THE PEACE CORPS WELCOMES YOU TO

UGANDA

A PEACE CORPS PUBLICATION

FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS

M ay 2011

A W E L C O M E L E T TE R 

Greetings from Kampala! On behalf of the staff and Volunteers of 

Peace Corps/Uganda, let me say that we are very pleased that you 

are considering an invitation to join us as a Volunteer. You will join a 

group of more than 1,000 former Volunteers who have responded to 

the invitation to serve in Uganda.

This is an exciting time to be in Uganda. The education system is 

stretched to the breaking point in a committed effort to provide 

universal primary and, recently, secondary education to the country’s children. The HIV/AIDS pandemic, which has hit Uganda hard, 

is entering a new phase as people gain access to HIV/AIDS drugs 

and strive to find ways to live with the disease in hope, rather than 

in despair. Prevention of new transmissions is now the focus, as is 

a more holistic approach to health care in general. Finally, while 

Uganda has abundant resources of water, minerals, timber, and arable 

land, there are serious challenges to putting them to optimal use to 

raise economic standards for all Ugandans. Education, health care 

and economic development lay the foundation to make a difference in 

Uganda as a Peace Corps Volunteer.

Former Volunteers will tell you the rewards of the hard work you 

invest and the benefits of your experience will far outweigh the inevitable frustrations and challenges you will encounter. If you decide to 

come to Uganda, you will be making an important commitment, one 

fraught with difficulties yet rich with fulfillment. A two-year commitment to the Peace Corps and to the people of a community in Uganda 

is not to be made casually. You must make it and remake it in numerous ways throughout your two years of service. You will be challenged 

in ways imaginable and unimaginable. Your patience will be tried to 

its limits. But if you come here with an open mind, a warm heart, a 

good sense of humor, a willingness to evaluate and adjust your expectations, and a focus on the needs of others rather than your own, you 

will do well. The Peace Corps’ trainers and staff members are here 

to help you, but you will be the primary architect and judge of your 

experience as a Volunteer. We offer you this opportunity to serve the 

people of Uganda and to have an experience that will change the way 

you look at the world and at yourself.

Country Director

Table of Contents

Map of Uganda

A Welcome Letter 1

Peace Corps/Uganda History and Programs 7

History of the Peace Corps in Uganda 9-10

History and Future of Peace Corps 

Programming in Uganda 10-13

Country Overview: Uganda at a Glance 15

History 15-16

Government 16

Economy 16-17

People and Culture 17-18

Environment 19

Resources for Further Information 21

Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle 27

Communications 27-29

Housing and Site Location 29-30

Living Allowance and Money Management 30-31

Food and Diet 31-32

Transportation 32

Geography and Climate 32

Social Activities 33

Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior 33-34

Personal Safety 34-35

Rewards and Frustrations 35-36
Peace Corps Training 39 

Overview of Pre-Service Training 39

Technical Training 40-41

Language Training 41

Cross-Cultural Training 41-42

Health Training 42

Safety Training 42

Additional Trainings During Volunteer Service 43

Your Health Care and Safety in Uganda 45

Health Issues in Uganda 45-46

Helping You Stay Healthy 46

Maintaining Your Health 46-48

Women’s Health Information 48

Your Peace Corps Medical Kit 49

Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist 50-51

Safety and Security—Our Partnership 52-57

 Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk 53-56

 Staying Safe: Don't Be a Target for Crime 56

 What if you become a victim of a violent crime? 51-52 

Support from Staff 57

Crime Data for Uganda 57-58

Volunteer Safety Support in Uganda 59-60

Diversity and Cross-Cultural Issues 63

Overview of Diversity in Uganda 64

What Might a Volunteer Face? 64-68

Possible Issues for Female Volunteers 64-65

Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color 65-66

Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers 66

Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Volunteers 66-67

Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers 67

Possible Issues for Volunteers With Disabilities 67-68

Frequently Asked Questions 71
Welcome Letters From Uganda Volunteers 77

Packing List 83

Pre-departure Checklist 91

Contacting Peace Corps Headquarters 95
6 PEACE CORPS
a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 7

CORE EXPECTATIONS FOR

PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS

In working toward fulfilling the Peace Corps Mission of 

promoting world peace and friendship, as a trainee and 

Volunteer, you are expected to:

1. Prepare your personal and professional life to make a 

commitment to serve abroad for a full term of 27 months

2. Commit to improving the quality of life of the people with 

whom you live and work; and, in doing so, share your skills, 

adapt them, and learn new skills as needed

3. Serve where the Peace Corps asks you to go, under conditions 

of hardship, if necessary, and with the flexibility needed for 

effective service

4. Recognize that your successful and sustainable development 

work is based on the local trust and confidence you build by 

living in, and respectfully integrating yourself into, your host 

community and culture

5. Recognize that you are responsible 24 hours a day, 7 days a 

week for your personal conduct and professional performance

6. Engage with host country partners in a spirit of cooperation, 

mutual learning, and respect

7. Work within the rules and regulations of the Peace Corps and 

the local and national laws of the country where you serve

8. Exercise judgment and personal responsibility to protect your 

health, safety, and well-being and that of others

9. Recognize that you will be perceived, in your host country and 

community, as a representative of the people, cultures, values, 

and traditions of the United States of America

10. Represent responsively the people, cultures, values, and 

traditions of your host country and community to people in 

the United States both during and following your service

P eace corps / UGan da

H ISTORY AND PROGRAMS

History of the Peace Corps in Uganda

The first group of Peace Corps Volunteers in Uganda featured 

secondary school teachers who arrived on November 16, 

1964. A year later, the education project consisted of 35 

Volunteers. By 1967, the project had more than doubled in 

size. A health project was initiated in 1968 with the placement 

of 15 Volunteers. Once the Peace Corps program in Uganda 

expanded, the major programming area was education, with 

Volunteers also working in fisheries, agriculture, computer 

programming, and surveying. The Peace Corps terminated the 

program in Uganda in 1972 due to the civil unrest during Idi 

Amin’s presidency.

Discussions concerning the Peace Corps’ re-entry began in 

1987 and continued in 1989 when President Yoweri Kaguta 

Museveni and his wife met with the Peace Corps Director to 

discuss a renewed Peace Corps presence in Uganda. Nine 

months later, the Peace Corps received a formal invitation 

from the government of Uganda. The 1964 agreement was then 

reactivated and Volunteers returned to Uganda in June 1991.

The projects during this period–primary education, small 

enterprise development, and natural resource management–

aimed to address needs identified by the government in 

its efforts to rehabilitate and reform Uganda’s educational 

system, develop the private sector, and effectively manage the 

country’s vast natural resources.

Because of security issues in the capital, Kampala, the 

program was suspended again in May 1999. In June 2001, 

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 9
Peace Corps/Uganda reopened with a single project in primary 

teacher training and community school resource teaching.

A community well-being and positive-living project was 

initiated in May 2002. The community health and economic 

development programs came into existence in 2010. We 

currently have three programs and 145 Volunteers are now 

serving in Uganda.

History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in Uganda

In the first of the two current programs in Uganda, the 

Peace Corps provides Volunteer teacher trainers in support 

of the Ministry of Education’s Teacher Development and 

Management System. Volunteers serve at coordinating centers and at primary teachers colleges, where they work with 

Ugandan education professionals. Each two-person team provides in-service training support to a cluster of between 10 

and 120 surrounding schools. They train teachers and principals to improve education within schools, mobilize communities to support their primary schools, and work with communities and schools to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on the 

education system.

Improving the delivery of primary education requires more 

than improved teaching, however. It also requires the commitment of parents and community leaders to make each school 

sustainable and to ensure its continued improvement. Thus, 

Volunteer teacher trainers also help develop links between 

schools and communities. If you have been invited to join this 

project, you have been selected on the basis of your expertise 

in one of the following fields: early childhood development or 

pedagogy, information technology, health, natural resources 

management, or community development. You will use your 

particular interests and expertise as a window through which 

you engage schools and surrounding communities. Along with 

10 PEACE CORPS
a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 11

intensive work with teachers and school administrators, you 

may be the catalyst for developing clubs and workshops, you 

may promote exhibits and newsletters, or you may work with 

community groups to support income-generating activities for 

youth affected by HIV/AIDS. The list of potential activities is 

endless.

With the introduction of universal primary education, school 

enrollment in primary schools increased to 82 percent 

(Uganda Demographic and Health Survey 2006), with a primary completion rate of 57.1 percent (World Bank 2004). In 

the past 4 years, the GOU has promised universal free access 

to quality primary and secondary education, increasing enrollment and attendance rates tremendously, but also making 

the Ministry of Education’s efforts in meeting the demand of 

more qualified teachers more difficult. In response to requests 

received from the Ministry of Education and Sports, the post 

is expanding its current education program to include support for direct secondary education and secondary education 

teacher training. 

The community health and economic development (CH and 

ED) projects assists the Ministry of Health and Ministry of 

Gender in preparing innovative, community-based training 

programs for its community health workers and those involved 

in increasing economic livelihoods. Volunteers also support 

community-based organizations that are working to integrate 

the health concerns of Ugandan villages ravaged by HIV/AIDS 

with the benefits of a positive-living approach.

Uganda ranks among the countries most severely affected by 

the HIV/AIDS pandemic, but it is also one of the few success 

stories, having reduced infection rates dramatically. The government’s commitment, the willingness to compromise on the 

part of churches and other institutions, extraordinary sacrifices on the part of many individuals living with HIV and AIDS, 
12 PEACE CORPS

and the growth of community-based organizations to educate 

and care for affected people have all contributed to this success. Nonetheless, the infection rate remains at about 10 percent of adults, according to the United Nations AIDS agency, 

UNAIDS. Education and behavioral change programs must 

be broadened. Lessons learned about the benefits of living 

positively (actively seeking physical, mental, emotional, and 

environmental health) must be spread beyond the population 

of people living with HIV and AIDS. Ways of supporting homebased care must be augmented, and assistance to orphans 

needs creative approaches. 

CH and ED continues with the former health project focus 

of mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS, but has a new focus 

on a more holistic livelihoods and an economic development 

approach to the issue. The economic development project 

will afford Volunteers with the opportunity to work with communities to enhance their livelihood, improve natural resource 

management techniques, improve food security, improve land 

management, soil conservation, and agroforestry technologies, and create links in the community between education 

and natural resource management. Building on the success of 

the environmental program, Volunteers will live in communities near protected areas and game parks to work with fishing 

communities, agribusinesses, and female heads of households.

The Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) 

continues to be the largest and most constant source of funding for HIV/AIDS activities in Uganda. Peace Corps/Uganda 

has been involved with PEPFAR activities since its inception in Uganda in 2004. In 2006, two-year Volunteers were 

funded by PEPFAR and added to Peace Corps/Uganda’s 

portfolio. Through these Volunteers and ongoing training and 

small project support activities, the Peace Corps was able 

to strengthen community and Volunteer HIV/AIDS expertise 

and support HIV/AIDS-focused community organizations to 
a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 13

enhance their organizational capacity and implement a variety 

of HIV/AIDS prevention and care interventions. In all assignments, Volunteers are prepared through pre-service training to 

encourage their partner organizations to either:

1) Incorporate a full range of HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and 

treatment services, or 

2) Actively seek out and use local referral opportunities to 

ensure all individuals and families receive the necessary 

services.

COUNTR Y OVERV IE W: 

UGAND A AT A GLANCE

History

In the 20th century, Uganda went from being perceived internationally as an Eden incarnate–Britain’s “Pearl of Africa”–to 

being considered the antithesis of Eden, largely because of 

the extreme actions of post-independence leaders Idi Amin 

and Milton Obote.

Uganda achieved independence from Great Britain in 1962 

without any struggle. The British determined a timetable for 

withdrawal before local groups had organized an effective 

nationalist movement. Uganda’s political parties emerged in 

response to impending independence rather than as a means 

of winning it.

