About the role

Luganda is the language of the Baganda of central Uganda and is widely spoken in Kampala. Most Ugandan clients also speak English, but older relatives and people discussing sensitive health or legal matters often prefer Luganda. Swahili and other Ugandan languages such as Runyankole or Lusoga are also used.

Assignments include GP and hospital care, mental health services, solicitor appointments, immigration matters and family services. Translators work on statements and letters in Luganda.

What you will do

Interpret between English and Luganda, using plain language in health and legal settings.
Translate Luganda letters and statements into English.
Keep everything you hear and read on assignments strictly confidential, and remain impartial throughout.
Build and maintain your own glossaries for the sectors you work in.
Attend video and telephone assignments from a quiet, private space with a reliable connection.
Produce accurate transcripts and English translations of recorded Luganda speech, for example police interviews or research recordings.

What we are looking for

Native or near-native fluency in Luganda and English, spoken and written.
The DPSI (Diploma in Public Service Interpreting), DPI (Diploma in Police Interpreting) or an equivalent qualification is an advantage; CIOL or ITI membership is welcome.
Swahili, Runyankole, Lusoga or another Ugandan language is an advantage.
Willingness to complete a DBS check for assignments in healthcare, education or with vulnerable people.
Right to work in the UK if you will take on-site assignments in the UK.
A reliable internet connection, headset and quiet, private workspace for remote assignments.

What we offer

Remote work by video and telephone, plus on-site bookings.
Fair compensation for your skills and time.
Opportunities for professional development.
Help from our operations team before and after assignments.
Varied assignments across healthcare, legal, government, finance and more.
Flexible working: choose the assignments that suit your availability.

Luganda work with SILA Linguists®

SILA Linguists® is a language services company providing interpreting, translation and transcription across the UK, North America, Australia, New Zealand and beyond, in more than 350 languages and dialects. As a Luganda linguist with us, you can take on the full range of work we offer in Luganda:

Luganda interpreting of every type: face-to-face, telephone (OPI) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, video (VRI) through the SILA Linguists® app or the client's platform, consecutive, simultaneous, conference and remote simultaneous (RSI), community and escort interpreting.
Luganda translation of documents into and out of English, from letters, medical reports and school records to contracts, research and websites.
Certified Luganda translation with a signed statement of accuracy, accepted by UK authorities such as courts, the Home Office, universities and employers.
Luganda transcription of audio and video recordings, with time stamps, translation of the transcript and subtitling.

Our vetted, trained and qualified linguists work in legal, police and court settings, immigration and asylum matters, NHS and private healthcare, social care, schools and universities, charities and business. Every assignment is covered by confidentiality agreements and UK GDPR.

Questions

Do you need other Ugandan languages?

Sometimes. List any other Ugandan languages you speak so we can offer you more work.

Do I need the DPSI to apply?

No. The DPSI or a similar qualification is welcome, and some clients require it for legal or police work, but it is not mandatory for every assignment.

Apply for this role

Freelance Luganda Interpreter and Translator