Volunteer

Volunteer Information

Entebbe International Airport is the only International arrival airport for visitors. It is located 35 km from Kampala, the Capital city. On arrival please ask for a traveler or tourist visa. There is no volunteers’ visa and do not mention anything like volunteer or work otherwise the immigration office will subject you to a work permit which is more expensive and complicated. The tourist visa is offered for a period of 1-3 months largely depending on the mood of the immigration officer or your ability to convince, express, or smile to him/her and it will cost 50 US $ while at the airport.

SFU always organizes for the pick up (included in the fee) and you will always find a volunteer at the arrival point with an A4 paper with the name of Save the future Uganda and the expected volunteer’s name.

Arrival

The start of our programs is very flexible; we provide an airport pick-up on the day of your arrival. For this purpose, the volunteer and/or the sending organization should give us travel details (arrival day and time, flight number and name) in advance.

Orientation Week

An orientation week is held for all volunteers. The orientation involves getting information about Uganda(daily living, cultural conceptions, socio-economic and other basic information), sfu, the project and the voluntary work (tasks) that one will be doing. A sfu member will then help you visit Kampala, internet cafes, banks, markets, supermarkets, the immigration office, selected tourist places and registration with your embassy in the country.

Allergies

Please inform us of any allergies you may have, so that your contact person/project is prepared.

Alcohol

Alcohol can be bought in most shops around the guest house and in Kampala. Prices also vary a lot from 2,000/= – 4,000/= (1 – 2 euros) according to the place you are drinking in e.g. kiosk, club, hotel, etc. Please drink in the presence of people you trust such as other volunteers or sfu volunteers so that no one will take advantage of you in case you have had too much.

AIDS

This is still a problem inUganda. Currently 7.1% of the population is infected. If you can not avoid having sexual intercourse you should strictly use a condom.

Asking

Asking for things like a cell phone, dollars, camera, watch and ticket to your home country and many other things may be a habit for some people in the streets, villages or even some projects. People still have the orientation of the past that was used to attach all white people to giving (donating) aid. Many still believe that you live in a precious world. But remember you know your own realities home and know what you can or can not offer. It is one of the volunteers’ responsibilities to each/inform them about the reality, do not hide/do not shy away from telling the truth and avoid promising what you can not offer; it is never an offence not to give.

B

Banks

Banks are usually open 8:30 AM and close 4 PM during week days and 8:30 AM to 12PM on Saturdays.
They remain closed on Sundays and Public holidays. Most bank withdrawals will require your physical presence in the premises. However, services of automated cards (ATMs), VISA cards are available in selected Banks in Kampalae.g. STANBIC, CRANE, ORIENT and BARCLAYS Banks. It is also possible to

C

Climate

During your stay, a monthly volunteers’ meeting with UPA staff is held every last Friday of the month

Geography

Uganda is a land locked country boarded by Sudan in the north,Kenya to the East, Democratic Republic of Congo to the west,Tanzania to the south and Rwanda to the southwest. The area covered by the country is 235,796 km squared (32nd in Africa; similar to Great Britain or the state of Oregon in USA). The largest towns in Uganda are Kampala, Jinja, Mbale,FortPortal, Kabale. The total population of the country is 32.37 million people (2009 estimate). The official language is English; other languages are Luganda, Swahili and many other local languages Uganda is so vast that the climate of the country is so varied. However, it has tropical climate and one could classify the seasons as Hot, Wet & Cold. Temperatures usually range from 20 centigrade to 30 centigrade depending on the part of the country you are. Temperatures may drop as low as 16 degrees centigrade at night. The hottest months are from December to February. The rainy seasons in the south are from March to May and October to November. In the North the wet season is normally from April to October.

In-Between-Meetings.

At 2:00pm. Every Wednesday an in-house meeting is held with volunteers staying in SFU Guest house.

