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Application Process:
Please read BIDCAF’S 5 steps of application
- There is currently one option for applying to volunteer in Uganda through our program. You can down loan an application, fill it out, and mail it in to us.
- Once we get your application, we will immediately process it. We go over your application carefully and find the best project possible for you. The decisions for accommodation are made at this time. Our volunteers stay in a guest house or hotel.
- Preparation for trips should include reading about Uganda, immunization, travel Visa (entry permit), and booking airfare. If you face any problems we are always available for assistance.
- Now, once you purchase your ticket, send your flight information to us by email. So that we can arrange an airport pickup.
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Visa:
Though volunteers can acquire a visa upon arrival in Uganda, we strongly suggest volunteers obtain a tourist visa in their home country prior to departing for Uganda. This saves time and any associated hassles of filling-out forms, and waiting in long, slow-moving lines at the airport. Your visa is your entry permit allowing you into any foreign country - without which you may be denied access a risk BIDCAF suggests avoiding at any and all costs.
http://www.ugandaembassy.com
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Health and safety:
Being informed is your first defense against disease and safety risks. We recommend visiting some of the following websites for health and safety information:
WHO website for international travelers ( http://www.who.int/csr/ihr/en/ )
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Vaccination:
BIDCAF closely follows the Center for Disease Control's traveler's health recommendations ( www.cdc.gov). Discuss your travel plans and personal health with your health-care provider to determine which vaccines are necessary.
The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to East Africa - including Uganda
- Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG). Transmission of Hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling.
- Hepatitis B especially if you might be exposed to blood or bodily fluids (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment. The Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11-12 years of age who did not receive the series of vaccines as infants.
- Malaria: your risk of malaria may be high in all countries in East Africa, including cities. See your health care provider for a prescription anti-malarial drug. For details concerning risk and preventive medications, see Malaria Information for Travelers to East Africs.
- Meningococcal (meningits) if you plan to visit countries in this region that experience epidemics of meningococcal disease during December through June, (see Map 4-9 on the the Meningoccocal Disease page).
- Rabies, pre-exposure vaccination, if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas, such as might occur during camping, hiking, or bicycling, or engaging in certain occupational activities.
- Typhoid vccine. Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food, or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected. Large outbreaks are most often related to fecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors
- As needed, booster doses for tetanuetanus-diphtheria, measles, and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults.
Required Vaccinations
A certificate of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry into certain countries in East Africa. For detailed information, see Yellow Fever Vaccine Requirements and Information on Malaria Risk and Prophylaxis, by country. Also, find the nearest authorized U.S. yellow vaccine center.
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Money Matter:
The optimal methods to make purchases is using a VISA Electron debit card as ATM machines are available in Nairobi and Entebbe airports, Kampala city, Jinja and Iganga towns where you can withdraw local currencies. Another alternative is traveler's checks which are secure and can be cashed in local banks, during business hours.
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Communication:
Volunteers are requested to bring their mobile phones. Upon arrival in Uganda, participants can purchase and change sim-cards as there are 2-3 electronic shops in the Entebbe International Airport. The sim-card is placed into almost any internationally capable cell phone and provides service in Uganda. Participants are encouraged to ensure that they are bringing the appropriate telephone. This is the perfect way to stay in touch with your family and BIDCAF office. Internet cafés are widely-available in most areas of Iganga and Entebbe.
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Climate of Uganda:
The majority of the country has a tropical climate which varies according to altitude. During the year the hottest months are from December to February when the temperature reaches 29 degrees Celsius. The rainy seasons are from April to May and October to November, with the wettest month being April.
Temperatures in some parts of the country can be quite cool owing to the country’s high altitude, despite its position on the equator. The mountain areas become much cooler and the top of Mount Elgon is often covered with snow. Other parts of the country are much warmer. There is heavy rain between March and May and between October and November.
The best times to visit are December-March and June-September. It can be somewhat rainy then, but not as rainy as in the rainy season, March-June. December-February and June-July are the driest times, when things can even be a bit dusty. Although the country lies astride the equator, most of Uganda is on a plateau 3,600-6,000 ft/900-1,830 m above sea level.
To check the current weather condition of Uganda, please click here.
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Materials to Bring:
Most stuff of daily use is available in Uganda at a cheaper price. However, we suggest volunteers pack the following things;
- Camera
- Mobile phone (you can use mobile phone after changing sim card)
- Mosquito repellents
- Insect repellents
- Sun-block and lip balm
- Map of Uganda
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, soap, and shampoo)
- Towel(s) and wash cloth
- First aid kit
- Flash light (bring extra batteries)
- Electricity adopter/converter
- Sun glasses
- Footwear (for work and travel)
- Working gloves (if you are joining construction project)
- Work clothes
- Rain gear
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