This guide is designed to assist you in preparing for your voluntary service and provides practical local information for when you arrive in Uganda.
cost
KMH ask for a contribution of 400,000 USh (~£100) per week towards your elective programme which includes hospital supervision, accommodation and cleaning.
Food can be provided at an extra fee to be agreed with the guesthouse manager.
Transport to and from the hospital is available. One way trip to/from Entebbe costs 250,000 USh.
These costs are subject to change by the hospital administration team.
pre-visit preparation check list
Insurance
STA travel gives useful advice about elective insurance cover.
http://www.wesleyan.co.uk/insurance/elective-travel
Medical Indemnity Protection
Even as a medical student it is important to have cover with a medical indemnity provider in case of any issues while you are in the hospital. Please ensure you have discussed your elective with them before you leave.
Post Exposure Prophylaxis
There is a limited and variable supply of PEP at the hospital. It is advisable for you to bring your own supply of PEP so that it is readily available to you if you need it. This might be something that can be covered by your insurance provider so you can discuss with them.
Malaria Prophylaxis
Malaria is endemic in East Africa so malaria prophylaxis is essential. A number of options are available including doxycycline, Malarone and mefloquine.
Immunisations
It is advisable to visit a travel nurse specialist before you travel to get advice about Immunisations and general travel advice.
Money
There is a cash machine available in Kamuli (power dependent) where you can get local shillings. It is advisable to travel with USD to pay for your visa on arrival and to exchange for some shillings in Entebbe/Kampala.
Visas
On Arrival in Entebbe you will be required to pay $100 USD for a tourist visa. This is a three-month visa that can be extended if you plan to stay longer than 3 months. The Ugandan commission in London provides advice about the visas and has recommended this one to volunteers. If you want to confirm this please contact the Ugandan commission to ensure you have the most up to date information.
http://london.mofa.go.ug/data/smenu/13/Visa-Information.htm
Flights
There are no direct flights from the UK to Uganda at present but you can get reasonable rates via the Middle East with Emirates, Qatar airways or with KLM.
arrival in uganda
Entebbe
If your flight arrives in Entebbe later that 3pm it is advisable to remain in Entebbe until the following day as it is not advisable to travel East of Kampala at night.
A plethora of guesthouses are available in Entebbe and are often able to provide airport collection at no extra cost.
Safety
You are responsible for your own safety when in the hospital and when traveling through the country. Uganda is relatively peaceful and safe to travel (not at night) but for the most up to date information you should refer to the foreign office website.
Transportation
Hospital driver
Moses the hospital driver can collect you from the airport at as cost of 250,000 USh one way. This price is subject to change depending on the cost of fuel at the time.
Public transport
Matatus are the form of public transport which will take you from Entebbe to Kamuli via Kampala (albeit it rather slowly).
Be prepared to get up close and personal with the locals, there is always space for one more on a matatu.
Private hire
Other private hire drivers can be arranged through guesthouses in Entebbe.
Sim Cards
When passing through Kampala it is advisable to stop off at Garden City or Lugogo Mall to get a local sim card. Ask Moses to take you. You can also get a data package for Internet access.
Africel has the best 3G coverage in Kamuli and there is a wifi box containing a sim card in the guesthouse which you are free to use and add data to. MTN provides low costs tariffs for phone calls and texts.
Dress Code
Ugandans typically dress in a smart and conservative manner. We advise either scrubs or smart wear (shirt and trousers for men; trousers or knee-length skirt for women with shoulders covered).
The local doctors wear white coats on their ward rounds.
Photography
If taking photographs for medical purposes, informed written or verbal consent should be acquired (bearing in mind language/communication difficulties). One should liaise with the nurse in charge of the shift to discuss photography and cameras should not be on show until consent has been gained.
Competence
It is inadvisable to operate beyond personal competency levels in the hospital. Make it clear to the hospital administrators and clinical staff at the start of your visit what you are and are not qualified or competent to undertake. You should always be supervised by a senior clinician.