The meetings are a form of evaluation about the work you are doing, challenges in the projects, accommodation and information sharing. Also specific days will be assigned when physical meetings can be held on the projects. You will also be assigned a volunteer or staff who will be your mentor during your stay. This mentor will be your immediate colleague in case of need, challenges or problems in the project. He/She will arbitrate between you and the project. Please note, the organisation remains open for any other meetings in case of need, so please feel free to suggest and do not wait for the structured days.

Final Evaluation

The final evaluation will be done at the end of the program term between the host project, volunteer and SFU. All volunteers shall be obliged to write a narrative report at the end of the project indicating the achievements, challenges, problems and suggestions for improvement if any.

FEE. Each participant is required to pay 150 dollars per month at the guest house  for accommodation and transport fro the air port.

H

Hotels

You will be able to get a single basic room in most towns inUganda. InKampalayou can get basic single rooms, Hostels and other accommodation at affordable rates.

Hospitals

There are a number of public, missionary and private hospitals in and around Kampala. They include Mulago National referral hospital, Mengo/Namirembe, Rubaga, Kibuli, Nakasero, The Surgery,

International Hospitals; all offering different services; private ones of course offering the best. You will be provided with contact details for hospitals during your orientation on arrival in Uganda.

History

Uganda”The Pearl of Africa”, as one British Officer once named it, has a long history. The British came to Uganda in the early 18th Century. They came as traders and established the British East African company. Over the years they established themselves as the undisputed rulers of Uganda. In 1896,Uganda came under the British Crown. 

The Republic of Uganda attained its independence in 1962.Uganda therefore belongs to the commonwealth countries under the British monarch.Uganda has had a chaotic past with governments coming to power through coups and the civil war is just ending in the North of the Country.

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Internet

Internet cafes can be found all across the country in all major towns and cities. The rates for browsing vary according to which part of the country you are, but they are reasonably cheap although sometimes slow. The prices range around 1,000/= Ug. shs (close to 0.5 of aUS$ or Euro) for 40 minutes.

Intercultural aspect

In all your interventions during your projects in Uganda please remember that the intercultural aspect carries the biggest composition. Always reflect on your stay as an opportunity to enrich your experience and exchange good practices. It is a “WIN- WIN” situation in which the “Give and Take” practice should be your guiding principle in all of your activities. Endeavor to live in the reality and diversity. It will always be a social responsibility that you carry an open mind. Avoid stereotypes in all of your interactions. Remember you are joining in an effort that has been started and will continue. Do not think you are going to change Uganda in a blink of an eye, but that you are contributing to this ongoing process, appreciate the little change you can bring. Emphasis continuous dialogue and do not forget to ask in case you do not understand something, remember you are in a different culture where things run differently. In case you have any new ideas or innovations please discuss it and try to reach a mutual agreement with your hosts, do not impose it.

Tolerance, patience, dialogue, listening and seeking explanation will be important tools to lead you to successfully gain a better understanding of the Ugandan culture. As you watch and judge the actions, expressions, reactions and behavior of others, yours is also critically watched. They are important and major tools in the intercultural dialogue.

The way you manage your interpersonal communication counts very much in the intercultural dialogue. The two are linked or interlinked.

Insurance

You are required to arrange for your own health insurances before your arrival to Uganda. For more details, contact your sending organization.  save the future Uganda  does not pay for the Insurances.

J

No items with J

K

Kampala

This is the capital city of the Uganda. It is the home to a lot of big shops, supermarkets, large entertainment centers, Diplomatic missions and other political and economic organs. Like most African Cities,Kampala is crowded with an estimated population of 2 million people during day and less than a million during the night. Regular matatues(TAXI) and buses  Connect Kampala to other towns and cities in the country.Kampala has two taxi parks that are terminals to matatues; the new and old taxi parks. The bus terminal is also close to both taxi parks. It would be advisable to get a map of Kampala to help you when traveling around the city.

Kampala is a pretty safe city as far as capitals in Africa go but cases of street pick pocket and  snatching of valuables can not be completely ruled out. Pick pocketing is possible on streets in Kampala and it is always advisable to keep all your valuables like, wallet, cameras, mobile phones, etc as close as possible to your body and, if possible, to avoid to move with a lot of luggage. Beggars are a common sight in central Kampala, but they are not very persistent.

