Turns out this nature of curiosity at times comes in handy when you find yourself in a new environment and the only thing you can do is be ready to learn literally everything. This is a position most people wouldn’t want to find themselves in. You almost become a loner, timid in nature because of the fear of the unknown. You probably won’t feel my sentiments at this point. Wait until you’re in this situation.

This was a position I found myself in about two years ago when I relocated to the land of ‘matoke’ the famous ‘Pearl Of Africa.’ You can already tell that I’m not talking about Kisii land but Uganda. The whole time I have been rendered a ‘wanderer’ in search of a necessities of life. To understand why things here are done the way they’re done. More of explanatory or etiological theory in Oral Narrative. I must admit I have never stopped learning in marvel about the people of Uganda. The various aspects about the people here is just interesting. Their food, beliefs, mannerism, way of life – especially the partying bit, the guys down here know how to have fun, evident from the heavy traffic jam experienced on Fridays. I mean isn’t it obvious after Big Trail’s Parte after Parte? Talk of ‘Nyege Nyege’ Festival this one is the peek of it. It brings together people from diverse cultures, different colors and nationalities. It’s one a person would save for months not to miss the 3-day adventure complete with pitched tents on the field and guys jamming to DJs mix somewhere around the source of River Nile. You just want to come down here already, I have just begun telling you about this landlocked country.

You probably have heard of a martyr, what is it you know about them? I may have not met the ones spoken about in the Holy Book-Bible but I have seen where the Ugandan martyrs were burnt from by Mwanga II between 1885-1887. The renowned Namugongo Shrine. Yearly, all the Catholics and Anglicans make their way to the shrine to celebrate the fallen soldiers of faith every 3rd of June. The beauty of this day is the way believers march from various destinations walking for days in order to be part of the celebration. The shrine is filled with people of all caliber. Ranging from politicians, the clergy, the normal ‘mwananchii’ making it difficult for any vehicles to be on sight except for the few distinguished guests. To strive to fetch the ‘holy water’ is everyone’s goal, which is believed to have originated from the spot the martyrs were killed. Such enormous faith in what this holy water that people collect from the shrine can do.

People come with different bottles for saving some water for those who probably didn’t get a chance to be part of the celebration.

The heat though is unbearable in this end making a duvet cover almost impossible to be put in use. Even when it rains, it takes a short while before the sand drains all the water leaving the place without a trace of raindrops. This well supplemented by the ‘landlocked’ theory. The way Lake Victoria surrounds the capital Entebbe and Kampala. There are beaches all over, owned by the tycoons of the city. Like ‘One Love Beach in Busabala, owned by Hon Robert Kyagulanyi well known as Bobi Wine Speke Resort Munyonyo with an executive beach, Lido Beach in Entebbe owned by Chameleon, Spina Beach etc A good source of generating income considering the big number of people who use the beaches to hold birthday parties, concerts and so on. It’s always impossible for beaches to be empty before the Rona pandemic.

After a long day most people find their way to get the pleasure of a lifetime in the saunas those who want fitness go to the gym. It’s always a busy evening for most individuals here in Kampala even if it means jogging your problems away from the sidewalk.

At the time people are supposedly expected to take a break from the daily hustle and bustle, the streets of Kampala are busy with vendors across the street. No one literally ever buys the ‘ni usiku l’ cliché. Thanks to the provision of security by men with guns. One can always almost feel safe with them around. Women doing their ‘gonja’ roasted banana and boiled and roasted maize while the men do their thing ‘rolex’ an egg/eggs wrapped in a chapati and other food stuffs.

The one that caught my eye was the grasshopper sauce. You’re wondering, yes I repeat the grasshopper sauce well fried with tomatoes, onions, carrots and spices sprinkled on. The look is awesome but the thought of chewing on the grasshopper is disgusting but guys find it nutritious and the value tells it all. Some have them roasted , it entirely depends on how the client prefers it.

During rainy season it’s a booming business that has seen some people earn good money for instance Bobi Wine who exports them. The way of collecting the grasshoppers is interesting too. Iron sheets, light and a big drum is all you need. The lights attract the insects, then they’re trapped in the iron sheets which in turn leads them inside the drum. All types of food are readily available here. Ranging from vegetables to fruits. One fruit you need to try is the Jack Fruit, also known as ‘fene’ by the natives. It is a good example of don’t judge a book by it’s cover. It looks horrible outside but inside lay a juice that can quench thirst.

