Volunteer Programs in Uganda

Volunteering abroad in Uganda usually involves a strong focus on developing the natural resources within the country. Although it is about the same size as Wyoming, Uganda has 10 national parks offering diverse and beautiful topography. Opportunities to volunteer in Uganda are offered in every environment, from savanna safaris, to tropical forest environments, to village communities. It’s no wonder Uganda is known as “The Pearl of Africa.” If a once in a lifetime experience in an east African country with a growing volunteer population strikes your fancy, then Uganda is the place for you!

Join Ethical Locally-Led Volunteer Programs in Uganda.

Volunteer at the Grassroots Level with Kiara Street Children

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Kiara Street Children Foundation

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Volunteer World

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Natucate

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International Medical Aid (IMA)

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Roots Interns

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Child Family Health International

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Love Volunteers

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Go Volunteer Africa

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Ssamba Foundation

Sustainable Meaningful Volunteer Work in Uganda

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Cooperating Volunteers

Childcare Volunteer Program in Uganda

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Latest Program Reviews

Volunteer from Kenya

June 02, 2025by: Tabitha Maina - KenyaProgram: Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

I would really like to volunteer. I am passionate about charity and showing kindness to the world. Please, give me a chance. Kindly provide Certificate of sponsorship too since I'm not able to provide for myself at the moment. Kindly put my request into consideration.

I had a good experience in Uganda

May 03, 2025by: Lilian Olives - United StatesProgram: Volunteer Adventure in Uganda

Volunteering with Murphy Charitable Foundation Uganda has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It is truly one of the best organizations to volunteer with abroad. During my time with them, I had the incredible opportunity to work closely with children and women in rural communities. The warmth, resilience, and joy of the people I met was deeply moving, and the entire experience was nothing short of amazing.

Volunteer from Kenya

June 02, 2025by: Tabitha Maina - KenyaProgram: Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

I had a good experience in Uganda

May 03, 2025by: Lilian Olives - United StatesProgram: Volunteer Adventure in Uganda

A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Uganda

Best Locations

Iganga is a lively town of about 40,000 that sits just north of Lake Victoria on one of Uganda’s most used highways. The immediate area surrounding the highway feels urbanized and busy and the route has ensured that Iganga has access to modern facilities. But, the true Iganga can be reached just a few minutes off the busy route and has a much more laid back and rural feel. Its centralized marketplace is another source of its energetic feel, but also provides a window into local goods.

Kampala is the capital of Uganda and is home to many NGOs headquarters. It is located just off the northern banks of Lake Victoria and built into several large hills. Kampala is the largest city in Uganda with a population of around 1.2 million.

Rural Areas. Over 80 percent of Uganda’s population lives in rural areas and while poverty levels have improved, this is more true for urban areas, leaving the vast majority of Ugandans still living in poverty specifically in the northern areas. Many rural volunteer projects in Uganda will work in community education, humanitarian issues, agricultural practices, or resource management.

Common Causes

Healthcare and HIV Awareness. If you’re looking to make a difference in an HIV affected area, western Uganda is where you’ll want to start looking for a volunteer placement. It’s several hours away from other volunteer programs in Uganda and emphasizes taking care of children who have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Since much of rural Uganda has extremely limited access to healthcare or education regarding health, medical volunteers placements work to implement better health practices.

Volunteer Teaching is particularly popular in the rural areas of Uganda. Most of the teaching placements work with grassroots, village based organizations. Also, if you’re interested in teaching at a secondary school, many of these organizations can provide a placement.

Wildlife & Conservation. Uganda is home to Africa’s “Big Five” which refers to the lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos that draw people from around the globe. Many wildlife programs in Uganda focus on the Black Rhino which is extremely endangered or bird populations. Research is a strong component in conservation programs. Typical areas of research may include: exploring the vegetation in the area and determining what and how much of it the animals are eating, anti-poaching initiatives, and animal tracking and monitoring.

Anticipated Costs

Uganda as a whole is fairly affordable and the exchange rate to the American Dollar is favorable. If you plan to volunteer in Uganda, but want to eat luxury foreign food for every meal your money will run out quickly. To make sure you stay within budget, try to conform to local cuisine, cook at home, or enjoy the meals offered by your homestay. If you do this, not only will you save money, but you will get that much more of a cultural experience while volunteering in Uganda. Consider making a FundMyTravel fundraiser to make your Ugandan dreams come true.

GoAbroad's Inside Scoop

Visas for volunteering abroad in Uganda come in two forms, single entry and multi entry. A single entry visa means that you cannot leave Uganda during your volunteer work to visit other countries in Africa. If you mean to visit other surrounding countries during your volunteer program in Uganda, make sure to get a multiple entry visa. Both types of visas can be obtained upon entry into Uganda at the airport. The single entry visa typically costs about $50 and the multiple entry visa is around $100 so make sure to plan accordingly. If you have any other questions about visa information, make sure to visit a Ugandan Embassy.

Rising Volunteer Population. Since volunteering in Uganda is a growing area, it gives you the chance to be involved in many NGOs and grassroot organizations that are really starting to expand. You can be involved in projects and work from the ground up.

Unrivaled Bird Watching. Have an interest in bird watching? The popular past time may sound like something people take up after retirement, but Uganda’s over half a million different species make it a paradise for anyone interested in winged creatures and nature in general. Its incredible “birders” scene is one of Uganda’s most popular attractions believe it or not.

Green and Green. Uganda is not only covered in lush verdant landscapes, it is also focused on ecotourism and responsibility. The country has many natural resources from forests to gorillas and recognizes how precious they are.