We leave for home tomorrow so here are few anecdotes and word pictures from our travels around Mbarara.
The Uganda Wake-up Call
It’s barely dawn, but we have to get up soon. Did I remember to set my alarm? Will Dr. Hunter come down the hall and knock on my door? Suddenly, a blood-curdling screech from the treetops, then another and another. A short pause. What the heck was that? Then, from the other side of the building, another chorus of ear-splitting screeches. And so on, and so on, and so on.
Welcome to morning in Uganda. No need to set your alarm here at Monfort House. The local population of ibises will wake you in plenty of time as they battle their way back and forth across the roof at daybreak. I love wildlife, but a few well-placed BBs would make this place a lot more peaceful.
ET Phone Home
Cell phones have transformed Uganda. I’m not kidding, the nation has better coverage than the U.S. But rather than contracts and billing like we do, Ugandans buy airtime by means of little scratch-off cards sold almost everywhere in various amounts. ($1 US = 1750 Uganda shillings). So, as the Ugandans say, be sure your phone is “topped off,” meaning if you talk too long and run down your balance, you will hear two beeps, then it’s a sudden bye-bye.
Ecclesiastical Warfare
Everyone told us Archbishop Paul Bakyenga was a warm, informal guy, and he is. We’ve met him twice now, and he treats us like old friends. Pictures of him and his assistant, Bishop Lambert, in their official red-and-white vestments (similar to what cardinals wear) are everywhere around here, including on the wall of the room where he greets his guests. When we complimented Lambert on his photo, Paul boomed out his laugh and said, “Yes, Lambert looks good there in his combat uniform!”
Have Some, You Must Be Starving!
I’ve said before that this is my first time as an “official guest” of anything. Part of being an official guest in Uganda is accepting hospitality under all circumstances. That includes eating, because we find an elaborate spread wherever we go. Yesterday we ate 6 times.
Hook ‘Em Horns
The University of Texas Longhorns have NOTHING on Uganda. The native breed of cows around here has the longest, thickest, heaviest horns any of us has ever seen. 18 inches average sounds about right, probably 10 inches around at the base, males and females alike. Note: these dimensions are approximated from a distance. To be honest, I didn’t want to get close enough to be more exact.
A cow is a valuable piece of property here, for its milk, meat and hide. Although they are domesticated, don’t get too close to one.
Words can’t do these cows justice. You’ll just have to wait for the photos.
And While We’re on the Topic of Livestock
Goats may outnumber people here. They are everywhere, often tied to a nearby tree to graze the greenery along the roadsides. Some roads have berms running alongside, and the goats’ heads just pop up as we rumble by in our bus. They are of every color and pattern, and for the most part look well-fed, thanks to the abundant greenery they help keep trimmed.
Fr. Bonaventure tells us that the number of motor scooters has exploded in the last few years. You can imagine how they zip in and out of traffic. I’ve seen two helmets since I’ve been here, one of which was actually a football helmet. For everyone else, it’s more of a devil-may-care approach, including for the ladies who ride side-saddle on the back for these death-defying rides.
And while we’re talking about traffic, bring your rosary beads and use them. Last night was Friday, and the traffic was intense. Many people were headed back to their home villages for Easter, others were just trying to get out of town for the weekend. Whatever the reason, driving in Uganda is not for the timid, nor for those with no experience with driving on the left.
How to Say Hello to a Ugandan Child (best done in a high-pitched voice while shaking hands or hugging)
Hell-o-o-o-o. How are y-o-o-o-u?
I yam fine. How are y-o-o-o-u?
I yam fine.
If You Want Something Done, Look for a Big Man
Sister Margaret has been our constant companion throughout the trip. (I suspect she was dispatched by Sister Romina to keep an eye on us.) She is soft-spoken and very kind, but not a woman to be trifled with. Also an astute observer in all situations.
As I’ve mentioned, Dave met with the director of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation to discuss how a new pediatric hospital might be supplied. Did I mention that Dave is 6-foot-3, and that the average Ugandan man is in the 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-9 area? So say that Dave stands out in that company is something of an understatement, and may be a significant asset to the pediatric hospital project, in Sister Margaret’s view.
“I think he is a size agreeable to get things done at the waterworks,” she says.
What Makes You Think It's Water Pollution?
We were fortunate to take a boat ride on the Kazinga Channel yesterday to view some wildlife. A passing stork let out a long stream of urine into the water. As he gazed dreamily into the distance, Fr. Bonaventure observed, "Well, that will give the fish something to think about."
Good-bye from Uganda! Please don’t forget to check back in few days for photos.
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