



The Real Uganda
Why choose The Real Uganda?
The Real Uganda is a charitable organization that connects volunteers with meaningful and impactful opportunities to make a difference in Ugandan communities. It was founded in 2005 with the goal of providing an authentic and immersive volunteer experience for individuals who want to make a positive impact in the world. Focusing on sustainable and community-driven projects, they offer a wide ra...
The Real Uganda is a charitable organization that connects volunteers with meaningful and impactful opportunities to make a difference in Ugandan communities. It was founded in 2005 with the goal of providing an authentic and immersive volunteer experience for individuals who want to make a positive impact in the world. Focusing on sustainable and community-driven projects, they offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities, including teaching, supporting literacy programs, providing medical care and health education, as well as improving access to clean water, sanitation, and sustainable agriculture for underserved communities. They work closely with local communities to identify the needs and develop projects that align with them to ensure that volunteer efforts are truly making a dif...
The Real Uganda Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Don't Just 'See' Uganda - Experience the Real Uganda. It will change your life.
September 10, 2025by: Lisa Cork - New ZealandProgram: Agriculture, Conservation, and Food Security in UgandaI chose the Real Uganda volunteer experience because it seemed a trustworthy program that offered genuine volunteer activities, not just tokenism. The program delivered in every way. I loved living with a Ugandan family. This created a deep level of empathy and understanding for day-to-day life. I loved the groups I volunteered with. The women were so genuinely welcoming and appreciative of having a volunteer. And while my world and theirs is vastly different, my life has been enriched by spending time understanding their world and their lives. If you want to do more than just travel Uganda, I highly recommed the Real Uganda. The program is professionally run, provides great communication and Leslie is a dream to work with. A+++++



Mukono with the Real Uganda
December 19, 2023by: Rhodes Fox-Smith - AustraliaProgram: Holistic Community Outreach in UgandaIncredible experience. Super challenging. Leslie was a fantastic support through the whole program. Felt like I received a genuine Ugandan experience. Leslie connected me with a fantastic local organisation that is really in it's early stages of development. Spending time in the villages and meeting true locals and hearing their stories has changed me. Uganda is a beautiful country so spending a month it wasn't difficult to fill my time. Go into an experience like this with an open mind and heart.
The simple things in life
December 14, 2023by: Kathy Lynch - AustraliaProgram: Community Development & Volunteering in UgandaMy volunteering time with The Real Uganda was an eye opening experience and a reminder that a simple life can be so rewarding to others and myself. Learning from the locals and using my skills and knowledge with them was incredible. My experience was so life changing and memorable that nineteen years on, I am still in contact with the Real Uganda.
Aw, Kathy! Thanks so much for the kind words and tonnes of love over the years, Leslie
The Real Uganda Programs
Browse programs you might like

The Real Uganda's volunteers assist our partners with a variety of classroom activities. Because local education is largely by rote, we want volu...

The Real Uganda's volunteers assist our partners with a variety of empowering community-based activities. Volunteers split their time between the...

Volunteers assist our partners with a variety of public health improvement activities that help Ugandans stay healthy and make good decisions for...

Ever thought of traveling to Uganda? It’s a peaceful, vibrant country known for its breathtaking landscapes and warm, welcoming people. Ugandans ...
The Real Uganda's volunteers assist our partners with a variety of agriculture and conservation activities. Because subsistence farming is a way ...

Combine volunteering and adventure travel in Uganda in just one week! This program is designed for first-time travelers who want to go beyond ...
Media Gallery
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff

Sarah Hadley
Participated in 2022
Sarah Hadley is a new grad BSN but her degree was in international politics. She has always wanted to travel and she is just getting started. Sarah ha...

Sarah Hadley
Participated in 2022
I've always wanted to go abroad since I was just a little girl, specifically somewhere in Africa. I never thought it would be Uganda.

Rachel Lyon
Participated in 2018
Rachel is a 26 year old Australian who works at a juice bar. She has travelled to seven countries, six of which have been in the past six years.

Rachel Lyon
Participated in 2018
My passion to work with children in childcare and my desire to travel whilst also volunteering

Esther Sserunkuma
Interviewed in 2018
Esther Sserunkuma is The Real Uganda's long time guesthouse manager. Since 2005, she has cared for almost 900 volunteers from all over the world. Esth...

Esther Sserunkuma
Interviewed in 2018
What inspired you to travel abroad?
You’ve been working for The Real Uganda since the beginning. How has the organization evolved, since 2005, most significantly?
Ready to Learn More?
The Real Uganda is a charitable organization that connects volunteers with meaningful and impactful opportunities to make a difference in Ugandan communities. It was founded in 2005 with the goal of providing an authentic and immersive volunteer experience for individuals who want to make a positive impact in the world. Focusing on sustainable and community-driven projects, they offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities, including teaching, supporting literacy programs, providing medical care and health education, as well as improving access to clean water, sanitation, and sustainable agriculture for underserved communities. They work closely with local communities to identify the needs and develop projects that align with them to ensure that volunteer efforts are truly making a dif...

The Real Uganda

The Real Uganda
Ready to Learn More?
The Real Uganda is a charitable organization that connects volunteers with meaningful and impactful opportunities to make a difference in Ugandan communities. It was founded in 2005 with the goal of providing an authentic and immersive volunteer experience for individuals who want to make a positive impact in the world. Focusing on sustainable and community-driven projects, they offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities, including teaching, supporting literacy programs, providing medical care and health education, as well as improving access to clean water, sanitation, and sustainable agriculture for underserved communities. They work closely with local communities to identify the needs and develop projects that align with them to ensure that volunteer efforts are truly making a dif...
Articles

