TASAAGA's FAQ's

These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)were developed to help answer some of your most pressing questions. If you have any questions that have not been covered here please do not hesitate to Contact Us.

Return to top of page

Tell me about TASAAGA?

You can learn more about TASAAGA by visiting the About page in this website.

How can I be sure that the TASAAGA is a legitimate organisation?

We are a private, Non Government organisation (NGO), based in Kampala, Uganda. We are listed with the NGO national board. For more personal references you are welcome to contact previous volunteers for direct recommendations.

Currently direct donations to TASAAGA can be made during your volunteer stay, through Western Union, or a direct bank to bank transfer (please visit the Donation page in this website for more details).

Return to top of page

How do I volunteer?

You can learn more about volunteering with TASAAGA by visiting the Volunteer section of this website.

Do I have to be from the United States?

NO, we accept volunteers from all over the world.

Which countries do most of your volunteers come from?

The majority of our volunteers come from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Return to top of page

Can groups (e.g. family, church, college) volunteer together?

YES,we have various projects that can support group work. However we request that group arrangements be made a minimum eight (8) weeks in advance. A 50% security deposit will be required four (4) weeks prior to arrival to secure the group placement. For groups with children, we recommend children be at least 12 years old.

Are there discounted fees for groups?

Group fees are available for those going under the supervision of one team leader. Specific details in regards to this can be requested. Your group leader needs to contact TASAAGA directly to discuss project placement, logistics, requested travel dates, include information about each group member. You will be notified by email as to whether your request is successful.

Return to top of page

Is there a discount available if I volunteer with someone else?

Only if you are traveling in a group of three or more, couples do not qualify for a discount.

What are the volunteer fees?

These fees are subject to change due to resource availability.

  • One (1) week: £100 English Pounds or $150 USD
  • Two (2) weeks: £200 English Pounds or $300 USD
  • Three (3) weeks: £300 English Pounds or $450 USD
  • Four (4) weeks (one month): £400 English Pounds or $600 USD
  • Six (6) weeks: £540 English Pounds or $850 USD

Longer volunteer/internships up to 2 years can be arranged at £90 English Pounds or $135 USD/week beyond the first four (4) weeks. Note: week = 7 days

Return to top of page

Are meals included in my volunteer fee?

Yes.

While residing at a rural project site: Three daily meals are included in the volunteer/internship fees. Meal times will be communicated to you once you arrive at the project site. If volunteer/intern misses a meal without prior communication with the host family, that meal will become the responsibility of the volunteer/intern. Snacks or in between meals are not provided and are at the cost of the volunteer/intern. NOTE: most homes are vegetarian, meat is very rare.

Typical meals may include:

  • Breakfast: leftover staples from prior night and chai.
  • Lunch: A staple (Posho [cooked maize flour], rice, or pasta – when available), served with sauce/soup, beans or stew.
  • Dinner: A staple (Posho, rice, sweet potatoes, cassava, matooke [green banana]) served with one/two of the following: curry sauce/soup, beans, pumpkin, greens, ground nut (peanuts) sauce with small fish.

If you are placed in a project where your residence is at the city guest house two daily meals (breakfast and dinner/supper) will be provided. Above project site rules apply. NOTE: The guest house meals are mostly vegetarian, meat is very rare.

  • Breakfast MAY Include:bread, fruit jam, margarine, in-season fruit (when available), eggs, Ugandan tea and Ugandan coffee.
  • Lunch: NOT Provided.
  • Dinner MAY Include: A staple (Posho, rice, sweet potatoes, cassava, matooke [green banana]) served with one/two of the following: curry sauce/soup, beans, pumpkin, greens, ground nut (peanuts) sauce with small fish.

NOTE: Weekend guest house meals: If you are placed in a village project and choose to return to the city guest house on weekends, lunch and dinner/supper are NOT provided; they become the responsibility of the volunteer/intern. Breakfast is provided but is self serve.

Return to top of page

Can you accommodate vegetarians or special dietary needs?

Most host families’ meals are vegetarian. Entebbe Guest House meals are primarily vegetarian. Fish and chicken are offered on occasion but can be cooked separately upon request.

Special dietary needs should be disclosed four (4) weeks in advance to allow necessary preparation time to accommodate needs.

