UGANDA ReceptionBooklet MONKEY EDITION
Table of Contents
Welcome Preparation Accommodation Budget & Money Communications Transport
Health Country Experience Food Arrival AIESEC Uganda Contacts
Survival Guide
3 Reasons to visit
Uganda
1. warm people 2. diverse culture 3. amazing nature
2  ReceptionBooklet
Welcome!
Paul
Anna Member Committee President
Lilie
VP Global Internship Programme
Emma VP AIESEC Experience
Tom
VP Global Community Development Programme
Dima VP Product and Business Development
VP LC Development and Communications
We are very happy that you are coming to Uganda! In this booklet you will find all the necessary information that we hope shall enable you integrate with the Ugandan society as well as making your exchange a memorial experience of a life time. We wish you the best of all and looking forward to working with you. Regards, National Team AIESEC Uganda
Tamba VP Finance and Legality Administration
Bright VP External Relations
2012-2013 ReceptionBooklet  3
FAST FACTS
[UGANDA]
• Area 241,038 sq km • Capital Kampala • Birthplace of John ‘The Beast’ Mugabi, professional boxer • Country code 256 • Famous for Idi Amin, source of the Nile River; white-water rafting • Languages English, Luganda • Money Ugandan Shilling (USh); US$1 = USh2480 • Population 31.4 million
U
ganda is Africa condensed, with the best of everything the continent has to offer packed into one small but stunning destination. It’s home to the tallest mountain range in Africa, the glaciercapped Rwenzoris. The mighty Nile River, the world’s longest river, surges out of Lake Victoria, the continent’s largest lake. One of the highest concentration of primates in the world, including more than half of all remaining mountain gorillas, roams its forests. And the merging of habitats from eastern, western and northern Africa produces arguably the world’s best best bird-watching. On top of all this a growing variety of activities has made Uganda the adrenaline center of East Africa, there’s no such thing as a crowd in even the most popular national parks and the capital Kampala is safer and friendlier than most in Africa. Winston Churchill called it «Pearl of Africa». He was right. Climate As most of Uganda is at a fairly constant altitude, with significant mountains only on the eastern (most notably Mt Elgon) and western (the Rwenzoris and the Virungas) borders, the bulk of the country enjoys the same tropical climate, with temperatures averaging about 26°C during the day and about 15°C at night. It gets considerably cooler at 4 ReceptionBooklet
night in highland areas, including around Kabale. The hottest months are January and February, when the daytime range is 27° to 29°C in most of the south and up 32°C in the north. The rainy seasons in the south are March to May and October to November, the wettest month being April. In the north the wet season is from April to October. During the wet seasons the average rainfall is 175 mm per month and the humidity is higher but never oppressive. Religion 85% of the population is Christian, split evenly between Catholics and Protestants, including a growing number born-agains. Muslims, mostly northerners, compose about 12% of the population. The Abayudaya are small but devout group of native Ugandans living around Mbale who practice Judaism.
Daily life Ugandans are a very polite and friendly people, and will often greet strangers on public transport or while working in rural areas. The greeting comes not just with a simple «hello» but also with an inquiry into how they and their family is doing; and the interest is genuine. In fact, though people likely would never show it, you genuinely risk offending someone if you don’t at least ask «How are you?» before asking a question or beginning a conversation. In fact, if you just say «Hello», you’ll often get a response of «I’m fine» simply because they were expecting a more personal greeting. Life in Uganda has been one long series of upheavals for the older generations, while the younger generations have benefited, while from the newfound stability. Society has changed completely in urban areas in the past couple of decades, but in
DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
the countryside it’s often business as is one up-and-comer to watch out for. usual. Kampala is the best place to experience live music and several Music & Dance local bands play at night-clubs You won’t be in Uganda long before each weekend. Try to catch the you discover that Dolly Parton and aforementioned Afrigo Band at Kenny Rogers (yes, really!) are the Club Obbligato and Maurice Kirya most popular singers here; but there’s at Rouge every last Tuesday of the plenty of home-grown talent too. month, plus the weekly events at the Afrigo Band are one of the National Theater. longest-running groups in Uganda To listen to Ugandan music, from and their classic Congolese rumba hip-hop to northern-style thumb sound, which they haven’t changed piano playing, log on to: in over three decades, is popular www.musicuganda.com with people in all generations. The most famous dancers in the Chameleone, who combines rap and country are Ndere Troupe. Made traditional chanting in a cutting-edge up from a kaleidoscope of Ugandan combination, and dance hall stars tribes in, they perform traditional Bebe Cool and Bobi Wine are three dances from all regions of the country. other long-time favorites. Maurice Kirya offers a poetic, soulful take on Handicrafts R&B. Suzan Kerunen, who, unlike Uganda’s most distinctive craft is most of Uganda’s current crop of bark-cloth, made by pounding the young singers, insist on singing live, bark of a fig tree. Originally used
