Uganda. It outlines your qualifications, professional background, and skills. Most employers in Uganda request a 1–2 page CV focused on results, not long descriptions.
Authoritative definition:
See the Ministry of Gender, Labour & Social Development’s guidance on employment documentation:
https://www.mglsd.go.ug/
What Employers in Uganda Expect in 2025
Ugandan recruiters prioritise:
- Clear, scannable formatting
- A short, results-focused summary
- Relevant skills (digital skills now ranked highly)
- Achievements expressed with numbers
- A CV tailored to the specific job advert
Explore current jobs on BrighterMonday → https://www.brightermonday.co.ug/
Sections Every CV in Uganda Must Have
1. Contact Information
- Full name
- Phone number
- Location (City, District) — not full address
- LinkedIn profile (optional but recommended)
Example:Daniel Komakech | 0772 123 456 | komakechd@gmail.com | Kampala, Uganda | linkedin.com/in/dkomakech
2. Professional Summary (3–4 sentences)
A short statement that captures your experience, skills, and what you can deliver.
Good example:
Results-driven Sales Executive with 4+ years of experience increasing revenue in FMCG. Skilled in client acquisition, CRM tools, and product activation. Proven ability to exceed quarterly targets by 20% or more.
3. Work Experience
List your roles in reverse chronological order.
Include:
- Job title
- Company
- Dates
- 3–5 bullet points highlighting achievements with numbers
- Increased sales by 18% in Q2 2024
- Trained 12 new representatives
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Contact Information | Name, phone number, email, LinkedIn (if applicable). |
| Professional Summary | 2–4 sentences summarizing your career goals and strengths. |
| Key Skills | List 5–8 relevant skills tailored to the job. |
| Work Experience | Job title, company, dates, responsibilities, and achievements. |
| Education | Degrees, institutions, dates, certifications. |
| Referees | 2 professional contacts, or write “Available on request.” |
4. Education
Include:
- Degree or qualification
- Institution
- Year of completion
Example:
Bachelor of Social Sciences, Makerere University (2022)
5. Skills & Competencies
Separate into:
- Technical skills
- Soft skills
- Job-specific skills
Example:
- Digital Literacy, MS Excel, CRM tools
- Customer Service, Collaboration, Leadership
How to Write a Powerful Professional Summary
Your summary must be:
- Short
- Specific
- Employer-focused
- Filled with results
Format:[Who you are] + [Years of experience] + [Key skills] + [Achievement/impact]
Tailor Your CV for Every Job
Recruiters in Uganda reject generic CVs quickly. To tailor yours:
- Match your keywords with those in the job advert
- Highlight only relevant experience
- Reorder your skills so the most relevant ones come first
- Use action verbs like developed, improved, led, delivered, increased
Internal link:
How to tailor your CV for ATS screening →
https://www.brightermonday.co.ug/discover
Free Tools to Improve Your CV
- CV Builder: https://www.brightermonday.co.ug/profile
- Profile Score Tool: Helps you complete your online profile to 100%
- Free job alerts: https://www.brightermonday.co.ug/jobseekers/signup
Common CV Mistakes Ugandan Job Seekers Make
| ❌Mistake | ✅ Fix |
|---|---|
| Writing long paragraphs | Use short, scannable bullet points |
| Including irrelevant jobs | Focus on the last 10 years only |
| Using unprofessional emails | Use your name (e.g., julian.okello@gmail.com) |
| Listing responsibilities instead of achievements | Add numbers to show impact |
| Typos and formatting issues | Proofread or use a spell-checker |
Should You Include a Photo?
A CV photo is optional in Uganda.
Include one only when the employer requests it or the job is public-facing (e.g., TV, hospitality). When in doubt, leave it out.
CV Submission Checklist
Before you send your CV:
- Is your CV 1–2 pages?
- Does the summary show your value clearly?
- Are all dates correct and consistent?
- Are achievements quantified?
- Have you tailored it to the job?
- Did you export it as a PDF?
Have you tailored it to the job?
Bonus: How to Add Impact With Numbers
Use measurable achievements:
- Increased sales by 25%
- Trained 15 staff members
- Managed a UGX 120M portfolio
- Reduced customer complaints by 40%
Bad: “Managed a sales team”
Better: “Led a 5-person team to exceed sales targets by 30% in 2024”
Final Word
Writing a strong CV in Uganda in 2025 is all about clarity, relevance, and showing results. With the right structure, numbers, and a tailored summary, your CV can stand out to recruiters in minutes.
Start improving your CV today on BrighterMonday Uganda:
https://www.brightermonday.co.ug/profile
FAQs (with AEO-optimized answers)
1. How long should a CV be in Uganda?
Most CVs in Uganda should be 1–2 pages, depending on your experience level.
2. Should I include referees in my CV?
It’s now acceptable to write “Referees available on request” unless the employer asks for names.
3. What format should I send my CV in?
Always send a PDF unless a Word document is requested.
4. Do Ugandan employers use ATS systems?
Yes. Most medium and large employers now screen CVs using ATS tools. Use clear headings and avoid graphics inside text sections.