Idi Amin’s well-publicized excesses at the expense of Uganda 

and its citizens were not unique, nor were they the earliest 

assaults on the nation’s rule of law. Amin’s predecessor, Milton 

Obote, suspended the 1962 Constitution and ruled part of 

Uganda by martial law for five years until a military coup in 

1971 brought Amin to power. Obote regained power during 

the civil war from 1981 to 1985, a period when government 

troops carried out genocidal sweeps of the rural populace in 

a region that became known as the Luweero Triangle. The 

dramatic collapse of the government under Amin, his plunder 

of the nation’s economy, and the even greater failure of the 

second Obote government in the 1980s certainly had not been 

expected when the country gained independence. On the 

contrary, Uganda had been considered a model of stability and 

potential progress, particularly relative to neighbors Kenya, 

Tanzania, and Congo.

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 15
After years of civil war, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the 

National Resistance Army (NRA) marched on Kampala, and 

Museveni formally claimed the presidency on January 29, 

1986. Museveni’s government has been credited with introducing democratic reforms and enhancing human rights. 

President Museveni was re-elected in 2001 and again in 2006 

following a constitutional change that allowed him to run for 

a third term. Presidential Elections in February 2011 again 

resulted in a victory for Museveni, with disputes on its validity 

from opposition parties.

Government

As the NRA gained legitimate control of the government, it 

became known as the National Resistance Movement (NRM). 

Until recently, the Ugandan government followed a single 

or no-party parliamentary system. This system ended in 

February 2006 with the election of a new parliament, with 

members representing multiple parties. Despite this change, 

the NRM continues to control access to political power, as it 

was the overwhelming winner of these most recent elections.

Although much of Uganda has remained peaceful and stable 

since Museveni has been in power, some parts of the country are still considered post-conflict areas, particularly in the 

north and in the west along the border with Congo. Volunteers 

were assigned to northern areas in 2009 and some areas in the 

northeast are off-limits for travel.

Economy

Beginning in 1986, Uganda implemented broad economic 

reforms that can be categorized in two phases. The first phase 

focused on stabilizing the economy and the second focused 

on introducing reforms to remove structural distortions in 

markets. These reforms were successful, and the economy 

was stabilized by 1992. The International Monetary Fund and 

16 PEACE CORPS
the World Bank have repeatedly cited Uganda as an economic 

success story. Its gross domestic product has averaged a 

growth rate of 6.3 percent since 1992.

Cash-based agricultural activity still constitutes about 26 percent of GDP and 95 percent of export revenues. In addition, 

agriculture accounts for more than 90 percent of subsistence 

economic activity. The government of Uganda has put a lot of 

emphasis on the improvement of agriculture.

Cash crops include coffee, cotton, tea, tobacco, cut flowers, 

and vanilla. Food crops include plantains, cassavas, sweet 

potatoes, millet, sorghum, corn, beans, and groundnuts. 

Fishing is important for domestic consumption and exportation. Forest covers 7.5 million hectares, but this resource is 

being rapidly depleted despite attempts at regulation.

The economy has seen a slowdown in recent years, probably 

because all the easy routes to economic growth have already 

been taken. Difficult policy and reform decisions lie ahead if 

the government hopes to continue the economy’s uphill climb.

People and Culture

There are three major linguistic families in Uganda and about 

50 distinct languages divided among them. Languages also 

tend to define the boundaries of cultural differences. In the 

late 1980s, Ugandan officials estimated that 66 percent of the 

population consisted of Christians (almost equally divided 

among Protestants and Roman Catholics), approximately 15 

percent were Muslim, and roughly 19 percent were adherents 

of local religions or not affiliated with any religion. World 

and local religions have coexisted for more than a century 

in Uganda, and many people have established a coherent set 

of beliefs about the nature of the universe by combining elements of the two. Except in a few areas, world religions are 

seldom viewed as incompatible with local religions.

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 17
18 PEACE CORPS

Education is highly valued in much of Uganda. As a result of 

the government’s commitment to universal primary education, primary enrollment jumped from 2.7 million children in 

1996 to 6.5 million in 1999. These numbers continue to grow, 

with nearly 7.4 million students enrolled in 2004. The net primary enrollment rate is estimated at 93 percent, and the gap 

between boys’ and girls’ enrollment rates has decreased. For 

most of the country, the issue is no longer access to primary 

education, but the quality of that education.

During Uganda’s civil wars, the health care system basically 

collapsed. It is still barely functional outside urban areas, 

and in certain services, today’s care is worse than it was in 

the 1980s. Life expectancy has increased from 44 to 47 years 

since 2000. Health, nutrition, and child survival indicators 

have improved in part because of the government’s promotion 

of immunization to prevent childhood killer diseases such as 

measles, polio, and whooping cough. However, many infectious diseases remain endemic, including respiratory tract 

infections, anemia, tetanus, malaria, and tuberculosis.

A significant accomplishment is Uganda’s vigorous, effective 

response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, with adult HIV infection 

rates reduced by half over the past 10 years. Nonetheless, about 

500,000 Ugandans are living with HIV/AIDS, and 1.7 million children under age 18 have lost one or both parents to AIDS–a number expected to double within the next 10 years. The epidemic 

has had a tremendous social, economic, and personal impact on 

the country and its people.

The loss of teachers has crippled education systems, while 

illness and disability drains family income and forces governments and donors to redirect limited resources from other 

priorities. The fear and uncertainty AIDS causes has led to 

increased domestic violence and stigmatizing of people living 

with HIV/AIDS, isolating them from friends and family and 
a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 19

cutting them off from economic opportunities. As a Peace 

Corps Volunteer, you will confront these issues on a very personal level. It is important to be aware of the high emotional 

toll that disease, death, and violence can have on Volunteers. 

As you strive to integrate into your community, you will develop relationships with local people who might die during your 

service. Because of the AIDS pandemic, some Volunteers will 

be regularly meeting with HIV-positive people and working 

with training staff, office staff, and host family members living 

with AIDS. Volunteers need to prepare themselves to embrace 

these relationships in a sensitive and positive manner. 

Likewise, malaria and malnutrition, motor vehicle accidents 

and other unintentional injuries, domestic violence, and corporal punishment are problems a Volunteer may confront. You 

will need to anticipate these situations and utilize supportive 

resources available throughout your training and service to 

maintain your own emotional strength so you can continue to 

be of service to your community.

Environment

Uganda’s land area is 96,456 square miles, including 17,600 

square miles of open water or swampland. Much of the country is a plateau that slopes gently downward toward the north, 

with a central depression occupied by Lake Kyoga. Mount 

Elgon and the Rwenzori Mountains form Uganda’s borders 

in the east and west, respectively. Approximately one-half of 

Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile River, lies within Uganda.

Uganda has an equatorial climate that is moderated by altitude. Average annual rainfall varies from more than 84 inches 

around Lake Victoria to about 20 inches in the northeast. 

Vegetation is heaviest in the south, thinning out to savanna 

and dry plains in the northeast.

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 21

RESOURCES FOR

FURT HER INFORM ATION

Following is a list of websites for additional information about 

the Peace Corps and Uganda and to connect you to returned 

Volunteers and other invitees. Please keep in mind that 

although we try to make sure all these links are active and current, we cannot guarantee it. If you do not have access to the 

Internet, visit your local library. Libraries offer free Internet 

usage and often let you print information to take home.

A note of caution: As you surf the Internet, be aware that 

you may find bulletin boards and chat rooms in which people 

are free to express opinions about the Peace Corps based on 

their own experience, including comments by those who were 

unhappy with their choice to serve in the Peace Corps. These 

opinions are not those of the Peace Corps or the U.S. government, and we hope you will keep in mind that no two people 

experience their service in the same way.

Peace Corps/Uganda 

www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations

Peace Corps Uganda website. Check for information, stories 

and more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91Li52aCoR0&feature=related

Video blog by John, a Peace Corps Volunteer serving as a 

teacher. 
General Information About Uganda

www.countrywatch.com

On this site, you can learn anything from what time it is in 

the capital of Uganda to how to convert from the dollar to the 

Ugandan currency. Just click on Uganda and go from there.

www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations

Visit this site for general travel advice about almost any country in the world.

www.state.gov

The State Department’s website issues background notes periodically about countries around the world. Find Uganda and 

learn more about its social and political history. You can also 

go to the site’s international travel section to check on conditions that may affect your safety.

www.psr.keele.ac.uk/official.htm

This includes links to all the official sites for governments 

worldwide.

www.geography.about.com/library/maps/blindex.htm

This online world atlas includes maps and geographical information, and each country page contains links to other sites, 

such as the Library of Congress, that contain comprehensive 

historical, social, and political background.

www.cyberschoolbus.un.org/infonation/info.asp 

This United Nations site allows you to search for statistical 

information for member states of the U.N.

www.worldinformation.com

This site provides an additional source of current and historical information about countries around the world.

22 PEACE CORPS
Connect With Returned Volunteers and Other Invitees

www.rpcv.org

This is the site of the National Peace Corps Association, made 

up of returned Volunteers. On this site you can find links to all 

the Web pages of the “Friends of” groups for most countries of 

service, comprised of former Volunteers who served in those 

countries. There are also regional groups that frequently get 

together for social events and local volunteer activities. Or go 

straight to the Friends of Uganda site: www.friendsofuganda.org

www.peacecorpswriters.org

This site is hosted by a group of returned Volunteer writers. 

It is a monthly online publication of essays and Volunteer 

accounts of their Peace Corps service.

Online Articles/Current News Sites About Uganda

www.buganda.com

This site offers a wealth of information about the central 

Buganda area of Uganda.

www.unaids.org

This United Nations site includes thorough information about 

the AIDS pandemic.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa

This BBC site features headlines about Africa (search for 

Uganda).

http://allafrica.com

Access this site to search for news about Uganda.

www.csmonitor.com

This Christian Science Monitor site allows you to search for 

stories on Uganda.

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 23
International Development Sites

www.worldbank.org/afr/ug/

This features information on the World Bank’s projects in 

Uganda.

www.africaaction.org/index.php

Site of the U.S.-based organization Africa Action, which works 

for political, economic, and social justice in Africa.

www.bellanet.org/

Bellanet helps the international community collaborate more 

effectively, especially by use of information technology.

Recommended Books

Books about Uganda

1. Baingana, Doreen. Tropical Fish: Tales from Entebbe 

Harlem Moon, New York, 2005. 

2. Eichstaedt, Peter. First Kill Your Family: Child 

Soldiers of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army.

2009. 

3. Isegawa, Moses. Abyssinian Chronicles. New York: 

Knopf, 2000.

4. McDonnell, Faith and Grace Akallo. Girl Soldier: A 

Story of Hope for Northern Uganda's Children. 2009.

5. Museveni, Yoweni Kaguta. Sowing the Mustard 

Seed: The Struggle for Freedom and Democracy in 

Uganda. London: Macmillan Education, 1997.

6. Rice, Andrew. The Teeth May Smile but the Heart 

Does Not Forget., New York :Metropolitan Books, 2009

7. Twaddle, Michael, and Holger B. Hansen (eds.). 

Uganda Now: Between Decay and Development.

London: James Curry, 1989.

8. Twaddle, Michael, and Holger B. Hansen (eds.). 

Changing Uganda: The Dilemmas of Structural 

24 PEA CE CORPS
Adjustment and Revolutionary Change. London: 

James Curry, 1991.

9. Wallman, Sandra. Kampala Women Getting by: 

Wellbeing in the Time of AIDS. London: James 

Currey, 1996.

Books About the History of the Peace Corps

1. Hoffman, Elizabeth Cobbs. All You Need is Love: The 

Peace Corps and the Spirit of the 1960’s. Cambridge, 

Mass.: Harvard University Press, 2000.

2. Rice, Gerald T. The Bold Experiment: JFK’s Peace 

Corps. Notre Dame, Ind.: University of Notre Dame 

Press, 1985.

3. Stossel, Scott. Sarge: The Life and Times of Sargent 

Shriver. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution 

Press, 2004.

Books on the Volunteer Experience

1. Dirlam, Sharon. Beyond Siberia: Two Years in a 

Forgotten Place. Santa Barbara, Calif.: McSeas Books, 

2004.

2. Casebolt, Marjorie DeMoss. Margarita: A Guatemalan 

Peace Corps Experience. Gig Harbor, Wash.: Red 

Apple Publishing, 2000.

