CVs & applications · 7 min read
Application letter samples for Uganda: teacher, nurse, receptionist, waitress, cashier, driver and internship
Seven short application letters you can copy and change. A good one fits on one page: who it goes to, the post and its reference, why you fit, and what you've attached.
A job application letter in Uganda should be one page and easy to check. Put your address and the date at the top, then who it's going to, then a heading with the post you want. Say where you saw the job, give two or three real reasons you fit, list what's attached and ask for an interview. Below are seven samples. Replace everything in square brackets, and take out anything that isn't true of you.
First check whether you need a letter at all
Public bodies often use a form or a portal, so a letter alone won't count. Read the advert before you write.
- Health Service Commission: fill the application online at hscers.ug, and bring Public Service Form 3 to the oral interview.
- Education Service Commission: use its eRecruitment system and ESC Form No. 3 of 2026.
- Judicial Service Commission: Form 1 for judicial officers and Form 2 for administrative and other staff.
- UPDF: the 2026 exercise asked for a handwritten application with recommendations, brought to physical recruitment.
- Uganda Police: the last advert we could open, from 2025, asked for a handwritten application to the Inspector General of Police.
If the advert says handwritten, write it neatly by hand on plain paper. Applying is free. Nobody should ask you to pay to send, receive or speed up an application.
How to set out the letter
[Your name] [Your P.O. Box or town] [Your phone] | [Your email] [Date] The [Title in the advert] [Employer] [Address] Dear Sir or Madam, RE: APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF [POST], REF [NUMBER] First paragraph: the post and where you saw it. Second paragraph: why you fit, with one real fact. Third paragraph: what's attached and when you can start. Yours faithfully, [Signature] [Your name]
If the advert names a person, write Dear Mr or Dear Ms with the name, and end with Yours sincerely.
Sample letter for a teacher
RE: APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF [SUBJECT] TEACHER I am applying for the post of [Subject] Teacher at [School], as advertised on [where you saw it]. I hold a [Diploma or Bachelor's degree] in Education from [Institution], with [Subject] and [Subject] as my teaching subjects, and I am a registered teacher. During [number] years at [Last school] I taught [Classes], prepared learners for [UCE or UACE or PLE] and ran the [Club or department]. Last year, [one real result, such as: my Senior 4 class improved its mean grade in Mathematics]. I attach my CV, academic transcripts and registration certificate. I am available for an interview and a demonstration lesson.
Sample letter for a nurse
RE: APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF [ENROLLED or REGISTERED] NURSE, REF [NUMBER] I am applying for the above post at [Health facility], as advertised on [where you saw it]. I hold a [Certificate or Diploma] in Nursing from [School], and I am registered with the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council, with a practising licence valid to [Date]. For the past [number] years I have worked in the [Ward] at [Facility], where I care for about [number] patients a shift, give medication and keep patient records. I attach my CV, academic and professional certificates, and my current licence. I can start [date], and I am ready to work shifts.
Sample letter for a receptionist
RE: APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF RECEPTIONIST I am applying for the post of Receptionist at [Employer], which I saw on [where you saw it]. I hold [your qualification] and I have worked for [number] years at the front desk of [Place], where I received about [number] visitors a day, answered calls, kept the visitors' book and handled bookings on [system]. I speak English and [your languages], and I use Word, Excel and email every day. I stay calm with upset visitors, and I would bring that to your front desk. I attach my CV and certificates. You can call me for an interview on any working day.
Sample letter for a waitress or waiter
RE: APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF WAITRESS I am applying for the post of Waitress at [Hotel or restaurant], as advertised on [where you saw it]. I completed [your course, or Senior 4 at School] and have [number] months of experience serving at [Place], where I took orders, served tables of up to [number] guests, handled bills and helped close the restaurant at night. Regular guests ask for me by name, I keep orders straight on a busy night, and evening and weekend shifts suit me. I can bring a medical certificate if you need one. I attach my CV. I can come for an interview or a trial shift whenever suits you.
Sample letter for a cashier
RE: APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF CASHIER I am applying for the post of Cashier at [Employer], which I saw on [where you saw it]. I hold [your qualification] and I have worked as a cashier at [Place] for [number] years. I handle about UGX [amount] a day in cash and mobile money, balance my till at the end of each shift and report any difference to my supervisor. My till has balanced [your real record, such as: every week for the past six months]. I attach my CV and certificates. My referees can confirm my honesty and my record.
Sample letter for a driver
RE: APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF DRIVER, REF [NUMBER] I am applying for the post of Driver at [Employer], as advertised on [where you saw it]. I hold a valid driving permit, class [Class], which runs to [Date], and I have [number] years of driving experience with [Last employer], mostly on [routes, such as: upcountry field trips]. I keep the vehicle logbook, carry out daily checks and report faults early. I have [your real record, such as: had no accident in the past four years]. I attach my CV, UCE certificate, driving permit and a letter from my last employer. I can work long days and field trips when needed.
Sample letter for an internship
RE: APPLICATION FOR INTERNSHIP PLACEMENT I am a [Year] student of [Course] at [University or Institute], and I am applying for an internship at [Employer] from [Start date] to [End date], as required by my programme. I have chosen your [Department] because [one real reason]. In my course I have studied [two subjects that fit], and I have used [a skill or tool]. I will arrive on time, do the tasks you give me and learn from your staff. I attach my CV, a letter from my [Institution] and a copy of my student ID.
Five mistakes that lose you the post
- The wrong post title or a missing reference number. Copy both from the advert.
- Sending a letter when the advert names a portal.
- Using the same letter for every job, with the last employer's name still in it.
- Claiming a qualification or registration you don't have. Public bodies check documents, and forgery can mean arrest.
- Paying someone who promises to push your application.
Sources and further reading
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Frequently asked questions
How long should an application letter be?
One page. If it runs over, cut the parts your CV already covers.
Should I handwrite my application letter?
Only if the advert asks. The UPDF's 2026 exercise and the police's 2025 advert did. Most employers accept a typed letter, or want one uploaded as a PDF.
Who do I address it to if the advert doesn't name anyone?
Use the title in the advert, such as The Secretary or The Human Resource Manager, and start with Dear Sir or Madam. End with Yours faithfully.
What's the difference between an application letter and a cover letter?
In Uganda people use the two names for the same thing. It's the one page that goes with your CV.