Community Development in Uganda
- Tentative dates: June 28–July 12, 2026
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
Join the Summer 2026 Uganda Field Course! 
Experience community-led development in action in Uganda! From Kampala to the Source of the Nile to the post-conflict recovery initiatives in Lira and Gulu, this field-based residential course immerses students in real-world examples of how communities are leading change.
Led by Research Faculty and Alumnus: Firew Kefyalew & Dr. Anthony Kadoma
Tentative agenda includes visits to Makerere University, first-hand experiences with youth-led health initiatives, conservation sites, and cultural centers — all rooted in SEED-SCALE principles of evidence-based, locally-driven action.
On this residential course you will:
- Learn about everyday efforts citizens make to improve their standards of living
- Learn about Government of Uganda’s efforts to create wealth for the citizens since 1995-2026 and beyond
- Witness community efforts to environmental conservation through collective action and the use of human energy
- Experience the different cultures and traditions in Uganda through music, dance, and drama to relate with students’ own traditions.
- Find time to reflect and relate what is happening in Uganda with the student’s community and country
- Recommend practical ways to improve standards of living while maintaining a human-nature balance
Select Site Visit Partners
IIRR (International Institute for Rural Reconstruction)
IIRR strives to achieve the mission of empowering rural people to build resilient communities and attain socioeconomic equity through creative and community-led action.
Komamboga Community Health Care
Uganda has made several strides in improving the health status of the citizens, though access to quality healthcare is still a challenge due to infrastructural and human resource inadequacies. During this visit, the students will be introduced to community health, and experience first-hand a Ugandan context.
Lutembe Wetland Users Association and/or Mabamba Wetland
These two wetlands are on the shores of Lake Victoria. Lake Victoria is the world’s largest freshwater lake, covering three countries of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania as well as the source of the River Nile.
Thrive Gulu Community Based Organization
Gulu and the Acholi region were at the epicenter of the Lord’s Resistance Movement headed by Joseph Kony. Thrive Gulu is a trauma recovery organization prioritizing the unique needs of women and girls’ survivors of violence.
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Tentative Schedule in Uganda
- June 28 - July 3 | In and around Kampala
Visit IIRR, Komamboga Community Health Care, and other organizations in and around Kampala
- July 3 – 5 | Jinja and Lira
Travel to Lira District and stop at Jinja Source of the Nile. Learn about community efforts to recover from the Lord Resistance Army war.
- July 5 - 8 | Gulu
Drive north to Gulu to meet with James Latigo, ’14, to learn about his work in peacebuilding in the region.
- July 8 – 11 | Kampala
Return to Kampala, stopping by the Rhino Sanctuary at Nakasongola on the way. Back in Kampala, there will be time for individual exploration and student presentations. On July 11, celebrate a commencement ceremony with new and recent Future Generations University graduates.
- July 12
Departure back home
*Dates and schedule subject to change
Course Instructors
DR. ANTHONY KADOMA
FIREW KEFYALEW
Firew Kefyalew is an Ethiopian with over 30 years of experience in program/project development/management, capacity building, teaching, research & documentation, counseling, and leadership in multi-cultural environments. He received a B.A. degree in Educational Psychology from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, in 1985; and a M.A. in Educational Psychology from the same university in 1994. He also holds a diploma in organization development consulting (2000).
Dates
June 28 – July 12, 2026 (in Uganda)
Cost
Current Future Generations University Students^
Non-students
Cost is based on a minimum of 15 students.
^Thanks to a generous donor, program costs for current Future Generations University students will be covered in shared accommodations. Students pay only for academic credits at the same rate as other courses.
^^Single accommodations may not be available at all locations.
What is included:
- Group transportation for group activities for the duration of the program
- Accommodation in shared rooms. Single rooms, where available, are an additional cost.
- A full program of academic activities and site visits
- All group meals within Uganda
- Gratuities (tips) for group meals and activities
What is not included:
- Travel between your home and Kampala, Uganda
- Passport and visa costs
- Meals taken on your own and gratuities at those meals
- Items of a personal nature, such as toiletries, clothing, snacks, etc.
- Anything not specifically listed as included above or in the itinerary
Deadline Information
Registration deadline: May 1, 2026
Tuition due by: June 1, 2026
In planning your own future, you have an opportunity to support a just and equitable future for generations to come. One way to provide for Future Generations in your will is an outright bequest of cash, securities, real estate, or tangible personal property. You may give a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or a particular piece of real estate or other property.