3. Erdman, Sarah. Nine Hills to Nambonkaha: Two 

Years in the Heart of an African Village. New York, 

N.Y.: Picador, 2003.

4. Hessler, Peter. River Town: Two Years on the 

Yangtze. New York, N.Y.: Perennial, 2001.

5. Kennedy, Geraldine ed. From the Center of the Earth: 

Stories out of the Peace Corps. Santa Monica, Calif.: 

Clover Park Press, 1991.

6. Thompsen, Moritz. Living Poor: A Peace Corps 

Chronicle. Seattle, Wash.: University of Washington 

Press, 1997 (reprint).

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 25

LIVING COND ITIONS AND

VOLUNTEER LIFEST YLE

Communications

Mail

Few countries in the world offer the level of service considered 

normal in the United States. If you expect U.S. standards for 

mail service, you will be in for some frustration. Letters take a 

minimum of two weeks to arrive in Uganda if sent by airmail; 

packages even longer. Packages sent by surface mail usually 

take between one and two months. Some mail may simply not 

arrive (this is not a frequent occurrence, but it does happen). 

Advise your friends and family to number their letters for tracking purposes and to write “Airmail” and “Par Avion” on their 

envelopes. If someone sends you a package, it is best to keep it 

small and use a padded envelope so it will be treated as a letter. 

Valuables should not be sent through the mail.

Despite the delays, we encourage you to write to your family 

regularly and to number your letters. Family members typically 

become worried when they do not hear from you, so it is a good 

idea to advise them that mail service is sporadic and that they 

should not be concerned if they do not receive letters from you 

regularly. This is especially true at the beginning, when you will 

be involved in an intense training program.

Your address during training will be:

“Your Name,” PCT

P.O. Box 29348

Kampala, Uganda

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 27
After training, you will be expected to establish a mailing 

address in the community where you are posted. Let family 

know that the address listed above will be a temporary one 

used during your first few months in Uganda.

Telephones

You will have limited access to email during training.

Almost every Uganda Peace Corps Volunteer has a cellphone. Network coverage varies depending on where you 

are assigned, but networks are continuously expanding. 

Some Volunteers have difficulty charging their phones, but 

Volunteers always find a way to communicate with family, 

fellow Volunteers, and Peace Corps staff. Incoming calls on 

cellphones are free, but outgoing calls, especially those to 

America, are very expensive. Advise your family and friends in 

America to use phone cards.

Computer, Internet, and E-mail Access

A Volunteer advises the following:

Regardless of the field you are working in, the majority of 

Volunteers are grateful for the addition of a small laptop 

computer during their service. For project organization, 

informal technology education or escaping into your 

favorite American sitcom, a computer is invaluable. 

Considerations: 

•	 Netbook computers are lighter and more packable

and compete with computers in terms of speed and 

battery life. Furthermore, their small power output 

allows for the possibility of solar charging for those 

villages fully off the grid. Get a 6-cell battery instead 

of 3 cell. You’ll appreciate those extra hours between 

charges.

•	 There is an enormous body of media available in

the Peace Corps Volunteer Lounge–enough to fill 

any computer hard drive several times over. Most 

28 PEACE CORPS
a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a

Volunteers have external drives (500 gig minimum) 

to aid in program, video, and teaching and development materials exchange. This allows you to travel 

lighter when all you want is to grab a digital book 

from your nearest Volunteer. 

•	 Believe it or not, you can connect to the Internet

through your cellphone provider almost anywhere 

in Uganda. USB modems are available for less than 

USD 35.00 and service charges are fully affordable.

Most of us moved to Africa with the idea that we’d be on 

a two-year backpacking trip. What we found was a country connected top to bottom with technology for those who 

can afford it! Embracing this technology has made us 

better Volunteers. The use of computers allows us to stay 

in better touch with each other in the field and with our 

families in the U.S. We can build capacity by introducing 

technology to the forces that are flattening our world, specifically the free exchange of ideas and information.

Please remember when deciding whether or not to bring a 

laptop, Peace Corps is in no way liable for a lost, stolen or 

damaged computer. It’s advisable to get property insurance for 

laptops and any other personal items of value.

Access to email and the Internet is available at Internet cafes 

in most major towns in Uganda. Most Volunteers check email 

weekly, depending on personal choice and site location. While 

Internet is slow at times, you will be able to communicate 

through email and/or blogs.

Housing and Site Location

During your service, you will most likely live in a rural area in 

very modest accommodations provided by your host organization, which will try to provide you with at least a bedroom 

29
and a sitting room. You might live in part of a Ugandan family’s house or in part of a house built for staff of a school or 

community organization. It is unlikely that you will share your 

accommodations with anyone else unless you choose to do so.

Living conditions vary according to the resources of the community or organization in which you are placed. Most houses 

do not have running water or electricity. You should expect 

to use a pit latrine and a kerosene lantern and stove. Most 

Volunteers hire someone to carry water to their house. The 

community may provide some basic furnishings, and you can 

supplement these with your modest settling-in allowance provided by the Peace Corps. At nearly all sites, the kind of privacy that most Americans are used to will be extremely limited. 

Children may be around constantly, demonstrating their curiosity about you. You will have to adapt to a more public life.

As most communities and organizations have extremely limited resources, providing housing and furnishing is a great 

sacrifice. Sometimes there are delays in obtaining housing or 

furnishings. You might have to stay in temporary accommodations while your permanent housing is being set up.

Although the Peace Corps staff makes every effort to collaborate with communities to see that housing is ready for 

Volunteers when they arrive at their sites, you should be prepared to gratefully accept whatever the community provides, 

no matter how basic.

Living Allowance and Money Management

As a Volunteer, you will receive a modest living allowance, 

paid in local currency that will allow you to live on par with 

your colleagues and co-workers. The amount of this allowance 

is based on regular surveys of Volunteers and the cost of living 

in Uganda. The allowance is paid quarterly into bank accounts 

30 PEACE CORPS
set up for Volunteers, so the ability to manage funds wisely 

is important. The current living allowance is equivalent to 

approximately $250 per month and is meant to cover the cost 

of food, utilities, household supplies, clothing, recreation and 

entertainment, reading materials, and other incidentals. You 

may find that you receive more remuneration than your counterpart or supervisor.

You will also receive a leave allowance of $24 per month (standard in all Peace Corps countries), which is paid in local currency along with your living allowance.

Current Volunteers suggest that you bring cash and credit 

cards if you plan to travel during vacations. Very few establishments in Uganda accept credit cards, so they are mainly 

useful for travel to other countries. The amount of cash you 

will need depends on the amount of traveling you plan to do 

while serving in Uganda (Volunteers earn two days of leave 

per month of service, excluding training). Peace Corps will 

set up a bank account for you. Banks can be found in all 

major cities/towns and you will be able to access funds. Peace 

Corps deposits your monthly living allowance at the beginning 

of each month and you are responsible for withdrawing the 

amount you need. The exchange rate is approximately 2200 

Ugandan shillings to the U.S. dollar, but the exchange rate 

changes frequently.

Food and Diet

You will buy your food from outdoor markets or small shops, 

and you will generally cook for yourself. The local diet is basic 

but healthy, including a variety of fruits, vegetables, starches, 

and meats. There are likely to be some local food restaurants 

at or near your site. Imported foods, while expensive, can be 

found in larger towns and serve as a great treat. During traina w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 31
ing, there will be sessions on safe food preparation and proper 

nutrition. It is relatively easy to follow a vegetarian diet in 

Uganda after one becomes familiar with the local food. Most 

Ugandans will not be prepared to serve a vegetarian meal if 

you are a guest in their home, but will generally accept a sensitive explanation of your dietary preferences.

Transportation

Volunteers travel primarily by foot, bicycle, or public transport. Public transportation to and from the nearest urban 

or trading center is available near every site; in most cases 

several times a day. Public transport is likely to be crowded, uncomfortable, and unreliable! To facilitate fieldwork, 

Volunteers are given an allowance to purchase a bike. Still, 

many of the communities and jobsites Volunteers visit may 

entail a long and challenging ride. Some Volunteers must be 

able to ride a bicycle in order to do their jobs. Please come to 

Uganda with this as an expectation.

The Peace Corps/Uganda prohibits the use of motorcycles 

by Volunteers because of the extreme safety risks they pose. 

When using a bicycle, Volunteers must wear helmets (provided by Peace Corps).

Geography and Climate

Uganda straddles the equator, which means that the seasons 

are quite different from those in the United States. Rather 

than a hot season and a cold one, there are rainy seasons and 

dry seasons. Rainy periods generally occur in November and 

December and in April and May. The climate around Lake 

Victoria is greatly influenced by the lake. As a result, rain 

can occur there at any time. Midday temperatures are in the 

70s and 80s (depending upon the part of the country) in all 

32 PEACE CORPS
seasons, but evenings are cooler and may require wearing a 

sweater or light jacket.

Social Activities

The most common form of entertainment is socializing among 

friends and neighbors. Some Volunteers visit other Volunteers 

on weekends or holidays. The Peace Corps encourages 

Volunteers to remain at their sites as much as possible to 

develop relationships with community members, but it also 

recognizes the need to make infrequent trips to regional centers and to visit friends.

Uganda has several rural radio stations, and many Volunteers 

bring radios so they can listen to international broadcasts by 

the BBC, Voice of America, and Deutsche Welle. Some larger 

towns have cinemas as well.

You will find it easy to make friends in your community and 

to participate in weddings, funerals, birthday celebrations, 

and other social events. It is impossible to overemphasize 

the rewards of establishing rapport with one’s supervisors, 

co-workers, and other community members. A sincere effort 

to learn the local language will greatly facilitate these interactions.

Professionalism, Dress, and Behavior

Norms for dress are much more conservative in Uganda 

than in the United States, where some view our clothes as 

an expression of our individuality. Ugandans view dressing 

appropriately as a sign of respect for others. Wearing clothes 

that are dirty, have holes in them, or are too revealing sends 

the message that the people you are interacting with are not 

worth greater care. Dressing in neat, clean, and conservative 

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 33
34 PEACE CORPS

clothes, on the other hand, can ease your integration into your 

new community and enhance your professional credibility and 

effectiveness.

Many Ugandan men wear slacks, button-up shirts, and ties in 

professional settings. Blue jeans, T-shirts, and casual sandals 

are not considered appropriate in the workplace, during training, or during visits to the Peace Corps office. Women wear 

skirts that reach the middle of the knee or below with tops 

in both professional and nonprofessional environments; short 

skirts and low-cut or sleeveless tops are highly inappropriate, particularly in rural settings. Male Volunteers must wear 

their hair short and neat. Volunteers doing fieldwork generally 

should wash and change their clothes before returning to a 

public area. When riding bicycles, women wear skirts, capris, 

or gouchos.

Facial piercing should be kept to a minimum, with discreet 

studs–avoid hoops for security and for cultural reasons. If you 

have tattoos, it will be expected that you keep them covered, 

especially when you are in your community.

If you have reservations about your ability to adapt to Ugandan 

norms of dress and appearance, you should re-evaluate your 

decision to become a Volunteer. Working effectively in another 

culture requires a certain level of sacrifice and flexibility, and 

the Peace Corps expects Volunteers to behave in a manner 

that will foster respect within their communities and reflect 

well upon the Peace Corps. Behavior that jeopardizes your 

safety or the presence of the Peace Corps program in Uganda 

could lead to administrative separation–a decision by the 

Peace Corps to terminate your service. 
a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 35

Personal Safety

More detailed information about the Peace Corps’ approach 

to safety is contained in the “Health Care and Safety” chapter, 

but it is an important issue and cannot be overemphasized. 

As stated in the Volunteer Handbook, becoming a Peace 

Corps Volunteer entails certain safety risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar environment (oftentimes alone), having 

a limited understanding of local language and culture, and 

being perceived as well-off are some of the factors that can 

put a Volunteer at risk. Many Volunteers experience varying 

degrees of unwanted attention and harassment. Petty thefts 

and burglaries are not uncommon, and incidents of physical 

and sexual assault do occur, although most Uganda Volunteers 

complete their two years of service without incident. The 

Peace Corps has established procedures and policies designed 

to help you reduce your risks and enhance your safety and 

security. These procedures and policies, in addition to safety 

training, will be provided once you arrive in Uganda. Using 

these tools, you are expected to take responsibility for your 

safety and well-being.

