Want to volunteer in Africa – with purpose?
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to engage, but:
- Feel uneasy about volunteering through big, for-profit companies
- Are ethically opposed to orphanage tourism
- Crave real community connection—not just photo ops
Then you’re in the right place.
Welcome to The Real Uganda.
What makes us Different?
We’re a Uganda-based nonprofit sourcing international volunteers for Ugandan-led, grassroots programs.
Here’s what we’re proud of:
- We’re Local: Our team lives and works in Uganda. All your fees support local people and local projects—100%.
- We’re Ethical: No orphanage placements. No savior stories. Just authentic, community-based development.
- We’re Experienced: Since 2005, we’ve hosted over 1,200 volunteers from around the world.
- We’re Grounded: Our work is slow, intentional, and built on solidarity, not charity.
We don’t want to “save” Uganda—we want to share it.
We want you to join us
You won’t be dropped in and left to figure it out. We’re right here on the ground, guiding you, supporting you, helping you settle into our vibrant culture.
Volunteering isn’t about fixing problems. It’s about showing up, learning, and working with Ugandans who are already creating change on their terms.
Let’s stop the stereotypes. Let’s live the reality.
What you'll do
Connect with impactful local initiatives in:
- Education: Assist teachers, tutor kids, help improve learning environments
- Health & Wellness: Support clinics, promote hygiene, or help with nutrition projects
- Sustainable Farming: Work the land, assist local farmers, promote food security
- Women’s Empowerment: Support women-led cooperatives, craft groups, and small businesses
Programs are flexible and personal. You’ll live with a host family or on-site staff, truly becoming part of the community.
Why We Do this
Life in Uganda is challenging—wages are low, services are stretched, and yet, the people are unstoppable.
Our mission is twofold:
- Support grassroots projects that uplift Ugandans.
- Offer travelers deep, life-changing cultural immersion.
You’ll leave with new language, new skills, and a fresh perspective on what development really looks like.
And hopefully? You’ll keep sharing Uganda’s story long after you return home.
There are 4 Ways to Volunteer with the real Uganda
Ready to join us?
Volunteering with The Real Uganda means:
- Real work
- Real relationships
- Real change
Let’s build something together.
find out More
(including costs)
Volunteer reviews
“At the boarding school, I helped in the daily affairs: kitchen, washing dishes and clothes, helping the kids with their homework at night. We fetched water for showers and cooking. Sometimes I would go to the nearby town to bring some treats for the kids living there. I spent a lot of time playing and getting to know the kids. I taught English and helped the teachers provide homework for the children. I spent a number of days helping the local community filling out government forms for their children to get an ID, since many parents don’t speak English.”
“Spending one week in Uganda in 2016, it was enough to make me go back for six weeks a year later. I went all around the country: safari at Murchison falls, white water rafting the Nile, zip lining through the forest, but my favourite part was visiting all The Real Uganda’s partner communities. I build a rabbit hut, taught in schools, fixed wells, worked in a clinic, built a house, did crafts and made amazing connections with people. Not only would I recommend The Real Uganda to anyone, but I am planning on getting back there as soon as I can.”
“I lived with a couple who ran the local church and school and their four kids, plus their extended family and community who are all around to interact with and help you out and talk to you; you really do become part of the family and community. I helped out on the farm, at the school, played games with the children, and helping the cook. On the weekends there is plenty to do: safaris, the River Nile, Kampala, there is a lot to experience. If this is what you are looking for then then The Real Uganda is a perfect choice for you.’
