... in another world. That of Uganda, sprawling Uganda with all its natural wealth, kindness and misery. A land most associate with the tyrannic ruler Idi Amin, but which now struggles to attain prosperity.
My name is Eric, and I'm the lead blogger for the trip of the Society Economists' Aid Action (excuse me if the translation is bad - Samfunnsoekonomenes Stoetteaksjon in Norwegian) here in Uganda in January 2009. All 60 of us will trek all over this country, going from dinner by the beautiful Lake Victoria to hearing the stories of refugees with their lives torn apart. And trying to do some good with the ton of clothes we're bringing down all the way from Norway! But with those 23 kilos worth of aid, open ears and eyes, with humility and respect, I already firmly believe that the results of this trip will remain a precious gem in our eyes and the eyes of those sorely working hard to improve their lives. The inspiration provided for those coming from the far North, to a world unknown to many of them, long-term dreams will surely appear as well.
On this blog some of us will share our personal accounts of our experiences down here. I have arrived ten days prior to everybody else, to peek around alone a bit and get a head-start. Here we go.
Some of the first impressions coming to urban Uganda was the ubiquity of parts of Western culture - the constant pop and rap songs from artists like Britney, Usher, and the whole utterly abominable bunch of sleek USAic harpies/girls I never want to hear again, all dominate the landscape of both small bars and the cool gangstas driving around in their cars. Televisions tuning in to pop stations in Europe and the USA. Just like being home with my landlord in Oslo, where "The Voice" with all of its 'music' is dearly loved and consumed.
These results of colonialism are no less visible by the fact that everybody around speak English. I might sound condescending saying this, but I was surprised to the extent of the vocabulary and eloquence that people here speak with. People politely saying 'I beg your pardon' when not understanding my tongue is commonplace.
One of the most entertaining things that have happened to me up until this time, my fourth day of staying in Uganda, is riding a boda-boda. These motorcycles are everywhere in central Kampala, and serve one purpose: cheap taxis. Walking around, with my clearly being a foreigner due to the colour of my skin, I constantly get the simple phrase 'taxi?' directed at me. After politely turning down these requests some dozens of times, I simply start ignoring them.
In spite of this overabundance of taxi drivers on every corner, some very pleasant and happy things have come out of it. At the end of one night out clubbing (wooo, a whole other story!!) I was returned to my hotel safe and sound by one driver, Sadam, a local student and now a friend. I started chatting with him outside of my hotel, and we soon found a good tone. We exchanged phone numbers (luckily I've bought a local pay-as-you-go SIM phone card), and the following day he called me.
Sadam brought me to the more suburban parts of Kampala, where shacks and narrow streets are the norm. I was honored by him introducing me to his brothers and sisters, and together we all went for a long walk. Exchanges of cultures from two worlds took place, both seriously and laughingly. In particular, my Norwegian translation of "Can you show me the direction to..." was received by amazement and cheerful laughter.
Both of us being 19 years old, I was happy to have found a friend down here.
But for now, my stomach is aching and I will leave the continuation of my tale to another time. And I still have a arm-wrestling match to conclude with Sadam.
Goodbye!
- Eric
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