Last Sunday saw the team travel to Kyampisi for their Annual Sports Day and Graduation ceremony.
Unfortunately due to the very late night on Saturday, Sonia and the children stayed behind at the Jesus House to catch up on some much-needed sleep.
After preaching at the 11am service I helped set up for the Sports Day and Graduation ceremony. This included a fenced off running track - probably about 80 meters in length - an area for parents and an area for church and community members.
I was asked to open proceedings in prayer, and following the corporate singing of the Ugandan National Anthem there were a number of speeches (Peter as Director of KCM, Edwin as Administrator of KCM, Patrick as Chairman of Kyampisi Sub-County and me as invited guest and visiting principal). The purpose of the speeches was to outline the purpose for the day, thank those in attendance and preach the Word of God.
Following these formalities the actual sports day commenced, initially younger classes, followed by the older classes. The games included sprints, the usual games (musical chairs, three-legged races and sack races) and a variety of games learnt from the new sports equipment we donated to the school (hoola-hooping, skipping and various ball games).
After the students had a play the adults were given a chance to have some fun with similar kinds of games. It was great to watch the parents having some wholesome fun together.
After nearly two hours, we were entertained by the graduation of the Preppies. They each wore academic gowns and a mortar board - albeit smaller and more colourful. They looked amazing and were a testament to the weight of responsibility placed on earning a good education. I kept hearing parents talking about the importance of giving their children a taste of success in primary to encourage them to stick with their study throughout secondary and beyond.
Many of the parents wanted photos of me with their little ones. While it was cute, it did take considerable time.
Monday, 26 November 2012
New guitar for KCM
Monday saw Sam, Sonia and me drive to down-town Kampala to buy a new acoustic guitar for the team at KCM. The guitar they've been using is hard to tune and won't keep its pitch once tuned.
After dropping into a number of shops, we agreed on a guitar - it was actually the first one we saw. The guitar cost 500,000 shillings and the hard case cost 200,000 shillings.
I pray it will be useful in leading the worship at the Jesus House and at both Kyampisi and Sanyu Babies Home for many years. To God be the glory!
After dropping into a number of shops, we agreed on a guitar - it was actually the first one we saw. The guitar cost 500,000 shillings and the hard case cost 200,000 shillings.
I pray it will be useful in leading the worship at the Jesus House and at both Kyampisi and Sanyu Babies Home for many years. To God be the glory!
Brickwork at Kyampisi School
Last week saw us commence the brickwork for the new Kysmpisi International Christian School.
The hand-made clay bricks were all fired in the local area (in stockpiles where they are baked) and transported to the building site. They are quite small, probably a third of the size of the hand-made cement bricks made by the Watoto method.
I understand we'll be rendering the clay bricks to seal them on both the inside and outside.
While laying bricks from the ground is easy, it's when we get to a height that requires scaffolding that the equation becomes a little more difficult - and I was always a little cautious about the Watoto scaffolding. At Kyampisi the locals use tree trunks, tree branches and ropes to build their scaffolding. While it's probably safer than it looks, I'm very confident that it wouldn't pass Australian WH&S requirements - but I guess we're not working in Australia are we?
The local 'brickies' set the corners and areas beside the windows and then we are asked to lay the rest - under the watchful eye of the supervisor who sets up the string line for each course of bricks.
It seems like we'll be finished in about 2 weeks - everything up to the level of the elevated slab and main supporting pillars. It would have been great to see this second slab added while we are here, but KCM are a little short of money for this part of the building process - about $5,500 AUD to be precise. I'm confident that God will provide at just the right time.
The hand-made clay bricks were all fired in the local area (in stockpiles where they are baked) and transported to the building site. They are quite small, probably a third of the size of the hand-made cement bricks made by the Watoto method.
I understand we'll be rendering the clay bricks to seal them on both the inside and outside.
While laying bricks from the ground is easy, it's when we get to a height that requires scaffolding that the equation becomes a little more difficult - and I was always a little cautious about the Watoto scaffolding. At Kyampisi the locals use tree trunks, tree branches and ropes to build their scaffolding. While it's probably safer than it looks, I'm very confident that it wouldn't pass Australian WH&S requirements - but I guess we're not working in Australia are we?
The local 'brickies' set the corners and areas beside the windows and then we are asked to lay the rest - under the watchful eye of the supervisor who sets up the string line for each course of bricks.
It seems like we'll be finished in about 2 weeks - everything up to the level of the elevated slab and main supporting pillars. It would have been great to see this second slab added while we are here, but KCM are a little short of money for this part of the building process - about $5,500 AUD to be precise. I'm confident that God will provide at just the right time.
Dedication of Kyampisi well
Thursday saw us laying bricks at the Kyampisi primary school in the morning and dedicating the new well in the afternoon.
