1.I’ve seen some reports of terrorism/violent crime on the US travel website. Are there any safety concerns I should know about before arriving in Uganda?

• The concerns are not a threat. The US government writes these precautions in case something happens. We will make sure you are never alone and have precautions in place to ensure everyone’s safety.

2. My doctor told me that mosquitoes carry most of the diseases you can get in

Uganda (Typhoid, Malaria, etc.) What should I do to prevent getting

malaria/getting bitten by mosquitos?

• We recommend taking your Malaria medications, prior to the trip according your provider’s recommendation. I would not worry about Typhoid because we will provide for clean bottled water.

3. The nurse at the health department told me that I needed all these vaccines.

What is mandatory to get?

• Yellow fever vaccine is the only vaccine that is required. Other vaccines are not required but recommended.

4. I’ve heard that if I don’t have a VPN for my phone, people will steal my

information. Is this true?

• False, people will not steal your information from your phone. VPN is only used in Uganda if you need to connect on social media like facebook. The Ugandan government banned some social media platforms in 2021. Avoid using free Wifi in the airport because scammers can use that to tap into your information. Always use the recommended airport wifi.

5. How will I communicate with my family back home? Will I ever have access to

WIFI? Should I use the data that my service provider offers when I land? Will I

need a VPN/WhatsApp/Google fi?

• We will provide free wifi both in the village and in the city. Also your phone service provider always provides a travel pass plan, of $10 a day if you text or call. Note if you have WhatsApp you can call and text for free using wifi. Google fi wireless is another recommended plan that can be used instead of your phone service provider.

6. Where can I find the itinerary?

• Missions itinerary is always on the missions page in pdf format click here to download.

7. What kind of clothes should I bring? I saw that it is right near the equator. Am I

going to be miserably hot the entire time? And will we be able to wash clothes

while we are there?

• Uganda temperatures raises between 75 -77 degrees fahrenheit during day time and drop to 65 degrees at night. Pack light clothes, a jacket and possibly a raincoat. Clothes will be collected and taken to be washed every Wednesday.

8. You mentioned that there might be a need to spend some more money on the

Safari. What activities should we bring extra cash for, just in case?

• Yes, bring extra cash ($40) for the boat cruise and the hike to the mountain waterfall ( Food and safari game drives were included in the previous fees)

9. What kind of tools do we need to bring for this trip? If I bring my own tools, can I

bring them back home, or will they be remaining in Uganda?

• For this trip we need tools needed to build cabins, office desks and chairs e.g tape,measure,pencil,drill,screwdriver,levels,circular saw, impact gun, screw nails etc. you can always bring back your tools.

10. If we take a second suitcase for supplies, do we have to leave it there, or can we bring it home once it has been emptied?

• Yes always bring back your second personal suitcase.

11. You said to bring American money, just in case. How much? And how do I exchange that money? What is the exchange rate? How do I know if I am getting scammed or not when I am shopping?

• Always have at least $300- $500 dollar bills in hundred notes. Exchange rate keep changing. 1$ = 3,700 Uganda shillings. Always consult the guide before a purchase especially if you feel it is a scam.

12. I heard that is dangerous to drink the water. Will we have access to safe water?

• It is dangerous to drink unclean water everywhere in the world. Clean bottled water will be provided at the trip.

13. What kind of food is safe to eat? How do we know?

• Cooked food is safe, most fruits are safe, but always consult your guide before you eat or buy uncooked food.

14. I saw a lot of restaurants on the long drive to the Safari. We never stopped to eat.

Why?

• Some restaurants do not follow sanitation precaution while making food. It may be safe for locals but could be unsafe for a new person.

15. What kind of transportation is there? Will we have to walk everywhere?

• The transportation vehicle will be provide for the team. We also have a personal vehicle that will be available in the village that can be operated at any time. The boda-boda ( motorcycles) will also be used for transport.

16. What are the roads like? Are they safe?

• Some roads are paved, others are dusty. Expect some to be bumpy so always wear your seatbelt.

17. Will we have electricity in the village?

• Yes, there is electricity, however sometimes we can experience power outages. Pack a battery-powered or rechargeable flashlight.

19. Will we ever regroup? When we are doing these activities, will we be able to talk

about the next day’s plans and discuss our concerns, questions?

• Yes, we will have a debriefing before and after each activity to share our experience and also to prepare for the next events.