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holistic community development
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The Real Uganda

9.77 (62)Verified6 Programs

Why choose The Real Uganda?

The Real Uganda is a charitable organization that connects volunteers with meaningful and impactful opportunities to make a difference in Ugandan communities. It was founded in 2005 with the goal of providing an authentic and immersive volunteer experience for individuals who want to make a positive impact in the world. Focusing on sustainable and community-driven projects, they offer a wide ra...

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The Real Uganda Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.77

Total Reviews

62
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Don't Just 'See' Uganda - Experience the Real Uganda. It will change your life.

September 10, 2025by: Lisa Cork - New ZealandProgram: Agriculture, Conservation, and Food Security in Uganda
10

I chose the Real Uganda volunteer experience because it seemed a trustworthy program that offered genuine volunteer activities, not just tokenism. The program delivered in every way. I loved living with a Ugandan family. This created a deep level of empathy and understanding for day-to-day life. I loved the groups I volunteered with. The women were so genuinely welcoming and appreciative of having a volunteer. And while my world and theirs is vastly different, my life has been enriched by spending time understanding their world and their lives. If you want to do more than just travel Uganda, I highly recommed the Real Uganda. The program is professionally run, provides great communication and Leslie is a dream to work with. A+++++

Finishing hoeing and planting the upcoming bean and corn crop.The most beautiful and genuine women you will ever meet.Preparing lunch

Mukono with the Real Uganda

December 19, 2023by: Rhodes Fox-Smith - AustraliaProgram: Holistic Community Outreach in Uganda
8

Incredible experience. Super challenging. Leslie was a fantastic support through the whole program. Felt like I received a genuine Ugandan experience. Leslie connected me with a fantastic local organisation that is really in it's early stages of development. Spending time in the villages and meeting true locals and hearing their stories has changed me. Uganda is a beautiful country so spending a month it wasn't difficult to fill my time. Go into an experience like this with an open mind and heart.

The simple things in life

December 14, 2023by: Kathy Lynch - AustraliaProgram: Community Development & Volunteering in Uganda
10

My volunteering time with The Real Uganda was an eye opening experience and a reminder that a simple life can be so rewarding to others and myself. Learning from the locals and using my skills and knowledge with them was incredible. My experience was so life changing and memorable that nineteen years on, I am still in contact with the Real Uganda.

The Real Uganda logo
The Real Uganda responded to this reviewDecember 15, 2023

Aw, Kathy! Thanks so much for the kind words and tonnes of love over the years, Leslie

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Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Gigi Van de Voorde

Participated in 2006

Alumni

I had been in Uganda in 2004 for a brief period, I wanted to do and see more in Uganda, and get to know the people more.

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Kristen Usher

Participated in 2014

Alumni

Why did you decide to apply for a volunteer abroad program?

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Erin Burn

Participated in 2012

Alumni

I had just completed a master’s in health psychology and during the course had covered quite a lot on the health challenges currently occurring within Sub-Saharan Africa, and this had first stemmed my interest in health issues within this region. I have always been a curious and adventurous person, and I love to travel and explore new regions, particularly regions that are off the beaten path and not accessible to the average tourist. Getting to really know a region, its people, and its culture has always been a passion of mine, and therefore it seemed like a good time and opportunity to travel a bit more once I had finished my course, whilst gaining some valuable experience in my chosen career field.

Show Full Interview
The Real Uganda

The Real Uganda

9.77Verified

Ready to Learn More?

The Real Uganda is a charitable organization that connects volunteers with meaningful and impactful opportunities to make a difference in Ugandan communities. It was founded in 2005 with the goal of providing an authentic and immersive volunteer experience for individuals who want to make a positive impact in the world. Focusing on sustainable and community-driven projects, they offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities, including teaching, supporting literacy programs, providing medical care and health education, as well as improving access to clean water, sanitation, and sustainable agriculture for underserved communities. They work closely with local communities to identify the needs and develop projects that align with them to ensure that volunteer efforts are truly making a dif...