Info on Coming to Cherish
We are so excited you are coming to Cherish Uganda! Your experience will be one to remember for a lifetime. It will be beautiful; you will see and experience people and things you never have before and our greatest hope is that God’s transforming power will make you even more like Him. Trips like the one you are about to embark on have a way of changing your life. So, we hope your time in Uganda will do just that!
Below is some information, which will be important for you to know. This is in no way a comprehensive “I am ready to go to Uganda” checklist. The things you will find here are strictly logistical. Spiritual preparation is also very important. If your pastor or church does not offer this please let us know and we will help you. However, you will be receiving weeks before you come, a 10-Day Countdown guide that will guide you in the Word and in prayer. This will be very helpful to ready you before you journey to Africa.
If you have any questions after reading this please don’t hesitate to ask. We want to make sure all of your questions are answered.
INTRODUCTION TO CHERISH UGANDA
‘Cherish Uganda’ is a Ugandan charitable initiative set up by Cherish A Child, a UK charity under the auspices of Christian Growth International – a group of UK-based churches – working informally with the Mildmay Hospital and Mildmay Paediatric Care Centre. Mildmay is an HIV/AIDS specialist hospital & treatment center.
There are estimated to be 150,000 orphans with HIV/AIDS in Uganda. Orphans w/HIV/Aids are generally excluded from anti-retroviral therapy/drug programmes (ART) because they do not have the close care and supervision required for this regime. Orphanages in Uganda generally will not knowingly take HIV+ children into their care. Thus such children are abandoned. And yet with ART these children are likely to enjoy full and active lives, probably into late adulthood, possibly as long as the average adult.
Cherish Uganda’s purpose is specifically to plug this gap by constructing a village community for up to 200 orphans and abandoned children infected with HIV/AIDS, accommodated in small, traditional home units run by local, trained house-parents, thus enabling them to receive ART, and to live to adulthood. The initial parents were trained by Watoto, who have 15 years experience in running villages mostly for those orphaned through HIV/AIDS. Our project is located on 21 acres adjacent to Lake Victoria in Bulega Village, near Entebbe. The project includes an organic, sustainable ‘model’ farm, to ensure excellent nutrition, and to generate a cross-subsidy. The site’s education program will integrate a livelihoods program for older children, to equip them for controlled re-entry into independent living in late teens and into a work environment.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Please contact Alexandra Hewitt by email (mycherishedlifeug@gmail.com) to discuss suitable dates for your visit before making any firm plans. Your experience will be more beneficial if you have an idea as to what you are wanting to do during your visit, and what the needs here at Cherish are at the time. We need to talk through this at an early stage to ensure that your time here is beneficial to both Cherish and yourself. If you are wanting to bring a team it would be advisable to include them in early discussions.
GENERAL
Uganda is known as the `Pearl of Africa’ and while civil war has destroyed much of its infrastructure, it is still a beautiful land. Apart from some dry areas to the northeast, a lot of the country is very green and fertile. It sits astride the equator bordered by Sudan to the North, Kenya to the East, Tanzania and Rwanda to the South and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the West. The Southeast corner of Uganda is part of Lake Victoria. Uganda covers an area approximately the size of the UK, or the state of Oregon, and has a population of around 33 million, of whom about 1.4 million live in Kampala, the capital.
CLIMATE
Uganda has an equatorial climate which is tempered by its elevation (1153 m, 3782 ft). In most parts the maximum daily temperature is between 20°C (68°F) and 27° (80°F) and the minimum is between 12°C (54°F) and 18°C (64°F). Most parts receive an average annual rainfall of 1,000mm (40 in.) and 2,000mm (80 in.). The wet seasons are approximately mid-September to November and from March to May. However, in western Uganda it can rain at almost any time of year.
LANGUAGE
The official language is English, which is spoken as a second language by most educated Ugandans. The local language in the Cherish Uganda locality is Luganda.
