Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in Uganda
- Around 42% of Ugandans live on less than $1.90 a day, particularly in rural areas where access to jobs, education, and healthcare is limited.
- Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world, but youth unemployment remains high, creating a cycle of poverty.
- While primary education is officially free, hidden costs like uniforms, books, and meals can prevent poor families from sending children to school.
- The adult literacy rate is about 76%, but there’s a gap between male and female literacy, especially in rural regions.
- Uganda faces a shortage of medical professionals, with only 1 doctor per 25,000 people on average.
HOW can you help?
- Become a coach in rural Uganda to promote a healthy lifestyle for local school students!
- In Uganda’s rural regions, schools do not provide proper sports lessons due to lack of coaches.
- Coach two sports lessons per day and introduce proper training to children and teenagers at the school.
- Aim to improve the English of the students through consistent practice during their training sessions.
WHAT can you do?
- Teach various sports such as football, volleyball, and basketball to children and youth in schools and the community.
- Skill Development: Enhance children's physical fitness, teamwork, and leadership abilities.
- Encourage teamwork, fair play, and leadership during games and practices.
- Teach sports in a fun and creative way, adapting to limited equipment.
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Org & Charity with 35+ Years Experience
- Rewarding Projects to Choose From in Uganda
- Social Experiences - Sharing with International Volunteers
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: SPORTS COACHING
LOCATION: KAJJANSI
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE
MIN DURATION: 1 WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Yellow fever vaccine, Criminal background check required
Overview
Sports have an incredible way of bringing people together and inspiring growth, and this program taps into that potential to positively impact the lives of children and youth in Uganda. In many Ugandan schools, structured sports education and skilled coaching are limited, which means students often miss out on chances to build their athletic ability and social confidence.
This program creates a supportive space where you can teach sports, promote teamwork, and share valuable life lessons with young people, helping them grow both on and off the field.
Program Highlights:
- Sports Coaching: Introduce children and youth to sports like football, volleyball, and basketball at local schools and community centres.
- Skill Building: Help improve fitness, teamwork, communication, and leadership through active play.
- Community Connection: Encourage cultural exchange and support students in developing their English skills through interaction.
- Fun and Fulfilling: Work with energetic and eager learners who are excited to play, grow, and connect with you.
Your Role:
- Use creativity to teach sports in fun ways, even with minimal equipment.
- Promote values like fair play, teamwork, and leadership during games and practice.
- Lead basic educational sessions on topics such as hygiene and nutrition.
- Interact with students and locals to support English learning and share cultures.
Location
Kajjansi is a small but growing town located along the main road between Uganda’s capital city, Kampala, and Entebbe International Airport. It offers a peaceful, semi-rural setting while still being conveniently close to urban amenities. Surrounded by lush greenery and small farms, Kajjansi is known for its tight-knit community, local markets, and artisanal craft centres.
Project Tasks
- Introduce proper sports training in rural schools while improving the English level of students
- Give you practical experience in teaching
- Assist the program staff with extra hands.
Food & Accommodation
You’ll be accommodated in a local homestay, which offers a more comfortable experience with a cozy family atmosphere. Rooms are single gender and will be shared with 4-8 volunteers. There are no fans, AC, or hot showers, and laundry needs to be hand washed, with brushes and buckets provided. Bed linen is included.
There are numerous shops within 10-15 minutes walking distance of our homestay. The homestay can arrange transportation to Kampala. Local transportation from farm accommodation is much less frequent, but arrangements can be made and/or information provided to help you get to Kampala, Uganda’s capital.
We ask that all participants live sustainably and use resources like water, electricity, and paper mindfully. Everyone is responsible for cleaning up after themselves and helping to keep the living spaces clean and organised.
Please note that there is no WiFi available at either location. To stay connected, you’ll need to purchase a local SIM card with mobile data.
Ugandan cuisine will be served, which means plenty of vegetables, potatoes, bananas, bread, and pancakes. Some dishes may contain meat, but if you are vegetarian, please notify your coordinator.
Standard
Projects
- Kindergarten, Kanjjansi
- Teaching Support, Kanjjansi
- Community Farming, Kanjjansi
- Sports Coaching, Kanjjansi
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1 Week - $450
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2 Weeks - $570
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3 Weeks - $720
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1 Month - $860
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2 Months - $1840
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3 Months - $2400
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
FAQ
If you love working with young people, are energetic and want to inspire the furture generation, then yes absolutely! Teaching in a foreign country can be challenging but the rewards are even greater. A background in sports or sports coaching is highly recommended.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day & 2 p/day at weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Ferry to and from Nusa Penida (only Sunday before project and Saturday after project)
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project.
A free airport pickup is included on Saturday or Sunday when arriving to Entebbe International Airport (EBB). You must arrive between 10am to 2pm.
If arriving outside of the pickup times, you can pay an additional fee for a private pickup and any extra nights, depending on availability. Saturday arrivals need to book an extra night accommodation for an additional charge.
Journey time from the airport the accommodation centre takes 1-2 hours.
You will attend our orientation day on Monday of your first week at this location to become acquainted with the surroundings as well as the local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday until the end of the week.
Schedule
- Following breakfast, we will have an introduction meeting, discuss house rules, set expectations, get health and safety advice, and handle documents.
- Ugandan Dos and Don’ts, a cultural introduction, a history of the nation, and lessons in the Swahili language.
- Take a tour of the compound and the neighborhood to learn about local shops and how to get a SIM card if required.
- Continue your tour of the neighborhood and become acquainted with your surroundings after lunch. A special dinner is served in the evening to welcome you to Uganda!