Each staff member at the Peace Corps is committed to providing Volunteers with the support they need to successfully 

meet the challenges they will face to have a safe, healthy, and 

productive service. We encourage Volunteers and families to 

look at our safety and security information on the Peace Corps 

website at www.peacecorps.gov/safety.

Information on these pages gives messages on Volunteer 

health and Volunteer safety. There is a section titled “Safety 

and Security in Depth.” Among topics addressed are the risks 

of serving as a Volunteer, posts’ safety support systems, and 

emergency planning and communications.
36 PEACE CORPS

Rewards and Frustrations

Although the potential for job satisfaction in Uganda is quite 

high, like all Volunteers, you will encounter frustrations. 

Perceptions of time are very different from those in America. 

The lack of basic infrastructure can become very tiring, and 

social demands on your colleagues may mean their work habits 

vary greatly from yours. For these reasons, the Peace Corps 

experience of adapting to a new culture and environment is 

often described as a series of emotional peaks and valleys.

You will be given a great deal of responsibility and independence in your work–perhaps more than in any other job you 

have had or will have. You will often need to motivate yourself 

and others with little guidance from supervisors. You might 

work for months without seeing any visible impact from, or 

without receiving feedback on, your work. Development is a 

slow process. You must possess the self-confidence, patience, 

and vision–tempered with humility and the resulting respect 

for others–to continue working toward long-term goals without 

seeing immediate results.

To overcome these difficulties, you will also need maturity, 

flexibility, open-mindedness, resourcefulness, and, most 

importantly, a sense of humor. Most Volunteers manage to 

exhibit enough of these characteristics to serve successfully. 

Judging by the experience of former Volunteers, the peaks 

are well worth the difficult times, and most Volunteers leave 

Uganda feeling they have gained much more than they sacrificed during their service. If you are able to make the commitment to integrate into your community and to focus on the 

community’s interests, your service is likely to be a life-altering 

experience.
a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 37

NOTES

PEACE CORPS TR AINING

Overview of Pre-Service Training

Pre-service training will provide you with the 

knowledge and skills you need to integrate into your community and begin to work with your Ugandan counterparts in 

formal and informal settings. Training provides a friendly and 

safe environment in which to ask questions and learn about 

life in Uganda. The 10-week program covers a variety of topics, including language, cross-cultural communication, area 

studies, development issues, health and personal safety, and 

technical skills pertinent to your specific assignment.

The pre-service training in Uganda is community-based, which 

means most of the training sessions take place in a community as similar as possible to actual Volunteer sites. After 

your arrival in Uganda, you will spend a few days at a central 

training facility to recover from jet lag and learn a few basics. 

You might live with a Ugandan host family for all or part of the 

training in the community chosen to host training. This gives 

you the opportunity to observe and participate in Ugandan 

culture and to practice your language skills.

At the onset of training, staff will outline the goals of training and the criteria that will be used to assess your progress. 

Evaluation during training is a continual process, characterized by a dialogue between you and the training staff, which is 

ready to work with you toward the highest possible achievement of training goals. Upon successful completion of pre-service training, you will be sworn in as a Volunteer and depart 

for your site.

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 39
40 PEACE CORPS

Technical Training

Technical training will prepare you to work in Uganda by 

building on the skills you already have and helping you 

develop new skills in a manner appropriate to the needs of the 

country. The Peace Corps staff, Uganda experts, and current 

Volunteers will conduct the training program. Training places 

great emphasis on learning how to transfer the skills you 

have to the community in which you will serve as a Volunteer, 

whether as a primary school teacher trainer or a health worker 

in the community well-being and positive-living project. 

Technical training will include sessions on the general economic and political environment in Uganda and strategies for 

working within such a framework. You will review your technical sector’s goals and will meet with the Uganda agencies and 

organizations that invited the Peace Corps to assist them. You 

will be supported and evaluated throughout the training to 

build the confidence and skills you need to undertake your 

project activities and be a productive member of your community.

For teacher trainers, technical training emphasizes implementation of the Ugandan government’s priorities for education 

reform: improving teaching skills for literacy, numeracy, and 

life skills; improving classroom methods; improving school 

leadership; addressing the impact of HIV/AIDS on education; 

and enhancing collaboration between schools and communities. For health and economic development Volunteers, technical training emphasizes working with communities to address 

primary health care and economic livelihood issues.

Throughout training, your technical skills development and 

sense of professionalism will be assessed using a variety of 

techniques, including observation and the completion of a 

variety of assignments. A major component of this assessment 

is evaluating both your ability and willingness to serve as a 
full-time professional health, community development or education professional with a Ugandan organization. Remember, 

while you are a Volunteer for Peace Corps, you should consider yourself a professional staff member of the organization 

with which you are placed.

Language Training 

As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you will find that language skills 

are key to personal and professional satisfaction during your 

service. These skills are critical to your job performance, they 

help you integrate into your community, and they can ease 

your personal adaptation to the new surroundings. Therefore, 

language training is at the heart of the training program. You 

must successfully meet minimum language requirements to 

complete training and become a Volunteer. Uganda language 

instructors teach formal language classes five days a week in 

small groups of four to five people.

Your language training will incorporate a community-based 

approach. In addition to classroom time, you will be given 

assignments to work on outside of the classroom and with 

your host family. The goal is to get you to a point of basic 

social communication skills so you can practice and develop 

language skills further once you are at your site. Prior to being 

sworn in as a Volunteer, you will work on strategies to continue language studies during your service

Cross-Cultural Training 

As part of your pre-service training, you will live with a 

Uganda host family. This experience is designed to ease your 

transition to life at your site. Families go through an orientation conducted by Peace Corps staff to explain the purpose of 

pre-service training and to assist them in helping you adapt 

to living in Uganda. Many Volunteers form strong and lasting 

friendships with their host families.

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 41
PEACE CORPS

Cross-cultural and community development training will help 

you improve your communication skills and understand your 

role as a facilitator of development. You will be exposed to 

topics such as community mobilization, conflict resolution, 

gender and development, nonformal and adult education 

strategies, and political structures.

Health Training

During pre-service training, you will be given basic medical training and information. You will be expected to practice 

preventive healthcare and to take responsibility for your own 

health by adhering to all medical policies. Trainees are required 

to attend all medical sessions. The topics include preventive 

health measures and minor and major medical issues that you 

might encounter while in Uganda. Nutrition, mental health, 

safety and security, and how to avoid HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are also covered.

Safety Training

During the safety training sessions, you will learn how to 

adopt a lifestyle that reduces your risks at home, at work, and 

during your travels. You will also learn appropriate, effective 

strategies for coping with unwanted attention and about your 

individual responsibility for promoting safety throughout your 

service.

You will hear from Peace Corps/Uganda’s safety and security 

officer, as well as current Volunteers willing to share their 

experience with safety and security in Uganda.

42
Additional Trainings During Volunteer Service

In its commitment to institutionalize quality training, the 

Peace Corps has implemented a training system that provides 

Volunteers with continual opportunities to examine their commitment to Peace Corps service while increasing their technical and cross-cultural skills. During service, there are usually 

three training events. The titles and objectives for those trainings are as follows: 

•	 In-service training: Provides an opportunity for 

Volunteers to upgrade their technical, language, and 

project development skills while sharing their experiences and reaffirming their commitment after having served for three to six months.

•	 Midterm conference (done in conjunction with technical sector in-service): Assists Volunteers in reviewing 

their first year, reassessing their personal and project objectives, and planning for their second year of 

service.

•	 Close-of-service conference: Prepares Volunteers for 

the future after Peace Corps service and reviews 

their respective projects and personal experiences. 

The number, length, and design of these trainings are adapted 

to country-specific needs and conditions. The key to the 

training system is that training events are integrated and 

interrelated, from the pre-departure orientation through 

the end of your service, and are planned, implemented, and 

evaluated cooperatively by the training staff, Peace Corps 

staff, and Volunteers.

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 43

YOUR HEALTH CARE AND

SAFETY IN UGAND A

The Peace Corps’ highest priority is maintaining the good 

health and safety of every Volunteer. Peace Corps medical 

programs emphasize the preventive, rather than the curative, 

approach to disease. The Peace Corps in Uganda maintains 

a clinic with a full-time medical officer, who takes care of 

Volunteers’ primary health care needs. Additional medical services, such as testing and basic treatment, are also available in 

Uganda at local hospitals. If you become seriously ill, you will 

be transported either to an American-standard medical facility 

in the region or to the United States.

Health Issues in Uganda

Major health problems among Volunteers in Uganda are rare 

and are often the result of Volunteers not taking preventive 

measures to stay healthy. The most common health problems 

in Uganda are relatively minor ones that are also found in the 

United States, such as colds, diarrhea, skin infections, headaches, dental problems, adjustment disorders, and alcohol 

abuse. These problems may be more frequent or compounded 

by life in Uganda because certain environmental factors raise 

the risk or exacerbate the severity of illnesses and injuries. 

The most serious health concerns are malaria, HIV/AIDS, 

and traffic accidents. Because malaria is endemic in Uganda, 

taking antimalarial pills is mandated by the Peace Corps. 

Diarrheal diseases are also common, but can be avoided by 

regularly washing your hands, thoroughly washing fruits and 

vegetables, and either boiling your drinking water or using the 

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 45
water purification tablets issued in your medical kit. You will 

be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, meningitis A and C, 

tetanus, diphtheria, typhoid, and rabies.

Helping You Stay Healthy

The Peace Corps will provide you with all the necessary 

inoculations, medications, and information to stay healthy. 

Upon your arrival in Uganda, you will receive a medical 

handbook. At the end of training, you will receive a medical 

kit with supplies to take care of mild illnesses and first aid 

needs. The contents of the kit are listed later in this chapter. 

During pre-service training, you will have access to basic 

medical supplies through the medical officer. However, you 

will be responsible for your own supply of prescription drugs 

and any other specific medical supplies you require, as the 

Peace Corps will not order these items during training. Please 

bring a three-month supply of any prescription drugs you use, 

since they may not be available here and it may take several 

months for shipments to arrive.

You will have physicals at midservice and at the end of your 

service. If you develop a serious medical problem during 

your service, the medical officer in Uganda will consult with 

the Office of Medical Services in Washington, D.C. If it is 

determined that your condition cannot be treated in Uganda, 

you may be sent out of the country for further evaluation 

and care.

Maintaining Your Health

As a Volunteer, you must accept considerable responsibility for your own health. Proper precautions will significantly 

reduce your risk of serious illness or injury. The adage “An 

46 PEACE CORPS
a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a

ounce of prevention ...” becomes extremely important in 

areas where diagnostic and treatment facilities are not up to 

the standards of the United States. The most important of 

your responsibilities in Uganda is to take the following preventive measures:

Malaria is a major health issue in Uganda. The most important 

step in preventing malaria and many other tropical diseases 

is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and other insects. The 

best way to avoid insect bites is to sleep under a treated mosquito net provided by Peace Corps, wear long sleeves and long 

trousers whenever possible (especially when outside at night), 

use insect repellent, and make sure windows have some kind 

of screen. Since no one can entirely prevent insect bites, you 

must also take antimalarial pills.

Rabies is prevalent throughout Uganda, so you will receive a 

series of immunizations against it after you arrive. If you are 

exposed to an animal that is known to have, or suspected of 

having, rabies, inform the medical officer at once so you can 

receive post-exposure booster shots. Be wary of all unknown 

animals and of behavior changes in known animals.

Many illnesses that afflict Volunteers worldwide are entirely 

preventable if proper food and water precautions are taken. 

These illnesses include food poisoning, parasitic infections, 

hepatitis A, dysentery, Guinea worms, tapeworms, and 

typhoid fever. Your medical officer will discuss specific standards for water and food preparation in Uganda during preservice training.

Abstinence is the only certain choice for preventing infection 

with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. You are taking risks if you choose to be sexually active. To lessen risk, 

use a condom every time you have sex. Whether your partner 

is a host country citizen, a fellow Volunteer, or anyone else, do 

47
PEACE CORPS

not assume this person is free of HIV/AIDS or other STDs. You 

will receive more information from the medical officer about 

this important issue.

