Volunteering in Uganda
As a volunteer, you will experience traditional Uganda life and participate in daily activities, such as cooking over open fire, collecting firewood, playing with children, teaching children, assisting in the vegetable garden as well as construction projects.
Placement work in Uganda
The type of work you are involved with will be dependent on your interest, abilities, level of experience as well as your comfort levels. One of the advantages of Relief Care Uganda’s program is that you are not limited to one job role and will have the opportunity to ‘sample ‘other roles during your placement. To become involved in another project simply inform a member of staff who will happily make any necessary arrangements.
RCU welcomes volunteers to contribute to locally-driven initiatives in;
- Education and Child Development
- Health and Medical Support
- Community development and Employment
- Environmental Conservation and Green Projects
- Social Work and Vulnerable groups
- Construction and infrastructure development
- Digital and ICT volunteering
- Agriculture and food Security
- Sports Development
- Women and Youth empowerment, and Social-economic projects
- Art and Music projects
- Fundraising
- Administrative work
Volunteers have a direct impact by supporting in the above projects. Just as important is the exchange of knowledge, helping people in remote communities gain insight into the wider world while offering volunteers a firsthand understanding of life in rural Uganda.
Work schedule
Working hours are normally 4-8 hours a day from Monday to Friday. Time away from work on weekends or after the volunteer program e.g for traveling to other parts of Uganda or East Africa can be arranged through informing the Volunteer Coordinator.
Upon arrival, there is a two days’ orientation session for new volunteers to become acquainted with local culture, language and project work. Further training and supervision may be provided to new volunteers who are interested in tasks for which they lack adequate experience.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Documents:
We recommend volunteers to get tourist visas to come to Uganda. This is a 6 months renewable visa, and can easily be purchased upon arrival (with cash) at the airport or in advance form Uganda consulates in most countries. Uganda Visa.
Clothing
With regards to clothing, keep in mind that the local area in very dusty and is often hot and dry and slightly cold and rainy season. Volunteers should anticipate that clothes and footwear will become dirty quickly so we suggest durable outdoors clothes that will last your stay. Of course, there are facilities to wash clothes and shoes are regularly as you wish.
As most of our placements are in conservative area, all volunteers should bring at least one pair of long pants or skirt as well as a skirt that covers your shoulders otherwise acceptable clothing includes singlet and knee-length skirts/shorts. Volunteers should understand that very short skirts and skimpy clothing will attract attention and we particularly advise that women volunteers limit the wear of bikini tops, halter necks, midriff tops and short skirts, However, we also advice that male volunteers wear a shirt/singlet (i.e., not topless) and wear knees length short.
At least two pairs of shoes, including one pair of comfortable covered shoes or trainers and one pair of sandals of flip-flops.
Sunhat to prevent sunburn (particularly for volunteers unused to strong sunlight).
During rainy season, the nights and mornings can get cool. We suggest that volunteers bring light jumpers or pullovers to layer clothing (rather than think jumpers etc.)
Airport Transfers and orientation
Upon arrival at Entebbe international Airport (airport code: EBB) in Entebbe, you will proceed through immigration and customs officials. One of our representatives will be waiting for you outside the arrival’s hall. Look for a sign with your name on it. Our representative will accompany you to your placement the same day if you arrive. If you are arriving via other transportation (such as Bus) please contact us so we can make the necessary arrangements to meet with you. Upon arrival, we offer orientation which include meeting kids at the school, a tour of the local area, discussion of the volunteer role, recent changes and current plans/developments at the organisation, etc. on departure, volunteer will be accompanied by the Relief Care Uganda representative to the airport
ACCOMODATION
During your orientation, we’ll teach you some basic Luganda words to communicate with the locals. Using the local language will earn you respect and foster positive interactions.
Food:
Your host family will provide you with breakfast and dinner on workdays and three meals on weekends, featuring staple foods like meat, fish, beans, rice, posho, matoke, chapatti, and lots of fruit. Volunteers are encouraged to cook and to introduce different meals. Vegetarians are also catered for very well since we have plenty of vegetables in our community. The water used is very clean and safe to consume. Bottled water is also available and can be purchased at the nearby shops. Additionally, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants in town offering affordable Western cuisine
Transportation:
To navigate the town, we recommend using a bodaboda, a cheap and readily available motorbike taxi. We’ll help you find reliable drivers to ensure your safety.
Electricity
The volunteer will be able to charge electrical items such as laptops, phones, cameras, rechargeable batteries etc. At nearby shops, you are able to purchase basic supplies, volunteers will be able to access the post office, banks and ATMs, and Forex Bureau change money. Also, there are larger supermarkets where you can purchase most supplies, such as shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper, various food items and moisturizers.
Communication:
Mobile phones in Uganda are GSM and there is excellent reception available in the local areas, if you bring a mobile phone from your home country or an international phone, provided you are permitted by your service provider. GSM-enabled phones will work on this network. Also, it is possible to purchase sim-cards for a GSM mobile phone when you arrive in Uganda, or even purchase a mobile phone relatively easily. Also, you can access internet on your phone while in Uganda.
