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UW Mobile Clinics & Health Care in Uganda

Three students led through a farm by a guide. One student is balancing a basket on their head and is smiling at the camera.
Two rows of students wearing red shirts make "W"s with their hands.

Please be advised that this program goes to a country under a current Level 3 Travel Advisory. This program has been approved for travel following the policy outlined in UW-Madison’s “International Travel Policy.”

Uganda, Mukono

The UW Mobile Clinics & Health Care in Uganda program is offered by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) in partnership with IAP.

Mobile health clinics are used widely in both the developing world and in underserved portions of more affluent countries. Some clinics provide “just” primary medical care (some combination of treatment of basic health problems and preventive care such as prenatal checkups), while others provide both primary care and health education (for example: sessions with information about water treatment for disease prevention). Though more evaluation remains to be done, the potential for mobile clinics to serve a basic role in public health by removing barriers to access of medical care is obvious.

The Uganda Mobile Clinic Program focuses on creating and implementing mobile clinics in the Lweza and Mukono communities and the surrounding Mukono District of Uganda. In partnership with the municipal health office, the district Mukono Health Center 4 (HC4), with school and community leaders, participants on this program work to inform local students and parents about where clinics will be held and what services they can and cannot provide. UW Madison students have the opportunity to observe and assist when appropriate Ugandan physicians, health officers, nurses and other health care providers. 

You will also engage in service-learning activities that further connect you with the community, including health education sessions focused on nutrition and its role in patient outcomes, and a garden project that will help teach connections between agricultural production, diet and well-being, as well as the impact of agriculture and nutrition on the public health sector in Uganda.

The program is made possible by energetic participation and support from many community and school groups including the Lweza community and area primary schools, local and regional health authorities including Mukono HC4 and the Mukono District Health Office, the in-country service provider Uganda Trails and Tours, and a local support organization called Village Health Project-Uganda. Students will visit Mulago Hospital, the National Referral Hospital. 

Department of Biochemistry article: Uganda Program Inspires Students to Pursue Health and Service Careers

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Compare and contrast US and Ugandan health care systems
  • Describe three factors that impact Ugandans’ ability to address their healthare needs
  • Explain the importance of mobile clinics in helping people in rural Uganda to access affordable health care and to address their health concerns
  • List and describe three of the most common health concerns identified by students and community members
  • Outline the interactions and outcomes of health care providers in Uganda with their patients
  • Articulate the United States’ role in Uganda, with special attention to efforts addressing health issues
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and comparative perspectives with respect to experiences or cultural approaches to international challenges

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • It is helpful but not required to have completed a global health core course (PHS 370, MHB 213, or NS 203).
  • 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

UW Signature

Subjects

Public Health, Community Development, Quality Improvement, Mobile Delivery of Health Services

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Guesthouse

Program Duration

Summer: Early August - Late August

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2026 2/20/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

Spend three weeks in Uganda talking with patients in the company of Ugandan health care professionals. While you will not diagnose or treat, you may work with health care providers and/or other health staff to identify health issues confronting patients and observe the health care professionals’ response to those conditions.

Providers working in the mobile clinic will either use supplies from the clinic to provide treatment or refer patients to hospitals in Uganda’s multi-tiered health system. You will have extensive opportunities to talk with health care providers about their jobs, about the structure of the Ugandan healthcare system, and about the needs of their patients. While program participants do learn about how to provide primary care in a resource-poor setting, program alums say that the opportunities provided to simply sit and talk with Ugandans (especially children and young adults) have been influential in highlighting the role of nutrition, education, agriculture and farming, employment, access to clean water and other non-medical factors in supporting the health of any population.

All participants will be enrolled in three credits of Nutritional Sciences 421. This program is approved as a field experience for the Global Health Certificate and will fulfill the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences International Studies requirement. 

Students will complete preparatory readings, keep a journal, and compose a final paper.

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents

Program Leader

James Ntambi and Solomy Ntambi