Volunteers are expected to adhere to an effective means of 

birth control to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Your medical officer can help you decide on the most appropriate method to suit your individual needs. Contraceptive methods are 

available without charge from the medical officer. 

It is critical to your health that you promptly report to the 

medical office or other designated facility for scheduled 

immunizations, and that you let the medical officer know 

immediately of significant illnesses and injuries.

Women’s Health Information

Pregnancy is treated in the same manner as other Volunteer 

health conditions that require medical attention but also have 

programmatic ramifications. The Peace Corps is responsible 

for determining the medical risk and the availability of appropriate medical care if the Volunteer remains in-country. Given 

the circumstances under which Volunteers live and work in 

Peace Corps countries, it is rare that the Peace Corps’ medical and programmatic standards for continued service during 

pregnancy can be met. 

If feminine hygiene products are not available for you to purchase on the local market, the Peace Corps medical officer in 

Uganda will provide them. If you require a specific product, 

please bring a three-month supply with you.

48
Your Peace Corps Medical Kit

The Peace Corps medical officer will provide you with a kit 

that contains basic items necessary to prevent and treat illnesses that may occur during service. Kit items can be periodically restocked at the medical office.

Medical Kit Contents

Ace bandages

Adhesive tape

American Red Cross First Aid & Safety Handbook

Antacid tablets (Tums)

Antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin/Neomycin/Polymycin B)

Antiseptic antimicrobial skin cleaner (Hibiclens)

Band-Aids

Butterfly closures

Calamine lotion

Cepacol lozenges

Condoms

Dental floss

Diphenhydramine HCL 25 mg (Benadryl)

Insect repellent stick (Cutter’s)

Iodine tablets (for water purification)

Lip balm (Chapstick)

Oral rehydration salts

Oral thermometer (Fahrenheit)

Pseudoephedrine HCL 30 mg (Sudafed)

Robitussin-DM lozenges (for cough)

Scissors

Sterile gauze pads

Tetrahydrozaline eyedrops (Visine)

Tinactin (antifungal cream)

Tweezers

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 49
Before You Leave: A Medical Checklist

If there has been any change in your health–physical, mental, 

or dental–since you submitted your examination reports to 

the Peace Corps, you must immediately notify the Office of 

Medical Services. Failure to disclose new illnesses, injuries, 

allergies, or pregnancy can endanger your health and may 

jeopardize your eligibility to serve. 

If your dental exam was done more than a year ago, or if your 

physical exam is more than two years old, contact the Office 

of Medical Services to find out whether you need to update 

your records. If your dentist or Peace Corps dental consultant has recommended that you undergo dental treatment 

or repair, you must complete that work and make sure your 

dentist sends requested confirmation reports or X-rays to the 

Office of Medical Services.

If you wish to avoid having duplicate vaccinations, contact 

your physician’s office to obtain a copy of your immunization 

record and bring it to your pre-departure orientation. If you 

have any immunizations prior to Peace Corps service, the 

Peace Corps cannot reimburse you for the cost. The Peace 

Corps will provide all the immunizations necessary for your 

overseas assignment, either at your pre-departure orientation 

or shortly after you arrive in Uganda. You do not need to begin 

taking malaria medication prior to departure.

Bring a three-month supply of any prescription or over-thecounter medication you use on a regular basis, including birth 

control pills. Although the Peace Corps cannot reimburse 

you for this three-month supply, it will order refills during 

your service. While awaiting shipment–which can take several 

months–you will be dependent on your own medication supply. The Peace Corps will not pay for herbal or nonprescribed 

50 PEACE CORPS
a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 51

medications, such as St. John’s wort, glucosamine, selenium, 

or antioxidant supplements.

You are encouraged to bring copies of medical prescriptions 

signed by your physician. This is not a requirement, but they 

might come in handy if you are questioned in transit about 

carrying a three-month supply of prescription drugs.

If you wear eyeglasses, bring two pairs with you–a pair and 

a spare. If a pair breaks, the Peace Corps will replace them, 

using the information your doctor in the United States provided on the eyeglasses form during your examination. The 

Peace Corps discourages you from using contact lenses during your service to reduce your risk of developing a serious 

infection or other eye disease. Most Peace Corps countries do 

not have appropriate water and sanitation to support eye care 

with the use of contact lenses. The Peace Corps will not supply or replace contact lenses or associated solutions unless 

an ophthalmologist has recommended their use for a specific 

medical condition and the Peace Corps’ Office of Medical 

Services has given approval.

If you are eligible for Medicare, are over 50 years of age, or 

have a health condition that may restrict your future participation in health care plans, you may wish to consult an 

insurance specialist about unique coverage needs before 

your departure. The Peace Corps will provide all necessary 

health care from the time you leave for your pre-departure 

orientation until you complete your service. When you finish, 

you will be entitled to the post-service health care benefits 

described in the Peace Corps Volunteer Handbook. You may 

wish to consider keeping an existing health plan in effect during your service if you think age or pre-existing conditions 

might prevent you from re-enrolling in your current plan 

when you return home.
PEACE CORPS

Safety and Security—Our Partnership

Serving as a Volunteer overseas entails certain safety and 

security risks. Living and traveling in an unfamiliar environment, a limited understanding of the local language and 

culture, and the perception of being a wealthy American are 

some of the factors that can put a Volunteer at risk. Property 

theft and burglaries are not uncommon. Incidents of physical 

and sexual assault do occur, although almost all Volunteers 

complete their two years of service without serious personal 

safety problems.

Beyond knowing that Peace Corps approaches safety and 

security as a partnership with you, it might be helpful to see 

how this partnership works. Peace Corps has policies, procedures, and training in place to promote your safety. We 

depend on you to follow those policies and to put into practice what you have learned. An example of how this works in 

practice–in this case to help manage the risk of burglary–is:

•	 Peace Corps assesses the security environment where

you will live and work

•	 Peace Corps inspects the house where you will live

according to established security criteria

•	 Peace Corp provides you with resources to take measures such as installing new locks

•	 Peace Corps ensures you are welcomed by host country authorities in your new community

•	 Peace Corps responds to security concerns that you

raise

•	 You lock your doors and windows

•	 You adopt a lifestyle appropriate to the community

where you live

52
a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a

•	 You get to know neighbors

•	 You decide if purchasing personal articles insurance is

appropriate for you

•	 You don’t change residences before being authorized by

Peace Corps

•	 You communicate concerns that you have to Peace

Corps staff

•	 Make the Ugandan alarm or scream for help if you are

in your house and someone is breaking in

If you are assigned to a house with a door that does not lock, 

call the safety and security officer immediately for assistance 

retrofitting your door. It is not safe for a foreigner to stay in 

Uganda with an unlocked door.

This Welcome Book contains sections on: Living Conditions 

and Volunteer Lifestyle; Peace Corps Training; and Your 

Health Care and Safety that all include important safety and 

security information to help you understand this partnership. 

The Peace Corps makes every effort to give Volunteers the 

tools they need to function in the safest way possible, because 

working to maximize the safety and security of Volunteers is 

our highest priority. Not only do we provide you with training 

and tools to prepare for the unexpected, but we teach you to 

identify, reduce, and manage the risks you may encounter.

Factors that Contribute to Volunteer Risk 

There are several factors that can heighten a Volunteer’s 

risk, many of which are within the Volunteer’s control. By far 

the most common crime that Volunteers experience is theft. 

Thefts often occur when Volunteers are away from their sites, 

in crowded locations (such as markets or on public transportation), and when leaving items unattended.

53
Before you depart for Uganda there are several measures you 

can take to reduce your risk: 

•	 Leave valuable objects in U.S.

•	 Leave copies of important documents and account

numbers with someone you trust in the U.S.

•	 Purchase a hidden money pouch or "dummy" wallet

as a decoy

•	 Purchase personal articles insurance

After you arrive in Uganda, you will receive more detailed 

information about common crimes, factors that contribute to 

Volunteer risk, and local strategies to reduce that risk. For 

example, Volunteers in Uganda learn to:

•	 Choose safe routes and times for travel, and travel with

someone trusted by the community whenever possible

•	 Make sure one’s personal appearance is respectful of

local customs

•	 Avoid high-crime areas

•	 Know the local language to get help in an emergency

•	 Make friends with local people who are respected in the

community 

•	 Limit alcohol consumption

•	 Watch your property (money and wallet) closely as you

get out of taxis (matatus) 

•	 Do not get into a matatu with just the driver and conductor (no other passengers)

•	 Do not fall asleep on a bus with your bag in the overhead compartment

As you can see from this list, you must be willing to work hard 

and adapt your lifestyle to minimize the potential for being a 

target for crime. As with anywhere in the world, crime does 

54 PEAC E CORPS
a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a

exist in Uganda. You can reduce your risk by avoiding situations that place you at risk and by taking precautions. Crime 

at the village or town level is less frequent than in the large 

cities; people know each other and generally are less likely to 

steal from their neighbors. Tourist attractions in large towns 

are favorite worksites for pickpockets.

The following are other security concerns in Uganda of which 

you should be aware:

While you may be much more likely to be pick-pocketed in 

crowded areas of Kampala, there is a “borrowing” culture 

in rural areas, which may cause your property to disappear. 

Ugandans do not have the same concept of private property 

as Americans, and if you leave something where it could be 

taken, even within your compound or house, a local may 

take it without asking if they perceive that you are either not 

currently using it or you own too much. Traditionally, when 

“borrowing” things that are not currently in use, the borrower 

must eventually return the items to the owner, but when it 

comes to foreigners, items are seldom returned. 

Years ago Kampala was the site of infrequent rebel activities, which are otherwise restricted to the far north or west. 

They took the form of small-scale attacks in busy, populated 

areas. Although no Volunteers were harmed in these attacks, 

the potential for harm exists, and the Peace Corps program 

in Uganda was suspended in 1999 as a result of such attacks. 

With the program’s reopening in 2001, several program 

changes were made to enhance Volunteer safety and the sustainability of the program as a whole. One of these changes is 

that Volunteers placed outside of Kampala may not travel to 

Kampala without an official reason and without prior approval 

from their program manager or Peace Corps medical officer. 

In late 2007, Uganda was considered free from rebel activities 

and Peace Corps has Volunteer placements in the North and 

55
56 PEACE CORPS

Northwestern region, however the Karamoja (Northeastern) 

region is a restricted travel area due to cattle rustling and the 

potential concomitant violence toward any outsiders. 

Kampala can also be an epicenter for political uprisings, as 

was the case in September of 2009 when riots began after 

President Museveni restricted the Buganda Kabaka’s (traditional king) travel to an area which was supposedly under his 

rule. Buganda angry with the president’s assertion of authority over their king began rioting in Kampala and the center of 

other towns. Tires were set ablaze in the streets, property was 

destroyed, and many people were injured or killed as police 

shifted from firing warning shots into the air to shooting into 

crowds to disperse mobs. Violence may erupt quickly and with 

little warning, so Kampala should be avoided during known 

political exercises that could cause conflict. 

Another recent development is the presence of Somali terrorist cells within Uganda. Al Shabab took credit for the twin 

bombings of World Cup spectators near Kampala in July of 

2010, which killed approximately 80 people, including an 

American missionary. While terrorism remains a threat in 

Uganda, there have been no incidents of violence since then. 

You will receive clear information about how the Peace Corps 

is addressing the issues of safety and security and how you 

can participate.

Staying Safe: Don’t Be a Target for Crime 

You must be prepared to take on a large degree of 

responsibility for your own safety. You can make yourself less 

of a target, ensure that your home is secure, and develop 

relationships in your community that will make you an 

unlikely victim of crime. While the factors that contribute to 

your risk in Uganda may be different, in many ways you can 

do what you would do if you moved to a new city anywhere: 

Be cautious, check things out, ask questions, learn about 
a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 57

your neighborhood, know where the more risky locations 

are, use common sense, and be aware. You can reduce your 

vulnerability to crime by integrating into your community, 

learning the local language, acting responsibly, and abiding 

by Peace Corps policies and procedures. Serving safely and 

effectively in Uganda will require that you accept some 

restrictions on your current lifestyle.