You should be prepared for crowds, noise (calling you MZUNGU) and in some places dust on mainly the busy streets down town. For girls the possibility of boys asking for marriage or if you are married is common but you have the right to say out your opinion, it is not offending.

L

Languages

Ugandahas more than 60 different languages spoken by the local people. The national official language in Uganda is English. Although not every one can speak it, most people will say a few simple words but if you are to have a conversation you need to say the words slowly with a clear pronunciation in order to be understood.

Literature

Aristoc bookshop with stores on Kampala road, Garden City and in both, old and new Tax parks in down town Kampala offers you a variety of useful books and maps of Uganda and beyond.

M

Markets

There are markets in all major towns where everything from food, clothes, technology and crafts can be bought. The prices are usually not fixed and only limited by your (and the salesmen’s) skill for bargaining. Money can be saved by consulting Ugandans or other volunteers before buying.

Money

The currency in Ugandais the Shilling (Shs.) Notes are available in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 Coins in denominations of 50, 100, 200 and 500

Medicines

Medicines can be easily bought at any of the medical shops and pharmacies that exist throughout the country. But bring any special medicines from home if you need. You will be direct to recommended hospitals and doctors in case of need.

N

National Parks

There are a number of national parks in the country to visit and see the wild beauty of Uganda. About 2km from city center there is an office to book gorilla viewing permits. You can also get information on national parks and other tourist places in the country.

O

Orientation about the country

In the first few days you will have an orientation that is included in the fee. The orientation is going to be given by SFU staff and will be on basic things about the country, SFU, its engagement in voluntary service and cultural shock. Still you will learn a lot through experience or talking with the local people, SFU volunteers and project hosts.

A visit to Kampala with one of the local volunteers will be arranged for you. During this visit you will be able to visit exchange bureaus, a big supermarket, and anything you need in order to start with your adventure in Uganda. You will also see the “Uganda Museum” on Kira Rd.

The lonely planet is an excellent guidebook about East Africa including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda. Macmillan produces maps of Kampala and Uganda. A city map can also be found in the free tourist magazine “the Eye” available in Uganda.

P

People in Uganda

People in Kampala and most parts of Uganda offer heart-warming hospitality up and down the country, their ever –present smile accompanied by “Hello Mzungu”, literally meaning white person, will be one thing that you will often here.

Phone

In cities in Uganda pay phones are available on almost every corner. Mobile phones can be bought in many shops; it may cost you as low as 40,000 – 80,000 Shs (14 – 19.5 Euros). You can load air time credit almost anywhere with prices ranging from  500,1000, 5000, 10000 and 20000 shs. A lot of money can be saved by consulting Ugandans about the prices before shopping.

Prices

The general cost of most items inUgandais low and affordable compared to prices in your respective Countries. The Exchange rate of the Dollar and Euros against theUgandashilling also offers a comparative advantage for your money. Local meals are basically a variety of local foods and costs between Ug. Shs 2,000/= – 2,500/= (approximately 1 Euro or 1.5US$). In other places close or inside Kampala the prices accordingly go higher depending on the place. Normal restaurants would go for 3,500/= – 5,000/= (approx. 2.5US$ or 2 Euro). In Hotels you should be prepared for as high as from 25,000/= (10 Euro) and above.

