The Medical Program
OPEN NOW!
Uganda has reopened to international arrivals and our local team are looking forward to welcoming volunteers! See the 'Additional Info.' section for procedures in place during the pandemic.
This program plays an essential role in supplying quality medical care to the people of Uganda. Currently, volunteers are placed in Mukono HCIV.
Mukono Health Center 4 - This health center provides both outpatient and inpatient (admission) services. There is a surgical theater, where obstetric surgeries such as cesarean Sections and minor general surgeries are done. There is a fully-fledged HIV/AIDS clinic as well, providing counseling and testing services for HIV, provision of Anti-HIV medicines, as well as daily follow-up of those on this treatment.
In this clinic, volunteers will work alongside doctors and nurses with outpatients, inpatients, lab, malaria/TB /HIV testing, ART clinic, Labour and Delivery (maternity), Family Planning, and childhood immunizations.
Goals of this Project:
- Improve the future prospects of the people of Uganda
- Provide quality medical care to the impoverished people of Uganda
- To offer practical African medical experience to volunteers
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both locals and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
Volunteers will find this to be an extremely rewarding medical placement, working to their skill level. Qualified medical personnel may work directly with patients and perform emergency duties; they might work in surgery settings or patient support areas. Medical students, pre-med students and those considering a career in health care are certain to find the volunteer experience extremely helpful in solidifying their chosen careers. Doctor-shadowing is another possibility. Volunteers in Uganda with no medical training will be asked to help patients and visitors in waiting rooms, the pharmacy and the in-patient areas. These volunteers also perform a valuable role assisting staff with daily office tasks, which may include manning the phones, filing, running errands, carrying out reception duties and data inputting. Regardless of their role – volunteers will find they learn a huge amount about healthcare in an impoverished African nation and gain valuable medical and life experience.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways on this program and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Assist with day-to-day medical care, as appropriate for experience and training
- Assist with administration and running the facility
- Network with program staff and medical staff
Requirements
This program offers an amazing opportunity for suitable applicants who are 18 years and over to work alongside qualified medical professionals and gain first-hand insight into the Ugandan healthcare system. It is open to those with experience and/or education in the field of medicine, as well as med-school and pre-med students. Naturally, all applicants must also have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Resume
Project Location
All volunteer placements in Uganda are based in Mukono and Lugazi (about an hour out of Kampala), or in Ngora which is a 5 hours’ drive from Kampala.
Kampala is the capital city of Uganda and is also popularly known as ‘the city on many hills’ because it is spread over 10 hills. With a population of approximately one million, it’s on the small side for a capital city and retains a small-town charm. People passing each other in the street often know each other and still stop for a chat!
The city centre is vibrant with shops, roadside traders, markets, and the mind-boggling matatu (minibus taxi) stands providing local colour and atmosphere. The Nakasero fresh food market just off the city’s main drag is one of the most colourful places in East Africa with piles of bananas, pineapples, tomatoes, mangoes and every fruit and vegetable you can think of - and some you can’t - ugly jackfruit or matoke (cooking banana). Kampala is the gateway city for visitors to Uganda and is one of East Africa’s most laid-back and friendly cities and you will undoubtedly pass through it en route to a safari in one of Uganda’s national parks.
Places to see include but not limited to The Kasubi tombs - where the remains of the Kings of Buganda were buried Uganda, Uganda Museum, Nommo art gallery, National Theatre, Cathedrals - Rubaga and Namirembe, Parliament of Uganda (and Independence monument). There’s also a lot to do during your free time - Jet-Boating on the Nile up and down some of the smaller rapids, Excursion to Mburo National Park, Gorilla safaris, Bungee jumping and much more! Nice!
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon your arrival in Kampala (Entebbe Airport), you will be collected at the airport by a representative of the local project team and delivered to your host family accommodation. Here you will receive an orientation to help you settle in, find out about your volunteering placement, the local surroundings and meet your fellow volunteers. A representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have. Nice!
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Entebbe International Airport, Entebbe, Uganda (CODE: EBB)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers joining our team in Uganda are accommodated with one of our carefully selected local host families - which are perfectly located in safe and convenient suburbs close to their project locations. In most cases host families provide the volunteer with a private room, but during busy periods you many need to share with other volunteers. There are no hot showers available, however there are showering systems in all of the host families. Linen and mosquito nets are provided.
There is generally no internet available in the host families, however you can purchase a SIM card and purchase a data plan on your phone (you will need to ensure you have had your phone unlocked before you leave home).
There is also an internet cafe approx 20 km from your accommodation.
Staying with a local Ugandan family is a great way to be truly immersed in the local culture. All families have been fully vetted by our local team and have plenty of experience in hosting international volunteers. The families are experienced in hosting international volunteers and will take very good care of you.
Volunteers on this project are provided two meals (breakfast and dinner) on a daily basis while at their home stay house. Lunch is not included but can be bought cheaply at a local market, street stall or cafe.
Depending on a volunteers project assignment location, for those social occasions with fellow volunteers, Kampala has restaurants serving every kind of European and International dish, as well as the fast food chains found everywhere. Easy!
Fees
That’s just USD 31 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
COVID-19 requirements:
All international arriving flight passengers will need to adhere to the following:
- Provide a negative, certified PCR COVID-19 test taken no more than 120 hours before departure. Tests must have been done by a health facility that is accredited by the government of the country in which the test is conducted. Travelers will be required to present their test results to the airline to receive confirmation of their flight booking.
- Any arriving passengers who exhibit signs or symptoms of an infectious disease will be transported to an isolation center for a COVID-19 test where they must remain, at their own cost, until the results of the test are received. Travelers who test positive will be taken to a Ministry of Health facility for treatment or given the option to be repatriated, at their own cost.
- The Government of Uganda requires that all departing passengers present a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken not more than 120 hours before departure. This requirement is mandatory for all departing passengers out of Uganda even if the destination country does not require it. COVID-19 tests for departing passengers must be taken at an accredited laboratory or a COVID-19 sample collection point approved by the Ministry of Health. A full list of approved testing facilities can be found on the Ministry of Health’s website. Travelers are expected to cover all costs associated with their COVID-19 test and test results must indicate that they are for the express purpose of travel with the annotation “TRAVEL” clearly marked.