If you wish to get your hands dirty and do some hard work for ensuring a better life for the underprivileged people living in the rural community of Uganda, then you must join our group construction volunteer trips in Uganda aiming at building a community resource centre to empower rural women.
Whether you are on a gap year, spring break, summer vacation, or career break, if you want to get your hands dirty and see physical results from your volunteer work overseas, Kyampisi Women Empowerment Resource Centre’s construction and building project in Uganda may be just the thing for you!
Go Volunteer Africa in partnership with the Ssamba Foundation, we are right now involved in the process to build a women resource centre in Uganda which will have services like health clinic, skills training center, child development center and a space for our volunteers and visitors to stay and this will be the Kyampisi Women Empowerment Resource Centre.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
- Immerse yourself in Ugandan culture
- The construction project is a very hands-on
- Live and work with other participants from all around the world
- An opportunity to make a rapid difference in the rural community
- Experience the natural beauty of Uganda while trekking and touring
- Meet like-minded individuals who are all committed to making a global impact
Participants must be fit and healthy at the time of joining the program and willing to work hard. You don’t need any previous building experience, to partake on this project. Participants should have no criminal convictions and should provide a clean criminal background check report.
PROJECT LOCATION
The project is located in the beautiful deep greenery of rural Uganda; a small village called Namanganga, in the sub-county of Kyampisi in Mukono district. This village of Namanganga is about 40km from Kampala (the capital of Uganda) or just 25km from Mukono town. But shockingly little or no aid had ever reached the village – they have no running water, competent school, clinic or any of the things we take for granted in everyday life.
Despair is all you see in the village, disease and poverty is everywhere, children and adults alike feel they are the forgotten people. We wish to set up a women empowerment resource centre in the middle of Namanganga village in favor of its inhabitants and surrounding villages – to supply and support them for an independent life step by step. The plan is to construct several buildings with different functions.
SCHEDULED GROUP TRIP START AND END DATES (2026)
- Feb: 15th /Sunday – 28th /Saturday – 2026
- March: 15th / Sunday – 28th / Saturday – 2026
- July: 14th / Sunday – 27th /Saturday – 2026
- Aug: 16th / Sunday – 29th / Saturday – 2026
- Sept: 13th / Sunday – 26th / Saturday – 2026
- Oct: 11th / Sunday – 24th / Saturday – 2026
- Nov: 15th / Sunday – 28th / Saturday – 2026
ARRIVAL & AIRPORT PICKUP
After you have booked and confirmed your placement, please book your flights to arrive at Entebbe International Airport (the only international airport in Uganda) on the start date (Sunday). Our Coordinator will arrange a pickup for you from the airport in Entebbe at agreed time and they will drive you to the volunteer home outskirts of Kampala.
ORIENTATION
Orientation and Placement will be done the next day. Generally, your volunteer orientation is an overview of the project’s mission, expectations and introduction to the local community and project site. Following your arrival in Uganda you will be given a presentation by the co-coordinating project team to prepare you for the work you will be doing.
PROJECT DETAILS
The Kyampisi Women Empowerment Resource Centre (KWERC) is a community-resource centre under construction at the land donated by Ssamba Foundation with an aim to improve the social and economic standing of vulnerable women and children in Mukono district.
Working with local communities in Uganda to help us build this facility, volunteers work alongside the local builders and carpenters, assisting with all levels of building and construction. The buildings are made using traditional methods and local materials. The construction techniques are simple to master and are ideal for sites with limited facilities.
At this same project site, there are other activities like developing demonstration gardens, tree nurseries and there is room for creativity. The work we do here is reflected by community demands. This project will allow us to make a sustainable difference that will not only make a significant impact on the lives of the local women and children but also benefit the society as a whole.
While no previous experience is required for this project, physical fitness and DIY or construction experience are beneficial. All training and guidance is provided by our staff and local construction personnel. You can expect to assist with constructing furniture, building and painting walls. You will be working alongside local workers for the duration of most of our projects.
The main focus of this project is to build a women resource centre in Uganda where every woman is empowered and free from vulnerability. When women are empowered with hands on skills, financial literacy and business skills, their capacity to establish small businesses and income generating activities is enhanced.
Once a woman is empowered, the community is empowered. This project is hands on and an incredible opportunity to make a rapid difference during your time in Mukono, Uganda. As a volunteer you won’t need to have any prior experience however must be comfortable with lifting & shoveling.
VOLUNTEERS’ WORK AND ROLES
The work of the volunteers is varied but may include digging foundations, mixing cement, building walls, constructing a roof, plastering, or putting the finishing coat of paint on a completed house. The building work takes place early in the morning and late in the afternoon so you’ll have plenty of time to get involved in the community you are working in.
The site we work on is overseen by a qualified builder from the community who will help volunteers with the construction process. You do not need previous building experience to take part in this project; although anyone who does have any relevant skills will be very welcome and will be able to take on a more specialized role.
All volunteers should, however, be reasonably fit and physically active, and be prepared for working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. This project is available for less than a month if you don’t have time to join us for a month and group trips start for 2 weeks, with an option to extend your stay.
