Information for Visitors to Uganda.

Visiting Uganda

Visit Uganda

Information for Visitors to Uganda.

Please note - We welcome visitors from overseas to come and see what we are doing. We have a policy of employing Ugandan staff only therefore we do not accept volunteers from overseas for long periods. Please contact us for more information on visiting Love in Action Project or your sponsored child.

Here is some information to make your trip a success:
Prior to Departure
MEDICAL PREPARATIONS

It is important that you prepare yourself physically for the change in environment. We advise that you visit your doctor before travelling to ensure that your vaccinations are up to date.

Yellow Fever Vaccine (required by law)
Be sure to ask the medical professional providing you with the vaccine for an International Vaccination Record. (This is a yellow card which serves as proof that you have actually received the vaccination. You may be asked to present this at immigration.)

Anti-Malarial Medication (strongly recommended)
There are many options here. (See your doctor to find out which is best for you.)

Three options seem to top the list:
1. Malarone (Highly Recommended)
DOSAGE: Once a day starting two weeks prior to your arrival date in Uganda, and continued for four weeks following your departure. SIDE EFFECTS: Mild. See your physician for details.

2. Lariam
DOSAGE: Once a week starting two-to-four weeks prior to your arrival date in Uganda, and continued for four weeks following your departure. SIDE EFFECTS: Can be serious. They include extreme irritability, severe nightmares, and drastic personality changes.

3. Doxycycline (an antibiotic)

DOSAGE: Once a day starting one week prior to your arrival date in Uganda, and continued for four weeks following your departure. SIDE EFFECTS: Increased sun sensitivity. Can cause skin issues.

Other Vaccines (not required, but strongly recommended)

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella)
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Polio
• Spinal Meningitis
• Some people also have the Rabies vaccine.

For a very good article and more information on Malaria see Dr. Stockleys articles in the Eye Magazine - here .
To see Dr. Stockley's other articles and good advice visit his web site here.

MONEY
It is important that you bring money in the right form. Here is some information to help you make the right choices (please read carefully):
Cash is used for virtually everything. Come prepared. Cash can now be exchanged in Masaka, Barclays Bank seem to be giving the best rates. Barclays also have a cash machine which seems to accept most VISA Cards. Bring US dollars or UK Pounds ONLY.
Bring crisp un-torn notes ONLY. (Anything else is costly, if not impossible, to change.) If you are bringing US Dollars they only bring large denomination notes $50 or $100 all the small notes get a lower rate of exchange, and they must be printed after 1999.
Credit cards are accepted in only a few locations. Bring for emergency use only. Personal Cheques are not accepted and are dangerous due to the fact that they are can be “washed” and rewritten for huge amounts. Do not bring personal cheques.
Traveller's Cheques are difficult to cash, and are charged an exorbitant exchange rate. Not recommended.
We can also transfer money for you in advance of your visit, please contract Susann at the Love in Action (Kingsland Church) Office for information.

CLOTHES
The people of Uganda generally take great pride in their appearance. You will probably feel underdressed if you bring only old, casual clothing.
Here are some hints:
Female visitors will likely feel more comfortable in skirts and dresses, making sure that the knees and shoulders are covered.
Male visitors should plan to bring trousers and button-up shirts.
Oh, and don’t forget a rain jacket and an umbrella.
OTHER ITEMS TO BRING
Mosquito repellent (Especially important due to the current outbreak of malaria.)
Sunscreen (Especially if using Doxycycline as an anti-malarial)
Sunglasses
Camera

Airport Transfer Expenses
A member of staff will be happy to pick you up at the airport, and to stay with you in Kampala the first night.Since it is quite dangerous to travel during darkness (7pm - 7am), you will need to plan to stay at a hotel in Entebbe [about 40 minutes from Kampala] the night before your flight. We make a charge of £200 (for 2 - 3 people) for collection / return service. (We are about 100 miles from Entebbe) This includes Bed and Breakfast in Entebbe when you arrive and leave for you and whoever is driving.

Upon Arrival

UGANDAN IMMIGRATION
Entering a new country is exciting and worry-free if you come prepared with the following:
Tourist VisaYou may purchase your visa at the airport upon arrival, or in advance through the Ugandan Embassy. Here are details for each process:
Purchasing visa upon arrival at Entebbe airport (recommended by Love in Action):
1. Once you have disembarked the aircraft, and entered the terminal, join the immigration line
2. Present your passport along with $50.00 (US) or £30. Your passport will be stamped with a three-month visa.
3. Proceed directly to baggage collection.

Purchasing Visa in AdvanceYou can purchase a visa in advance - contact your nearest embassy for details

AMERICAN CITIZENSThe Embassy of the Republic of Uganda, 5909 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011. Tel: 202.726.0416 Fax: 202.726.1727
BRITISH SUBJECTSThe Embassy of the Republic of Uganda, Uganda House, Trafalgar Square, London WC2 5DX. Tel: 071.839.5783 Fax: 071.839.8925
CANADIAN CITIZENSThe Embassy of the Republic of Uganda, 231 Coburg Street, Ottawa. Tel: 789.7797 Fax: 232.6689
Passport You must have a valid passport with at least 1 year before it expires.

International Vaccination RecordThis is a yellow card obtained from the medical professional providing you with the vaccine. It serves as proof that you have actually received the vaccination. You may be asked to present this at immigration.
OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION.

The drive from Kampala to Masaka is about three and a half hours to the southwest.v