Is a double room always two rooms?

Often, but not always. In Ugandan listings it commonly means two rooms such as a bedroom and a sitting room, so confirm the layout with the landlord.

What is the difference between a single room and self-contained?

A single room is one room and its toilet and bathroom may be shared. Self-contained means the toilet and bathroom are inside the unit and not shared.

What do self-contained, double room and other rental terms mean in Uganda?

Last updated 9 October 2026 · Wolan Real Estate

Short answer

Self-contained means the unit has its own toilet and bathroom inside. A single room is one room, so ask whether facilities are shared. A double room often means two rooms but varies, so confirm the layout. Service charge is a regular payment for shared costs on top of rent.

Types of home

Self-contained: own toilet and bathroom inside, not shared with other households.
Single room: one room. Always ask whether the toilet and bathroom are inside or shared.
Double room: in Ugandan listings this often means two rooms, for example a bedroom and a sitting room. It varies, so confirm the layout.
Bungalow: a house on a single floor.
Maisonette: a home spread over two floors, usually part of a larger building or estate.
Townhouse: a house that shares one or more walls with its neighbours, usually in a small estate.
Semi-detached: a house joined to one neighbouring house by a shared wall.
Apartment (or flat): a home on one floor inside a larger building.

Money and paperwork terms

Service charge: a regular payment, on top of rent, for shared costs such as security, rubbish collection and upkeep of common areas. Ask what it covers before you agree.
Deposit: money a landlord holds at the start of a tenancy against damage or unpaid bills. Ask in writing how much it is, when it is returned and on what conditions, and keep the receipt.
Tenancy agreement: the written agreement between landlord and tenant. It should state the rent, the period, what is included, the deposit and how either side ends it.
Furnished means the unit comes with furniture; unfurnished means bare. Ask for a list of exactly what is included.

Utilities and people

Prepaid meter: an electricity meter you top up in advance, so you pay for what you use. Ask whether the unit has its own or shares one.
Caretaker: the person who looks after a property day to day. Confirm the owner has authorised them before you pay them anything.
Agent or broker: a person who finds tenants or buyers for an owner, usually for a fee. Ask who pays them and for what, and get it in writing.

Frequently asked questions

Is a double room always two rooms?: Often, but not always. In Ugandan listings it commonly means two rooms such as a bedroom and a sitting room, so confirm the layout with the landlord.
What is the difference between a single room and self-contained?: A single room is one room and its toilet and bathroom may be shared. Self-contained means the toilet and bathroom are inside the unit and not shared.