Below is what a typical day might look like:
- Breakfast
- First lesson
- Lunch
- Second lesson
- Back to the accommodation
- Prepare the next day’s lessons / Free time
- Dinner
***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***
Things to Do in Uganda
- Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – A once-in-a-lifetime chance to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Safari in Murchison Falls National Park – See elephants, lions, giraffes, and hippos in one of Uganda’s most stunning parks, capped off by the thunderous Murchison Falls.
- Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest – A close encounter with our closest relatives in a lush tropical forest.
- White-Water Rafting on the Nile River – Thrill-seekers love Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa.
- Boat Safaris on the Kazinga Channel – Spot elephants, buffalo, and crocodiles from the water in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Hiking the Rwenzori Mountains – Known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” these peaks are a challenge for trekkers and a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
- Cultural Tours in Kampala – Visit the Uganda Museum, Ndere Cultural Centre, and bustling markets like Owino.
- Relax at Lake Bunyonyi – Canoe across this tranquil, island-studded lake surrounded by rolling hills.
Things to Do in Kajjansi
Kajjansi is a small but lively town located on the main road between Kampala and Entebbe.
- Visit Kajjansi Craft Village – Support local artisans by purchasing handmade crafts, jewelry, and textiles. Some centres offer workshops where you can learn skills like weaving or bead-making.
- Explore Local Markets – Wander through Kajjansi’s bustling market to experience daily life, try fresh produce, and interact with locals.
- Take a Trip to Lake Victoria – Uganda’s share of Africa’s largest lake is just a short drive away and perfect for boat rides, birdwatching, and picnicking.
- Visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe – Just 30–40 minutes away, this zoo-like conservation centre is home to rescued native wildlife.
- Birdwatching and Nature Walks – The area around Kajjansi is rich in birdlife and lush greenery, great for casual hikes or photography.
- Easy Day Trips to Kampala or Entebbe – Whether you’re up for nightlife, shopping, or historical sites, both cities are within easy reach for a day out.
Additional Requirements
- A background in sports or sports coaching is highly recommended.
- Participants should be energetic and patient when working with children of different ages and personalities.
- Medical clearance is required for participants over 65.
- Participants under 18 must have parental consent.
- Proof of yellow fever vaccination (mandatory)
- Recommended to have the following vaccines: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), chickenpox, and influenza. Please follow WHO recommendations and guidelines.
Additional Equipment
Packing List
Clothing
- Lightweight, breathable sportswear (t-shirts, shorts, leggings)
- Comfortable athletic shoes suitable for coaching and activities
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
- Casual clothes for downtime
- Modest clothing for cultural sensitivity when interacting with the community
Documents
- Passport
- Flight info, insurance, vouchers, visas, and vaccination certificates
Health & Safety:
- Hand sanitizer, face masks (if required)
- First-aid kit (medications, sunscreen, insect repellent, rehydration tablets)
Essentials:
- Toiletries (shampoo, soap, etc.)
- Day pack, small travel towel, reusable water bottle
- Moneybelt, locks for bags
- Personal entertainment (books, cards, music player)
Optional Items:
- Sports equipment (e.g., balls, cones, whistles, or personal coaching gear).
- Small gifts or tokens for local children (e.g., stickers, pencils, wristbands).
- Lightweight yoga mat or fitness bands for stretching or warm-ups.
For information on holidays and any programs affected, please see the following link: UG – Holidays – All Programs
Uganda is a landlocked country located in East Africa, bordered by Kenya to the east, Tanzania to the south, Rwanda to the southwest, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and South Sudan to the north. With a population of approximately 48 million people, Uganda is one of the most youthful countries in the world, with the majority of its citizens under the age of 30. The capital city, Kampala, is a lively urban hub known for its markets, nightlife, and cultural diversity.
Religion plays an important role in Ugandan life, with Christianity and Islam being the most practiced faiths. Geographically, Uganda is part of the African Great Lakes region and boasts incredible biodiversity, including a portion of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa. Its varied landscape includes mountains, savannahs, forests, and wetlands, making it an exciting destination for travellers and conservationists alike.
Uganda’s location near the equator gives it a tropical climate that is generally warm and pleasant throughout the year. Average daily temperatures range from 25°C to 29°C (77°F–84°F), making it comfortable for most travellers. The country experiences two main rainy seasons—from March to May and September to November—which can make rural roads difficult to navigate. The dry seasons (December–February and June–August) are the best times for travel and outdoor activities. Elevation also plays a role in climate; higher-altitude regions like Kabale or the Rwenzori Mountains can be quite cool, especially at night.
Uganda has a mix of diverse cultures, ethnicities, and traditions, with over 50 ethnic groups, each with its own language and customs. The Baganda are the largest ethnic group and dominate the central region, but others like the Basoga, Banyankole, Bakiga, and Acholi contribute to the nation’s rich heritage. Traditional music, dance, and storytelling are integral to social life, often performed during community gatherings, weddings, and festivals. Respect for elders, hospitality, and strong community ties are central to Ugandan society. Religion also plays a significant role in daily life, with many people attending church or mosque regularly. Visitors are often struck by the warmth and friendliness of the Ugandan people, making cultural exchange a rewarding part of any trip.
30 Years Non Profit Experience
IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.
Affordable Volunteer Travel
We’re not motivated by shareholder profits. Our fees are fully transparent to ensure maximum benefit where it is most needed.
Safe & Responsible Projects
All projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management team, operational & risk assessment & overseas support contact. All projects are personally inspected to ensure very high quality.
Work Experience & University Credits
We place thousands of Uni students and can assist you with course credits and in-field experience points. Many of our project coordinators are qualified practitioners in their respective fields allowing unique in-field supervision and Uni accreditation options
Check out this amazing blog with step by step info on how to raise funds for your overseas volunteer experience to help maximize your impact abroad. Guide to Fundraising
Weekends & Extra Tours