What else does my volunteer fee include?

In addition to accommodations, meals as described above, and orientation, your volunteer fee includes: 24/7 on the ground staff support while in Uganda, a donation to develop and sustain TASAAGA projects, and airport and initial project transportation.

What are the living arrangements when volunteering?

village home village camp
All accommodations will be provided in a dorm, village (mud brick house), or tented sleeping setting. Most village and tented settings are rustic and may not provide running water or electricity. Latrines are squat pit latrines and showers are warm water bucket showers located outdoors.

Entebbe guest house accommodations are in a dorm setting with up to 4 volunteers in a room. Running water, flush toilets, electricity, and indoor showers are provided.

guest house guest house guest house

Private accommodations for families or groups can be arranged with 8 weeks notice.

Drinking water will be provided in all settings. Bottled water will not be provided (unless boiled water is not available). You are welcome to purchase your own bottled water for drinking.

Return to top of page

What can I expect when I first arrive in Uganda?

guest house guest house
You will be met at the airport in Entebbe or bus station in Kampala by a TASAAGA representative. For the first two-three days you will reside at the Entebbe guest house for orientation, cultural acclimation, and project training. After the first two-three days you will be placed with your project. For volunteer placements in the rural areas volunteers are welcome to spend weekends at the guesthouse for rest, relaxation, and a hot shower.

Do I have to pay for airport pickup?

No, transport from the airport/bus terminal is covered within the volunteer fee, you will be able to book these as part of the confirmation process. A representative from TASAAGA or a TASAAGA partner will be present at your arrival. Volunteers must send us their flight information. Notice of flight cancellations must be communicated to us. Airport Drop-off is arranged for volunteers from the Entebbe guest house only. Volunteers who decide to do in-country travel will have to arrange their own return transport to the airport.

Will I have any orientation once I arrive?

Yes, your volunteer fee includes a trip to Kampala, simple language introduction, a trip to a cultural center that highlights traditional song, dance, and storytelling. A small volunteer guide will be sent to you on confirmation of your volunteer stay to help you pack and prepare for your stay in Uganda.

Return to top of page

When do I pay my fees?

Individuals/couples:The full amount volunteer program fee is paid on arrival at the TASAAGA office to the Admin Director who will give you a receipt. Note: all fees are payable in English Pounds or USD cash – USD 100’s and 50’s only – NOTE: bills from 2003 and below will not be accepted.
Groups (4 or more):A 50% deposit is required four weeks prior to arrival date to secure your placement. The remaining balance is paid on arrival at the TASAAGA office to the Admin Director who will give you a receipt for the entire fee.

Are my fees refundable?

TASAAGA is a community based organisation that was formed by Ugandans to contribute to the restoration of hope, improve the quality of life of people in communities affected by HIV/AIDS, and promote behaviors that minimize further spread of the virus. The volunteer program is one of the strategies used by TASAAGA to mobilize resources used to implement activities for the achievement of the above mentioned mission. Therefore a volunteer program fee paid by any volunteer is put directly in TASAAGA projects and covers administrative costs thus the organisation does not refund it in case a volunteer ends his/her program before the agreed time.
For group security deposits
A full refund minus any transfer fees will be provided if requested up to fifteen (15) days prior to arrival,
A 50% refund minus any transfer fees will be provided if requested between fourteen and seven (14-7) days prior to arrival.
A 25% refund minus any transfer fees will be provided if requested between six and three (6-3) days prior to arrival (accommodations/logistics will have already been secured at this point.)
No refund will be provided if requested at two (2) days, or less prior to arrival.
Refunds must be requested in writing. Verbal requests will not be honored.

Are there more expenses once I arrive?

Extra costs may include traveling back to Entebbe on weekends ($40US), lunch and dinner on weekends if residing at the Entebbe Guest house, buying bottled water, alcoholic beverages, soda/pops, snacks, dining out, Visa fees, and any shopping or traveling you do personally.

Return to top of page

Do you provide any financial support?

No, we do not offer direct financial support, but we offer team leaders (groups of four or more) 50% off their program fee.

Are the fees and expenses tax deductible?

For more detailed information regarding tax deduction please contact your local tax specialist.

