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This list has been compiled based on former volunteers’ experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that an essential item to one person is a waste of space and money to another. There is no perfect list!
You obviously cannot bring everything mentioned below, so consider each of the suggestion below and make certain bringing it makes sense to you personally and professionally. If you can’t imagine why you would use an item on this list, you probably never will. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have a 80-pound weight limit on baggage. And remember, you can get almost everything you need in Uganda, including made-to-order clothes. Also note that you will be responsible for carrying all of these items through airports, on crowded buses, and through large cities. Luggage should be lightweight but sturdy, lockable, and easy to carry. As mentioned earlier, Ugandans place great emphasis on being well-groomed and appropriately dressed. When it comes to dress, it is best to err on the conservative side. Tight, torn, revealing, and skimpy clothing is unacceptable. Women’s skirts should be below the knee, and slips are a must. Most Ugandan women do not wear sleeveless garments or trousers in the workplace. For men, button-down shirts are a must for work; T-shirts are not appropriate as professional wear. Do not bring military- or camouflage-style clothing.
The climate in Uganda is pleasantly moderate, although it can be quite cool at night and in the rainy season, especially in the hilly areas. In choosing clothing, remember that you will be washing clothes by hand, that it can take a long time for items to dry in the rainy season, and that dark clothing is better at hiding mud and dirt.
General Clothing
- Belt
- Rain gear
- Sleepwear
- Sun hats or caps
- Sweater, sweatshirt, or windbreaker
- Sturdy gloves for gardening and other work
For Female
- Three basic below-the-knee skirts
- Four short-sleeved (not sleeveless) tops (tank tops can be worn underneath if desired)
- One below-the-knee dress for special occasions
- One or two pairs of slacks for travel (jeans are rarely appropriate for women and are hard to wash and dry)
- One or two pairs of shorts for sports
- A supply of cotton underpants, bras, and socks (not available locally)
- Nylons (not necessary for Uganda but perhaps useful for vacation) -- they are available in country as well
- Durable sports bra
- Two or three half slips and one full slip
- At least one, one-piece swimsuit
For Male
- Four pairs of nice cotton or polyester-blend trousers for work (jeans are okay for casual wear, not for work, but are very hard to wash and dry)
- One nice dress shirt and tie for special occasions (a sports coat is useful but not a must, and some teacher trainers find they need to wear ties)
- Four or five button-down shirts for work, most short-sleeved
- One or two pairs of shorts (conservative length) for sports and wearing around the house
- Four or five T-shirts for casual wear and physical labor
- Two-year supply of cotton underwear and socks
- Swimsuit
Shoes
- One pair of dress shoes
- One pair of sturdy, comfortable work shoes with closed toes
- One pair of hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes
- One pair of sturdy sandals (flip-flops and simple canvas shoes are available in Uganda)
Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items
- Prescription drugs for your health
- Sanitary napkins or other feminine hygiene supplies (ob-brand minipads are available locally but are expensive)
- Shaving cream (available locally)
- Deodorant (available locally but expensive)
- Cotton swabs (also available locally)
- Shampoo and cream rinse for the first few weeks
- Toothbrushes and travel case (toothpaste is available locally, but bring an initial supply)
- Hair clips, bobby pins, covered elastic bands
- Razors and blades (some types are available locally); remember not to pack these or other sharp objects in your carry-on bag
- Brush/comb, some extra ones
- Lotions and powders (note that scented toiletries can attract insects)
- Nail clippers and nail files or emery boards
- Hair-cutting scissors
- Bathing towel and sponge (locally available)
Miscellaneous
- Umbrella (available locally)
- Sewing kit
- Duct tape
- Small stapler and staples (also available locally)
- Travel alarm clock
- Small mirror
- Sturdy water bottle (e.g., Nalgene)
- Mobile phone (available locally but quality matters)
- Sleeping bag and pad (some Volunteers say these are essential; others say they never use them)
- Good flashlight or head-lamp
- Sunglasses
- Money belt
- Basic wristwatch
- Binoculars (optional-Uganda is a bird-watcher’s heaven)
- Camera
- Bungee cords
- Daypack
- Solar-powered battery charger and batteries (if needed for your gear)
- Music player and music (consider the power and battery consumption of the different options, also consider the risk of having this stolen)
- Musical instruments (if you play or plan to learn)
- A few novels (to read and swap)
- Hobby materials like sketching pads and pencils
- Games
- Your Bank Visa or credit card
- In case you want to carry US dollar notes check the year issued should be year 2000 and above. Should also be in 50s or 100s dollar-notes. Some Banks Uganda may not easily accept any other dollar values.
- Do not bring a mosquito net; Volset provides this however you need to bring appropriate insect repellant cream or spray.
The list is not exhaustible but packs what you may need.
NB: You may need to bring gifts to children or friends however I suggest you bring money so that you can buy them locally or could be given donations towards their education support which is quite appropriate since some needy children would like to go to school but poverty and other circumstances hinder them.
Good luck