passport photocopy of passport torch camera mosquito repellent and net travel insurance wind- and waterproof jacket yellow fever vaccination certificate personal medications bedsheets towel laptop power adapter (British 240V, 50Hz) formal and casual clothes toiletries money (cash / ATM) mobile phone (unlocked for Ugandan SIM card) mosquito net / repellent / coil sun glasses swim suit embassy contacts photocopy of TN form acceptance note other documents
for clothing and in burial and other ceremonies, these days it’s turned into a multitude of items for sale to tourists including hats, bags, wall hangings, pillows and picture frames. Ugandans also produce some really good raffia and banana stem basketry, particularly the Toro of the west who have the most intricate designs and still use natural dyes. Traditional products are easy to find, but the old methods have been also adopted to make new items such as table mats and handbags for sale to to tourists. Bugandan drum-makers are well known: the best place to buy is at Mpambire. Uganda also has interesting pottery though all the soapstone carving comes from Kenya and almost all the interesting woodwork in Congolese.
ReceptionBooklet 5
[preparation for your internship]
W
e are privileged to be part of your preparation by helping you make the right preparations. Please download, print and read: • the TN form and all other attachments • the project issue (if coming for a project) We suggest that you read about the Ugandan culture, lifestyle, and economy. Contact the TN (company) ask your TN manager for contacts if missing. Ask questions, clarification from the TN manager and we highly request that you maintain constant communication with them in case of anything. The Ugandan work ethic is different and may appear so, some organisations have heavy workloads but generally the work schedule can and will be flexible, some organisations may have to develop a work plan while the trainee is there face to face while as others may change or adjust the previous one but
6 ReceptionBooklet
this shall always be through dialogue and negotiation with the trainee. The first weeks of your stay may involve a lot of cultural integration and you will need this in order to integrate with the new community. For trainees coming to work on AIESEC projects, like education need to read the curriculum and other project related information and also search for more information on MyAIESEC.net like the project wiki, previous projects as well as more reading about the issues the project aims to address. Getting There Entebbe International Airport, which lies 40km from the capital Kampala, is serviced by a number of international airlines including SN Brussels, British Airways, South African Airways, Kenya Airlines, Air Tanzania, Rwandair Express, Egypt Air and Ethiopian Airlines. Uganda can also be reached overland from Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
VISA APPLICATION 1. A passport issued by your government valid for at least six months. Your passport must also be valid past the date of your expected departure from Uganda. (Passport must be signed) 2. One completed Uganda visa application form. 3. Two passport-size photo taken within the past six months. 4. International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever. 5. Letter from applicant’s company if traveling for business (on company letterhead and signed by someone other than the applicant)
[visa and work permit procedures]
A
ll visitors to the country are required to attain a visa upon arrival or before they set off from their home countries, to apply for a Ugandan Visa. Trainees from the East African region and COMESA (Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Mauritius, Zimbabwe and other non AIESEC countries) do not need a visa to enter Uganda but are supposed to register at the border post or Airport of arrival. A single entry visa valid 3 months from issuance costs US$50 (at the entry point), these fees can change without prior notice we highly recommend that you check for updates online before leaving home. However, trainees from China, Nigeria, India are recommended to get a visa in advance, this can be done from the nearest Ugandan consulate, embassy or otherwise.
For more info: www.mofa.go.ug/immigration.html Trainees who need work permits These include all trainees coming for internships lasting for six months or beyond and these shall be required to apply for a work permit, a work permit costs US$250 (subject to change without prior notice) and it is recommended that the trainees discusses this with their TN manager. In some cases the TN (partner company) may be generous to pay this amount for the trainees upon negotiation with AIESEC Uganda. We highly recommend those who require a work permit to dialogue with their TN managers so that the process is started early enough as it may require time to process. Information about the work permit, special pass, visa can all be accessed online.
