About The Real Uganda
The Real Uganda supports locally led initiatives in south central Uganda by connecting them with funding, skills, and volunteers. We respectfully support Ugandan innovation and motivation. We are a legally registered non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO), operating fully in Uganda since January 2005. We place about 70 volunteers each year.
What we do
The Real Uganda recruits and places international volunteers with schools and community-based organizations across Uganda. Through our volunteer placement program, we work to build local capacity and share a real picture of life in Uganda.
Many local organizations do not have the money or skills to grow on their own. With our program in place, our partner organizations can tackle key challenges such as:
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funding for daily operations (wages, office space, transport, training courses)
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business skills (bookkeeping, marketing, strategy, grant writing)
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up-to-date knowledge (counseling and mentoring skills, English language support, HIV/AIDS and life skills information)
Many travelers want to visit sub-Saharan Africa to see what's really happening on the ground. We offer a safe, welcoming, family-like environment where you can come to Uganda, give your time, and experience real culture.
We support you before and during your stay. We answer your questions about Uganda and help match you with an organization that fits your skills and interests. We can connect you with former and current volunteers. We collect you from the airport, get you to your placement, and help you work through cultural questions that come up when you arrive.
Coming to a new culture alone can feel like a lot. We are here to give you encouragement, advice, and practical support so you can do your best work while you are here.
Why we do it
While working with The Real Uganda, volunteers learn what life is like at the grassroots level in Uganda. Life can be tough. Wages are low, corruption is common, and education is not universal. Even so, Ugandans are known for being welcoming, friendly, and open. Be ready for a deep, meaningful experience.
Volunteers often become part of the family. You may learn how to cook local food, practice local languages, and spend time with neighbors talking about everyday life. We hope you take that knowledge home with you and share what you learned about Ugandan culture and development issues.
Why choose The Real Uganda?
We are local. Our offices, staff, and partner organizations are in Uganda. We are on the ground to support you.
We are experienced. Our volunteer coordinator is a Canadian who has lived in Uganda full-time since 2004. We have hosted over 1200 volunteers from all over the world.
We are relevant. Our partner organizations are Ugandan-run and focused on Ugandan-led priorities, on their terms.
We are specialized. We focus on Uganda and know it well. Our volunteers support schools, public health work, farming, and women's empowerment groups.
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