Who organizes my flights?

YOU are responsible for all travel costs; however, we are happy to offer assistance when making international travel arrangements. A few cheap airfare internet sites can be accessed below:

Do I need a college degree to volunteer?

NO, anyone can volunteer for general projects. HOWEVER - if you plan to teach in primary (elementary) grades (p1-p7) for a full term or more we require that you have at least two years of college. If you plan to teach in secondary (high school) grades (s1-s6) you must have a college degree in the subject you plan on teaching.

If you are interested in a medical placement, you must have at least a college degree in pre-med, or hold a valid nursing/EMT certification or degree. For all other projects, college level education is not required.

For more information, see the projects page.

Return to top of page

What kind of volunteer work is available?

We have a number of projects offered. For more information see the Projects and Volunteer pages in the TASAAGA website.

What age do you have to be to volunteer?

Individuals must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by an adult and all parties should be in good health.

Do I need to speak English to become a volunteer?

YES, however, you may have English as your second language, if you speak Swahili this will be taken into consideration when applying for teaching positions.

Return to top of page

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

When traveling to any international developing area we suggest (NOTE: some are legally required by country):

  • Yellow fever vaccination (legally required to enter Uganda and to obtain a Visa),
  • Diphtheria (optional),
  • Polio (recommended),
  • Hepatitis A & B (OPTIONAL - Hep B is only needed if volunteering in a public health project),
  • Typhoid (recommended),
  • Rabies (OPTIONAL),
  • Tuberculosis (recommended),
  • Malaria (needs to be closely discussed with doctor),
  • Tetanus (recommended), and
  • all childhood immunizations should be current.

For more information on the required vaccinations visit: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Return to top of page

What is a typical work day?

Project work is normally Monday – Friday, hours vary from 5-6 hours per day. The total hours that you are expected to be "on the job", in various activities, is 20-30 hours per week.

Can I travel/vacation while volunteering?

YES! TASAAGA encourages volunteers to visit other regions in Uganda and/or neighboring countries (Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda). Any time that you are not expected to be working you are free to do as you please. Our host communities are very friendly and would be more than happy to entertain you or show you some of the local attractions. Weekend trips are encouraged. You can survive on as little as US$30 a day, but can also spend much more if you want a bit of luxury. If you would like to vacation for longer than a weekend a week notice would be required to adjust project work schedules.

Here is a small sample of companies that offer great weekend getaways so you can explore Uganda

Return to top of page

Who organizes my country Visa for my volunteer placement?

If Visa's are required based on your country of origin, you should organize your Visa through a travel agent or independently - visit the Ugandan embassy website for more information. In Uganda, for citizens of most countries, you can do this at the airport when you arrive or before you get to Uganda. Currently, Visa's cost US$50 (Bring a $50US bill, dated 2003 and above).

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is recommended. This should be purchased above and beyond any healthcare insurance you may have.

What should I bring with me?

A detailed volunteer guide along with a checklist will be provided once you have registered for a project and have sent us flight details.

What clothing is appropriate for the programs?

Dress should be conservative. Light colored, loose clothing is best as it is most comfortable in the heat. It is best to wear clothes that will protect you from the sun and insects. Women typically wear loose tops and long skirts. Shorts are not recommended in rural settings due to cultural differences. Once your volunteer/intern stay is confirmed a detailed packing list will be sent to you to help you prepare for your trip to Uganda.

Return to top of page

How safe is it to volunteer internationally?

The Ugandan people are very warm and friendly towards foreigners, so you will be well looked after. Uganda has a democratic electoral process and mixed macroeconomic conditions. However, you should use common sense as you would anywhere, particularly in Kampala or its surrounding districts.

What is the climate like in Uganda?

Although the country lies on the equator, most of Uganda is on a plateau 3,600-6,000 ft/900-1,830 m above sea level. Temperatures in some parts of the country can vary quite a bit (high 60's-90's) owing to the country's high altitude, depending on the season.

Tell me more about Uganda?

For more detailed information on Uganda please visit these sites:

Return to top of page

I have more Questions.

Call Us! +256789532928 or E-mail Us! info@TASAAGA.org Send us your question.

Return to top of page

Donate to TASAAGA    |    Comments