Trainees staying more than 3 months Ministry of Internal Affairs’ website: www.mia.go.ug These can apply for a single entry visa, then can later extend or apply for a special pass which extends your stay for two more months; this can only be applied for once. The application shall be done with the help of AIESEC Uganda but the trainee pays the sum of US$50 per special pass. ReceptionBooklet  7
[accomodation]
D
epending on where you are going to live and work, the accommodation cost and standard is different, the TN manager and the team of AIESEC Uganda can and will help you sort this out if you let your need known. Trainees in Kampala There is always room in the Member Committee House (MC House) of AIESEC Uganda, it is a wellfurnished house with a large court yard, approximately 10 minutes from the city depending on the traffic, here trainees can stay for the intended period at a cost of US$100, and this covers water and electricity. The same for interns under AIESEC Kyambogo University which has a house just a few meters from the MC House. There are also student hostels around Makerere University
where interns pay US$300 for a semester (Jan-May, Aug-Dec) the fees cover electricity and water. The fees however, are different for different hostels (dormitory). The rooms, bathrooms may be shared and there is a security system with a gate keeper at every hostel, the hostels are fitted with beds but laundry machines are not common in Uganda. There may not be warm showers but the Ugandan way of boiling water before a bath often covers the gap. We suggest you utilize it while here, Uganda however, is a generally warm country and you may not need a warm shower. Other trainees Some organisations offer accommodation to trainees while others are hosted by host families, there may be a chance of the organization arranging accommodation and the trainee can pay for the service, we however recommend that you discuss this with the TN manager.
MC House
8  ReceptionBooklet
[money]
T
he legal tender (currency) of Uganda is the Ugandan shilling and this differs from other east African currencies in value and appearance. There are coins and notes. We have notes ranging from USh1000 to USh50000 and coins from USh50 to USh500. Uganda has a large chain of Banks and ATMs (Barclays, Stanbic, Standard Chartered, etc) around Kampala and in the country side, these accept VISA and some though few accept Master Cards, you need to inform your home bank that you are travelling so they may not cancel your ATM once they notice transactions from Uganda. We recommend that you carry some cash with you, at least 100$. We suggest that you if you are carrying cash do carry US Dollars as they are common and easy to exchange around all Forex trading bureaus and banks in Kampala. EUROs are also exchanged and British pounds do not exchange money with a money trader outside or along a street as you may be given fake notes. Advice: take banknotes of at least
US$50, because exchange rate of US$5,10,20 is disadvantageous. US$50/100 = USh2480 US$5/10/20$ = USh2100
CUTTING COSTS
some tips if you’re trying to cut costs during internship and travelling: • travel in the low season • travel in a group • focus on easely accessed parks and reserves to minimise transportation costs • stock up on food and drink in major towns to avoid expensive hotel fare and pricey shops in tourist areas and national parks • bargain wherever it’s possible • use public transport • eat local food
HOW MUCH?
• Tracking mountain gorillas US$300 • National park entry US$25 to US$30 • White-water rafting US$70 • Meal at local restaurant US$1 • Daily Monitor newspaper US$0.60 • 1.5-liter bottled water US$0.6 • Souvenir T-shirt US$7 • Bell beer US$1.10 • Beer US$1 • Soda US$0.6 • Airtime US$0.1/min
ReceptionBooklet 9
[communications]
U
ganda has many telecommunication companies and networks (MTN, Orange, UTL, Warid, Airtel among others) depending on where one shall travel to, all networks are the same apart from connectivity, the three networks MTN, UTL and Airtel have a wide coverage and their services can be accessed anywhere in the country. Buy a SIM card at the airport upon arrival or around Kampala, this should cost around US$1 to US$2.
in the country, here one pays ranging from US$1 (USh2500) per hour and at some places even cheaper. You can also print, scan and photocopy from these places at almost the same prices though can change from one place to another. Also 3G internet modems are commonly used and the above telecom companies also have internet services. The most advantageous mobile internet service provider in terms of price is Warid (US$1=250Mb). But Orange has stronger signal even in Internet Access rural places. Both operators provide There is also a large pool of internet speed 0.5 to 2.5 Mb/s so you could cafes around the city and major towns have comfortable skype calls.
