Our partner: Justice Tourism Foundation

Justice Tourism Foundation (JTF) is a multi-award-winning, social-impact tourism non-profit organization that champions social justice, international solidarity, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. They offer transformative, immersive, and slow travel experiences for culturally, socially, and environmentally conscious travelers who seek to explore Uganda with purpose.

The tours directly contribute to a wide range of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) such as education, health, clean water access, wildlife conservation, gender equality, human rights, and the preservation of indigenous cultures.

Founded in 2017, JTF is guided by the principles of "justice tourism" — tourism that fosters economic opportunities for local communities, positive cultural exchanges, environmental preservation, and the protection of cultural and natural heritage.

The mission is to create a global community of conscious travelers eager to move beyond conventional tourism and embrace meaningful, cross-cultural experiences that inspire compassion and contribute to a better world.

The key goals are twofold: to offer immersive travel experiences that foster mutual learning, and to create equitable opportunities for indigenous communities, particularly those living around Kibale National Park in western Uganda, ensuring a balanced approach to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

What is special about working with Justice Tourism Foundation?

As an ethical and socially-driven travel organization, the Justice Tourism Foundation designs travel experiences that uplift local communities in Uganda while reducing poverty and fostering sustainable development.

By working hand-in-hand with local communities in the areas they visit, they ensure that the economic benefits of tourism directly support the people who need it most. This approach gives travelers the opportunity to connect authentically with locals and make a meaningful difference during their journey.

The foundation believes that travel can be a powerful force for good—helping to build stronger economies and improve the quality of life in communities worldwide when practiced responsibly.

The Justice Tourism Foundation channels tourism-generated funds back into community-led initiatives that address critical needs such as clean water access, primary healthcare, renewable energy, and environmental conservation. This grassroots approach ensures sustainable benefits for rural Ugandan communities.

Moreover, the Justice Tourism Foundation aims to give a voice to these communities, sharing their concerns and priorities to foster more equitable and sustainable tourism. By partnering with the foundation, you’re helping to create a ripple effect of positive change.

What is the philosophy behind the Justice Tourism Foundation?

The foundation's philosophy of "justice tourism" is deeply rooted in the belief that travel should be both ethical and equitable.

As part of the Conscious Explorer community, JTF aligns with principles that promote solidarity between travelers and host communities, fostering mutual understanding and relationships based on respect, sharing, and equity.

Their objectives include:

• Building genuine connections between visitors and local hosts.
• Promoting mutual understanding and respect.
• Supporting self-sufficiency and self-determination in local communities.
• Maximizing the local economic, cultural, and social benefits of tourism.
• Creating equitable opportunities for indigenous communities, particularly around Kibale National Park, while balancing wildlife conservation and sustainable development.

The foundation is committed to a future that prioritizes economic justice, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability.

By engaging with conscious travelers, they work to protect ecosystems, support local development, and promote cultural preservation, ultimately contributing to a more just and sustainable world.

What programmes does the Justice Tourism Foundation offer?

Justice Tourism Foundation unites culturally, socially, and environmentally conscious travelers from diverse backgrounds to explore Uganda meaningfully and impactfully.

Their mission is to promote the local economy and enhance the well-being of host communities by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities that align with various United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

The foundation’s Volunteer Programs provide participants with a unique opportunity for authentic cultural immersion, local learning, and supporting conservation efforts.

Participants engage with local community members and support community-led projects across a range of initiatives, including teaching, medical missions, conservation, sports, entrepreneurship, women's empowerment, microfinance, construction, and community development.

Justice Tourism Foundation can also customize programs based on the group's interests, time frame, and number of participants, ensuring an authentic learning experience in various areas. Each experience is designed to bring positive benefits to local community development initiatives.