Prior to your arrival
Prior to departing your home country, representatives of Relief Care Uganda will be available on email and via phone (if you prefer) to discuss your placement with us. Once you have been selected to join Relief Care Uganda, you are sent an official acceptance letter, which gives you a go-ahead to book the flight that brings you to the Pearl of Africa!
Health, insurance and vaccination
It is recommended that you have traveler’s ‘health insurance’ when you leave your country. In most of placement compounds, we have clean tap water which can be boiled for drinking and bathing. No volunteer has gotten ill from eating and drinking during their stay with us. We also have contacts to medical health doctors, in case of any health challenge, medicines are readily available at pharmacies in most of the nearby towns however it is advisable that volunteers bring their own first aid kit, and any prescribed medications. Basic medication such as paracetamol and for upset stomachs is available, as are basic such as band aids, cotton buds and wipes.
Yellow fever is absolutely required to enter Uganda and you may be required to show prof at the airport.
During your stay
There are staff members at our placement to support and assist you. They assist with caring for the children, administration and managing the day-to-day activities of the organisation. They are available to answer questions, act as a local guide and ensure that you settle well. We will provide you with work that is suitable for your level of ability, experience and meets your interests, in case of any discomfort, please feel free to open up for support.
What to bring with you
Prior to your trip, there are a few essential items that we recommend you bring. These include your prescription medications, anti-malaria pills, sunscreen, insect repellent, reusable water bottle, and a lightweight raincoat. Additionally, it’s important to have a basic first aid kit, outlet converter, power pack/portable charger, USB drive, and menstrual products. Don’t forget to pack sunglasses, earplugs, a flashlight, and any other comfort items. Lastly, if you’d like to make a donation to the organisation, clothing, kids books, laptops, and toys are always appreciated. Please note that drones are not allowed at the airport. So don’t bring a drone. Please let us know. We are reliant on donations for many of these items and so many more.
For how long can you stay?
We ask volunteers interested in the RCU volunteer work to commit at least 4 weeks in order to ensure a worthwhile experience. But we accept volunteers for a minimum of 2 weeks’ duration. We want every volunteer to feel that their time in Uganda was put to good use and that they had adequate time to make an impact. The preferred length of trip for a volunteer’s first visit is 4 weeks.
Although we do not strictly prohibit shorter stays, we do request that our volunteers are able to offer at least one month of voluntary services. Occasionally we will allow for a shorter stay than one month, but this is handled on a case by case basis. We understand that it can sometimes be difficult for doctors to take a full month off. Therefore, doctors can come for a three-week period.
The following can be arranged at a fee:
- Airport pickup
- Airport drop off at the end of the program.
- Project attachment and some donation fees.
- Laundry
What is Not Included in the program that you need to cater for
- Flights
- Passport and visa fees
- Vaccination
- Personal special food and beverages
- Travel costs
- Entertainment
- Daily transport by local public Taxi or Boda-Boda
- Communication (telephone, internet)
- In country trips, tours and Safari Costs
- Criminal Background check
- Spending money – Volunteers in Uganda generally find US$90 to be sufficient for weekly expenses
FUN ACTIVITIES TO DO
In your free time there are many options for activities! A lot of our volunteers like to take extended weekends to do safari, gorilla trekking or adventure water sports. All of these are at the volunteers own cost, but are organized through our local partners to ensure the best price and experience. Our close proximity to Kampala means there is plenty of opportunity to explore the craft markets, eat local food and go to local events including soccer games. We encourage volunteers to travel on their weekends and we will help arrange trips or activities. Shopping/Souvenirs, Safari/Zoo, Museum/Opera, Concert/Music, Sight Seeing, Hiking, Swimming, Cycling, Birding are some interesting activities.
Here are some other activities you can do on the weekends to blow off some steam:
Visit the source of the Nile:
Jinja is famously known as the source of the Nile River. Take a boat ride or a guided tour to see the spot where the Nile River starts its 6,650 km journey to the Mediterranean Sea.
Go on a safari:
Uganda is home to many national parks where you can see a variety of wildlife including lions, elephants, giraffes, and more. You can go on a guided safari tour to Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park or Lake Mburo National Park.
Go white water rafting:
Jinja is the adventure capital of East Africa, and white water rafting is one of the most popular activities. The rapids on the Nile River range from Grade 3 to 5, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.
Hike Mount Elgon:
Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano located on the border of Uganda and Kenya. It’s the fourth-highest mountain in East Africa and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Visit King Fisher Island:
King Fisher Island is a beautiful island on Lake Victoria that is home to a variety of birds and wildlife. You can take a boat ride to the island and spend the day exploring the forests and beaches.
Visit Sipi Falls:
Sipi Falls is a beautiful waterfall located on the slopes of Mount Elgon. The falls are surrounded by lush vegetation and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You can go on a guided tour to see the falls and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.
These are just a few of the activities that you can do during your free time in Uganda. We encourage our volunteers to take advantage of their time here to explore and experience the culture and beauty of Uganda.