The Real Uganda

The Real Uganda is an exceptional program. It's powerful in giving you the best experience possible and humble since it focuses on Uganda and nothing more. If you are eager to know the country or don't know at all the Sub-Saharan Africa this is the right place to start. I don't believe there is a more local program than this out there. Moreover, not every program in Africa offers you the opportunity to live a 100% African live such as with this program. More beautiful than the country itself were the relationships this program allowed me to form.

I first stumbled across this incredible program doing an assignment about malaria for my undergraduate degree, and quickly was drawn in by everything it stood for. An organization dedicated to sharing culture, embracing the uncomfortable, helping communities without damaging, and doing away with what I loved hearing Leslie call “Poverty Porn”. Now, between me finding this organization, and working out going, a little thing called Covid 19 hit and there really was no in and out. Leslie kept in contact with me for the 2 years that I was interested, and when boarders opened up and things felt safe for travel, she was so supportive in helping me make sure I was going to be able to come over safely with all the precautions I would need so that I wouldn’t bring any illness with me. This was a first for both of us, me, a 24 year old, traveling by herself for the first time, to the other side of the globe no less, and for Leslie, I was her first volunteer to come after borders opened up with covid. Leslie checked in with me all throughout my flight, arranged a ride for me to her home from the airport, and welcomed me into her home with a hot meal, a big hug, and a very much needed bed. I always think about sitting at her table, laughing and sharing food with her and Esther’s kids, and going through what to expect for the next 11 days I was there, and what I would be doing in the different districts. The next morning, things quickly changed when I got a notice from the Ugandan Government that my Covid test came back positive. I had taken every precaution before coming, with every vaccination, booster, and even 5 negative tests before flying. It was scary, confusing, and I was wracked with guilt- I came here to put my Public Health degree to use and instead I’m this plague rat who traveled during a pandemic and brought it with me. Leslie, while also panicked for her family, helped me stay calm, and figure out what to do. She worked with her friend (and soon to be mine as well) Jonathan to find me a home to quarantine in, and kept checking in on me every single day that I needed to stay quarantined. Jonathan was an incredibly kind man to a confused & so painfully American stranger, coming to check on me every day to make sure I took walks and got to talk to someone. Leslie and Jonathan helped show me the beauty of Entebbe (masked & socially distant) and the incredible heart and hospitality of Ugandan people. Once I tested negative, Jonathan took me out into the city with his wife & kids, and I got to see, taste, and experience more of Uganda. Leslie talked me through (and laughed ) my first boda boda experience, and although it’s been a little over a year since I went (Jan 2022), this was truly the experience of a lifetime that I will never, ever forget. 38 hours of travel time, lost luggage, Covid Positive, across the globe, and I never once felt alone. I am hoping to go back again, hopefully for a few months at a time and not bring a virus with me. I learned so much, and this truly was an experience I will never forget. Plus, I did not realize how badly I would crave a cold cup of mango juice, cassava & rice. This is an incredibly long review, but a quick version if you’re debating this volunteer experience: do it. You’ll be so supported, cherished, and have an experience unlike any other.

My time spent with The Real Uganda was and still remains one of the highlights of my young adult life. Supportive in every way from application to departure and beyond was Leslie’s and Esther’s strength. I felt protected, cared for and listened to during my few months in UG. It may have been some years ago but I find myself still going back as often as my life allows me just to visit and reconnect with the folks I met when I was there. To live amongst every day Ugandan people learning from their ways, and approaches to modern days’ challenges was pivotal to the way I navigated the world after. Even today. I’m able to critically assess organizations and projects based on a lot of the knowledge Ugandan folks taught me. The way TRU and their partners communicate and bring you into their home is like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. You may arrive as a visitor, with an outsiders POV, but you will absolutely leave with a family and with insight that you will gain in very few other exchange experiences. Don’t hesitate! Go now! -Alyssa

I volunteered for 2 weeks with The Real Uganda in 2017, which was my first exposure to this beautiful country. Leslie could not have provided better information, details and support from the time I signed up to volunteer, and we actually are still in contact! I would not hesitate to recommend TRU to anyone, and highly encourage the “Agriculture and Conservation” project. You will not regret meeting Leslie and her team, and you CERTAINLY will love all that Uganda has to offer!

I loved it so much I’ve now been back 3 more times, with a 4th trip scheduled :D

I volunteered on 2 occasions with The Real Uganda - the first time in a local Mukono school, the second time with a local NGO partner. I can't say how transformative that Leslie and the team had on me personally. I could see the impact of my work every single day. I cannot recommend The Real Uganda enough. From early conversations with Leslie, the safety and thought that goes into the experience, and then the credible partners you get to work with -- its incredible. I've been back a 3rd time already on a holiday and plan to re-visit again in the not-too-distant future.