Q: Do I need to get Ugandan money (known as Ugandan shilling) before travelling?
A: No. To get the best rate, we will exchange money at an exchange when we arrive in Uganda.
Q: Is it safe in Uganda? Can I travel by myself?
A: In the 10 years that Project Restore has worked in Uganda they have never had any problems, but we require students to travel in groups (preferably with a faculty member the first few days while you are learning the area) for safety.
Q: Do I need a copy of my passport?
A: Yes, make 3 copies of the photo page. One copy you will keep on you for identification while in Uganda. Two copies you will give to me. I will secure one copy and one copy will be given to another SIUE Public Health Faculty member who will be in the US.
Q: Do I need any other documents?
A: Yes, make 3 copies of your birth certificate. One copy you will keep on you for identification while in Uganda. Two copies you will give to me. I will secure one copy and one copy will be given to another SIUE Public Health Faculty member who will be in the US.
You will also need 3 copies of your vaccination record showing that you have had the yellow fever vaccine – see below. One copy you will keep with you while in Uganda. Two copies you will give to me. I will secure one copy and one copy will be given to another SIUE Public Health Faculty member who will be in the US.
Q: Do I need special shots for the trip?
A: Yellow Fever vaccination is required for entry into Uganda. See the vaccination section above for recommended vaccination.
Any travel creates challenges relating to your overall health so we recommend taking OTC medications for normal common ailments.
Q: May I or my family make financial donations for building supplies, school supplies, medicine, shoes, etc.?
A: Yes! Contributions for these items are tax deductible and can be made directly to Project Restore (make the check payable to Project Restore, Inc. and send it to Catherine Keck, 303 Thomas Terrace, IL 62025 and note “Donation to Project Restore Summer 2018 project”). You will receive a receipt from Project Restore for tax purposes.
Q: How much cash should I bring?
A: $400-$500 seems like a reasonable figure. Most places do not take Visa/Master Card and ATM machines are not available. Any money not used will be exchanged back to dollars before departing Uganda. This amount does not include money for optional excursions. Excursions will cost approximately $530.
Q: Can I take gifts for people in Uganda?
A: Absolutely. While candy is exciting for children there, we have found that items such as toothpaste, pencils/pens, rulers, balloons, crayons, backpacks, and peanut butter produce more long-lasting results!
Q: Will we have chances to interact with Ugandan people?
A: Yes! Much of the outreach work you will be doing willbe directly with the Ugandan people. Students will be working with students and faculty from Ndejje University in local communities. If students are staying in the dorms at Ndejje University they will be living and eating with Ugandan university students. If they are staying at the National Agricultural Research Center, students will be interacting with Ugandan people on a daily basis during the course of their work.