POLITICS
Uganda gained independence from Britain in 1962. Since then up to one million people have been slaughtered during 20 years of intermittent civil war under brutal dictatorship of Idi Amin and Milton Obote. The current president, Yoweri Museveni, has led the country since 1986 and is working hard to rebuild the country’s economy and infrastructure. This growth is very evident in the south but the north of the country is still hindered by some rebel activity, although negotiations are now taking place. The president’s wife claims to be a born again Christian.
TIME
Uganda is 3 hours ahead of GMT & 10 hours ahead of PST.
SECURITY
Uganda has been an acceptably safe destination since 1986. The main threats come from the malaria parasite and car accidents, except for the northwest of the country. Uganda is regarded as one of the most crime-free countries in Africa for visitors. Mugging is comparatively rare, and petty theft relatively unusual. However, keep a close watch on your possessions in crowded places, with the bulk of any money kept hidden. Any jewelery or items of sentimental value are best left at home.
PASSPORTS
Make sure your passport will be valid for at least 12 months past your travel dates. Also, make two copies of your passport – one to carry with you at all times and one to leave behind with your family. Upon arrival, we will put your original passport in our safe.
GETTING INTO THE COUNTRY
You will receive an immigration form on the last leg of your flight. You will need the following information:
– “Number of persons traveling on your passport” – 0
– “Purpose of travel” – 5
– “Physical address while in Uganda” – PO Box 150, Garuga Rd., Plot 63, Bulega Village, Tel. # 0778746706
– Hotel – Cherish Uganda
– Contact Person – Leah Phillips
– Fill everything else out the best you can (Don’t stress over it)
Once you get off the plane you will follow everyone to immigration. Go to the lines which are marked “Visa”. You will present the immigration officer with the form mentioned above, passport, yellow fever vaccination card and a $50 bill that is crisp and not older than 2000. The officer will then stamp your passport with a 30-day visa. You will proceed to Baggage Claim and head to the exit. In regards to customs, you probably won’t have anything to declare as long as you are just bringing in normal household goods that you aren’t going to sell. Go through the glass doors and you will find our smiling faces there to pick you up. Cherish is approximately 30 minutes drive from the airport.
CULTURE
Ugandan culture values the community and all that goes with that… people visit each other frequently, place a higher value on the person than on the task at hand, finish their conversation before they rush for the next meeting, and treat elders and those in authority with respect.
A few things to keep in mind…
- Make sure you greet people (if possible in their own language) and give them adequate time and attention.
- In Christian circles people will pray before eating or drinking anything – don’t just dive in!
- Always wash your hands before you eat.
- It is OK to decline food, as people are tolerant of each other’s different religious requirements.
- Make sure that you show due respect to those in authority and those who are older than yourself.
- Be discrete if you want to drink alcohol. Born again Christians in Uganda think that it’s a sin to drink alcohol and a sign that you are not a Christian. Alcoholism is rife in Ugandan society (the most per capita of any country in the world) and drunkenness a major contributor to the spread of AIDS.
- Smoking is also not accepted within the Christian community, and looked down upon in the overall culture as well.
Kampala is an international city and so dress codes are more relaxed than in other parts of Africa. Ladies, it is OK to wear trousers, or pants, anywhere in the city but you will need to wear long skirts (below the knee) at Cherish and in other villages. It is OK for ladies to wear shorts in the home you are staying in or playing sports. Sleeveless dresses are also OK but please don’t wear tops that are very clingy or show your middle. This culture loves fashion and it is encouraged to bring what you already own.
You should be careful about taking photographs of public buildings, e.g. at the airport, government, police or the like. Always ask before taking someone’s photograph.
WHAT TO PACK
– Sunscreen
– Toiletries
– Bug Spray
– Snacks – Dried fruits and nuts, powdered Gatorade for water bottles, etc.
– Money – Bring $50 and $100 bills that are all newer than the year 2000. Make sure they are in good condition, no wrinkles, tears, stains, etc.
– Men’s Clothing – Bring comfortable clothing that you would normally wear at home. For a church service you will need some khakis and a button down shirt with a collar.
– Women’s Clothing – You also can bring what you would normally wear at home, except your shorts and skirts must go to the knee. A dress is needed for a church service.
