U.S. Mission Uganda
Announcement Number: Kampala-2026-006
Position Title: Bodyguard
Opening Period: 04/30/2026 – 05/17/2026
Series: 0701
Grade: FSN 5/FP-9
Salary: UGX 41,384,371
For More Info: kampala_hro_lestaffservices@state.gov
Who May Apply: All Interested Applicants / All Sources
(Actual FS salary determined by Washington D.C.)
Security Clearance Required: Public Trust- Background Investigation
Duration Appointment: Indefinite subject to successful completion of probationary period.
Marketing Statement:
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO): The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.
Download: Detailed Position Description | PD – Bodyguard – Kampala
Summary: The U.S. Mission in Uganda is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the Bodyguard position in the Regional Security Office.
The work schedule for this position is:
• Full Time, 40 hours per week
Start date: Candidate must be able to begin working within a reasonable period of time (4 weeks) following receipt of agency authorization and/or clearances/certifications or their candidacy may end.
Supervisory Position: No
Duties:
Incumbent serves as a Bodyguard (BG) in the execution of protective security operations for the U.S. Ambassador/Chief of Mission (COM), and other designated or visiting U.S. government officials as directed. Under the supervision of the BG Supervisor and managed by the Regional Security Officer (RSO) to Uganda in order to protect him/her from harm.
Qualifications and Evaluations
EDUCATION:
Completion of Secondary Education or High school Diploma is required.
Requirements:
EXPERIENCE:
A minimum of two (2) years of private sector, government, police, or military experience in one or more of the following categories: bodyguard, armed escort, law enforcement officer, combat arms or infantry soldier, or other related professional security experience.
JOB KNOWLEDGE:
A thorough knowledge of defense measures to be used in the event of a personal or terrorist attack, such as that learned in the military or law enforcement training. Knowledge in medical, fire, hostile attack, defensive and emergency driving procedures. Must be familiar with Uganda’s Police Services, military, security and other government offices to ensure effective liaison and to facilitate effective protective operations including advance and motorcade operations.
Evaluations: (This may be tested)
LANGUAGE:
English: Limited knowledge – speaking, reading and writing.
Luganda or Kiswahili: Limited knowledge – speaking, reading and writing.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Must have initiative and resourcefulness in accomplishing tasks.
Must be able to deal effectively with people of other cultures to obtain cooperation and reach common goals.
Possesses good leadership and interpersonal skills.
Good working computer skills are required.
Must be able to work variable shifts, 24 hour on-call schedule, and able to travel outside Kampala on an as needed basis.
Proficient in first aid.
Must be alert, have fast reflexes, active thinking, excellent observational skills, adaptation, take decisive actions, stay calm in dangerous situations, teamwork, communication skills, etc. and have the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Must be physically fit and be able to endure frequent travel, long working hours, and a stressful working environment while maintaining the above standards. Should be trained on emergency first-aid.
Possess skills in the use of a firearm.
Host government Driver’s License to operate up to Sport Utility Vehicle is required.
Ability to operate a manual transmission vehicle.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO): The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.
Other information:
HIRING PREFERENCE SELECTION PROCESS: A hiring preference is extended to eligible and qualified applicants in the order listed below. It is essential you accurately describe your status in your application, failure to do so may result in a determination that you are not eligible for a hiring preference.
HIRING PREFERENCE ORDER
- Appointment Eligible Family Member (AEFM) / U.S. citizen Eligible Family Member (USEFM) who is a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran*
- AEFM / USEFM
- Foreign Service (FS) on Leave without Pay (LWOP) and Civil Service (CS) with reemployment rights **
* IMPORTANT: US citizen Eligible Family Member (USEFM) applicants who claim status as a preference-eligible U.S. Veteran must submit a copy of their most recent DD-214 (“Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty”) preferably Member Copy 4, Letter from Veterans’ Affairs which indicates the present existence of a service-connected disability, equivalent documentation, or certification. A “certification” is any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active-duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted by the applicant. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. Acceptable documentation must be submitted in order for the preference to be given.
** This level of preference applies to all FS employees on LWOP and CS with re-employment rights back to their agency or bureau.
For complete definitions of AEFM, USEFM, EFM, Member of Household, etc., please visit the 3 FAM 7210 Definitions .
How to Apply:
Click the “Apply to This Vacancy” button at the top of the page to begin your application. For an instructional video on how to apply click here.
Please address all relevant experience, education, language skills (including English), and job-related skills or requirements in your application.
You may edit your application any time before the vacancy closing date. If you fail to submit a complete application by the vacancy closing date of this vacancy, then your application may be disqualified for this position.
For a copy of the complete position description, please contact the HR Office.
To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the HR Office.
Required Documents:
In order to qualify based on education, you MUST submit the requested degree and / or transcripts as verification of educational requirement by the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to provide requested information, or the information you submit is insufficient to verify your eligibility, you will not be considered for this position.
All Applicants:
Academic Transcript (Completion of Secondary School or High School Diploma)
Valid Driver’s License – Class B (Must have held a driver’s license for a minimum of five years)
Work Permit (if applicable)
In addition, Eligible Family Member (EFM) Applicants must submit:
Copy of Sponsor’s Travel Orders/Assignment Notification (or equivalent)
Passport copy
DD-214 – Member Copy 4, Letter from Veterans’ Affairs, or other supporting documentation (if applicable)
SF-50 (if applicable)
What to Expect Next: Applicants who are invited to take a language or skills test, or who are selected for an interview will be contacted via email. For more information on applying for jobs or employment with us, please visit the U.S. Mission website Job Opportunities – U.S. Embassy in Uganda – Available positions at the U.S. Mission
Thank you for your application and your interest in working with us.
