(818) 707-5664 | [email protected]

A child smiling in his new wheelchair at a Wheels for the World® outreach

Wheels for the World® Uganda (Jinja)

August 20, 2026 - August 30, 2026

Wheels for the World® provides life-changing mobility and the hope of the Gospel to people living with disabilities worldwide. Join a Wheels for the World outreach to Uganda! Each volunteer plays an essential role during a Wheels for the World outreach. Serve with us in a seating therapist, mechanic, photographer, seamstress, or support role. Every team member will directly impact the lives of people living with disability.

Often referred as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is known for its magnificent landscapes, exceptional wildlife, and diverse people. While most people in Uganda claim a Christian faith, beliefs from animistic tribal religions continue to shape Ugandan culture and influence perceptions of disability, especially in rural areas. People with a physical disability in Uganda sometimes face discrimination.

The cost for this outreach is all-inclusive and covers round-trip economy airfare from any city within the continental United States, visas (if required), in-country transportation, shared accommodations (double occupancy) while in-country, meals while in-country, and a cultural experience. However, any pre-outreach vaccination requirements are the responsibility of each individual traveler. Outreach costs may vary for applicants traveling from outside the 48 contiguous United States. Joni and Friends will adhere to country protocols related to health and safety requirements.

Learn more about our volunteer roles.

This event fills up quickly. If the event is full, you will be added to our waitlist and notified if space becomes available.

Airfare, in-country transportation, meals, and lodging are included in the cost of the event.
*Application does not guarantee attendance to the event.
**Payment is not due at the time of application.

Volunteer Roles

The Team Leader oversees team development, fosters positive team dynamics, ensures faithful financial stewardship, and facilitates the successful achievement of outreach outcomes in collaboration with Joni and Friends, in-country partners, and the outreach team. They prioritize team safety and well-being, manage the distribution process, and interface with other Joni and Friends Partners in-country.

Required Skills

  • Completion of Team Leader training by Joni and Friends Global Operations Staff
  • Heart for the mission of Joni and Friends
  • Demonstrates enthusiasm for sharing the Gospel

Apply Now!

The Seating Therapist must hold a degree in physical therapy or occupational therapy. They apply their expertise in physical and functional assessment to select mobility equipment that optimizes function, comfort, and safety for recipients. They assess the comprehensive needs of the recipient, providing customized modifications as needed and teaching recipients how to properly use the equipment.

The Seating Assistant is a student currently enrolled in or a graduate of a physical therapy or occupational therapy assistant program. They work alongside the Seating Therapist to properly fit recipients with mobility equipment.

Required Skills

  • Formal education as a physical or occupational therapist (or, for Seating Assistant, to be actively enrolled in a professional physical or occupational therapy program)
  • Knowledge of wheelchair seating preferred
  • Strong collaboration skills
  • Heart for the mission of Joni and Friends
  • Demonstrates enthusiasm for sharing the Gospel

The Mechanic adapts mobility equipment based on the unique needs of each recipient. Mechanics are creative thinkers that are skilled in manual work, knowledgeable about tools, and can assemble and disassemble equipment with speed and accuracy. Provide guidance to Mechanic Assistant(s) and Support volunteers in equipment customization.

The Mechanic Assistant is skilled in manual work, knowledgeable about tools, and can assemble and disassemble equipment with speed and accuracy. Works alongside the Mechanic to adapt mobility equipment based on the unique needs of each recipient.

Required Skills

  • Proficiency with tools, including power tools
  • Mechanically inclined
  • Creative problem-solving abilities
  • Strong collaboration skills
  • Heart for the mission of Joni and Friends
  • Demonstrates enthusiasm for sharing the Gospel

Apply Now!

A Support volunteer fills various roles at the outreach based on their unique skillset, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to serve where needed. Support roles may involve assisting with equipment modifications, capturing impact stories, administration, welcoming families to distributions, and/or providing interpretation.

Required Skills

  • Willingness to serve where needed
  • Heart for the mission of Joni and Friends
  • Demonstrates enthusiasm for sharing the Gospel

Apply Now!

