8 Pros & Cons of Volunteering in Uganda

Making the decision to volunteer abroad can be a challenging one, both for first time volunteers and for returning volunteers. What part of the world do I want to be in? Where can I go that is the most effective use of my skills? What program will provide me the support I need as a volunteer?

Doing your research while planning your volunteer work in Uganda will help you find your perfect program.

These questions are important ones to consider, but if you are considering volunteering in Africa, you should take a closer look at volunteer work in Uganda, known as the Pearl of Africa.

Read More: Everything You Need to Volunteer in Uganda

The pros of volunteering in Uganda

Here are just a few of the many pros of volunteering abroad in Uganda:

1. There are ample opportunities to engage in meaningful service. 

There are tons of opportunities for volunteers to make a sustainable impact in Uganda. Whether it’s volunteering your teaching skills by working in a school, or using your background in conservation to tackle environmental challenges, there are plenty of ways that you can make a long-term impact for communities and learn from them in the process.

Hopefully, you have already spent plenty of time researching organizations, the communities they serve, and the skills they need before you commit to volunteering (thanks to help from GoAbroad.com). 

2. You'll find friendly individuals and communities.

Uganda is extremely welcoming to tourists and volunteers alike, even earning global recognition as one of the world’s friendliest countries.

While your first few days might take some adjusting (and sure, you’ll hear the word “mzungu” meaning “foreigner” or “white person” a lot), you will find that people will smile and wave, with some even engaging you in conversation about where you are from and what your favorite movies are.

As a volunteer, you will have no difficulty making new friends and navigating your way around—and if you find yourself lost, never hesitate to ask for directions! You will find that they are easily given.

You’re sure to meet lots of friendly locals throughout your adventure.

3. There's a rich culture and history.

Uganda is home to over 360 different tribes and more than 40 spoken languages spoken throughout the country. Individuals are extremely proud of their culture, many with rich oral stories to share that have been passed down from generations to generations.

As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to spend time working alongside the community (or perhaps more than one!), learning more about their history, traditions, and culture. You may even learn how to cook the favorite local dish or participate in a traditional dance or two!

4. You'll have access to incredible sightseeing and activities.

There’s a reason Uganda is known as the Pearl of Africa. While your itinerary is going to be full of day to day volunteer activities, find time to support Uganda’s robust tourism industry. Take a safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park or Murchison Falls. Travel to the Bwindi Forest and see the silver back gorillas in their natural habitat.

Looking for something with a little more thrill? Travel to Jinja, adventure capital of Uganda, where you can bungee jump over the Nile river or go white water rafting. No matter what your interests, Uganda has something to offer everyone. Find providers that invest back into the local communities for sustainable development.

Go and give these guys a visit in between long days of volunteering in Uganda.

5. You'll learn about yourself and gain new skills.

With any international volunteer experience, there is always a lot to learn about local customs, culture, and communities. But don’t forget the opportunity you will have to gain new skills and learn about yourself as well.

From cross-cultural communication and teamwork to project management and problem-solving, there are a number of things you will learn during volunteer work in Uganda. You can even take these skills back and leverage them when looking for new career opportunities—according to a 2013 study conducted by Deloitte, Human Resources officers find great value in candidates who have volunteer experience.

The cons of volunteer opportunities in Uganda

While there are tons of reasons to volunteer in Uganda, there are some things you should keep in mind before you embark on your trip. Here are some of the cons of volunteering in Uganda (but, depending on your mindset, they could EASILY become pros!):

Everything you do while volunteering abroad adds up to make a huge impact!

1. You might not feel like you're making enough impact.

Short-term volunteer trips can be really difficult. At the time that you are just starting to settle in, build relationships with individuals and communities, and become comfortable in the work you are doing, it is time to leave and return home

 Even with longer volunteer trips, it can feel like there are so many things to accomplish and simply not enough time or resources to do them all. Remember to focus on the impact that you can make, whether you are in Uganda for two weeks or two months. Work with the community and your program provider to identify the most pressing needs or challenges, and prioritize those accordingly.

