Volunteer work in Uganda
Uganda's natural beauty and abundant resources once inspired the nickname the Pearl of Africa. However, colonialism, the terror and instability of the Idi Amin regime, AIDS, and civil war in the north of the country all had devastating effects. Currently, Uganda's President is embarking on major reform measures to decentralise the government and improve health care and education.
VSO’s work in Uganda focuses on health, disability and participation and governance. Volunteers currently help in eighteen districts in Uganda.
Health
Currently, health volunteers in Uganda focus on providing primary health care and prevention to Uganda's poor. Doctors and other related volunteers provide support at District health services, non-profit organisations, and Mission Hospitals. While the Ugandan government has made great progress in controlling the AIDS epidemic, the poor in Uganda continue to have poor quality health care and suffer from preventable diseases. VSO Uganda volunteers are helping to turn the health care situation around.
Disability
A frightening 10% of the population of Uganda (2.8 million) has a disability. 1.4 million of these are children under the age of 16. These disabled people still suffer from stigma and negative cultural attitudes towards them. VSO volunteers in Uganda help raise awareness of the rights of disabled Ugandans and assist by volunteering with local Civil Society Organisations in lobbying, negotiations, and raising awareness.
Participation and Governance
VSO volunteers in Uganda work with both civil organisations and with government agencies at the district and national levels. Voluntary placements work to empower the poorest communities to demand basic services and "good governance". At the same time VSO professionals help the government agencies provide better services. This volunteer work helps ensure the continued success of the government and build a solid democratic foundation for Uganda.