10  ReceptionBooklet
3G modem = US$50 (USh90000) Check tarifs on: www.utl.co.ug www.mtn.co.ug www.orange.ug www.waridtel.co.ug www.africa.airtel.com/uganda
[transport]
T
raffic jams are a major headache in Kampala, so no matter where you’re going in the city, plan ahead if you need to get there at an appointed time. Rush hour is particularly bad, usually from 7.30am to 9.30am, 1pm to 2.30pm and 4.30pm to 7.30pm; on Friday it seems to last all day. To/From the Airport The international airport is at Entebbe, 40km from Kampala. A special-hire from Kampala to the airport costs about USh50000. Ask at the tourist office in the airport to see if this changed before bargaining with the drivers. The cheapest option is to take minibus between Kampala (from either taxi park) and Entebbe (USh, 45 minutes), and then catch a saloon car shared taxi (USh1500 per person) to the airport, if you can find one. There are three main modes of transport in Uganda. Boda-bodas Motorbike taxis are the fastest way to get around Kampala since they can weave in and out of the traffic jams. It’s not necessarily the safest way to travel since some of the drivers are quiet reckless: the New Vision newspaper has reported that on average there are five deaths daily as a result of boda-boda accidents. Boda-boda are best avoided at night. Drivers have imposed an unofficial minimum fare if USh1000 around
the city center and are pretty good about sticking to it. The fare from the center out to the MC or LC Houses is likely to be USh2000 to USh3000. Boda-bodas can also be hired by the hour or day, but prices will depend on how big a swath of the city you plan to tackle. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodaboda
Matatus The ubiquitous white and blue minibus taxis fan out from the city center to virtually every point in Kampala. Many start in the taxi parks (for most destinations you can use either park), however it’s quicker to flag one down on Kampala Rd as they don’t needto navigate the nightmare tailbacks around taxi parks. Kampala has two main taxi parks for minibuses, and both serve destinations around the country as well as within Kampala
itself. Although packed beyond belief there’s a significant degree of organisation. The old taxi park is the busier of the two and serves towns in eastern Uganda; the nearby new taxi park services western and northern destinations. Buses to Entebbe leave from both. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matatu
Special-Hire Taxi In Kampala there are plenty of ‘special-hire’ taxis. Most are unmarked to avoid licensing and taxes, but if you see a car with it’s door open or with the driver sitting behind the wheel while parked, it’s probably a special hire. They’re always found outside hotels (except for the cheapest), near busy shipping areas and at the taxi and bus parks. At night they wait in great numbers outside popular bars and clubs. A standard short-distance fare is around USh3000 to USh5000. You’ll be looking at USh6000 from the UWA office or Kisimenti, and USh10000 to the Kabalagala/Gaba Rd area. If you hire by the hour, and aren’t moving much beyond the city center, you should be able to pay USh10000. Prices will be higher at night and during club rush hour. ReceptionBooklet 11
[health]
A
certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. It is advisable to drink bottled of boiled rather than tap water. Uganda health system There are a number of vaccines that are recommended for people travelling to Uganda and these may include, mumps, rubella (MMR), Diphtheria, Yellow fever (Required), tetanus, measles. We highly suggest that you seek professional medical attention before leaving your country. Malaria is common but preventable, one may buy anti-malarial drugs, sleep in a treated mosquito net, use repellent. These can be bought from Uganda on arrival or bought before you set off from home. Ugandan employers do not provide medical insurance to employees but there is a range of private medical practioners who charge around US$5 to US$20 for consultation and then prescription. If you have special medications, we suggest you carry it along as it may be difficult to find certain drugs in Ugandan pharmacies. Drinking water is clean but may not be safe to drink so we suggest that you buy bottled drinking water or boil drinking water, this can done with the support of those you are staying with. Restaurants in Uganda serve clean, nice, delicious meals but you can always find better ones if not satisfied with the service of a particular place, all you need is to seek help from the AIESEC members to show you around. There are both public and private hospitals, the private hospitals like Kampala International Hospital also have a public side which is cheaper and a private wing that is expensive and fully functional with potential to handle complicated and special cases plus minor and major surgeries. Health Information for Travelers to Uganda: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ destinations/uganda.htm
12  ReceptionBooklet
Medical Services International Hospital Kampala
(0772-200400 emergency; St Barnabus Rd; 24hr) Should be your destination if you suffer serious trauma.