Other sample prices for the most commonly required day to day items are:-

  • 1.5 Litre Mineral water bottle – 1,000/= (less than 1US$ or 0.5 Euro)
  • 1 Litre of fresh milk – 800/= – 1,000/= (less than 1US$ or 0.5 Euro)
  •  Roll (ban) -200/=, 1/2 Kg Bread 1,200/=, 1kg bread 2,400/= ( 1-1.5US$ or 0.5 – 1Euro)
  • 1kg of Rice – 2,200/= ( approx 1.5US$ or 1 Euro)
  • 1packet of pasta/spaghetti – 2,000/= (approx 1.5US$ or 1Euro)
  • 1packet of 100g of coffee – 6,000/= (approx 5US $ or 2.5 Euro)
  • 1 kg of sugar – 2,200/= (approx 1.5US$ or less than 1 Euro)
  • A piece of fruit or vegetable like tomato, pepper, banana, orange, avocado, passion fruit is between 200/= – 500/= (approx 0.5US$ or less than 0.5 Euro)
  • 380 ml of soda is 800/= with a bottle or 600/= if you drink and live the bottle or you get back a refund of 200/= on return of the empty bottle. (Approx less than 0.5US$ and Euro).

Please note:

These prices are basic samples to prepare you to budget your daily spending but they keep fluctuating from time to time. The idea is to give you an average or yardstick to use in your planning.therefore you may need around 10Euro in a week for a leaving.

Problems

Any problems that arise are to be discussed at the meetings. Any problem with another volunteer, check first if there’s a misunderstanding. If necessary talk with the coordinator.
Realize that Uganda is a different country from places in Europe and the more capable you are of solving your problems the more comfortable life can be.

Projects

SFU offers a variety of projects and is constantly adding new, exciting, interesting projects such as; teaching in primary schools, taking care, playing and teaching orphans, working with children with disabilities or special needs, hospitals, health centres or clinics particularly of HIV/AIDS, organisation work with small community based organisations (CBO’s) and growing Non- government organisations (NGO’s), e.t.c.
Any project you will choose will change your life forever and the experience will be a lifetime opportunity.

Volunteers must pay their transport to and from their respective projects. SFU will always be there and is committed to listen to, discuss and find mutual agreement and /or solutions to your challenges in the projects. Please do not take the whole burden on your shoulders.

Power

Electricity in Uganda is generated from water. However in the last few years this part of Africa has experienced drought and this has led to the reduction of water in the lakes and rivers thus making power generation difficult. This has caused high demand with a low supply. This has led to power rationing. Therefore load shedding is common inUganda. Power may go off any time.

Post

Post offices can be found at big towns and cities in Uganda. The SFU mail, address is P.O Box 5655 Kampala, Uganda. In Uganda bringing mail out to physical addresses (homes, offices) is not common and most companies have post boxes. You may receive your mail either through SFU mail box or through the EMS services which actually calls you when your parcel arrives at the post office.

The main post office (on Kampala rd open 8am-6pm mon-fri, 8am-2pm sat). If you wish to have something sent from home like food or books you can ask people to send you a package to the above address. Ask the person who sends you the package to write your name, the above address, and your cell phone number. Don’t forget to bring passport with you when you are coming to pick-up your package.

Public Transportation

Uganda mainly uses road as its means of transport. Matatues (rebuilt vans) with license to carry 14 passengers (however don’t be surprise if they sit up to 18-20 people in them) are the major public form of transport in most parts of the country. There are two taxi parks in Kampala, located in down town, but the matatus can be taken from most of the major roads to or from major traffic points.
Going from Town to the guesthouse is 1500 shs (if you take a matatu to Naluvule and walk around 10minutes) Going to Kampala costs around 700 – 1000 shs depending on the time of the day (rush hours attracting a higher fare). Larger buses can be taken for longer distances inUgandaand around East Africa countries.

Boda-bodas: transportation by scooters and motorbikes can be very useful if you’re lost in town.

Small rides go for 1000 shs. Medium rides (2km to 4 km) cost around 2000 shs. From downtown Kampala to guesthouse costs 4000 to 6000 shs. Rides with more than three people on the motorbikes are no longer legal, but can be done to save money, however it is not recommended. Boda-bodas are not so a recommended means of transport by SFU  because they are dangerous and cause a lot of accidents. However, if you can not avoid riding one be very strict with the rider and tell him to be carefull. In case he disobeys stop him and get off before you have an accident.

Q

Questions

You can always ask questions to other local or international volunteers who have been in the country longer than your. You can contact  SFU  for email addresses for former and present volunteers.

