Volunteering at Aga Khan University Hospital, Kampala

During the Aga Khan University Convocation held in Pakistan, Founding Chancellor and Late His Highness Aga Khan IV on 19 December 2013 said:

“University success stories down through history, in the Islamic world and the West, have depended, inevitably, on a variety of external resources, and we are indebted to those who have provided such resources for AKU. Those resources, let me add, include not only material gifts, but also the great gifts of time and knowledge that so many contribute to our progress.”

Volunteering has always been an important part of life at Aga Khan University (AKU). Across our institutions, volunteers contribute their time and knowledge to build capacity and strengthen service delivery.


​Our Volunteer Community

The Volunteer Programme at AKUH, Kampala brings together two distinct but complementary groups: Community Volunteers and Time and Knowledge Nazrana (TKN) Volunteers.​

Community Volunteers

Community volunteers are dedicated local residents who give their time to support hospital teams, offering valuable insight into the culture, language, and needs of the community. This programme is designed for people who live and work nearby and want to give back in a meaningful and structured way.​


Time and Knowledge Nazrana (TKN) Volunteers

Alongside community volunteers, AKU also benefits from the Time and Knowledge Nazrana (TKN) programme. TKN is a long standing AKU initiative that enables Ismaili professionals from around the world to contribute their expertise for a defined period of time.

TKN volunteers typically support specialized areas such as clinical training, research, academic development, leadership, and technical capacity building. Although their service is usually short term and skills focused, their contributions strengthen systems, transfer knowledge, and help build long term institutional capacity.


Who Can Volunteer?

Our volunteer programme is open to individuals who want to contribute their time and skills in a meaningful way. You may be:

  • Retired and looking to give back through purposeful service.

  • A student seeking exposure and experience in healthcare, social work, or related fields.

  • Someone returning to the workplace who would like to rebuild confidence in a supportive environment.

  • A community member who simply wants to offer their time and contribute.


Our Commitment to Volunteers​

​Volunteering is a two-way relationship. Here is what we commit to every volunteer:

  • A welcoming orientation appropriate to your role, with clear guidance on expectations and responsibilities.

  • Access to the information, tools, and materials needed to carry out your tasks safely and effectively.

  • A safe, respectful, and inclusive environment, where every volunteer is valued and treated as part of the AKU community.

  • Recognition and appreciation, acknowledging the important contribution you make to the hospital’s mission.


Join us 

Click HERE to register your interest in volunteering with us

Click here to view our Privacy Policy

Contact Us

If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information about the programme, please email volunteer.eastafrica@aku.edu.​