VISA/PASSPORT:
Volunteers are encouraged to contact the Ugandan
Embassy or Consulate in their home countries to learn of visa and
passport requirements. Also inquire about vaccinations required to
enter Uganda , however you may prefer to get vaccinations for yellow
fever, malaria, typhoid, hepatitis, measles, tetanus, polio,
meningitis, tuberculosis, mumps, rubella, etc. Generally two passport
photos along with a valid passport are sent to the Ugandan
embassy/consulate, with included proof of yellow fever vaccination and
visa application fee. Visas are available at $50 at the Entebbe
International airport here in Uganda for purchase and entry; however, as
visa requirements can change frequently, it is best to contact the
embassy/consulate in the volunteer's country to learn of the latest
requirements. The program manager together with our international
partners will be on spot to assist in this area.
FOOD
& DRINKS:
You will be well fed in
Uganda
whether vegetarian or omnivorous. The carbohydrate and protein content
is typically high, but micro-nutrients and minerals may be less often
found. In addition,sugar is expensive here. Many volunteers leave Uganda
fatter than when they arrived! All meals are provided for using local
cooking methods like heating with fire wood and are cooked with loving
attention to detail by adults. Meals might include but not limited to;
Matooke (mushed plantain), a thick corn meal called posho, local beans,
potatoes, roasted or fried chicken, pasta, greens, cabbage, bananas,
salads with cucumbers, carrots, and tomatoes, porridge, mango, beef,
peas, maize (corn), and a variety of other foodstuffs. Volunteer's are
required to note that the biggest fraction of their program fee goes to
pay feeding and other accommodation facilitation. The water from the
taps is not safe for direct consumption by westerners/foreigners. We
recommend drinking of bottled water especially for volunteers placed
with rural projects ( bottled mineral water is available in Uganda at
groceries and supermarkets). Volunteer's are advised to indicate if
they are vegetarians or not during the application process so that
proper foods will be prepared for them.
ACCOMMODATION:
Accommodation is usually homestay style where the
participating volunteer stays with a host family a volunteer gets a
private room of their own but other facilities e.g toilets and bathroom
are shared with the Host family.
Flights
& Airport Pickup
Flights
are arranged and paid for by the volunteer. Airport pickups are
arranged for volunteer by VMO at minimal fee of $50 , You will
be greeted at the airport by our coordinator who will display your name
on a card.
Your
volunteer trip to Africa will be a very enriching experience. We
therefore welcome you to participate in our volunteer programs
TRANSPORTATION:
Transport in Uganda varies
considerably in
comfort and safety. Matatus (white and blue tripped minibuses that are
often called “Taxis”) are the most common means of getting around,
offering a fast and inexpensive service. The only drawback of a matatu-
there is always room for 1 more person and volunteers might find
themselves crowded with 24 people in a minivan meant for 14. A matatu
from Kampala to other towns varies from Ushs 500/= to 5000/= (depending
on the location you want to go to) . Boda Bodas are motorbikes/cycles
that have a seat on the back and are generally used for short trips