– Tennis shoes and flip flops
– Towel (to be left behind) preferably navy, brown or sage
– Light sweater or sweatshirt
– One piece modest bathing suit and beach towel
– Typically your airline will allow you two pieces of luggage weighing 50 lbs. each. Ideally, one suitcase would be for your personal items and the second one for items that are needed for Cherish. We will let you know what items are needed.
ELECTRICITY
Voltage is supposed to be 220-240V AC, 50 Hz (as in most of Europe) and normally the sockets are the UK standard 3 square pin type. If you bring 110 V appliances you will need to purchase adapters.
As there are frequent power cuts you should ensure that you have a torch (flashlight) with you. In the evening it gets dark at about 7:00 pm.
WATER
Tap water is not safe to drink and must be boiled or filtered first. It is generally safe to drink tap water freshly boiled in a kettle. You do not need to use filtered water for cooking. Just remember – NEVER DRINK WATER STRAIGHT FROM THE TAP – keep your fridge stocked with bottles of filtered water. Bottled water can be purchased at reasonable prices.
STAYING HEALTHY
The main health risks in Kampala are:
- Bilharzia
- Various stomach complaints of which typhoid and cholera can be serious
- Malaria
VACCINATIONS
Go to: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/uganda.aspx This website will give you all the information you will need in regards to the shots you will need. We recommend getting as many of these shots at your regular doctor as possible and the rest through a travel medicine clinic. The more shots you are able to get at your regular doctor, the cheaper it will be. You should allow 4 –6 weeks before your trip for the vaccinations.
Bilharzia is contracted from contact with water infected with parasites. The parasites are carried by water snails, so fast-flowing water is usually safe, but lake water is not. All of Lake Victoria is infected, including the shoreline of the islands. If you go on a boat, it is good to wear rubber boots and some protection is given by insect repellent sprays. If you fall in, watch out for symptoms of tiredness and get tested if you feel unwell. Bilharzia affects your kidneys and bladder, so blood in the urine is one symptom.
Stomach upsets are prevented by paying attention to food hygiene, and being careful about where you eat.
Fruit you have washed and peeled yourself, and hot foods, should be safe but raw foods, cold cooked foods, salads, fruit salads which have been prepared by others, ice-cream and ice are all risky. Foods kept lukewarm in hotel buffets are often dangerous.
Never drink the fresh, unboiled milk, which is sold in roadside stalls, as there is a serious risk of brucellosis and the likelihood of contamination with dirt. However, pasteurized milk is available in supermarkets and this is safe to drink without further treatment.
Cover all food to prevent flies and other bugs getting into it.
Malaria is not common in Kampala but is prevalent in other parts of the country. It is a dangerous disease and can be fatal if not treated quickly. Even if you are taking anti-malarials, get a malaria test as soon as you feel ill. Malaria can usually be treated easily if you take medication before it gets a hold. Don’t mess with it – act fast.
The best way to prevent malaria is to prevent mosquitoes from biting you: wear long sleeves and pants and socks and/or a good insect repellent when you’re outside after sunset. Spray under tables and desks. Don’t leave your outside doors open, especially at night, otherwise you will get mosquitoes inside the house.
Uganda is home to the Mango Fly, which can lay its eggs on your washing. The larva then hatch out and burrow into your skin. It’s a good idea to dry all underwear inside the house, and to iron any laundry that has been dried outside on the washing line in order to kill any eggs. If you get a very itchy spot with two little black dots in it, cover it with Vaseline or a greasy zinc oxide cream and the little maggot can be easily squeezed out. It’s not dangerous, just disgusting!
All of the children at Cherish are HIV positive. We will go over with you how to avoid any infection (Don’t stress about this).
IF YOU GET SICK OR NEED EMERGENCY TREATMENT there are excellent medical facilities available at:
The Surgery, 2 Acacia Avenue, Kololo. Tel +256 414 256003,
24hour emergency service +256 752 756003,
Ambulance service +256 752 756003
Victoria Medical Centre, Entebbe Tel +256 414320956/+256 312263713
24-hour emergency service
TRANSPORT
Within Uganda public transport is essentially by road. Local public transport is mostly by taxis, which regularly travel along the Entebbe-Kampala road. They have no set times, simply leaving when they are full, and picking passengers up along the way. Most places within the Kampala region are accessible by taxi. Within towns there are taxis known as special hire, which are more expensive, but will take you exactly where you wish to go (fares should be negotiated before you leave for your destination). Another popular form of public transport is the boda-boda (motorbike/moped taxis), which is useful for short trips, with negotiable fares.