While not everyone has this opportunity, definitely consider whether it’s possible for you to volunteer for a longer period of time (like 4-8 weeks, or more!). This can be beneficial for you and communities alike, allowing you to create a more meaningful, sustainable impact.

2. Uganda time. 

You might be someone who is used to scheduling every hour of your calendar during the week and weekends. But in Uganda, you will be challenged to slow down, remain calm during changes in scheduling, and anticipate that many things might not always happen according to your schedule.

A 9AM departure time can easily turn into walking out the door at noon; a 2PM arrival time can be delayed by hours depending on traffic and road conditions. This can be difficult for any traveler, but especially for volunteers who are trying to optimize their level of impact during a short-term volunteer trip.

Follow the lead of your site supervisors—roll with the punches and try to be flexible.

3. Occasional loss of electricity.

This one might depend on your accommodations as a volunteer and where in Uganda you are staying. Volunteers in remote areas of the country may not have access to any electricity during their stay, while those near city may find themselves scrambling in the dark every now and then.

Especially after a heavy rain in Kampala, electricity can be off for a few hours, making it difficult to charge your cell phone or computer, or even read a book. While this can be challenging at times, it can also be liberating to unplug and experience the community around you. And isn’t that what your volunteer work in Uganda is all about?!

Next steps to become a volunteer abroad in Uganda

Now that you have the inside scoop, know where many volunteers choose to spend their time, and know common causes that volunteers are working to eradicate, it's time to choose who you want to volunteer abroad with! Choosing a program isn't as hard as it sounds, especially if you follow these steps:

Don’t get caught up in a web of program choices. We’ll help you figure out exactly what you’re looking for.

• Decide where to go. Figuring out where YOU should volunteer in Uganda is paramount. Have a short list of locations that sound ideal for your goals and skills (i.e. if you don't have experience working with animals, you might reconsider volunteering in Kruger National Park). Don't let the lack of braii hold you back—choose a place that's right for you.
• Pick your project. Conservation? English teaching? A combination? Do some reflection on what skills and knowledge you bring to the table, and which project would best benefit from your time and energy. 
• Choose from the best volunteer abroad programs in Uganda. Pay attention to past participants’ reviews, program/university reputation, location, and how the project's needs match your skills. Some programs may even share contact info for ambassadors or past participants if you want the REAL dirt. Here are more considerations to make as you figure out how to choose the right volunteer program for you. Pro tip: You can use MyGoAbroad to compare programs side-by-side.
• Plan your finances. Sort out funding before you go to afford daily essentials and splurge on travel (in addition to program costs and airfare). Be sure to raise a little extra money to donate to the organization that you'll be working with. Learning how to fund your volunteer abroad adventure is essential prior to your travels!
• Get prepared! Preparing to volunteer abroad is as fun as it sounds. With the days til departure number dwindling and your excitement boiling, it can be easy to overlook the details. Lean on us to help guide you through your pre-departure process—that's what we're here for. 

Is volunteering in Uganda for you?

Get ready to make a difference.

Making the decision to volunteer in Uganda can seem like an overwhelming one, but it doesn’t have to be. From meaningful opportunities to engage with communities, to adventure activities and beautiful landscapes, Uganda is a unique, amazing experience for every individual.

Now that you have delved deeper into some of the pros and cons of volunteering in Uganda, take a step back and think about what you are looking for out of your experience, and what skills you have to contribute while volunteering abroad. Connect with past volunteers to learn more about their experiences, and know that sometimes, you just have to take the plunge, keep an open mind, and see what’s in store for you.

Get Matched with 5 Volunteer Programs in Uganda for FREE

PANGEA is a 501c3 organization motivated by the belief that every student has the right to a quality education. Their evidence-based programming in Uganda addresses the three places where learning occurs: at school, at home, and in the community. PANGEA has grown to over 12 full-time staff members serving more than 4,000 individuals per year. The organization has been recognized for its innovative programs, receiving the 2018 Innovation in Philanthropy Award from GoAbroad and an invitation to speak at the 2019 SXSW-EDU conference. Learn more about their work at www.pangeaeducation.org.