Beautiful sceneries around the city. Like the tall buildings, arcades, malls like Acacia Mall, Kampala Kingdom, Garden City. The Nile Bridge uniquely constructed by the Chinese. The beauty can be seen as you approach Jinja the huge River Nile which is a source of power for the whole country and the neighboring countries. These and so many other more reasons are why you may want to consider a trip to Uganda and feed your eyes with a variety of pleasant things. Queen Elizabeth National Park, where Lake Edward bordering DRC Congo and Uganda,the famous Lake Bunyonyi in Southwestern part of Uganda not far away from Rwanda, which is the second deepest lake in Africa and was once hit by tornado.

The Rwenzori Mountains bordering Uganda and DRC. Mt. Elgon bordering Uganda and Kenya. Funny how you can hardly come across any unused land people here know how to hustle that even swamps have some yams planted. See how innovative and opportunistic people can get. Not wasting anything or taking anything for granted. On the sidewalks with enough space for one to walk and a little left, you wouldn’t miss a pumpkin plant. That’s why you wouldn’t miss food here.

No one ever forgets about food. Well, down here food here is amazing. Far from ‘ugali skuma’meal. These people know how to feed regardless of whether you’re home, in a hotel or a party, you’ll always be presented with a balanced diet. I got here being used to Kenyan meals, everything here for me was yucky until I had to learn to eat them. The peanut sauce was the first food I had trouble with. It’s appearance alone wouldn’t let me try it but it’s one that you can hardly avoid because it’s served with almost sauces like fish in gnut, meat in gnut, peas in gnut just to mention a few. You order food in a hotel and you’re brought a well laid out meal comprising a protein, carbohydrates, veggies, a fruit at a pocket friendly price. The thing I love about all these is the liberty you’re given to pick what you want.

A friend visited Kenya from Uganda and tried ordering food the Ugandan way only to be slapped by more than five plates waiting for him on the table. He says the waiter got concerned and at some point asked ‘utamaliza?’ He was equally shocked by the plates awaiting him, he expected the food to be served in portions just like at home. He actually termed our hotels as weird. Actually, I feel him on this because of my experience here. Just that, when you go to Rome, do what Romans do. Simple.

The last thing I’d like people to know about Uganda, is how it’s people are conservative. In particular the way they carry themselves. It’s beautiful when you see how women and girls show respect by going on their knees when addressed by a senior. The respect level I on point such that even when greeting or serving a senior person regardless of whether it’s drinking water or food you kneel.

The first time a young girl handed me a glass of water and knelt, it appeared improper and weird. I actually struggled for a while before coming to terms with the fact that she was just being respectful. In fact each time I would ask her not kneel but she still went ahead. I realized with time that kids here are taught how to carry themselves from a tender age. I actually admired it a lot.

There’s allot I can say about this amazing country but let me keep it at that for now. The more I stay here, the more I appreciate the chance I got to be here in the first place. Learning never stops. Each day I aspire to be able to understand my environment well. Taking a day at a time. I at times miss home but this place is warm and accommodative next to being a second home. The next time you think of travelling, consider Uganda as a destination you’ll not regret your time here.

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A story of a little girl who’s faith is lost when the world seemed to unfold it’s angry claws on her but is bestowed upon her after it dawned on her that such is life. All you have to do is shake off the dust and move on.

It was exactly 5months since a strange thing happened to Mimi. A day her life changed in all aspects. I must confess, it was more of an encounter that suppressed the inner voice that would always assure one that it’s going to be ok. The demon in her has been awakened possibly at the wrong time. She tearfully narrated the ordeal with the charming man whose image stuck on her mind. The manner in which she described the man told allot about the way she was enraged. Somehow, the beast mode had been activated. She literally wanted nothing to do with a man not even her own dad. Their relationship begun to be strained. From what she says, she grew to see her dad as an enemy that could pounce on her at any given time.

So it was on January the 17th when she received a queer message from a strange man on FB, I mean Facebook. As suggested by the name, it was all about how one looked like that mainly mattered before clicking on the ‘accept’ button. The friend request came at a time she was in the mood to make new friends and for this reason, she didn’t take her time to peruse the guy’s profile. The handsome bit, took her out of the way and she was quick to respond to the request. That’s how her life begun to take the wrong turn under her watch.

The man was sweet, he had a way of talking that swept her off her feet each time they conversed. The promises… I forgot to mention that the man in question was a white. At least from the pictures he posted on Facebook. This was any girl’s dream. A white man to complete the white wedding dream.Tihihihi! The naivity was absurd, sadly she was hooked to him in such a short time.