Surgery
(0414-256003, emergency 0752-756003; 2 Acacia Ave; 8am-6pm Mon-Sat, emergency 24hr) A highly-respected clinic run by Dr Dick Stockley, an expat British GP. Stocks self-test malaria kits. www.thesurgeryuganda.org
[country experience] Cultural Experiences ast Africa’s allure lies as much in its people and culture as in its wildlife. Here some ways to get introdused to local life: • share a plate of food with locals • listen to church singing • watch traditional dancing • travel with local transport
E
you may feel uncomfortable if you are from a different setting, but people will struggle to be nice and polite to you.
they will pay the costs and expect you do so when you invite them, however, with casual hangouts at beers, clubs and restaurants, everyone pays their check. It is common for people to Stereo typing invite you for a dinner in their home Do not feel offended when kids or or a party. You can take something other people call you “Muzungu”, if you like and accept their gifts and meaning a white person, they say it hospitality. because they do not know your name Lugandan Phrasebook and it’s the local translation of white. Social hangouts How are you - Oli Otya Most Ugandan parties do not require Ugandans drink a lot and beer is Am fine - Bulungi special invitation. It is not rude to cheap, you are free to drink at any Come here - JJangu ask questions while on invitation but time of the day provided you control Thank you - Webale keep it open and inclusive do not ask yourself while drunk AIESECers in Good night - Sula bulungi many personal questions. Uganda hang out at a popular spot called MATEOs every Thursday for Greeting and Politeness Ugandan Invitation music and get to know. One can go Ugandans greet a lot and they always Ugandans like visitors and when one out any time as there is always fun like to know people even strangers, invites you, it is probably high that throughout the week.
ReceptionBooklet 13
[must see places in Uganda]
T
he country Churchill once dubbed as the ‘Pearl of Africa’ is widely recognized in travel circles as ‘Africa’s Next Big Thing’, a fascinating country rich in wildlife, diverse environments and big smiles. A Uganda Gorilla Safari is first on the list for most visitors: it’s one of the best places in Africa to see the critically endangered mountain gorilla and a gorilla trekking safari in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park is hard to beat for sheer, raw experience. To help you explore this beautiful country we have come up with a list of must visit places during your Uganda internship.
1
Murchison Falls National Park
At 3840 km², The Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest protected area. The park is cut in half by the mighty Nile River. The river squeezes through a seven-meter gap in a cleft of rock, setting-off explosions of white water, the result of which is the spectacular Murchison Falls. The falls are the most powerful natural water flow in the world and is widely believed to be the source of the river Nile.
2
The Rwenzori Mountains
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park, located in Uganda and bordering the DRC, is a world heritage site of outstanding natural beauty. These are the fabled, glacier topped ‘Mountains of the Moon’ that rise into almost permanent equatorial mists, their slopes covered with strange and giant vegetation. Unlike East Africa’s other large mountains, the Rwenzoris are not volcanic, but were formed during the upheaval that created the Rift Valley. The tallest of them, Mt Stanley, is the third highest mountain in Africa and offers a formidable and hugely satisfying challenge to climbers. The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is only accessible to hikers. It offers superb trekking and climbing with fabulous views and unusual scenery. The most popular trek is the 7-day circuit route, accompanied by porters and guides and taking refuge in mountain huts overnight, only to wake up to mist-shrouded jagged 14 ReceptionBooklet
mountains – a landscape impressively distinct from anywhere else in East Africa.
3
Bwindi Forest
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a magnificent green swathe of dense rainforest, so ancient it survived the last ice age. Bwindi National Park covers 330 km2 of this rainforest and spans altitudes of 1,100 metres to 2,400 metres – a dramatic landscape of steep hills, narrow gorges and streams tumbling down waterfalls. A proclaimed World Heritage site, Bwindi is one of the most biologically diverse areas on earth. Its unique, precious flora sustains roughly half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas – believed to number just 600. There’s also a substantial chimpanzee population and Bwindi is the only forest in Africa in which these two apes live together. Apart from gorilla tracking, there are a number of other hikes and trails within the park. As you travel along, accompanied by an experienced guide, you will learn about the animals, birds, butterflies, trees and plants in the forest. This is a great way to pass the time while you wait to encounter the gorillas.
4
Queen Elizabeth National Park
The Queen Elizabeth National Park is situated at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda and covers 2090km2. Affectionately known as the QEII, the Queen Elizabeth National Park offers an East African game park with craterdotted hills and open grassland. It supports an abundance of wildlife, including elephant, lion, leopard and the unique Ugandan antelope, the kob. The park’s dominant feature is the 32km long Kazinga Channel that links Lake Edward to Lake George. The Kazinga Channel is said to contain the world’s largest concentration of hippos and numerous Nile crocodiles – all easily viewed from a boat cruise. The park is home to more than a quarter of Africa’s total birdlife. With more than 560 species of bird within its borders, the park is a bird watcher’s paradise! The park is one of East Africa’s best kept secrets, as the
animals here aren’t being hounded by spluttering packs of minibuses.