R

Religion

Islam, Christianity, and African tradition are the major religious communities in the country.

According to the 2002 census, Christians constitute about 83% of the population followed by Muslims with 11% and other religions with 2%. The population ofUgandais estimated at 26.7million people (2002 census).

Most people in Uganda believe in something and therefore have difficulties understanding atheists.

Many humanitarian organizations in Uganda are supported by missionary organizations from USA and other Western countries. Therefore churches from America and the west have a deep impact in the governmental policies concerning Christian deeds. Most clearly seen in the campaign against AIDS

(ABC) Abstinence Be faithful Condom use; where abstinence is highly prioritized before the use of condoms.

S

Safety

Organizations worldwide are working hard in coordinating the international exchange of volunteers for social projects and in providing opportunities for young people to travel for personal development and interests.

Do not behave in any manner which is going to disturb other volunteers, and the organizations behind the exchange and most of all your personal health & well being, please avoid any high risk factors during your stay. These may include not moving too late at night and alone, avoiding too much drinking, avoiding going out with everybody and inviting every body you meet to your home/ guest house. Outsiders are not aloud in the guest house.

Shopping

Shopping in Uganda may look confusing but is very easy. Most small shops/stores in the locality sell almost everything one may need in life. There are normally not many specialized stores for selling a particular item. Some stores in Kampala can sell from home consumables, cloth, electronic, etc. We use a lot of bargaining in some places; however you need to know when and where.
For souvenirs every Friday of the week is a “Women Market” on the outskirt of Kampala city. It is affordable and recommendable for its jewellery, statuettes, crafts and batiks. On Buganda road and around the National theatre there also several handcraft shops with slightly higher prices than at the women’s market. Another market is, “Owino Market” known for a variety of second hand items, however this is the most crowded place in the city. It requires a lot of patience but it is a worthwhile adventure.

If you like to do your shopping in a luxurious and more calm/ relaxed environment, Nakumat and Garden City counts with several stores, a cinema, bowling alley and food stores and /or restaurants; Lugoogo Shopping Mall on Jinja road, Game and Shoprite in the city centre are some of the possibilities with a lot of merchandise fromSouth Africa.

Smoking

This is not allowed in public and in the sleeping rooms, only outside the house. Smoking is also restricted in most social places in Uganda

Sex

Relationships should always be done with safety in mind. The rate of AIDS/HIV is still high and no risks should be taken. Condoms can be bought in all pharmacies and most local shops.

T

Time-Uganda Standard Time

Ugandan people are very informal, others will call that undisciplined and unreliable. So please try to be flexible. Sometimes planning is changed without clear reasons and arbitrarily, but then again sometimes nice opportunities open up which are not parts of the schedule either. However this is not often, and volunteers should be a good example and show that time can be held.

Time Zone

Uganda Standard time is 3.00 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or London. Volunteers should notice while Europe, Northern America and other places in the world change between wintertime and summer time, Africas holding the same time all the year.

Tipping

Generally tipping is not compulsory, except in big hotels and restaurants. However, service providers at hotels and restaurants, taxi drivers, and others who have been exposed to tourism are now expecting tips. The tips are not added in your bills, so the decision to tip or not is yours.

Traffic

Kampala is a small city characterized by very narrow roads that are used by all small and big cars, motor cycle, cyclists, and pedestrians, name it all. There is not distinction in road use. All movement is on these narrow roads and there is often misuse or indiscipline. Due to the crowd, it is often that most road users get impatient and in the end it becomes almost mismanaged. The traffic police try their best but sometimes it goes beyond their control especially in the rush hours.

In this case it is advisable that you travel in Kampala streets only if you are calm, concentrated in mind. Do not be surprised to find it difficult to travel through some roads in Kampala.

Transportation

Transportation is mostly by “MATATU” (little bus), but you can also take a motorcycle (“boda-boda”) remember that the ride on the motorcycle is very dangerous and without helmet. The cost of the ride is determined between you and the driver. To get from the guest –house (in Nansana) to Kampala by matatu cost 600-1000 shs and to return fromKampalato Nansana cost 1200-1500 shs, depending on the time of the day.