Support from Staff

If a trainee or Volunteer is the victim of a safety incident, 

Peace Corps staff is prepared to provide support. All Peace 

Corps posts have procedures in place to respond to incidents 

of crime committed against Volunteers. The first priority 

for all posts in the aftermath of an incident is to ensure the 

Volunteer is safe and receiving medical treatment as needed. 

After assuring the safety of the Volunteer, Peace Corps staff 

response may include reassessing the Volunteer’s worksite 

and housing arrangements and making any adjustments, 

as needed. In some cases, the nature of the incident may 

necessitate a site or housing transfer. Peace Corps staff will 

also assist Volunteers with preserving their rights to pursue 

legal sanctions against the perpetrators of the crime. It is very 

important that Volunteers report incidents as they occur, not 

only to protect their peer Volunteers, but also to preserve the 

future right to prosecute. Should Volunteers decide later in 

the process that they want to proceed with the prosecution 

of their assailant, this option may no longer exist if the 

evidence of the event has not been preserved at the time of 

the incident. 

Crime Data for Uganda

Few The country-specific data chart below shows the average 

annual rates of the major types of crimes reported by Peace 

Corps Volunteers/trainees in Uganda compared to all other 
58 PEACE CORPS

Africa Region programs as a whole. It can be understood as 

an approximation of the number of reported incidents per 100 

Volunteers in a year.

The incidence rate for each type of crime is the number of 

crime events relative to the Volunteer/trainee population. 

It is expressed on the chart as a ratio of crime to Volunteer 

and trainee years (or V/T years, which is a measure of 12 full 

months of V/T service) to allow for a statistically valid way to 

compare crime data across countries. 

Few Peace Corps Volunteers are victims of serious crimes and 

crimes that do occur overseas are investigated and prosecuted 

by local authorities through the local courts system. If you are 

the victim of a crime, you will decide if you wish to pursue 

prosecution. If you decide to prosecute, Peace Corps will be 

there to assist you. One of our tasks is to ensure you are fully 

informed of your options and understand how the local legal 

process works. Peace Corps will help you ensure your rights 

are protected to the fullest extent possible under the laws of 

the country.
a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 59

If you are the victim of a serious crime, you will learn how to 

get to a safe location as quickly as possible and contact your 

Peace Corps office. It’s important that you notify Peace Corps 

as soon as you can so Peace Corps can provide you with the 

help you need.

Volunteer Safety Support in Uganda

The Peace Corps’ approach to safety is a five-pronged plan to 

help you stay safe during your service and includes the following: information sharing, Volunteer training, site selection 

criteria, a detailed emergency action plan, and protocols for 

addressing safety and security incidents. Uganda’s in-country 

safety program is outlined below.

The Peace Corps/Uganda office will keep you informed of 

any issues that may impact Volunteer safety through information sharing. Regular updates will be provided in Volunteer 

newsletters and in memorandums from the country director. 

In the event of a critical situation or emergency, you will be 

contacted through the emergency communication network. An 

important component of the capacity of Peace Corps to keep 

you informed is your buy-in to the partnership concept with 

the Peace Corps staff. It is expected that you will do your part 

in ensuring that Peace Corps staff members are kept apprised 

of your movements in-country so they are able to inform you.

Volunteer training will include sessions on specific safety and 

security issues in Uganda. This training will prepare you to 

adopt a culturally appropriate lifestyle and exercise judgment 

that promotes safety and reduces risk in your home, at work, 

and while traveling. Safety training is offered throughout service and is integrated into the language, cross-cultural aspects, 

health, and other components of training. You will be expected 
60 PEACE CORPS

to successfully complete all training competencies in a variety 

of areas, including safety and security, as a condition of service.

Certain site selection criteria are used to determine safe housing for Volunteers before their arrival. The Peace Corps staff 

works closely with host communities and counterpart agencies to help prepare them for a Volunteer’s arrival and to 

establish expectations of their respective roles in supporting 

the Volunteer. Each site is inspected before the Volunteer’s 

arrival to ensure placement in appropriate, safe, and secure 

housing and worksites. Site selection is based, in part, on any 

relevant site history; access to medical, banking, postal, and 

other essential services; availability of communications, transportation, and markets; different housing options and living 

arrangements; and other Volunteer support needs.

You will also learn about Peace Corps/Uganda’s detailed emergency action plan, which is implemented in the event of civil 

or political unrest or a natural disaster. When you arrive at 

your site, you will complete and submit a site locator form 

with your address, contact information, and a map to your 

house. If there is a security threat, you will gather with other 

Volunteers in Uganda at predetermined locations until the 

situation is resolved or the Peace Corps decides to evacuate.

Finally, in order for the Peace Corps to be fully responsive 

to the needs of Volunteers, it is imperative that Volunteers 

immediately report any security incident to the Peace Corps 

office. The Peace Corps has established protocols for addressing safety and security incidents in a timely and appropriate 

manner, and it collects and evaluates safety and security data 

to track trends and develop strategies to minimize risks to 

future Volunteers.
a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 61

NOTES

DI VERSITY AND CROSS -

CULTURAL ISSUES

In fulfilling its mandate to share the face of America with host 

countries, the Peace Corps is making special efforts to assure 

that all of America’s richness is reflected in the Volunteer 

corps. More Americans of color are serving in today’s Peace 

Corps than at any time in recent history. Differences in race, 

ethnic background, age, religion, and sexual orientation 

are expected and welcomed among our Volunteers. Part of 

the Peace Corps’ mission is to help dispel any notion that 

Americans are all of one origin or race and to establish that 

each of us is as thoroughly American as the other despite our 

many differences. 

Our diversity helps us accomplish that goal. In other ways, 

however, it poses challenges. In Uganda, as in other Peace 

Corps host countries, Volunteers’ behavior, lifestyle, background, and beliefs are judged in a cultural context very different from their own. Certain personal perspectives or characteristics commonly accepted in the United States may be 

quite uncommon, unacceptable, or even repressed in Uganda.

Outside of Uganda’s capital, residents of rural communities 

have had relatively little direct exposure to other cultures, 

races, religions, and lifestyles. What people view as typical 

American behavior or norms may be a misconception, such as 

the belief that all Americans are rich and have blond hair and 

blue eyes. The people of Uganda are justly known for their 

generous hospitality to foreigners; however, members of the 

community in which you will live may display a range of reactions to cultural differences that you present. 

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 63
To ease the transition and adapt to life in Uganda, you may 

need to make some temporary, yet fundamental compromises 

in how you present yourself as an American and as an individual. For example, female trainees and Volunteers may not 

be able to exercise the independence available to them in the 

United States; political discussions need to be handled with 

great care; and some of your personal beliefs may best remain 

undisclosed. You will need to develop techniques and personal 

strategies for coping with these and other limitations. The 

Peace Corps staff will lead diversity and sensitivity discussions 

during pre-service training and will be on call to provide support, but the challenge ultimately will be your own. 

Overview of Diversity in Uganda

The Peace Corps staff in Uganda recognizes the adjustment 

issues that come with diversity and will endeavor to provide 

support and guidance. During pre-service training, several 

sessions will be held to discuss diversity and coping mechanisms. We look forward to having male and female Volunteers 

from a variety of races, ethnic groups, ages, religions, and 

sexual orientations, and hope that you will become part of a 

diverse group of Americans who take pride in supporting one 

another and demonstrating the richness of American culture. 

What Might a Volunteer Face?

Equality Possible Issues for Female Volunteers

Equality of the sexes is generally considered irrelevant in 

Ugandan culture, as distinct roles and responsibilities are 

expected of men and women. Female Volunteers often 

encounter extremely conservative attitudes regarding gender 

equality. Likewise, the behavior of female Volunteers is more 

often scrutinized and criticized than that of their male peers. 

64 PEACE CORPS
Although the Peace Corps emphasizes sensitivity toward other 

cultures, it may occasionally be necessary to explain why you 

believe something or behave a certain way–but only you can 

determine when and if such an explanation is worthwhile. 

Neither men nor women are considered adults until they 

are married and have children. This being the case, female 

Volunteers should expect curiosity from Ugandan friends 

regarding their marital status and whether they have children.

Possible Issues for Volunteers of Color 

Skin color and appearance, more than actual heritage, often 

influence how Volunteers are perceived and treated by their 

host communities. Even if they can convince Ugandans that 

they are indeed American, Volunteers who do not fit the mold 

of the “typical” American may still not be regarded as “true” 

Americans. African-American Volunteers often express frustration or disappointment at being asked, “What are you?” 

and having Ugandans show genuine shock or amazement 

when they answer “African American” or “black American.” 

Ugandans often react with disbelief and ask, “But where are 

your parents from?”

African-American women should be aware that they may be 

perceived as Ugandan women and, thus, be treated as such. 

This can be an asset in some situations and a challenge in others. African-American women may find that their behavior is 

scrutinized more closely than that of white women.

Asian-American Volunteers express frustration at being 

assumed to be Chinese or Japanese, rather than American. 

Because of the kung fu movies shown throughout the country, some Asian Americans have been asked if they know 

kung fu. This may seem humorous at first, but can eventually 

become tiresome. Americans of South Asian descent, whether 

Indian, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi, or Pakistani, are collectively 

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 65
referred to as Indians or Asians, rather than Americans. Some 

Ugandans may feel resentment toward people with a South 

Asian background because of the unequal treatment received 

by Ugandans and South Asian residents of Uganda during the 

period of British colonialism. On the flip side, Volunteers of 

color may also be surprised to find that Ugandans consider 

them to be American or European, regardless of their color, 

and refer to them using words normally used to describe white 

people.

Possible Issues for Senior Volunteers

Age can also determine how a Volunteer is perceived and 

treated by Ugandans. Older Volunteers may be respected for 

their wisdom, but may face challenges in being fully accepted 

in the workplace. Ugandans can be especially curious about 

older female Volunteers and puzzled as to why they have no 

spouse or children, even if they have the pictures to prove 

otherwise. In addition, since most Volunteers are younger than 

30, it may be difficult for older Volunteers to develop friendships and gain the necessary support among the most accessible group–other Peace Corps Volunteers.

Possible Issues for Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Volunteers

Gay and lesbian Volunteers need to know that Uganda has a 

very conservative society. Homosexuality is illegal (with a possible sentence of 17 years to life imprisonment), and many 

Ugandans deny that homosexuality actually exists in their 

culture. Any display of your sexual orientation will, at best, be 

severely frowned upon and, at worst, may threaten your safety 

and security. Most previous gay, lesbian, or bisexual Volunteers 

in Uganda have decided to not be open about their sexual 

orientation. Prior to accepting an assignment in Uganda, you 

should discuss this issue thoroughly with a member of the 

66 PEACE CORPS
recruitment staff with whom you feel comfortable. Anyone 

who wants to discuss this subject further once in Uganda can 

do so in confidence with a Peace Corps staff member.

Possible Religious Issues for Volunteers

Whether you practice a religion or not, you will probably find 

Ugandan approaches to spirituality different from what you 

are used to. You will certainly gain a deeper understanding 

over your two years of service, but initially, the most disconcerting thing may be the constant open discussion of religion. 

You should be prepared to be asked if you are a Christian, if 

you are “saved,” and if there are any Muslims in America. You 

may be stared at in disbelief if you state you do not believe in 

God. Your tolerance of, and willingness to answer, such questions will serve you well.

Possible Issues for Volunteers With Disabilities

Ugandans with disabilities are generally treated no differently 

than other Ugandans (hence the lack of special schools or 

accommodations for those with disabilities) and are expected 

to complete the same work, though not necessarily using the 

same methods.

There is little of the infrastructure to accommodate individuals with disabilities that has been developed in the United 

States. That being said, as part of the medical clearance process, the Peace Corps’ Office of Medical Services determined 

that you were physically and emotionally capable, with or 

without reasonable accommodations, of performing a full tour 

of Volunteer service in Uganda without unreasonable risk of 

harm to yourself or interruption of your service. Peace Corps/

Uganda staff will work with disabled Volunteers to make reasonable accommodations in training, housing, jobsites, and 

other areas to enable them to serve safely and effectively.