Cherish has a vehicle which may possibly be available for journeys, but is primarily for the needs of the children and staff of Cherish. If you are bringing a team you may want to consider hiring a vehicle and driver for any longer journeys you want to make. We will discuss your transportation options with you.
COMMUNICATIONS
There is a very reliable and relatively cheap mobile phone system, which may be useful for keeping in touch with other team members, as well as friends and family back home if necessary. Cheap phones are easily purchased here for about $40. If you choose to bring your own phone you will need to ensure that your phone is unlocked (this should be done before you come), and obtain a local SIM card.
Wireless Internet is available at our present location, so you are welcome to bring a wireless enabled laptop with you. Be warned that the Internet here will not be as fast as you are used to.
The post office is reliable, but not very fast. It usually takes 2+ months to receive a package.
SHOPPING
It is possible to buy many things in Uganda, although it may necessitate a visit to Kampala if a specific or specialized item is needed. Daily necessities can generally be obtained from small local shops. If buying fruit or vegetables from a local market it is customary to bargain, although some shopkeepers will ask for the right price initially. It’s useful to have some idea what a fair price is before you start negotiating.
There are several places where you can buy local craft products, especially in tourist areas. When buying from these traders it is essential to bargain – ask the price at several stalls before starting to bargain so that you have some idea of a reasonable price.
MISC
Address: We are located at Akaloosa Childrens Village, Bulega, Garuga Rd, Wakiso District. (Off the Entebbe – Kampala road, about 10 km from Entebbe).
Telephone contact: Leah Phillips +256 778746706
Currency: The currency of Uganda is the Shilling (Ushs). The current (March 2012) rate of exchange is approximately 3,900 Ushs per £, or 2,400 Ushs per US$. Shillings cannot be obtained outside Uganda. We will help you with all your money exchanges. ATMs are available, mostly in Kampala, but several along the main road, but they do not take all cards. If you are bringing cash to exchange you will get a better rate if you bring large bills. US bills dated prior to 2000, will not be accepted for exchange. Credit cards are rarely accepted in Uganda, apart from upmarket hotels and restaurants.
Please ensure that you have either sufficient cash with you for your stay, or the funds available to access via an ATM. Cards with the Visa symbol are the most accepted.
Travel insurance: You are advised to obtain travel insurance to cover medical and other emergencies. One we have used in the past is Medex. (www.medexassist.com).
Visas: A visa is required for entry into Uganda. Single entry visas can be obtained on arrival in Entebbe at a cost of $50.
Flexibility is key. This is Africa and some things will meet expectations and go as planned and some things won’t – actually many things won’t.
Drink lots of water, starting two days before departure.
Please remember that you may be the only contact that someone has with Cherish Uganda, so please act as our ambassadors when interacting with others.
USEFUL WEBSITES
www.ugandahighcommission.co.uk for information on Uganda
www.visituganda.com for possible tourist trips
www.theeye.co.ug for up-to-date inf. On restaurants, shopping, activities and entertainment)
http://www.monitor.co.ug/ for local news coverage
Lastly, we need a quick bio to be sent to Leah (loveperiod@gmail.com) 60 days before your trip with the following information on each team member: Name, age, what you hope to get from this trip, what you hope to give while on this trip, spiritual gifts, special gifts or talents, previous employment, biggest fear, favorite Bible verse, food allergies or request (vegetarian), health and other international trips you have taken.
We look forward to serving alongside of you and having a front row seat to what God is going to do in and through your life. Please do NOT hesitate to contact us for anything. We are here for you and know trips like these, while they are exciting can be full of questions. And we all know the great saying…that no question is too dumb (or small, or silly) to ask.