Careerbreaker Destinations - Uganda
Moved by the country’s great beauty, Winston Churchill described Uganda as the ‘Pearl of Africa’ during his visit in 1907. This beauty strikes travelers to the country to this day. Uganda is in East Africa, landlocked by Kenya to the east, Sudan to the north, Democratic of Congo to the west, Rwanda to the south west and Tanzania to the south.
A lush green land with amazing scenery, incredible wildlife and birdlife, (including the ‘Big Five’), and Africa’s greatest lake - Lake Victoria. This truly is a beautiful country with lush tropical forests, amazing lakes, rivers and waterfalls the volcanic mountains with Mountain Gorillas.
Uganda’s diverse tropical scenery is matched by its amazing cultural mix. Home to many different ethnic groups many of whom still live in their traditional ‘kingdoms’, where their king or chief still commands a great deal of respect and influence. There are around 40 different languages in use although English became the official language following independence in 1962. The majority of the population is Christian and there is a growing Muslim community and a small number who still follow traditional beliefs, including polygamy. Many traditional customs and rituals have been assimilated into Christian worship.
The people are incredibly friendly and are genuinely happy to help. You cannot help but be affected by their warmth and hospitality. We suggest you take the opportunity to try some local refreshments, ‘Pomme’ which is a beer made from fermented bananas and ‘Ugandan Waragi’, although this millet based gin is great in a ‘G&T’, the after effects can be more powerful than what we are used to!
With rich natural resources the majority of people work in agriculture, both subsistence farming and for export. Eco-tourism is a burgeoning industry with vast areas dedicated to national parks and game reserves. Uganda is home to over 1000 species of birds.
Despite a relatively fast growing economy and a government who is working hard on a number of social initiatives, including the successful reduction in the spread of HIV and Aids, Uganda still has many problems. Following years of political troubles, violence and economic collapse in the 70's and 80’s, over half of the population continues to live below the World Bank poverty line.
Our programmes in Uganda are based in the south of the country, in Jinja on Lake Victoria and in the surrounding region. Jinja is a sleepy little town, increasingly popular with travelers. The town itself is about an hour and a half’s drive from Kampala. The area is incredibly green and fertile, starkly contrasting with the rich red earth and the deep blue equatorial skies. Careerbreaker programmes in Uganda focus on skill-sharing placements and in working with local NGO’s on community based initiatives, to help provide much needed infrastructure and support.
Whatever project programme you become part of you are guaranteed a warm welcome from the people of this breathtaking country. Weekends and project breaks provide opportunity for sight-seeing and there is the option to do some adventurous travel after your volunteer placement with our in house travel agent Gap Club. Why not visit the source of the Nile and challenge yourself to traverse the white water rapids, visit the bustling capital Kampala, quad bike in Bujagali, go on safari or trek through the lush mountains to see the Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat!
What can I do in Uganda?
Volunteer on a Community Development
Project
Work Placements - Journalism | Teach/TEFL
Sports Placements - Football | Netball
Adventurous Travel
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Destinations Homepage
Uganda Facts
Capital City
Kampala.
Population
24.6 million.
Language
English, Luganda, Kiswahilli, and almost 40 other Tribal languages.
Greeting
Oli otya. Jambo.
Religion
Mix of Christian, Hindu, Muslim.
Currency
Ugandan Shilling
Price of a Nile special beer
40p
Climate
Tropical. Rainy Seasons Feb-June, Oct- Dec.
Famous for
Mountain Gorillas, Source of the Nile, Coffee, & Makarera University.
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