Hiring a Full-Stack Developer in Kampala: What to Look For
Looking for a developer who can handle both frontend and backend? Our 2026 guide covers the essential skills for hiring a full-stack developer in Kampala.
Table of Contents
- The Rising Demand for Full-Stack Talent
- The "Modern" Stack: Next.js + Go
- Assessing Technical Skills: Beyond the CV
- Soft Skills: Communication & Problem Solving
- Agency vs. Individual Freelancer
- Salary Expectations in Uganda 2026
- Interview Questions to Ask
- Conclusion
The Rising Demand for Full-Stack Talent
In 2026, the term "Full-Stack Developer" has matured. It no longer means someone who is "half-good at everything." It means a specialist who understands the entire data lifecycle—from the pixels on the user's screen to the bits in the database.
For businesses in Kampala, hiring the right full-stack developer is the difference between a product that scales and a product that fails.
The "Modern" Stack: Next.js + Go
In previous years, being full-stack meant knowing PHP and some basic CSS. This is no longer enough. The Current Standard:
- Frontend: Expertise in Next.js and React. They should understand Server Components, Hydration, and SEO-first rendering.
- Backend: Proficiency in Golang (Go) or Node.js. They must understand how to build secure, concurrent APIs.
- Cloud: Familiarity with AWS, Vercel, or local hosting platforms for deployment.
If a developer's stack is stuck in 2018 (jQuery and basic PHP), they will struggle with the performance requirements of 2026.
Assessing Technical Skills: Beyond the CV
Don't just look at the list of logos on their CV.
- The Portfolio Test: Ask them to walk you through a project. "Why did you choose this database? How did you handle user authentication?"
- The Live Coding Challenge: Give them a small local problem to solve. Watch how they think, not just how fast they type.
- GitHub Maturity: Look at their code quality. Is it clean, documented, and properly versioned?
Soft Skills: Communication & Problem Solving
A brilliant developer who can't explain their work is a liability.
- Business Logic: Can they translate your business goal into a technical feature?
- Reliability: In the Ugandan tech scene, consistency is king. Use the "trial period" to test their punctuality and communication.
- Willingness to Learn: Tech changes every 6 months. Look for a "growth mindset."
Agency vs. Individual Freelancer
| Feature | Individual Freelancer | Development Agency (e.g., Desishub) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Risk | High (Sick leave, disappearances) | Low (Team redundancy) |
| Scope | Limited to their skills | Wide (Design, SEO, Security, QA) |
| Long-term Support | Uncertain | Guaranteed by Contract |
Salary Expectations in Uganda 2026
- Junior (1-2 years): 1.5M - 3M UGX / month.
- Mid-Level (3-5 years): 4M - 8M UGX / month.
- Senior (5+ years): 10M+ UGX / month.
Note: Competitive startups in Kampala are now paying in USD or offering equity to attract top-tier talent.
Interview Questions to Ask
- "How do you optimize a Next.js site for slow internet connections in rural Uganda?"
- "Explain the difference between a REST API and a Webhook."
- "How would you secure a database containing sensitive customer financial data?"
- "Tell me about a time you failed to meet a deadline. How did you handle it?"
Conclusion
Hiring a full-stack developer is a significant investment. Don't rush it. Look for technical depth, modern stack knowledge, and a commitment to quality.
Skip the Hiring Hassle
Why spend 3 months hiring one person when you can have a whole team of experts? Work with Desishub Technologies and get immediate access to top-tier Full-Stack talent.