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 67
68 PEACE CORPS

While this section on diversity may be unsettling to some of 

you, we want you to be prepared for the many challenges you 

are about to face. Know that “non-stereotypical” Volunteers 

have had excellent experiences in Uganda. Ultimately, only 

you can shape your time in Uganda as a Volunteer, but Peace 

Corps/Uganda is here to support you along the way.
a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 69

NOTES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much luggage am I allowed to bring to Uganda?

Most airlines have baggage size and weight limits and assess 

charges for transport of baggage that exceeds those limits. 

The Peace Corps has its own size and weight limits and will 

not pay the cost of transport for baggage that exceeds these 

limits. The Peace Corps’ allowance is two checked pieces 

of luggage with combined dimensions of both pieces not to 

exceed 107 inches (length + width + height) and a carry-on 

bag with dimensions of no more than 45 inches. Checked 

baggage should not exceed 80 pounds total with a maximum 

weight of 50 pounds for any one bag.

Peace Corps Volunteers are not allowed to take pets, weapons, explosives, radio transmitters (shortwave radios are 

permitted), automobiles, or motorcycles to their overseas 

assignments. Do not pack flammable materials or liquids such 

as lighter fluid, cleaning solvents, hair spray, or aerosol containers. This is an important safety precaution.

What is the electric current in Uganda?

The electric current in Uganda is 220 volts. There are surges 

and cuts, which can put a strain on voltage converters and 

appliances. The Peace Corps does not provide transformers.

How much money should I bring?

Volunteers are expected to live at the same level as the people 

in their community. You will be given a settling-in allowance 

and a monthly living allowance, which should cover your 

expenses. Volunteers often wish to bring additional money for 

vacation travel to other countries. Credit cards and traveler’s 

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 71
checks are preferable to cash. If you choose to bring extra 

money, bring the amount that will suit your own travel plans 

and needs. 

When can I take vacation and have people visit me?

Each Volunteer accrues two vacation days per month of service (excluding training). Leave may not be taken during training, the first three months of service, or the last three months 

of service, except in conjunction with an authorized emergency leave. Family and friends are welcome to visit you after preservice training and the first three months of service as long as 

their stay does not interfere with your work. Extended stays at 

your site are not encouraged and may require permission from 

your country director. The Peace Corps is not able to provide 

your visitors with visa, medical, or travel assistance. 

Will my belongings be covered by insurance?

The Peace Corps does not provide insurance coverage for 

personal effects; Volunteers are ultimately responsible for the 

safekeeping of their personal belongings. However, you can 

purchase personal property insurance before you leave. If you 

wish, you may contact your own insurance company; additionally, insurance application forms will be provided, and we 

encourage you to consider them carefully. Volunteers should 

not ship or take valuable items overseas. Jewelry, watches, 

radios, cameras, and expensive appliances are subject to loss, 

theft, and breakage, and in many places, satisfactory maintenance and repair services are not available. 

Do I need an international driver’s license?

Volunteers in Uganda do not need an international driver’s 

license because they are prohibited from operating privately 

owned motorized vehicles. Most urban travel is by bus or taxi. 

72 PEACE CORPS
Rural travel ranges from buses and minibuses to trucks, bicycles, and lots of walking. On very rare occasions, a Volunteer 

may be asked to drive a sponsor’s vehicle, but this can occur 

only with prior written permission from the country director. 

Should this occur, the Volunteer may obtain a local driver’s 

license. A U.S. driver’s license will facilitate the process, so 

bring it with you just in case.

What should I bring as gifts for Ugandan friends and my host family?

This is not a requirement. A token of friendship is sufficient. 

Some gift suggestions include knickknacks for the house; pictures, books, or calendars of American scenes; souvenirs from 

your area; hard candies that will not melt or spoil; or photos 

to give away.

Where will my site assignment be when I finish training and how isolated will I be?

Peace Corps trainees are not assigned to individual sites until 

after they have completed pre-service training. This gives 

Peace Corps staff the opportunity to assess each trainee’s 

technical and language skills prior to assigning sites, in addition to finalizing site selections with their ministry counterparts. If feasible, you may have the opportunity to provide 

input on your site preferences, including geographical location, distance from other Volunteers, and living conditions. 

However, keep in mind that many factors influence the site 

selection process and that the Peace Corps cannot guarantee 

placement where you would ideally like to be. Most Volunteers 

live in small towns or in rural villages and are usually within 

one hour from another Volunteer. Some sites require a 10- to 

12-hour drive from the capital. There is at least one Volunteer 

based in each of the regional capitals and about five to eight 

Volunteers in the capital city.

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 73
How can my family contact me in an emergency?

The Peace Corps’ Office of Special Services provides assistance in handling emergencies affecting trainees and 

Volunteers or their families. Before leaving the United States, 

instruct your family to notify the Office of Special Services 

immediately if an emergency arises, such as a serious illness 

or death of a family member. During normal business hours, 

the number for the Office of Special Services is 800.424.8580; 

select option 2, then extension 1470. After normal business 

hours and on weekends and holidays, the Special Services 

duty officer can be reached at the above number. For nonemergency questions, your family can get information 

from your country desk staff at the Peace Corps by calling 

800.424.8580. 

Can I call home from Uganda?

Yes, if there is good cellular phone network coverage. Calls 

from Uganda to the United States are very expensive. We recommend Skype, letter writing, and setting up periodic calls 

from home. Prepaid phone cards from the United States do 

not work in Uganda. 

Should I bring a cellular phone with me?

The systems in Uganda are different from those typically 

used in the United States. The good news is that the costs 

of service are going down and the coverage is almost everywhere. Most Volunteers have chosen to purchase cellphones 

in Uganda during pre-service training. A phone from America 

has to be an unlocked phone and Volunteers should check the 

specifics of any phone for international capabilities.

74 PEACE CORPS
a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 75

Will there be e-mail and Internet access? Should I bring my computer?

There are places throughout Uganda that provide Internet services; although proximity to those services will vary depending on site placement. The Peace Corps office in Kampala has 

computers with Internet that are for Volunteer/trainee use 

only. Although there is no guarantee that you will be placed at 

a site that has electricity, Volunteers in Uganda who brought 

their laptops are generally glad they did. They can be useful 

for work purposes or to type emails before going into town to 

use the Internet, saving time to catch up on old emails. Some 

Volunteers are also connected to Skype, allowing them to keep 

in better contact with family and friends. It is recommended 

that you purchase personal property insurance to cover costs 

for all electronic equipment in case they are damaged or stolen. Peace Corps partners with Clements International and 

information on personal property insurance through them is in 

your invitation packet. 

WELCOME LETTERS FROM

UGANDA VOL UNTEERS

Dear Potential Trainee:

I live at a primary school with more than 900 primary school 

girls; one might think that might get to be a bit much, and 

honestly, there have been days where I’ve felt overwhelmed, 

but I couldn’t have asked for a better placement. The people 

here are so gracious, so welcoming, and so friendly. 

I’ll never forget the first day at my site. We were still in 

training, but we were visiting our sites to get an idea of what 

it was going to be like out on our own. I arrived at the school 

and before the gate there were hundreds of girls. They had 

all heard I was coming that afternoon and were very excited. 

They greeted me in the local language and argued about who 

would help me with my bags. Sister Kevin, the headmistress 

at the school, gave me a tour of my house. I could tell they 

had worked very hard to get the place ready for me. The 

house was in great shape and someone had painted “You are 

most welcome, Christine” on the wall. I overlooked the fact 

that they had misspelled my name, especially since the three 

or four days I was there they treated me so wonderfully. They 

brought me all my meals and helped me get acquainted with 

the school compound and the town.

Since then, and I’ve been here for a year now, the hospitality really hasn’t changed all that much. There aren’t more than 

100 girls rushing to me, fighting over who will help with my 

bags anymore – thank goodness – but it’s still amazing how 

good they are to me. I have tried several times to fetch my 

own water, but I can rarely walk 10 steps out my door without 

somebody insisting on helping me. I have a group of kids who 

come over nearly every evening to visit or sometimes to help 

me with laundry or dishes if I need it. I never ask the kids; 

they just jump right in. I enjoy their company most of the 

time; they remind me, on rough days, why I am here.

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 77
I can’t stress enough how amazing the people here are. I 

think a lot about the projects that I’ve been working on and 

what I am contributing, but I know the people of Budaka, 

Uganda, have taught me a whole lot more than I could ever 

teach them.

Dear New Volunteer,

Welcome to the Peace Corps family, and welcome to 

Uganda, your home away from home for the next two years. 

Uganda, as Winston Churchill said, is the Pearl of Africa. 

Its border stretches along the shores of Lake Victoria to 

the south, the Great Rift Valley to the east, the beautiful 

Mountains of the Moon to the west, and the flowing savannahs 

of the northern plains, enclosing one of the most diverse landscapes on the continent. And because Uganda is situated on 

the equator, the weather is always gorgeous!

Along with this diverse landscape, you will find a plethora 

of cultures, with rich heritages that have spanned centuries. 

There are 48 different tribes in Uganda, each with its own 

language and customs. The southern part of the country is 

mainly composed of Bantu-speaking tribes, while the north 

consists of Nilolitic speakers. Each of these tribes has shaped 

Uganda as a country, and this diversity has been critical in 

fostering the dialogue that made Uganda a leader in the fight 

against HIV/AIDS.

As a Volunteer, you will have the opportunity to live and 

work with some of the nicest people in the world. The 

rewards from such an experience are immeasurable. This does 

not mean your task will not be free of challenges. There are 

countless villages in Uganda that lack power, running water, 

and the other amenities you are accustomed to having at 

home. Along with this, you are being asked to live and work in 

a completely new environment with its own social norms and 

customs. Your decision might begin to seem overwhelming, 

and this is understandable because you are about to embark 

on a life-changing journey. But you are not going on it alone.

78 PEACE CORPS
a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 79

You will have access to the best staff in the world! The staff 

at Peace Corps/Uganda is dedicated to making your stay in 

Uganda as comfortable as possible. Plus, you will have your 

fellow Volunteers who will be there for you.

Once again, welcome to Peace Corps and welcome to 

Uganda. 

Dear Future Volunteer, 

The feelings you must be experiencing right now with your 

Peace Corps invitation in hand and an impending departure 

date seem like only yesterday for me. I remember well the 

long, long to-do list, packets of even more paperwork, packing and re-packing, anxious thoughts, and teary goodbyes. 

There were certainly moments when I wondered if it would 

ever really happen. I am happy to report that everything will 

indeed work out; you will finally set foot in-country, and Peace 

Corps/Uganda is worth every sleepless night! 

Pre-service training provides a smooth adjustment into a 

new country and a new culture. Peace Corps staff members 

form a dedicated team. They help you land as gracefully as 

possible. Homestay families warmly welcome new Volunteers, 

do their best to make you comfortable, and often make you 

feel as if you’re a member of the family. The training schedule will keep you busy and you will surely wonder where 

10 weeks went when the day comes to finally move to your 

site–your new home for the next two years. It is then that this 

experience begins to feel less like a whirlwind, and more like a 

new reality.

The challenges in the beginning soon become nothing. You 

discover where to buy the best tomatoes, the most efficient 

way to collect your water, and how to catch a ride to the nearest town. Adjusting to no electricity, cooking over charcoal, 

bathing with a bucket, and using a pit latrine quickly begin to 

feel perfectly normal. (OK, let’s just say normal.) Eventually, it 

becomes easier and easier to venture further into your village, 

test fledgling language skills, and generate ideas about what 
80 PEACE CORPS

exactly you will be doing for the next 24 months. Relationships 

begin to form, and then, there’s finally the day when you refer 

to your site as “home” without even thinking about it; when 

your neighbor asks if “you’ve been lost” and offers you a sweet, 

juicy pineapple upon your return; when a child greets you with 

a smile of recognition at the borehole; when a colleague invites 

you to her daughter’s introduction; or when a muzee (elder) 

shows you a better way to light your charcoal. You will feel an 

invaluable sense of warmth and acceptance. You will recognize 

these as small steps when there are the inevitable moments of 

frustration or lingering questions about whether or not you are 

really making any progress.

