Clothing In Uganda
Items indicated with * are those things which are available in Masaka. Hence, if you are short on space or heavy on weight, you might choose to purchase them once you arrive in Uganda. Of course, there are markets with lots of used clothing so if you don’t bring a certain article of clothing and discover a need for it, you can always find it in the market! Most toiletries are available in supermarkets but if you are brand loyal, you might want to consider bringing enough for your whole trip. Insect repellent, anti-itch ointments (Benadryl, Calamine lotion, etc) and medications are best brought from home.
Clothing:
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Long sleeve shirts (for evening, light colors are a good idea)
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Hiking pants (comfortable, light-weight, fast-drying)
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Warm-up pants, jogging pants, tear-aways, etc
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Socks
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Underwear
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Shorts
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Skirts (they are comfortable in the heat and culturally acceptable if below the knees)
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Cool, comfortable T-shirts
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One ‘nice’ outfit (for church or other, should still maintain a high comfort level)
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A warm fleece (evenings, especially in the wet season when it gets cool at night)
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Something comfortable to sleep in (temperature will range from uncomfortably hot to cool at night, depending on time of year)
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Comfortable shoes (hiking boots, running shoes, sports sandals)
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Baseball cap/sun hat/bandana (protection from the sun)
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Rain gear (possibly Gore-Tex, depending on the season of travel)
Keep in mind that you need to be comfortable. It will likely be very hot and you have to hand-wash all of your clothes. Hence, heavier, hard-to-wash items are not recommended. In most circumstances, it is acceptable for women to wear tank tops, but discretion needs to be used. Ask if you are unsure. Opened-toed shoes/sandals are almost always acceptable and are worn by most locals and visitors. However, be aware that you will susceptible to a lot of dust and may invite jiggers. So, its better to wear clothed toe shoes outdoors.
As with most countries, the acceptable practices for clothing depend on specific location and culture. Travel to any town center, including Jinja, is considered an event worthy of dressing in your best, neatly pressed clothes. You may want to bring sunglasses, a hat, and a lightweight sweater/jacket for the evenings or rainy weather. Following are suggestions to avoid causing offense in your choice of clothing.
Women’s
Masaka and Kampala are becoming more progressive and women can be seen wearing trousers, but in rural villages, this may actually be seen as an invitation to prostitution. Our best recommendation to women is that trousers are acceptable, but shorts for holidays or outings should not be worn. If you feel you must wear shorts, we recommend you never wear them off the base compound, as exposing the thigh is considered offensive and/or suggestive. Women in Uganda typically wear skirts or dresses, with the thighs always being covered, and with underskirts obscuring the outline of legs.
Men’s
Men do wear shorts, but these typically cover the thighs, unless they are on sports teams in current, active play.
Shoes
Sandals are typical in Uganda, for both men and women. A sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes that can look nice in dusty or muddy conditions is most helpful. In addition, the volunteer cordinator will help you find a pair of house slippers (“flip-flops”) for you to wear around the house. These are more comfortable and easier to clean than a full pair of sandals. |
What We Do
URF operate: an orphanage, a vocational high school, after school programs, women empowerment programs, child sponsorship, and many more.
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About Us
URF is a 501(c)(3) charity registered in Uganda, USA, and Canada. We focus on education, health, and community development in the most rural areas of Uganda.
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News and Events
- Community Empowerment Seminar attended by 600 people
- 3 new homes built for child headed families.
- Men's group launched.
- Agriculture workshop for August. Business training workshop set for Sept.
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