Most office space in Kampala is rented as an open floor. Before a business can move in, that floor has to become reception, private offices, a boardroom and open-plan workstations. Partitions do that job — and the type you choose decides how bright, quiet and flexible your office will be. Here is a practical comparison based on EDEVA Uganda's experience partitioning offices for banks, NGOs, universities, insurers and government units since 2007.

Aluminium and glass partitions

The most popular choice for modern offices. A slim aluminium frame holds glass in the upper part and MDF or laminated boards in the lower part (or glass all the way down for a very open feel).

• Light: glass lets daylight reach the middle of the floor, so you need fewer lights during the day.
• Privacy on demand: frosted glass, frosted film strips or blinds give privacy exactly where you need it.
• Speed: frames are cut and assembled off site, so installation is quick and clean — often over a weekend.
• Reusable: aluminium partitions can be dismantled and rebuilt if you move or reorganise.

Timber partitions

Timber gives a warm, solid, executive look and good sound reduction. It suits boardrooms, director's offices and institutions that want a traditional finish. Timber partitions take longer to build on site and need good-quality, well-seasoned wood and proper finishing to avoid movement over time. EDEVA has built timber partitions for clients such as Uganda Christian University, MTC Associates and the Climate Change Unit of the Ministry of Water and Environment.

Drywall (gypsum) partitions

Drywall partitions are built from gypsum boards on a light steel frame, then painted like a normal wall. They are ideal where you want solid walls without heavy masonry — for server rooms, stores or offices that need full privacy. They are fast to build and can hide cables, but they are not as easy to move as aluminium systems.

Steel partitions and counters

Where security matters — cash offices, forex bureaus, pharmacies and service counters — steel partitions and counters with grills protect staff and stock while still letting customers be served.

Workstations: the other half of the fit-out

Open-plan areas need desks divided into workstations. Aluminium-framed screens with glass or frosted film strips give each person a defined space while keeping the room bright and sociable.

How to plan your partitions

1. List the rooms you need — number of private offices, meeting rooms, stores, reception, and how many people sit in the open area.
2. Mark windows, sockets and air conditioners on the floor plan. Partitions should not cut through a window or leave an office without power.
3. Decide where you need privacy (HR, finance, directors) and where you want openness (teams, reception).
4. Think about sound. Boardrooms and managers' offices benefit from partitions that run up to the ceiling, or from timber or drywall.
5. Plan ceilings and blinds at the same time. A suspended ceiling and matching blinds finish the space and are easier to coordinate with one contractor.

Why companies in Uganda choose EDEVA for partitions

EDEVA Uganda Limited has partitioned offices for organisations such as True North, EFRIVO Services, BIDCO (U) Ltd, UAP Insurance, Pioneer Cooperative Society, Zenitaka Corporation and Future Options. We handle aluminium, timber, drywall and steel partitions, plus the ceilings, blinds and painting that finish the job. See our interior partitions service and partition projects.