5
Kibale Forest Safari
Uganda’s Kibale Forest National Park is an extensive equatorial rainforest noted for its primate diversity. It is an enchanting park full of lakes, grasslands, marshes and forests on the lower slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains in western Uganda. Kibale is best known for its healthy population of approximately 500 chimpanzees, though it’s also home to at least 60 mammal species, including twelve other primate species and a few elephant. Around 350 bird species have also been recorded and the park is a lepidopterist’s dream with hundreds of brilliantly coloured butterflies floating through the air. The top attraction at Kibale is the guided chimptracking excursion that leaves twice a day. Chimpanzee tracking starts at the entrance to the park where you will meet the experienced guides and rangers, all with expert knowledge of Kibale’s flora and fauna.
6
Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi
Comprising of the 52 clans of the Baganda people, Buganda is the largest of the traditional kingdoms in present-day Uganda. Numbering three million, these people make up the largest Ugandan ethnic group. Located in the Kampala district, the Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi are the royal remains of this African Dynasty. The tombs constitute an area of almost 30 hectares of hillside, most of which is agricultural and still farmed by traditional methods. On the hilltop is the former palace of the Kabakas (kings) of Buganda. The Kasubi Tombs were built in 1882 and converted into the royal burial ground in 1884. Four former royals lay buried in tombs within the main structure – a circular building with a domed roof. The site is a masterful example of architectural achievement using organic materials. Wood, thatch, and reed were used incorporating a wattle and daub technique (basically, a woven framework of crossed wood, called wattles, is applied with a mixture of mud, clay, animal dung and straw to create a structure). The site is a major spiritual centre for the Baganda, and
enveloping their buried royalty in the tombs atop a hill 900m. If the later is true it will make the lake the second are the intangible beliefs and spirituality of the Baganda. deepest in Africa. The lake surface is a fresh 25 degrees The area was declared a World Heritage Site in 2001. celcius, bilharzia free and safe for swimming. Needless to say the spectacular scenery makes for an overnight Kazinga Channel experience at Lake Bunyounyi more desirable than staying Kazinga Channel is located in Queen Elizabeth in Kabale. There is accommodation to meet all budgets National park and is the park’s dominant feature. At and different needs. 32km long Kazinga Channel that links Lake Edward to Visitors come to enjoy the scenery and relax. Swimming Lake George. The Kazinga Channel is said to contain the in the lake is popular as are dugout canoe excursions. Bird world’s largest concentration of hippos and numerous life is prolific (over 200 species recorded) with Uganda’s Nile crocodiles – all easily viewed from a boat cruise. national bird the Crested Crane a common sighting. Fish on the other hand are extremely scarce. The bi-weekly Nile River Rutindo market on Monday and Friday is a colourful Take on the wild waters of the Nile River, some of affair attracting flotillas of canoes on the lake with basket the best white-water in the world loads of vegetables and other goods.
7
8
9
Lake Bunyonyj
10
Kidepo Valley National Park
Located 1962m above sea level and surrounded by Travel overland and explore unvarnished Africa at steep sided heavily cultivated mountainous scenery. Lake its wild and colourful best. Bunyonyi (the word means ‘the place of many little birds’) is about 25 km long and 7 km wide. With 29 islands dotting the centre of lake and depths varying from 44m to ReceptionBooklet 15
[ugandan food]
I
f there is another name for Uganda, then it is nice traditional food and fresh fruits plus vegetables. Country has diverse foodstuffs and sauce. Ugandan restaurants serve a wide range of foodstuffs ranging from US$1 to US$3 depending on the sauce. Common foodstuffs are matoke (bananas), posho (corn flour), rice, potatoes (sweet and irish), sauce (beef, goats’ meat, pork, nut stew, tilapia fish, Nile perch, beans, peas). We do not have McDonald, but burger spots and fast food points like Steers, Debonair. One uniquely
16  ReceptionBooklet
Ugandan food is the rolex, a chapatti rolled around an omelet. Fried cassava, roasted matoke (gonja) among others are the other Ugandan snacks you should never miss taste. You will surely have a dinner with two or more Ugandan AIESECers on your first night.
