THE LIFE IN UGANDA
Have you ever found yourself appreciating the little things in life? Or it’s only when you’re in dire need tothat you remember them, well everything around us is important. So lately, I really don’t ignore anything, even those that don’t seem to matter, I’m always curious about everything.
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.
