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 make a true impact on real people?
If you answered yes to all of these – we’re glad you found The Real Uganda!
What follows is information about what we do and why we do it.
And we’d like you to notice a few things:
Notice that our words are mission-focused. That’s because The Real Uganda is a non-profit organization. The communities we serve are our first priority.
Notice our photos show only healthy, empowered Ugandans. That’s because The Real Uganda supports families who work every day to improve their lives. We’re all on an upward spiral.
Notice how proud we are of Uganda. Everyone involved with The Real Uganda lives and works in Uganda. We’re intimately involved in life here.
And we want you to join us.
Read on.
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 mutually beneficial cultural exchange programs.
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 850 volunteers from all over the world.
The Real Uganda doesn’t hope to save Uganda, we hope to share it with the world.
WHAT WE DO
WHAT WE DOThe Real Uganda supports local organizations and raises awareness about the successes and challenges of life in Uganda.
Many travelers wish to visit Sub-Saharan Africa to learn the reality on the ground. We offer a safe and family-like environment in which to come to Uganda, give your time, and experience a new culture.
Our long term and singular 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
WHY WE DO ITWe want you to experience Uganda in an authentic and meaningful 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 welcoming people in Africa. 
While working with The Real Uganda, volunteers become part of the family and learn local culture: how to cook, how to speak the language, how to sit peacefully and appreciate life.
We hope volunteers take that knowledge home and spread the word about Ugandan development issues and culture around the world.
“What really enticed me to join this program was the opportunity to dip my feet into a variety of areas. I really liked the program being community-based. You immerse yourself in real Ugandan life and work with members of the local community – whether it be through working in a small school or women’s group, or lending a hand in a health clinic. All these sounded like awesome opportunities to me and I was ready for the challenge!”
– Natasha Kurowski, Australia
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 850 volunteers from all over the world. Our volunteer coordinator is a Canadian 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.
We’ve got to stop the stereotypes and prove the reality. Volunteering in a developing country isn’t about saving, it’s about sharing.
Come and work with motivated Ugandans as they improve their lives, on their terms. You will find Ugandan communities peaceful, safe, and so welcoming.