[your arrival]
Y
ou need to share your arrival / flight details with us / TN manger so that there can be someone to pick you up at the airport. The pickup fee is always included on the TN fee and it is US$30. This fee covers you transport from the airport. You will have to join online groups of AIESEC trainees in Uganda, to «like» Facebook page, Google group and all other social networks to connect to other trainees and also to plan, invite and be invited for social events around the network. Customs and immigration officials are polite and efficient, and visa - for those who require one
- can be purchased on the spot at Entebbe International Airport or at any overland border. Foreign exchange and ATM facilities are available at the airport, which is also serviced by several shops and restaurants. Don’t forget to pick up a free copy of «The Eye Magazine», the insider’s guide to Uganda.
Wish you a pleasant flight!
ReceptionBooklet 17
[AIESEC in Uganda]
A
IESEC Uganda is one of the fastest growing entities of AIESEC East Africa and Africa region at all. We have through time expanded our reach and membership and today we boost of a rich membership capacity of at least 150 active members. Our reach and relevancy to the Ugandan society has
stood for more than two decades now. By being an exchange program participant you’re becoming organisation’s ambassador in wherever you go. That’s why you should know AIESEC Way - our organisation’s unique essence, our impact and values, which should guide you through your unique exchange experience.
Local Committees Ndejje University KYU - Kyambogo University UMU - Uganda Martyrs University UCU - Uganda Christian University MUK - Makerere University Kampala MUBS - Makerere University Business School MUST - Mbarara University of Science and Technology
Brief timeline of AIESEC in Uganda: 1994: AIESEC is initiated in Uganda at Makerere University 1996: AIESEC in Uganda earns full membership status 2003: First time to achieve 10 exchanges (7 incoming + 3 outgoing) 2004: A second Local Committees is established at Makerere University Business School (MUBS) 2009: Four new Local Committees are established 2010: First time we will achieve 100 exchanges (39 incoming + 21 outgoing, as of May 1st)
Expect us to:
• give you reception booklet and all the information, give you contacts of AIESEC leaders in Uganda. • send you an invitation letter to support your visa application. • pickup at airport (someone will pick you up) • integrate you in the Ugandan society, answer your questions • assist in settling in by assigning you a buddy who shall take you around shopping, answer your questions, follow up, escort you to work on the first day • help with expectation setting • social invitations, help with accommodation • continuous support
We expect you to:
• be flexible and open minded • share your flight details and expectations • do your part the best of your abilities • research about AIESEC, the host organization, project issue, prior to coming • talk to us let us know how we can help • initiate ideas and participate in our social events and other events
18 ReceptionBooklet
[contacts] National Team Paul Kazibwe
Member Committee President
Anna Leth Clante
VP Incoming Global Internship Programme
+256 776 525 084 kaz.paul@aiesec.net +256 793 334 062 anna.clante@aiesec.net
Emmanuel Waiswa
+256 774 178 968 emmanuel.waiswa@aiesec.net
Aurelie Duchateau
+256 784 610 207 aurelie.duchateau@aiesec.net
VP Incoming Global Community Development Programme VP Talent Management and Outgoing Exchange Programmes
Tom Kalyesubula
VP Product and Business Development
Bright Mugabe
VP External Relations and Public Relations
Tamba Mame Boubakar
VP Finance and Legality Administration
Dmytro Sopronchuk
VP Local Committee Development and Communications
+256 779 222 883 tom.kalyesubula@aiesec.net +256 777 598 837 bright.mugabe@aiesec.net +265 784 766 569 tamba.mame@aiesec.net +256 781 456 199 dmytro.sopronchuk@aiesec.net
Local Committee Presidents Innocent Onika
KYU (Kyambogo University)
+256 784 428 671 innocent.atubo@aiesec.net
Joseph Kiiza
+256 785 711 649 joseph.kiiza@aiesec.ne
Nikos Amofa
+256 777 006 896 nikos.amofa1@aiesec.net
Peter Magala
+256 789 735 150 magala.peters@aiesec.net
MUK (Makerere University Kampala) MUBS (Makerere University Business School) UCU (Uganda Christian University)
Benard Ochieng
+256 775 694 761 ochieng.benard@aiesec.net
Elia Kamugisha
+256 701 690 193 kamugisha.elia@aiesec.net
Ndejje University
MUST (Mbarara University of Science and Technology)
Chris Kibirige
UMU (Uganda Martyrs University)
+256 702 739 548 kibilge@hotmail.com
ReceptionBooklet  19