In the beginning, 24 months seems like such a long time to 

be away from America. Already, I recognize that it is such a 

short time to be here in Uganda. Yes, there was a day when 

12 hours of sunlight felt like three times as much as I knew 

what to do with, but I know in the end, I’ll look back and wish 

I spent every second absorbing it all. I’m doing my best to do 

just that because now I can see it will all go by in a flash. Each 

day of this experience opens minds and possibilities and that, 

to me, is one of the greatest things you have to look forward to 

in Peace Corps/Uganda.

Best wishes with the rest of your to-do list, see you soon, 

and safe journey!
a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 81

NOTES

PACK ING LIST

This list has been compiled by Volunteers 

serving in Uganda and is based on their 

experience. Use it as an informal guide in 

making your own list, bearing in mind that each experience 

is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot 

bring everything on the list, so consider those items that make 

the most sense to you personally and professionally. You can 

always have things sent to you later. As you decide what to 

bring, keep in mind that you have an 80-pound weight limit on 

baggage. And remember, you can get almost everything you 

need in Uganda.

Take a deep breath. Everything you NEED, you can find incountry. Quality, selection, or prices may not be exactly what 

you want, so if you’re particular about a certain product (such 

as the exclusive use of Pantene Extra Body conditioner), bring 

enough for three or four months. It usually takes 6-8 weeks 

for those special packages to arrive, but can take longer. If you 

aren’t picky or don’t want to buy the nonessentials, that’s cool 

too! The used markets and local tailors are great here, but you 

won’t be able to shop much while in training and it doesn’t 

hurt to be prepared, so check out the list below. Your interests 

and lifestyle choices probably won’t change that much, so only 

bring hiking boots if you like to hike or an appointment book if 

you like to pencil things in. Buy fewer items at outdoor stores 

than you think you should have, and instead bring the comfort 

items that make you feel good. Remember, you could always 

have your friends or family send you things you really miss so 

try not to over-do it.

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 83
Clothing and Necessities

Plan to look professional. Lightweight, relatively non-wrinkle 

fabrics like cotton/polyester are best. 

For Men For Women For All

2 pairs of slacks 2-3 skirts below 

the knee, not see 

through/with a slip

Good underwear (local selection is not 

of good quality)

3-4 collared shirts 4-8 shirts (dressy/

business casual, not 

spaghetti straps!)

2 casual T-shirts for 

hanging out

Nice comfortable shoes (think nice 

sandals, Tevas and Chacos give a 

discount to PCVs)

Raincoat/poncho

1 dressy outfit for official functions (tie 

for men, sports jacket optional; dress 

for women)

comfortable flat dress shoes for work 

and official events; dressy sandals are 

acceptable and a lot more comfortable

Belt Good bras PJs

Bathing suit

2 pairs of glasses/sunglasses

Headlamp with spare bulb; or flashlight

Toiletries to last a month

Pictures from home

 1 tie Culottes, shorts/

leggings to go under 

skirt for bike riding

 Something casual you enjoy wearing: 

jeans, gauchos, etc.

2 flat bed sheets for homestay (you 

don’t know what size bed you’ll have)

medium book/messenger bag (for 3-4 

day trips)

84 PEACE CORPS
 Tampons/Diva Cup 

(pads and OB are 

widely available)

1 sweater, light jacket, fleece, sweatshirt, or long sleeve shirt

Exercise clothes, sport bras (good support is not available here!); remember, 

you will have to cover up too

Batteries (If you bring things that take 

them; rechargeable are a great idea)

Power adapter (If you bring electronics)

Running shoes (if you run) 

Three-month supply of prescription 

medication; favorite one-month supply 

of sunscreen and insect repellent

Towel (camping/travel ones are nice 

because they’re compact, dry quickly, 

and are easy to wash)

You can buy decent towels in-country

Nice clothes you 

would wear out with 

your friends in the 

U.S.

You may be hanging out and going 

dancing if you are into that!

Not necessary but useful for some volunteers

•	 1 reusable water bottle

•	 Camera (advise not to bring large camera bags)

•	 Shortwave/FM radio (available here)

•	 Favorite recipes

•	 Duct tape

•	 Watch

•	 Portable alarm clock

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 85
86 PEACE CORPS

•	 Peace Corps provides decent pillows and blankets at the

beginning of training

•	 Good quality rope

•	 Games/cards

•	 Bandana/hat

•	 Plastic mattress cover

•	 Tennis shoes/hiking boots

•	 Leatherman/Swiss Army knife

•	 Laptop computer (see Technology section in Welcome 

Book)

•	 Music in whatever form you enjoy (iPod, other MP3, CD

player + CDs, tapes)

•	 Good pens (if it’s important to you, BIC pens are available)

•	 Seeds (spices, veggies, etc.–can be purchased here or

mailed later)

•	 Beauty products/pampering items (nail polish, eyeliner)

for de-stressing (if you use them)

•	 Money (not necessary, but you may want to have. $50

or $100 bills dated after 2003 will get the best exchange 

rate. No more than $300 is recommended in cash.)

•	 Debit/credit card (again not necessary, but if you do

bring one, Visa is MUCH better than others)

•	 1 nice kitchen knife; can opener (if you cook or

have interest) a decent chef or Santoku is a great 

item to have

•	 Vegetable peeler (so many useful meals)
a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 87

Even less essential but nice for some 

•	 Regional spice blend (Lawry’s, Old Bay, Cavender’s,

Mrs. Dash, Asian spices, seaweed, etc.); taco seasoning

•	 Tea tree oil (great antiseptic for skin infections and

mosquito bites) 

•	 Razors (available but very expensive)

•	 Small ball; bike pump

•	 Good compact umbrella (available)

•	 Ziploc bags/Tupperwave

•	 English dictionary (available)

•	 Money belt

•	 Spare flashlight (available)

•	 Smartphone for Internet (Nokia E71/E72

recommended)

•	 Light sleeping bag and ground pad

•	 Light tent

•	 Small toolkit or bicycle repair kit

•	 Solar charger for batteries/electronics (available)

Gift Ideas for Host Families (You can buy something 

here also) 

•	 Regional calendar/souvenirs from your home area

•	 Dollar store items (tacky is in the eye of the beholder)

•	 Coloring books, markers, stickers

•	 Pocket knives, nice flashlights

•	 Candy, food items

•	 Perfume made in the U.S.

We recommend you spend time with family first and get to 

know what they may truly enjoy in their lives, then buy it in 

Uganda (trays, cups, games, etc.).
88 PEACE CORPS

Don’t Bring 

•	 Too many books (PCVs are good at sharing)

•	 Short skirts (at or above the knee)

•	 Too many pairs of shorts (not common for adults to

wear) 

•	 Too many white clothes (they turn brown quickly)

•	 Tight clothes (culturally inappropriate)

•	 Too many socks (available here)

•	 Over-the-counter medication, insect repellent, sunscreen, or multivitamins (PC provides these) 

Other notes

•	 Lock your luggage, preferably using TSA-approved

locks. This is useful in transit, at homestay, and while 

traveling during your service. 

•	 Volunteers are encouraged to consider personal property insurance to cover the maintenance and replacement 

of computer equipment that they may bring overseas or 

purchase in-country. 

•	 At your departure airport in the U.S., security will often

screen your luggage upon entering the terminal. It is 

advisable to pack all sharp objects near the top of one 

of your bags. In the event that they do search your bag, 

they will hold onto these items until you check your 

bags at the ticket counter. 
a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 89

NOTES

PRE-DE PARTURE CHECKLIST

The following list consists of suggestions for you to consider 

as you prepare to live outside the United States for two years. 

Not all items will be relevant to everyone, and the list does not 

include everything you should make arrangements for.

Family

❒ Notify family that they can call the Peace Corps’ Office 

of Special Services at any time if there is a critical illness or death of a family member (24-hour telephone 

number: 800.424.8580, extension 1470).

❒ Give the Peace Corps’ On the Home Front handbook to 

family and friends.

Passport/Travel

❒ Forward to the Peace Corps travel office all paperwork 

for the Peace Corps passport and visas.

❒ Verify that luggage meets the size and weight limits for 

international travel.

❒ Obtain a personal passport if you plan to travel after 

your service ends. (Your Peace Corps passport will 

expire three months after you finish your service, so if 

you plan to travel longer, you will need a regular passport.)

Medical/Health

❒ Complete any needed dental and medical work.

❒ If you wear glasses, bring two pairs.

❒ Arrange to bring a three-month supply of all medications (including birth control pills) you are currently 

taking.

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 91
Insurance

❒ Make arrangements to maintain life insurance coverage.

❒ Arrange to maintain supplemental health coverage 

while you are away. (Even though the Peace Corps is 

responsible for your health care during Peace Corps 

service overseas, it is advisable for people who have 

pre-existing conditions to arrange for the continuation of their supplemental health coverage. If there is a 

lapse in coverage, it is often difficult and expensive to 

be reinstated.)

❒ Arrange to continue Medicare coverage if applicable.

Personal Papers

❒ Bring a copy of your certificate of marriage or divorce.

Voting

❒ Register to vote in the state of your home of record. 

(Many state universities consider voting and payment 

of state taxes as evidence of residence in that state.)

❒ Obtain a voter registration card and take it with you 

overseas.

❒ Arrange to have an absentee ballot forwarded to you 

overseas. 

Personal Effects

❒ Purchase personal property insurance to extend from 

the time you leave your home for service overseas until 

the time you complete your service and return to the 

United States.

92 PEAC E CORPS
Financial Management

❒ Keep a bank account in your name in the U.S. 

❒ Obtain student loan deferment forms from the lender or 

loan service.

❒ Execute a power of attorney for the management of 

your property and business.

❒ •	Arrange for deductions from your readjustment allowance to pay alimony, child support, and other debts 

through the Office of Volunteer Financial Operations at 

800.424.8580, extension 1770.

❒ Place all important papers—mortgages, deeds, stocks, 

and bonds—in a safe deposit box or with an attorney or 

other caretaker.

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 93

a w e lco m e b oo k · Ug a n d a 95

Contacting Peac e

Co rps Headqua rters

This list of numbers will help connect you with the appropriate 

office at Peace Corps headquarters to answer various questions. You can use the toll-free number and extension or dial 

directly using the local numbers provided. Be sure to leave the 

toll-free number and extensions with your family so they can 

contact you in the event of an emergency.

Peace Corps Headquarters

Toll-free Number: 800-424-8580, Press 2, then 

Ext. # (see below)

Peace Corps’ Mailing Address: Peace Corps

Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters

1111 20th Street, NW

 Washington, DC 20526

For Direct/

Questions Toll-free Local

About: Staff Extension Number

Responding to Office of 

an Invitation Placement

Africa Region Ext. 1850 202.692.1850

Programming or Uganda Country Ext. 2323 202.692.2323

Country Information Desk Officer

E-mail: uganda@

peacecorps.gov
For Direct/

Questions Toll-free Local

About: Staff Extension Number

Plane Tickets, Travel Officer Ext. 1170 202.692.1170 

Passports, (Sato Travel) Ext. 1170 202.692.1170

Visas, or Other 

Travel Matters

Legal Clearance Office of Ext. 1840 202.692.1840

Placement

Medical Clearance Screening Nurse Ext. 1500 202.692.1500

and Forms Processing 

(includes dental) 

Medical Handled by a 

Reimbursements Subcontractor 800.818.8772

Loan Deferments, Ext. 1770 202.692.1770

Taxes, Financial 

Operations 

Readjustment Allowance Office of Staging Ext. 1865 202.692.1865

Withdrawals, Power

of Attorney,

Staging (Pre-departure

Orientation) and 

Reporting Instructions

Note: You will receive 

comprehensive information 

(hotel and flight arrangements) three to five weeks

before departure. This information is not available 

sooner.

Family Emergencies Office of Special Ext. 1470 202.692.1470

(to get information to 

a Volunteer overseas)

24 hours

96 PEACE CORPS

PEACE CORPS

Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters

1111 20th Street NW · Washington, DC 20526 · www.peacecorps.gov · 1-800-424-8580