Volunteering in Uganda

We welcome volunteers with backgrounds in many professions, not just medical, and regularly have individuals and teams visiting. We require our volunteers to be over the age of 18 (unless in a group accompanied by an adult), and an application form, interview and background check (including references & DBS) must be completed before agreement to a volunteer placement is made.

HHA has an office in Moyo, northern Uganda, which includes bedrooms that can host individuals.  The accommodation is safe, clean but basic.  Alternatively there are a number of safe, locally run guest facilities where our teams stay.  These offer nice en-suite rooms or shared accommodation depending on your budget.  You’ll be well looked after by our local team who regularly host volunteers from abroad. 

Entebbe is Uganda’s international airport, based about 1.5 hours from Kampala.  There are no direct flights from the UK to Entebbe, but lots of options via Dubai or Nairobi for instance.  Once you land, it’s about an 8-9 hour drive to our work in Moyo, but we have HHA drivers who can pick you up and help with this.  Alternatively, Mission Aviation Fellowship offer flights to northern Uganda from near Entebbe throughout the week.  These typically take 1.5-3 hours. 

As with any travel, there is an element of risk involved.  We have a security policy and handbook to advise you on working in the refugee settlements, to which individuals must adhere.  You will always be with an HHA representative who will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip.  Some of our projects happen in South Sudan but, due to the security situation, we do not regularly allow volunteers to accompany HHA into South Sudan.

We advise you to check with your local GP for up to date travel advice for Uganda.  However, you must have a Yellow Fever certificate as part of your visa entry.  Alongside vaccinations, you will also need to budget for malaria tablets.

Accommodation is typically between $15-$25US per night and includes breakfast.  We can sometimes offer discounts for longer term volunteers.  Lunch, dinner and refreshments can be purchased at the Guest House or in nearby restaurants for less than $10US per day. 

Flights to Entebbe are very dependent on the time of year, but normally range from £400-£600.  Flights with Mission Aviation Fellowship to northern Uganda typically cost about $180US one way.  Atlernatively, one of HHAs drivers can collect you for about $160US (including fuel). If you are coming as a team, additional transport may be required, normally costing $100 per day, plus additional gas.  

Some people like to add a few days safari to their trips.  Murchison Falls is within driving distance and can cost between $150 - $350 for one night (including entrance to the park, accommodation, food and game drive), depending whether you want luxury or basic facilities.  There are a range of additional excursions that can also be included for additional costs, including a Nile River Cruise, Chimpanzee trekking etc.

In addition you’ll need to ensure you have adequate travel insurance, malaria tablets, and possible accommodation in Entebbe, depending on your flight times.

We have internet at our office in Moyo, but it is not always reliable.  You can also buy a sim card locally and buy a package with internet for whatsapp, emails, social media etc. on your phone.

During the week, Moyo and Yumbe are very small towns with only a few guest houses/hotels to visit.  However, it is safe to walk out with others to enjoy the local market and some of the countryside which is beautiful.  In the evenings individuals and teams hang out together talking, playing cards, reading or watching their own downloaded films.  

We normally encourage volunteers to allow enough time at the end of their visit for a one night trip to Murchison Falls, an incredible safari park on the way back to Entebbe.  Murchison Falls has lots of wildlife and birds including elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and chimpanzees.  You may also see Lions if you’re fortunate.  HHA have lots of experience hosting teams in Murchison Falls and we’d be happy to arrange your visit with you.

Absolutely, our Uganda staff regularly host teams.  These include church groups, corporate groups, and medical teams from the US, UK, Europe and elsewhere. Teams will need to hire additional vehicles, normally at a cost of $100 per day for 6-7 people.

All of our Ugandan and South Sudan team speak English and will help translate anything into local dialects as needed through your trip.  We always recommend team members learn a few phrases of the local language though, even if just ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.

Please complete our online inquiry form.  This will be reviewed by our team to see whether volunteering with HHA is a good fit at this time. Once your inquiry has been reviewed, the application process will move forward from there. This includes an application, interview, and background checks (including references and DBS).