Traveler’s Cheques

Traveler’s cheques may be cashed at most commercial banks and authorized money changers (in the bigger cities only!).

Tourist places

Beside the amazing nature, tourist can go to white water rafting on the Nile (see www.adrift.ug +256 772 286 433/ +256 772 237 438 for booking)

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Ugandan People

Ugandans in general are very informal, helpful and hospitable people and are brought up to respect and treat guests well. Don’t feel uncomfortable, but accept it. Ugandans are very warm and talkative people who like to gather a lot. Families and friendships are very important to Ugandans.

Ugandans in general, are very helpful and hospitable. If your hosts go out of their way to make you feel comfortable, DON’T feel awkward, accept it and appreciate it. You will most times expect people to offer you a heart- warming hospitality up and down the country, the ever present smile will always be accompanied with the word, “Mzungu” literally meaning, “White person”. Many will always be there for help in case of need.

V

Visas and visa extension

Regular Tourist Visas are given for 1-3 months at the nearest Ugandan embassy or at any entry boarder point or at the airport. Your purpose of visit should be TOURISTIC.

-The visa is given from the date of issue and not from the dates you mention in the application.

-Extension of this visa inUgandais possible at the internal immigration office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs offices ofUgandaon Jinja road, east ofKampalacity. However the procedure can sometimes be bothering or tedious and sometimes complicated due to the bureaucracy involved.

-SFU will arrange an introduction letter and proceed to work with you to get the correct visa.

-All visitors must have a return ticket, letter of good conduct or a criminal clearance letter. It is better to buy a tourist visa at the airport for 50 US $ or other entry points into the country. The first visa extension will offer you a special Pass which also cost 50 US $ while he second will offer you a volunteer’s work permit for 6- 12 months at 250US$. It may take up to three months to get this visa.

W

Working Hours

Expected working hours differ from 5-7 hours/day in schools through 8 hours in other projects. In some projects there may be more than one volunteer but this cannot be guaranteed because you can be the only one to sign up for a certain project at that time.

Normally, the volunteers can work in the project they applied for. However, it’s not a 100% guarantee because it may be that projects are full or don’t need a volunteer for the specific time.

Water

Drinking water should always be boiled and filtered. Drinking straight off the tap is not safe, when traveling shops have a wide range of mineral water that costs about Ug Shs. 500-1000 per bottle.

What to bring

  • Clothes, both casual and formal, sheets and blanket, or sleeping bag and flashlight.
  • Working shoes (trekking/sports shoes) in case of physical work
  • A personal first aid kit (bandage, disinfectant, diarrhea tablets, etc) and any medication you may require (allergies, asthma, diabetes, etc.), however almost all medicines can be purchased inUganda.
  • If you bring electrical equipment then remember to bring a British adapter. Otherwise you can buy one in Uganda for about 2,500 to 5000 shs.
  • Camera and films for the camera
  • Sun glasses, sun cream Lotion
  • Torchlight
  • Traditional Music, and a laptop.
  • Photos from your home country or a flag

AND DON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR ENERGY, SMILE, AND SENSE OF HUMOUR ALONG TOO!

Save the future Uganda is a young and flexible organization. We expand our activities rapidly and are open for all suggestions. We, however, see this as a good opportunity to learn from different points of view, to promote understanding and to come up with creative solutions in an international group. To promote community based development, intercultural cooperation and youth participation through voluntary work.

People who do voluntary work are really motivated and want to make a difference in the world by showing solidarity and a sense of responsibility to our world, and we at SFU will always support this.

Finally, remember you need to be patient and tolerant. Uganda has a different culture from yours. Local people see you as you see them. You need to be friendly, careful, have an open mind and willing to learn and share. Be ready to adjust to new situations and challenges in order to have a good time. Uganda will be an experience, be prepared to live it. We are looking forward to meeting you!!!!