Environmental Volunteer in Uganda: Biodiversity and Reforestation
Work as an environmental volunteer in Uganda helping to save and protect biodiversity and environment. Uganda depends heavily on environment and natural resources. However, the country is struggling with environmental problems that put the economic, environmental and social development at risk. Iko Poran – Uganda’s environmental protection projects offer participants with both valuable life-changing experience and an opportunity to make a difference.
Help Protecting the Biodiversity in Uganda
Participants in our Volunteer in Uganda program do hands-on work and have a direct impact on the preservation of the environment in the host communities. Volunteers may help to integrate environmental curriculum in schools; promote sustainable utilization of natural resources— proper sanitation practices and alternative energy practices; promote environmental awareness activities— wastewater management, recycling, environmental youth clubs and park management; as well as promoting environmental approaches— sustainable agriculture, fuel efficient stoves and various agri-business strategies.
Agro-Forestry, Tree Planting and Reforestation
The program provides international participants with the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in agro-forestry, tree planting and reforestation, with focus on the Western Uganda Highlands. The program brings together international volunteers on a regular basis to construct nurseries both with schools and communities, transplanting trees to degraded forest sites and train communities on agro-forestry techniques. You may participate in the activities according to the season. Please note, participants in our volunteer in Uganda environment program do not need to be a qualified or experienced to participate on these projects, however volunteers with special expertise are highly preferred.
All projects are available in the following towns:
FORT PORTAL TOWN located in the west of the capital Kampala. It is about 300kms and it takes 4 – 5 hours drive by road. The projects take place in Kahangi village right on the border of the Kibale Forest National Park. The park just outside of Fort Portal town is famous for its large chimpanzee population.
JINJA TOWN: It sits right on the beautiful beach of Lake Victoria, about 80Km east of the capital Kampala. Jinja is one of Uganda’s largest urban centers. However, the city does not have the hustle and bustle feel of Kampala, people riding bicycles dominate the picture! The town center overlooks the lake and considered to be the source of the Nile River. In recent years tourism has provided a boost to Jinja’s economy. The peaceful laid-back atmosphere, gorgeous weather all year round, plus the variety of available adventure activities at Bujagali Falls; white water rafting, bungee jumping and kayaking have contributed to Jinja’s growing popularity as a tourist destination.
KAMULI TOWN: – located in the East of the capital Kampala. It is about 145km and it takes 3hours drive by road. And it is is approximately 72 kilometres (45 mi), north of Jinja, the largest city in the Busoga sub-region. Kamuli is semi urban area which is the administrative and commercial centre of Kamuli district. Kamuli town center has reasonable access to running water, electricity and basic internet. The volunteer project takes place at Buphadhengo village bordering with Jinja District ( Jinja town) hence between Jinja
Location, Start Dates & Duration
Projects in Uganda start on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month. Volunteers should arrive on Sundays.
You can choose to volunteer from 1 to 24 weeks.
Arrival Airport: Entebbe International Airport. Volunteers will travel by road, through the capital Kampala, eastwards to Jinja and northwards to Kamuli, a journey of 4-5 hours depending on traffic.
All projects are available in Fort Portal Town, Jinja Town and Kamulia Town
- The program fee is paid directly to the host organization.
- All of the projects incur a registration fee of U$ 149.00 on top of the program fee.
What does the volunteer in Uganda program fee include?
- Airport Pickup
- Orientation plus city tour on arrival at the project site
- Accommodation for all projects
- 3 meals per day
- Support from local staff & Program supervision
- In-country 24/7 support throughout your stay
- In-country administration costs
There are no hidden costs. These projects are the most affordable to volunteer in Uganda.
Iko Poran is an NGO based in a developing country. We are dedicated to helping you help others, at the lowest possible price. We are interested in making volunteering abroad more accessible so that more people can help do really important work.
Participants in our Uganda programs normally find US$ 50 to be sufficient for weekly expenses in the country.
The program fee should be paid to the host country and it is due 30 days before the project start date.
Accommodation & Meals
The type of accommodation depends very much on the project the volunteer will be working. Generally speaking, the following categories are available: Volunteer Apartment or Volunteer Guest House sharing with other volunteers. In all of our projects we ensure that the accommodation we provide is safe, secure and comfortable.
In these accommodation settings, volunteers live together but in private rooms. These can be very fun places to stay when volunteers from different nationalities live together. Each volunteer in Uganda will have a room of it’s own, however although in some cases two volunteers of the same sex will have to share a room. Housing conditions are basic, but all houses have electricity and running water. As compared to normal standards of Uganda, the accommodation can be regarded as more than adequate.
A “house keeper” ist taking care of each of the volunteer Guesthouses. He is responsible for preparing all the meals for the volunteers, and the general cleanliness of the house.
Requirements for Uganda Volunteers
You must be at least 18 years old at the start of your Volunteer in Uganda placement.
All volunteers must have adequate volunteer travel insurance and are required to provide credentials depending on the chosen program.
Language skill required for Uganda Volunteers
Knowledge of intermediate English is a pre-requisite.
Safety
You will have a competent support and advices from the local team and project leaders. Someone will always be available in the case of any emergency. Please keep in mind that you are in a different country and should take some precautions to avoid exposing yourself to certain risks.
The local coordinators will give you all the information to have a safe and unforgettable experience.
More Volunteer Opportunities in Uganda
Choose from a wide range of rewarding projects to volunteer in Uganda.
If you love to work as a volunteer teacher, you can choose whether to teach English at school or coach football and sports for boys and girls.
For the students at school and even adults, you can even help providing IT literacy as a volunteer.
Moreover, for medical students we offer a medical internship in order to provide healthcare for the population, or a project specializing in AIDS Prevention.
You can also contribute for women’s rights as a volunteer on woman empowerment.
For the developing country is is also important to foster small businesses and startups, where you can help as a microfinance volunteer.
Furthermore, the construction volunteer project can help providing basic needs of the population, such as a water well.
Are you interested in Environmental Programs on other destinations as well?
Please go to our page with all the Environmental Volunteer Abroad Programs.