AGE & REQUIREMENTS
Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. You need to have an open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference and should be willing to work outdoors and get their hands dirty.
VOLUNTEER WORK SCHEDULE
You will be working from Monday to Friday in a small team of like-minded individuals. The day-to-day work program will vary according to the time of your visit and the stage of the improvement work. Whatever your contribution, you are sure to find this project incredibly rewarding when you see the progress the project has made.
Volunteers can expect to work 5-7 hours a day, 5 days a week. A typical day looks like the following. However, please keep in mind each day varies depending on the project stage.
- 7:30AM- 9AM: Have breakfast at home and travel to the project.
- 9:30AM – 12 PM: Begin project, working at construction site.
- 12:30PM – 1 PM: Have lunch with local team.
- 1:30PM – 4PM: Continue working on the project.
- 4:30PM – 5PM: Clean up, prepare for departure, and return home.
- 5:30 PM- 9PM: Have dinner, relax with other participants, have a beer
- 10PM: You will be ready to sleep, see you tomorrow
GROUP VOLUNTEER WORK BENEFITS
You can help build even if you have never picked-up a hammer before. This volunteering opportunity in Uganda lets you get your hands dirty and actually see what a difference you’ve made before you head back home. But, don’t think it’s all about hard work.
The optional discounted safaris and tours we organize in Uganda also give you the chance to travel around the communities you are working in, explore the country, and get to know the people you are helping. We want to deliver an experience to enjoy Uganda by living, working and making an impact with us.
VOLUNTEER ACCOMMODATION
Volunteers are provided accommodation in our beautiful volunteer house managed by the local coordinating team. Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) are provided to the participants from Monday – Sunday (unless if they are away – offsite on a safari or trip). The accommodation is neat and clean. Accommodation is shared amongst volunteers on the ‘same gender sharing’ basis rooms. Wifi internet, warm water is not guaranteed.
The accommodation is close to useful amenities like banks, ATM’s, currency exchanges, restaurants, cafes and shopping places. The placement is around 15 minutes drive from the accommodation. Bathrooms are usually shared. There is a lounge area for relaxing, reading, or watching movies.
VISAS
Visitors to Uganda must obtain a visa on arrival to Uganda or from one of the Ugandan diplomatic missions, unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 6 months. Uganda began issuing electronic visas (e-Visa) on 1 July 2016. Passengers who have been issued an e-visa must travel with a printed e-visa confirmation. Visa on arrival: Electronic visas replaced the visa on arrival facility. Apply for Uganda Tourist Visa Here.
WEEKENDS AND FREE-TIME
Over the weekends or evenings, participants are free to eat out and explore the different delights that Uganda has to offer. We arrange city day tours and long-weekend safaris (optional). No matter what your interests, there is always something for everyone to enjoy!
PROJECT QUICK FACTS
| Availability: | Group Trip with Pre-scheduled Dates |
| Duration: | Minimum 2 weeks commitment (option to extend) |
| Age Limits: | Minimum 18yrs or older for solo travelers. |
| Minimum Age: | Families are welcome (7yrs children accepted) |
| Dates: | Please See Start Dates Above |
| Arrival dates: | On the Day of Start Date |
| Airport Arrival: | Airport pickup, meet and greet by local team |
| Working Days: | Monday – Friday – 5 days a week, 5-7 hours in a day |
| Weekends: | Travel / Sightseeing NOT included in program cost |
| Accommodation: | Volunteer House |
| Meals: | Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily |
| Support: | Pre-departure guide, In-country staff available 24/7 |
| Location: | Mukono |
| Language: | English |
PROGRAM FEE: (USD$)
Program Fee Excludes:
- Flights
- Visas
- Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Airport Drop off (Can be arranged upon request)
PLACEMENT BOOKING DEPOSIT FEE
Please Note: An application and placement booking deposit of USD$220 (per person) which comes off the total program cost above is charged to secure your placement on the program. The program fee balance payment is due within 8 weeks from your program start date.
WHY PAY THE BOOKING DEPOSIT
After you have been accepted into the project by the volunteer coordinator, then you will have to pay a non-refundable USD$220 booking fee (as mentioned it comes off the total fee above). Since we started, the numbers of volunteers applying has increased by each year. Unfortunately only a third of those who promise that they will come, have in fact arrived.
The wastage in volunteer coordinators’ time and the fact that volunteers who could have come were refused due to holding the space for someone else who didn’t turn up, has forced us implement this. We hope that by implementing the fee, only serious volunteers will thus secure the chance to volunteer in our projects.
REMARKABLE MEMORIES
When your volunteer vacation comes to an end, you’ll be tired and a bit dirty. But, you will have made a big difference in the lives of local community. You’ll leave the village with visible proof of the work you’ve done and happy memories of the people you’ve helped
Register Yourself Now! Book a Placement at this special Project, Leave your Mark Behind!! Join other volunteers as we help build a women resource centre in Uganda during your vacation.
HOW TO APPLY
To start the process fill Volunteer application form and submit it for consideration and book your placement. For more information on how to get enrolled for the volunteering experience of a lifetime contact us to talk to a Program Specialist.
