ethical Volunteering With The Real Uganda
Do you want to volunteer in Africa, but feel weird about going with an international for-profit company?
Do you want to volunteer in Africa, but are ethically opposed to orphanage volunteering?
Do you want to volunteer in Africa, and work alongside regular Ugandans?
If you answered yes to all of these – we’re glad you found The Real Uganda!
What makes us Special?
Our words are mission-focused.
The Real Uganda is a non-profit organization. The communities we serve are our first priority.
Our photos show only healthy, empowered Ugandans.
The Real Uganda supports families who work every day to improve their lives. We’re all on an upward spiral.
We are incredibly proud of Uganda.
Everyone at The Real Uganda lives and works in Uganda. We’re intimately involved with life here.
We want you to join us
Volunteering Is About Solidarity
Support and work alongside motivated Ugandans as they improve their lives, on their terms.
We’ve got to stop the stereotypes and prove the reality. Ethical volunteering isn’t about saving, it’s about SOLIDARITY.
We’re ready to extend our table – are you ready to support our local initiatives?
Who We Are
The Real Uganda is a non-profit organization that sources international volunteers for locally-led, community-based initiatives in Uganda.
We pride ourselves on offering a mutually beneficial, ethical volunteer program.
Communities get helping hands and exposure to the outside world. Volunteers learn a new culture and approach to life.
Founded in 2005, The Real Uganda has hosted over 1,100 volunteers from all over the world.
The Real Uganda doesn’t want to save Uganda, we want to share it with the world.
What We Do
The Real Uganda supports local organizations and raises awareness about the successes and challenges of life in Uganda.
Our travelers visit Sub-Saharan Africa to learn about and support grassroots development efforts. We offer a family-like environment in which to come to Uganda, give your time, and experience a new culture.
Our long term presence in Uganda ensures we partner with effective social and economic development programs. Volunteers work with children, women, and youth in schools, clinics, and gardens.
It is not easy to travel to a foreign culture on your own. We are on the ground to give you encouragement and support, to ensure your success.
Why We Do It
We want you to experience Uganda in an authentic and ethical way. Life in Uganda is tough. Wages are low, corruption is rampant, and education is inefficient.
In spite of this, Ugandans are some of the most motivated and welcoming people in Africa.
While working with The Real Uganda, volunteers are deeply immersed in our culture. You’ll learn to cook, speak the language, sit peacefully, and appreciate life.
We hope volunteers take these lessons home and spread the word about Ugandan development issues and culture around the world.
There are 4 Ways to Volunteer with the real Uganda
Why Choose Us?
We’re Local
Our offices, staff, and projects are located in Uganda. We are on the ground with encouragement and support to ensure your success. 100% of your funds stay in Uganda.
We’re Experienced
We’ve hosted over 1,100 volunteers from all over the world. Our volunteer coordinator is a Canadian/Ugandan dual citizen who has lived in Uganda full-time, since 2004.
We’re Relevant
Our partner organizations are Ugandan-run and engage in Ugandan-led activities. Activities that help and develop real people and communities, on their terms.
We’re Specialized
We focus on Uganda and do not maintain remote relationships with programs all over the globe. Our volunteers work locally at schools, in public health, on farms, and with women’s empowerment groups.
Ready to find out More?
(including costs)
Volunteer reviews
Follow Us On Social Media
Latest From Our Blog
Our blog is filled with information about life in Uganda, tales of volunteering adventures and resources to inspire your adventure with us!
Ethical Volunteering in Uganda: Your Guide to Making a Difference
Volunteering in Uganda is an incredibly rewarding journey for those wishing to create a positive impact through travel. Think of it as an adventure - filled with learning, growth, and the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourself. For students and...
4 ways to reduce the effects of climate change in Uganda
Climate change in Uganda is a major developmental challenge, one that is readily evident in our daily lives. Our vulnerability comes from our reliance on agriculture, forestry, and fishing – all highly dependent on rainfall and seasonal weather patterns (USAID, 2013)....
Uganda’s Superfood – JACKFRUIT!
I want to introduce you to (or remind you of) the largest, weirdest, stickiest fruit ever. It smells funny, weighs 20-70lbs, is green and bumpy on the outside, and has a core of industrial strength adhesive inside. Sound appetizing? It's amazing. While jackfruit is...
Thanks to you – Girls Get Skills ended on a high note
Girls Get Skills is The Real Uganda’s flagship practical, transformative skills training for young Ugandan women.
It’s Independence Day in Uganda!
On October 9th, 2024 - Uganda turns 62. Yes, 62 years of Independence from Britain. 62 years of self-rule. 62 years of nation building. Now a proud dual-citizen, I’m originally from Canada. Independence Day means something very different to me than it does to a...
![Best Books About African Life, Culture, History, and Travel [Updated]](http://volunteertherealuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/book-collage-3-1.jpg)
Best Books About African Life, Culture, History, and Travel [Updated]
I’ve read some exceptional African literature and non-fiction publications over the years. They’ve helped me to learn history, culture, and check my privilege. They’ve validated my thoughts on the realities of humanitarian aid. They’ve allowed me to delve deeper into...