Volunteer in Uganda

WHY we need you in Uganda

_Participant with children in the classroom

Why Involvement Volunteers International?

_Two children

Volunteer in Uganda

Uganda is a land of stunning natural beauty and vibrant cultural diversity. Often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” the country is blessed with lush green landscapes, mist-covered mountains, dense forests, and vast lakes. For those seeking both adventure and purpose, Uganda is a top choice. Volunteering in Uganda offers a deeply immersive experience, allowing you to live among local communities, learn about their traditions, and make a meaningful difference. At the same time, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Uganda’s incredible wildlife!

Volunteer Projects in Uganda

_Participant with children in the classroom

KINDERGARTEN SUPPORT

Use songs, games, activities, and other creative methods to engage local children in learning as they improve their English skills, and academic performance and expand their worldview. Share photos, flags, stories, and other insights to provide more about your life in your country.

Location: Kajjansi
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: Yellow Fever Vaccine

Participant talking with kids

TEACHING SUPPORT

Assist local teachers by sharing your knowledge of English with students in Uganda. Teach primary school students who have not had the chance to interact with foreigners before. Your efforts will not only help to expand their view, it will teach you a thing or two as well!

Location: Kajjansi
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: Yellow Fever Vaccine

smiling boy

COMMUNITY FARMING

Help out on farms by cleaning, picking fruits, planting crops, and feeding animals.This project is a perfect way to get fully immersed in the rural Ugandan lifestyle. By spending time working with local farmers and helping out on their farms, you will be part of a rewarding experience that not many people get the chance to have!

Location: Kajjansi
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: Yellow Fever Vaccine

_House under construction

CONSTRUCTION

On this program, you will be working in a village that receives minimal support from the government to maintain its infrastructure. Your tasks here will vary depending on the needs at the time, giving you the opportunity to take part in community development and other improvement efforts.

Location: Kajjansi
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: Yellow Fever Vaccine

Visit to the source of Victoria Lake

CULTURE WEEK

Get familiar with the things that may prepare you for your stay in Uganda. Learn how to cook Ugandan food and how to make local handicrafts. Walk around the city center! You’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the culture and enjoy visits to main sights and attractions such as the famous Victoria Lake.

Location: Kajjansi
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: Yellow Fever Vaccine

sports teaching uganda

SPORTS COACHING

In Uganda’s rural regions, schools do not provide proper sports lessons due to lack of manpower. You will coach two sports lessons per day and introduce proper training to children and teenagers at the school. Moreover, we aim to improve the English of the students through consistent practice during their training sessions.

Location: Kajjansi
Start Dates: Weekly All Year Round (Sat/Sun Arrivals)
Min Duration: One Week
Min Age: 16 Years
Special Requirements: Yellow Fever Vaccine

Uganda

What's Included
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Airport Pickup
  • Local Transportation
  • 1 Day Orientation
  • 24/7 In-Country Support
  • Project Materials & Equipment
  • Pre-departure Expert Advice
  • Preperation Tools & Checklists
  • Certificate of Completion

Fees

All prices in USD
  • 1 Week - $395
  • 2 Weeks - $425
  • 3 Weeks - $590
  • 1 Month - $850
  • 2 Months - $1795
  • 3 Months - $2695
Vol House

30 Years 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.  We accept volunteers from all over the world and place them in meaningful overseas missions.  

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

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.

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.

You’ll be accommodated in either a local homestay or our rural volunteer centre. The homestay offers a more comfortable experience with a cozy family atmosphere, while the farm-based accommodation is simpler and gives you a truly authentic rural living experience.

Ugandan cuisine is hearty, locally sourced, and rich in both flavour and tradition. Meals are usually built around starchy staples like matoke, a dish made from steamed green bananas, often mashed and served with a savoury sauce such as groundnut (peanut) stew. Another common staple is posho, a dense maize flour porridge similar to polenta, typically eaten with beans, greens, or meat. Cassava, sweet potatoes, and Irish potatoes are also popular bases for meals. Street food is an important part of Ugandan culture, with the rolex (a rolled chapati filled with eggs and vegetables) being a beloved fast food option found almost everywhere. Ugandan meals tend to be filling and nourishing, often prepared with care and shared with family or guests in a communal setting, reflecting the country’s strong sense of hospitality.

Volunteers are strongly encouraged to take up the 1 week introduction to ease volunteers into the lifestyle and pace of Uganda. You will get to know your town and it’s facilities and everything required to make your stay comfortable. Most volunteers benefit greatly from having a deeper understanding of the local culture, language and customs before commencing your chosen project.  

The introduction week is not mandatory however so for those who want to get straight into it, no problem, a brief orientation will be provided, showing you the local area and explaining the general norms/ do’s and don’ts, etc.

An arrival airport pickup is included in the cost of your placement. . Accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees. Arrivals are on Saturdays and Sundays (please check the individual project for the pickup window times, as they can differ). 

If arriving outside the pickup times we can arrange a private transfer and extra nights accommodation, depending on availability, or you can make your own way to the project. 

Getting around Uganda can be an adventure in itself. Transport options include:

  • Boda-bodas: Motorcycle taxis are a fast and cheap way to get around towns and cities, though safety can be a concern. Helmets are rarely provided, so it’s best to bring your own or use other transport when possible.
  • Matatus: These shared minivans operate on set routes between towns and cities and are the most common form of public transport. They’re inexpensive but often crowded.
  • Buses: Long-distance buses connect major cities like Kampala, Gulu, and Mbarara. They are generally more comfortable than matatus and a better option for longer travel.
  • Private Hire Taxis: More expensive but safer and more convenient for visitors unfamiliar with local transport systems.
  • Car Hire: Renting a vehicle with a driver is common for volunteers and tourists, especially when visiting remote areas or national parks.

Road conditions vary, with major highways in decent shape but many rural roads becoming muddy and impassable during the rainy season.

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.

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

Ready to Volunteer in Uganda?