At the time Mimi had just completed high school and awaiting her results, so she had all the time to get to know the man. The anxiety of dating a white man is the fear of rejection when he gets to meet you in person, for the few who get to that point. Most of them would only be interested in your nude photos and sexting which is so annoying. Mimi was ready for all these. She was convinced the she was going to be ‘one less lonely girl’ in no time.

For days she’d be glued on her phone chatting with her mysterious guy. All night she’d be busy sending voice notes across the continent all the way to Miami, where Arthur lived. She was convinced that he was her lucky charm, he treated her nice and not at any given point had he jeopardize their relationship by asking her for her nudes. I guess it was part of his strategy to draw her more closer to him maybe even to buy time for her to trust him.

The conversations and calls went on for two months. Nothing had changed, he was still the charming Arthur, until one time Mimi decided to take their relationship a notch higher by asking the wrong question. What would you like me to do so as to prove my love for you? With the distance, you can already guess that nothing physical would happen between them so you’re almost guessing what Arthur was yet to ask for.

This was the point she awakened his feelings, Arthur understood that this was a rare opportunity that had presented itself. To ask Mimi for what he always wanted ‘her nudes. ‘It was not a question of will Mimi dare send her photos rather how far was she willing to go?

With the untold Christian background, she was torn between living up to the values instilled in her all her life or just flow with the new guy. Imagine what awaited her. I won’t spoil anything for anyone but Mimi didn’t want to loose this golden opportunity, so she gave in and Arthur got a chance to get hold of her nudes photos. It was betrayal and disloyalty combined. All the teachings she had received all fell into deaf ears. Little did she remember, ‘hakuna Siri ya watu wawili’. Of course Arthur had given her his word that this was going to be entirely an affair between them. I agree when someone says trust is expensive. You confide in someone who takes your trust for granted. Was it karma? It was soon though.

Mimi woes begun. The guy made it a habit to ask Mimi for video calls. Like he was impressed with the photos he had in his possession and he wanted more of them. Guilt begun eating Mimi up and she withdrew from the rest of the family. She would always be in her room locked up, something her family hadn’t experienced in a long while. Everyone grew suspicious of what would be happening to her. Mimi’s dad in particular pointed out that it must be some man out there keeping her daughter busy. It was only a matter of time before he could confirm his fear.

Addiction would be an understatement, this girl had grown to enjoy video calling this man especially at night. She would play music in her room so as no one would suspect her actions. Mimi would actually take gross videos of herself and send them to Arthur. Was this love, lust or merely obsession. Mimi was just 17, her age allowing her to explore. The once intelligent and responsible Mimi had become a source of despicable shame. Agony awaited her, Arthur was not the man she thought he was. He was nothing close to the lad she fell in love with. He was a scumbag ready to devour an innocent Mimi who had fallen head over heels in love with him. It was a price she had to pay on her end for being defiant.

Arthur started acting weird. No more calls as usual and somehow Mimi suspected all was not well. She could feel it. What she didn’t understand was the sudden change of heart. She had done everything he had asked her. At this time, she was not aware that Arthur had what he wanted ,her photos with him. The worst had happened and she wasn’t even aware. Mimi are you online? Mimi Nini hi tunaona fb how could you? Mimi what’s happening? Everyone sending her worrying questions, at this point she knew he’ll had broken loose.

Her social media was flooded with messages others body shaming her others having a good time with the glance at the photos. Her room became small to contain the shame. In an aside she could hear her mom and dad talking about the same issue, at this point she knew she was in trouble. What exactly were her parents to feel ? Rage? Destitution? Failure? Her dad was annoyed at the same time sorry for her daughter but he wouldn’t dare let the matter go. He had to do something.

This was her dad’s turn to make things right. He was sad. Society would judge him. How could Mimi do this to him. The pain of getting into trouble because of alleged love. She didn’t want to see her dad because of the shame she’d brought upon him but she couldn’t avoid him m either. Not at least today when he showed up right at her door where Mimi sat crying. It was all over. She was about to get the beating of her life.

If you were Mimi’s dad, what would you do? Today, Mimi is an female activist advocating for women who can’t stand up for themselves. Stop sending your nudes in the name of love. No one can be trusted. This is her message to all the girls out there. If he loves you let him wait to see you naked after marriage. Don’t send your gross photos to anyone. It’s not worth. A lesson learnt the hard way.

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