Volunteer in Uganda
Women’s empowerment placements for students and graduates
Put your learning into practice with a locally led women’s rights organisation in Busembatia, Eastern Uganda. Contribute to education, health and economic empowerment programmes while developing skills for your future.
Next intake: February 2027 · Placements: 1–6 months · Fundraising targets from £1,650
Work alongside our Uganda Programme Manager, with mentorship from our UK-based CEO. Receive a certificate and professional reference on successful completion. Academic credit is subject to your university’s approval.
What our volunteers say
Former volunteers share the moments that stayed with them.
“When I was teaching consent and I could see it clicking with the students that they had the right to say no.”
“For me, the best experience was seeing the improvement of women who were part of my programme.”
“Facilitating sessions on family planning at health centers and seeing participants signing up for services after. It was rewarding to see this response and that our sessions were reaching the women successfully.”
“The best experience was probably just getting to know people in the community and working with stakeholders and colleagues on the programmes.”
Choose your volunteer placement in Uganda
Our next intake is February 2027. Choose the length and level of responsibility that fit your studies, experience and availability. Exact arrival arrangements will be confirmed with the team.
Impact Trip · 1 month · £1,650 fundraising target
A focused introduction to grassroots international development. Join an existing programme, support workshops and community activities, and develop communication and intercultural skills.
Internship · 2–3 months · £2,450 fundraising target
Our core placement for university students and graduates seeking practical international development experience. Help plan programmes, prepare learning resources and deliver workshops alongside the Uganda team, with mentorship from our UK-based CEO.
Leadership Fellowship · 6 months · £3,750 fundraising target
For graduates, postgraduates, career changers and early-career professionals ready for a longer commitment. Take responsibility for a defined area of work and contribute to project design, delivery and programme development with guidance from WIL’s leadership.
Apply for the Leadership Fellowship →
What you could work on
Contribute to established, locally led programmes. Your activities depend on community priorities, your skills and the placement agreed with our team.
Sexual and reproductive health and rights: support education and community outreach alongside the local team.
Gender-based violence prevention and advocacy: contribute to prevention, awareness and community education with WIL’s trained staff.
Women’s literacy and education: help prepare resources and facilitate interactive learning sessions.
Economic empowerment and skills: support tailoring, crafts, enterprise and income-generation programmes.
Tech for Girls and digital skills: help women and girls build digital confidence.
Youth media and storytelling: support writing, photography, video and digital media activities.
Grant writing, fundraising and partnerships: research opportunities and contribute to proposals and NGO fundraising.
Read more about our women’s health, education and economic empowerment programmes.
Build experience for your future
Develop practical skills in project planning, communication, facilitation and teamwork while learning how a grassroots women’s rights organisation operates.
Day-to-day support from our In-Country Programme Manager.
Mentorship and guidance from our UK-based CEO.
A certificate and professional reference on successful completion.
Practical examples of your work to discuss in future job applications and interviews.
University placements and academic credit
We can discuss your university’s placement requirements and learning objectives with you and your course team. Academic credit depends on your university’s approval; please agree this before committing to a placement.
Living and volunteering in Busembatia
You will be based in Eastern Uganda, working alongside a local team and community partners. This is an opportunity to learn, listen and contribute to ongoing work with women and girls.
Accommodation: shared, dorm-style volunteer accommodation in Busembatia.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday–Friday while in placement. Weekend meals are additional.
Arrival and induction: airport collection on agreed cohort dates, transfer to Busembatia, and orientation covering the community, programme, ways of working and relevant policies.
Ongoing support: work with the Uganda Programme Manager within your agreed programme area. Discuss any support or accessibility needs with us before applying so we can explore what is possible.
Optional weekend travel and leisure activities are arranged separately and are not included in your fundraising target. WIL can help identify local travel providers where appropriate.
Costs, fundraising and what is included
Your fundraising target supports both your placement and WIL’s community programmes. We provide fundraising guidance and support. If donations do not cover the full target, you may contribute the remaining balance yourself.
Included in your fundraising target
Shared accommodation and meals Monday–Friday while in placement.
Airport collection and departure transfer on agreed cohort dates.
Programme-related local transport.
Orientation, training, supervision and programme resources.
A certificate and professional reference on successful completion.
Additional costs to budget for
Return flights, visa and travel insurance.
Vaccinations and personal travel-health costs.
Weekend meals and personal spending.
Optional excursions and leisure travel.
Ask our team about costs and fundraising →
Girls Who Lead Global Bursary
We want international development opportunities to be accessible to more young women. Ten per cent of each participant’s fundraising target contributes to the Girls Who Lead Global Bursary.
The bursary covers the full £2,450 fundraising target for a 2–3 month Internship. Flights, visas, travel insurance and personal expenses are not covered. Where possible, we can help successful applicants explore external university or other travel funding.
It is currently open to UK-based young women aged 18–30 from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds. We particularly encourage first-generation university students, Black, Asian and other underrepresented ethnic applicants, and care leavers.
Applications use trust-based self-declaration; financial evidence is not required. Shortlisted applicants attend a 20-minute interview about their motivation, goals and readiness.
Ask about the bursary and how to apply →
Frequently asked questions
Do I need previous international experience?
You do not need to arrive knowing everything. We welcome curiosity, respect, willingness to learn and a commitment to women’s rights. Individual programme tracks may have additional requirements, and a laptop is normally needed for placement work.
Can I volunteer while at university?
Placements range from one to six months. Discuss the February 2027 intake with your university and our team to check how it fits your timetable or placement requirements.
Is this a paid internship?
These are volunteer placements with fundraising targets. Accommodation and the support listed above are included; please also budget for the additional costs.
Can I ask questions before applying?
Yes. Contact our team to discuss the placement, living arrangements, supervision, fundraising or university requirements.
Apply for the February 2027 intake
Tell us about your interests, experience and preferred placement using the form below. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Our team will contact you about your application and next steps.
Not ready to apply? Ask us a question first →