Participant information guide
From Harambee Wiki
Preparing to travel
Flight Itinerary: Please make sure you read your flight itinerary carefully, especially if your flight leaves late at night/early in the morning, so that you don’t go to the airport a day late :).
Visas: For participants who need visas, you can obtain one on arrival at Entebbe Airport at a cost of USD 50. Please ensure that you come with your letter of invitation and the money to pay for the visa. Bellanet Africa will reimburse this expense.
What to Bring:
- If Bellanet Africa is to reimburse you for the flight cost, please make sure you bring the original invoice or receipt for your ticket. Without such documentation, we will be unable to process your reimbursements.
- Your organisation’s annual reports, newsletters and any other information materials that you may wish to share with the group
- Participants are requested to bring along their personal laptops and a flash disk for use during the digital storytelling training. Please let us know in advance in case you cannot bring along a laptop.
- Images/pictures of your organization’s activities, sound files (like music, and/or audio materials) also for use during the digital storytelling training
Workshop Dinner:
There will be a Welcome Dinner on Tuesday 15th January. Please pack some evening wear for the occasion.
Hotel Information
Accommodation: You will be resident at the Protea Hotel Kampala where the workshop will also be held. Protea Hotel is situated in one of the major and historical suburbs of Kololo in Kampala, only 35km from Entebbe Airport. Give your full name to the front desk of the hotel to check in.
Please note that Bellanet Africa will cover your accommodation for only 5 nights. Any extra costs will have to be met by you.
Meals: Your hotel accommodation is inclusive of all meals
Facilities: The hotel has decentralized air-conditioning, a business Center and free wireless Internet Connectivity throughout the establishment. For more information, please visit the hotel website at Protea Hotel Kampala
While in Uganda
Country profile: Uganda is a landlocked country in the Equatorial region of Eastern Africa. It has an area of 233,887sq km. 20% of the country is covered by inland water and swamps. The rest of the country is a mixture of tropical rain forest, savannah and mountains on the western boarders. Kampala City: Kampala is the capital city of Uganda, with a population of 2 million people by day and under one million by night. Kampala is the administrative capital of Uganda but since 1986 it has also assumed commercial and industrial status. Because of these activities the city looks overcrowded; with chronic traffic jams during rush hours.
For more information on Kampala City and Uganda visit The Eye Magazine
Time zone: GMT+3
Country/dial code: 256
Climate and weather: Uganda has a tropical climate with an average annual rainfall of 115mm/45. January is usually dry and relatively hot although changes can be expected at short due to global warming effects.
Light cotton clothes are most suitable for this weather. However, please take note that the conference room is air conditioned and can get very cold. Do bring along a jacket, sweater or scarf when attending the workshop and for use at night.
Medicine and Inoculations: Uganda faces malarial threats. Malaria is a serious disease and may be fatal. It is however preventable by taking a dose of anti-malarial pills as prescribed by the doctor. In case you cannot secure the necessary pills before you travel, they can be obtained locally from the various pharmacies and drug shops in the city. Insect repellents can also come in handy.
Currency: The Uganda Shilling is one of the most stable currencies in Africa. In the past few months it has gained strength against the US Dollar trading at 1710 from 1900.
Forex bureaus are scattered all over the city making it easy for visitors to exchange money. Many big hotels and restaurants also accept payment in foreign currencies especially US dollars, Pounds and Euros.
Electricity: Power supply in Uganda is at 240 Volts. Power surges are intermittent but most buildings are equipped with standby generators in case of power failure. The power sockets in Uganda are compatible with the UK standards.
Transport: Bellanet Africa will provide transport to and from the airport and any local transport related to workshop activities.
Allowances: You will receive a daily subsistence allowance for incidental expenditures.
Contacts: In case of any issues or problems, please get in touch with any of the Bellanet Africa staff on the following numbers:
- Abu: +256 712 2702258
- Jackie: +256 712 983409
- Lillian: +256 712 204335
