Two months fieldwork in Uganda - tips welcome!

hi all,
I'm a Swedish student planning to go to Uganda end of January to do fieldwork for my master's thesis in agroecology. I will be at Uganda Martyr's University in Nkozi, Mpigi district, just west of Kampala, for about 8 weeks (will be me and another girl) and then have a week and a half or so to travel with my boyfriend who's coming down. I'm trying to find out as much as possible before going so I can make the best of it, who knows when I have a chance to come back! I don't know how much free time I will have but I'm hoping some so I would be very grateful for any tips on things to do and see for short trips and also for that last week. Especially things nearby (weekend trips etc.). Also of course will be in Kampala at some point.

Anyone who has been in Uganda for fieldwork or similar (I will mainly be doing interviews) and can share about your experiences?

I love nature & wildlife and have been looking into going to Murchison falls for three days or so, we are on a bit of a budget but I've seen Red Chili Hideaway has a rather affordable option, anyone have experience with them?

Also curious about how money will work.. i'm sure it's easy enough in Kampala but how about the smaller towns? Would I be able to get cash in for example Mpigi (with a visa card) - I know there's a bank there. For the trips at the end my boyfriend can bring $ so that's no problem.

Have a look at Food for Thought which works on agro-ecology with schools in two districts of Uganda, as well as a special school in Kampala.

Hi guys,
Good to post your message before you come to Uganda,get cash before you go because the Banks near the university are not reliable enough,the ATM'S are on and off, it can take you some days before getting money in those village or town banks you carry some cash rather than depending on that ATM'S.....In Kampala ATM'S are fine and reliable.

For Moving around on weekends like going to Murchison falls,queen Elizabeth park,lake mburo park its fine and good because you need to see THE PEARL OF AFRICA......In nkozi university you will be near by the Equator crossing line just 7minutes drive from university to that site.Its the stop over for most of Tourists who come to Uganda and is among the biggest shopping place things like crafts....E.tc.....Going to Queen park you need 3days 2nights via Lake mburo park which is all on western side of Uganda,the same to Murchison falls park 3days 2nights,and this days are enough for all your activities,So you need weekends to go and visit the parks.Red chili is fine for budget people and food is good and delicious.

Posted by Safarigo Uganda.

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thank you both for your replies!