Uganda Lodge, Ntungamo, Uganda

Locations

Ruhanga, South West Uganda

Elective Options
Clinical
Usual Capacity

4 Spaces

Cost & Dates

4-week placement: £225 per week

(total £900)

Additional weeks: £200 per week

Booking fee:

from £200

Subject Areas

Medicine

Surgery

Paediatrics

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Emergency & Outpatients

Community Health

Public Health (limited)

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This elective is based with Stand on Your Own (SOYO) at Uganda Lodge in Ruhanga, Ntungamo District. Students divide their time between the District General Hospital and the on-site McNeil Medical Centre, gaining experience across medicine, surgery, paediatrics, O&G and community health.

Uganda Lodge provides simple, friendly accommodation with three meals a day and daily transport to placement. The rural setting offers a welcoming community atmosphere with access to weekend trips such as Lake Bunyonyi, safaris, and gorilla trekking.

This placement suits students looking for a broad, generalist elective in a supportive environment, with opportunities to engage in both clinical and community activities.

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Students split their time between the District General Hospital in Ntungamo and the McNeil Medical Centre at Uganda Lodge. A typical week includes ward rounds, outpatient clinics, theatre time (where available) and community outreach when running.

You will usually work Monday to Friday, with optional weekend activities arranged locally. Daily transport is provided from the Lodge to the hospital. Students are encouraged to be proactive, follow local guidance and only work within their level of training.

English is widely spoken within the clinical team, and supervision is provided by medical officers, consultants and senior staff across the hospital and community clinic.

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Students complete their elective in one main discipline for the full 4-week period. You can choose to focus on Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology or Emergency/Outpatients, depending on availability at the District General Hospital and the McNeil Medical Centre.

Within your chosen area, you’ll join ward rounds, clinics and relevant activities, gaining a clear understanding of how care is delivered in a rural district setting. Community health work may also be available alongside your main discipline.

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Students stay at Uganda Lodge, a friendly volunteer base attached to Ruhanga Development School. Most rooms are simple but comfortable, with ensuite facilities and hot and cold running water. You may be allocated a shared room with one other student, or you can request a single room for a small supplement.

Three cooked meals are provided each day in the communal dining area, and a laundry service is available. Vegetarian diets can be catered for, please let us know in advance if you have any specific dietary requirements.

The Lodge has a relaxed social atmosphere with a bar, pool and darts, and an evening firepit, as well as outdoor space with views across the surrounding hills. It is a welcoming base for meeting other students and joining optional activities around the school and local community.

Water is either bottled or filtered, and all bathrooms have flush toilets and running water.

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Uganda Lodge is located in Ruhanga, a small rural village in Ntungamo District in south-west Uganda. The area is surrounded by rolling hills, farms and quiet footpaths, making it ideal for local walks, trekking and camping. The nearest town, Ntungamo, is about 8km away and can be reached easily using Lodge transport.

The Lodge itself has a relaxed social atmosphere, with a bar, pool table, darts and a firepit for evening gatherings. Students often spend free time exploring the surrounding hills or visiting nearby communities.

The region is well placed for weekend trips to some of Uganda’s most famous attractions. From the Lodge, you can arrange:

  • Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park

  • Chimp habituation experiences

  • Lake Bunyonyi

  • Safaris in nearby national parks

  • Batwa community visits

These can all be organised locally through SOYO at student-friendly prices

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Item Details
4-week placement £900 total (£225/week)
Extra weeks £200/week
Single room (optional) £5/night
Availability Year-round

Included: Accommodation, 3 meals/day, daily hospital transport, airport pickup, SIM support, local registration & fees.

Not included: Flights, visa, insurance, vaccines, DBS/reference, weekend trips.

 

 

 

 

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How many students can be on site?
SOYO can host up to 4 FTE students at one time, within a wider volunteer capacity of around 30.

What is the accommodation like?
You’ll stay at Uganda Lodge in simple ensuite or shared rooms, with three meals a day and a laundry service. Single rooms are available for a small extra cost.

Is it safe to go out in the evenings?
Yes, as long as you use Lodge transport and inform SOYO staff where you’re going. Boda bodas (motorbike taxis) are not advised.

Is English spoken in the hospital?
Yes — English is widely spoken by the clinical team. Learning a few words of Runyankole is appreciated.

Can dietary needs be accommodated?
Vegetarian diets can be provided. Other requirements should be discussed in advance.

Is PEP available locally?
An HIV exposure protocol exists, but PEP is not reliably available. Your university may require you to bring your own supply.

Is the placement LGBTQ+ friendly?
Uganda has laws criminalising homosexuality, and open displays of affection (including heterosexual) are discouraged. FTE will discuss safety and suitability individually.

What should I wear?
Modest dress is required outside the Lodge to respect local norms and maintain the reputation of the project.

How do I get to placement each day?
A daily return transfer to the hospital is included in your placement fee.

What’s there to do at weekends?
Popular options include Lake Bunyonyi, gorilla trekking, safaris and cultural visits — all of which can be arranged locally at student rates