Other Frequently Asked Questions
What is appropriate dress?
The easiest way to describe dress expectations is business casual. One factor in our dress is to conform to standards of modesty. This is generally not an issue with our pilgrimage participants. The second factor is professionalism and a reminder that we will primarily be visiting our Ugandan hosts in places of business–Uganda Christian University, schools, health clinics, etc. and so dressing appropriately for those contexts is important.
The following information is developed for students from US universities studying at UCU, and may be helpful.
Finally, as trips are organized and participants confirm their participation, we will share more specific information and can answer questions as needed.
Will we be able to do laundry while there?
We will facilitate laundry one time in the middle of the trip. This will mean paying one of the guesthouses we use to do laundry by hand. Keep this in mind as you pack because hand-washing can stretch clothing and generally be harder than machine washing or dry cleaning. So expensive synthetic fabrics might not be the best choice for items that you want laundered during the trip.
Are visible tattoos OK?
In Uganda, and among Ugandans generally, tattoos are not common or appreciated. However, Uganda receives many visitors from the U.S. and graciously accepts tattoos as one of our many differences. Being dressed professionally (dress “smart” as they say in Uganda) will go a long way towards communicating respect for their culture, and especially when tattoos cannot be covered. It is best to have a number of outfits that can cover tattoos, especially for worship services and rural settings.
How can I purchase things in Uganda?
We suggest one of two options:
- Bring cash in USD 100 bills that are crisp, unmarked and from year 2009 or newer (those that have the blue 3D security ribbon). Other bills will bring a lower exchange rate.
- Bring a debit card for ATM withdrawals and ensure that your bank has approved it for use in Uganda.
How can I communicate with friends & family in the US while in Uganda?
If regular communication is important, we recommend you ensure access to an international data plan through your US cellular carrier.
There will be wifi at many places we stay, but the speeds are much slower than the US and availability is not as reliable.
If you have work or personal need to have certain internet access at certain times during the trip, please discuss this with Mark ahead of time.
How I can charge electronics while in Uganda?
Uganda uses 220V electricity (rather than the 110V used in the US). Most cell phones and laptops can receive 220V electricity, which means you will only need a plug adapter and not a voltage converter. Our recommendation is that you do not bring a laptop unless necessary. If you bring a laptop, you might want to consider a surge protector. Otherwise, you will only need a Type G plug adapter–the outlet plugs are the same in Uganda as they are in the UK.
Amazon option.
What is the general age range of participants?
We have had participants from 15 years old to 70+ years old.
For younger participants, the most significant consideration probably revolves around their ability to participate in a trip that is focused on learning and exploration of their own faith journey. While we are active every day, those activities are not designed specifically for middle school or high school students, but are designed for anyone who has a level of interest and curiosity about how God is working in Uganda through God’s Church and God’s people.
For older participants, the most significant consideration is probably in relation to general health and, specifically, to mobility. While you can participate in the trip without walking long distances, our daily activities will require walking on uneven ground, loose gravel, slopes and other circumstances not typical in daily life in the US.
If you have more questions about the age, maturity level, physical capability or general health for a potential participant, please do not hesitate to reach out.
What is the travel to/from Uganda like?
In short, it is long! Generally the air travel portion takes at least 24 hours! One common route is from a major hub in the US to Brussels or Amsterdam (approximately an 8 hour flight); then a layover of 2-4 hours; then a flight to Uganda (approximately 8-9 hours). Other routes may go though Doha (Qatar), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Istanbul (Turkey), or Addis Ababa (Ethiopia).