A Seamstress / Seamster is skilled at sewing and provides support with wheelchair adaptations and modifications. They collaborate with the Seating Therapist and Mechanic to creatively and uniquely outfit wheelchairs based on each recipient’s needs.

Required Skills

  • Experience operating a sewing machine
  • Ability or willingness to learn to create various items like chest harnesses, cushion covers, and calf straps
  • Heart for the mission of Joni and Friends
  • Demonstrates enthusiasm for sharing the Gospel

Apply Now!

The Photographer captures images to visually communicate the stories and experience of Wheels for the World wheelchair recipients and volunteers. Must be comfortable engaging with participants and adhere to the content requirements as outlined in the Volunteer Photographer Packet. The Photographer will work with a Support Volunteer to make sure written and visual aspects of stories are captured.

Required Skills

  • Prior photography experience
  • Eye for framing and composition
  • Willing to use personal camera equipment
  • Able to filter and remove photos for quality in camera
  • Heart for the mission of Joni and Friends
  • Demonstrates enthusiasm for sharing the Gospel

Apply Now!

Common questions about volunteering on an outreach

Do I need a Visa?2025-10-06T06:46:26-07:00

A visa is an endorsement on a passport indicating that the holder can enter, leave, or stay in a country for a specific period of time. If a Visa is needed for the country you apply for, Joni and Friends will inform you. Visas are included in the total outreach cost provided by Joni and Friends.

Instructions for the visa application process will be provided to all team members by Wheels for the World as the time to purchase airfare approaches.

Will I need any vaccinations to travel?2025-10-06T06:46:56-07:00

Joni and Friends will inform you of any vaccination or testing requirements for travel to the country you have applied for. Other recommended vaccinations should be discussed between you and your physician.

What does the outreach cost cover?2025-10-06T06:47:34-07:00

The outreach cost is all-inclusive, meaning it includes roundtrip economy airfare to and from any city within the continental United States*, visas (if required), in-country transportation, shared accommodations (double room occupancy) while in-country, a cultural experience, and meals while in-country.

The total cost does not include expenses related to vaccinations, passport fees, airport parking, souvenirs, snacks, or any other purchases made prior to the initial departure flight or following the final return flight.

*For volunteers traveling from outside of the continental United States, outreach costs may vary and will be addressed on an individual basis.

When are my outreach costs due?2025-02-04T15:46:50-08:00

Once approved to join the outreach team, you will receive a personalized fundraising link where you and your supporters can donate toward your outreach cost.

A $350 travel deposit will be required upon acceptance. The full outreach cost will be due two weeks prior to the outreach start date.

What happens if I cancel my participation in the outreach?2025-02-04T15:46:50-08:00

Volunteers who cancel their participation in an outreach are obligated to cover all expenses incurred at the time of cancellation, including airfare. Donations given toward a volunteer’s outreach cost are tax deductible and, therefore, non-refundable. Cancelations due to extreme circumstances will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

What does an outreach team look like?2025-02-04T15:46:50-08:00

Our goal is to build a balanced team of both veteran and new volunteers, totaling 14 team members. A team is comprised of a Team Leader, Seating Therapists*/Seating Assistants, Mechanics/Mechanic Assistants, Seamstresses/Seamsters, Support Volunteers, and a Photographer. 

*Seating Therapists must have formal education as a Physical or Occupational Therapist

Where do I make a payment for my outreach cost?2025-02-20T07:26:35-08:00

Go to our Joni and Friends Portal by clicking the “Access Your Portal” button under “Events.” Once you are approved to attend an outreach, your fundraising and payment page will be available within the Portal.

How do I share my fundraising page with friends and family?2025-02-20T07:28:04-08:00

Go to our Joni and Friends Portal by clicking the “Access Your Portal” button under “Events.” Once you are approved to attend an outreach, your fundraising and payment page will be available within the Portal. Share this page by copying and pasting this link to an email. text, or your social media platform.

Go to Top