If you're ready for something bigger, we have a place where you belong.
The application process begins by selecting a service model and finding an open position.
If you are flexible in where you serve for the two-year Peace Corps Volunteer program, our experts can match you with a position and country based on your experience and preferences.
Serve where you’re needed most
Uganda • Africa
In partnership with: Community-based organizations, secondary schools, non-governmental organizations
Applications are now closed. View current openings.
Community groups across Uganda are ready to improve their lives through entrepreneurship and micro-finance activities. You can supercharge their efforts.
Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world, with more than 78% of the population under the age of 35. Despite investments in youth-focused opportunities, the unemployment rates remain alarmingly high with many young people trapped in a cycle of poverty. There is a pressing demand for comprehensive programs that empower young Ugandans to establish their own income-generating activities and prepare for a success career.
As an Economic Empowerment Advisor, you will support groups to improve their savings, develop micro-enterprises, and acquire skills that strengthen their employability. Working alongside community members, you will identify and launch income-generating activities, such as beekeeping and soap making, as well as jam and juice making.
Learn more about what Volunteers do in country by visiting our Uganda project page.
Qualified candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:
Competitive candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:
• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any business or related discipline
OR
• 5 years professional experience in business management
Language: There are no pre-requisite language requirements for this position.
These competencies are essential for all service assignments and are assessed in the application and interview process:
Motivation for and commitment to service
Adaptability and open-mindedness
Problem solving and resourcefulness
Behavioral maturity and professionalism
How you and the community will make an impact together:
Mobilize new and existing community groups to identify and pursue sustainable, income-generating activities.
Plan and facilitate trainings on financial literacy and marketing topics.
Support groups to improve savings and access low-interest credit.
Boost agricultural productivity through environmental activities, such as irrigation, water harvesting, and tree planting.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as nutrition education, malaria prevention, and life skills for youth development.
Volunteers in Uganda live in peri-urban or rural areas, including villages, towns, school campuses, and clinic compounds.
Learn more about the living conditions, including detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and health/crime statistics on our Uganda country page. You can also delve into stories about local communities by reading our blog or Volunteer stories.
Medical-Surgical Nurse Educator
"I have been working hard to learn what my students need, and to help them, and I am seeing results. This week I received a text from a student thanking me for being an inspiration and inviting more mentorship—you can imagine how good that made me feel."
See full Volunteer profile
As an Economic Empowerment Advisor, you will be trained on microcredit mobilization, community analysis, and project design and implementation.
After 10 weeks of training, you will move to a peri-urban or rural community where you will collaborate with community members to identify and launch income-generating activities using available resources.
Only heterosexual couples can be accepted for this program. Each person must apply separately and qualify for a position in a different sector than their partner. Couples will live together during training but may separate occasionally for field-based activities. Cohabitating couples are highly encouraged to present themselves as married throughout service due to cultural expectations.
To learn more about serving as a couple in Uganda, visit the country page.
From application to departure takes around nine months. Learn about the application process for Volunteer opportunities.
You will need to be cleared medically and legally in order to serve in Uganda. Review information on medical clearance and legal clearance to learn about the process.