The dedication service involved speeches from the Director of KCM, a team member of KCM, the Chairman of Kyampisi, the Consulting Engineer for the project and me. To be honest I can only tell you what I said, as the other speeches were all spoken in Lugandan. Having said that, it was pretty clear that everyone was very proud of their efforts and lavish in their praise to those involved.
I spoke about the Biblical concept of 'Living Water' and how thrilled the community of Bundaberg was to be partnering with Kyampisi by providing a source of clean water for all. I declared the area as holy ground and dedicated it to the glory of God.
Following the formalities of speeches and prayers, Peter Sewakiryanga initiated a water fight and I don't believe there was a dry shirt to be found.
After a hot day I can assure you that the water was greatly appreciated.
The dedication service involved speeches from the Director of KCM, a team member of KCM, the Chairman of Kyampisi, the Consulting Engineer for the project and me. To be honest I can only tell you what I said, as the other speeches were all spoken in Lugandan. Having said that, it was pretty clear that everyone was very proud of their efforts and lavish in their praise to those involved.
I spoke about the Biblical concept of 'Living Water' and how thrilled the community of Bundaberg was to be partnering with Kyampisi by providing a source of clean water for all. I declared the area as holy ground and dedicated it to the glory of God.
Following the formalities of speeches and prayers, Peter Sewakiryanga initiated a water fight and I don't believe there was a dry shirt to be found.
After a hot day I can assure you that the water was greatly appreciated.
Slum Church & Reach Out Uganda
Saturday saw Sam and I drive to Kisenyi and Nakulabye slums.
Sam attends 'God's Ark Worship Centre' located right in the heart of Kisenyi slum - where he used to live. We met Senior Pastor Fred who has led the church for the past 10 years.
The facilities were pretty basic, yet it was obvious that the shed was a place of worship - colourful wall hangings, musical instruments, Bibles and lots of plastic chairs.
It was a little unusual to walk through a slum (or a ghetto as Sam calls it) to find ourselves in a church. Having said that, it seemed well connected to its surrounds and the people of the slum. The area was full of pungent smells (rubbish and sewerage), there was lots of charcoal and smoke and there were people everywhere, all very busy - a captive audience I would say!
After praying with Fred we walked back to our 4WD. To be honest, I was half expecting it not to be where we left it- but it was there and in the same condition.
On our way to the 'Reach Out Uganda' School we watched a group of boys playing a game of soccer. I'm still amazed how seriously Ugandans take their soccer - especially children!
The Reach Out School is also to be found within a slum, but it is absolutely a school. Two of the staff explained how the children make charcoal brickettes to help fund the ministry. They are made from recycled materials found within the slum - straw, dirt and charcoal.
We met a couple of the students - they were very well behaved, seemed interested in what they were learning and were proud of what they were achieving - it reminded me how precious an education is for African children, especially those from a slum, and how highly the community (and the children) respect learning.
Sam attends 'God's Ark Worship Centre' located right in the heart of Kisenyi slum - where he used to live. We met Senior Pastor Fred who has led the church for the past 10 years.
The facilities were pretty basic, yet it was obvious that the shed was a place of worship - colourful wall hangings, musical instruments, Bibles and lots of plastic chairs.
It was a little unusual to walk through a slum (or a ghetto as Sam calls it) to find ourselves in a church. Having said that, it seemed well connected to its surrounds and the people of the slum. The area was full of pungent smells (rubbish and sewerage), there was lots of charcoal and smoke and there were people everywhere, all very busy - a captive audience I would say!
After praying with Fred we walked back to our 4WD. To be honest, I was half expecting it not to be where we left it- but it was there and in the same condition.
On our way to the 'Reach Out Uganda' School we watched a group of boys playing a game of soccer. I'm still amazed how seriously Ugandans take their soccer - especially children!
The Reach Out School is also to be found within a slum, but it is absolutely a school. Two of the staff explained how the children make charcoal brickettes to help fund the ministry. They are made from recycled materials found within the slum - straw, dirt and charcoal.
We met a couple of the students - they were very well behaved, seemed interested in what they were learning and were proud of what they were achieving - it reminded me how precious an education is for African children, especially those from a slum, and how highly the community (and the children) respect learning.
Tree of Life Training
Monday and Tuesday saw Chantelle and Katie (two Australian girls volunteering with KCM) lead the team through a training activity named 'Tree of Life'.
The activity required us to draw a tree, name the various parts of it and share some of the stories behind our selection. The roots - what and who has shaped us, the ground - what grounds us now, the trunk - our strengths, the branches - our hopes and dreams, the leaves - people who are close to us and the fruit - gifts that have encouraged us along the way. It was good to reflect on these topics and consider the impact of people and circumstances on my life.
After this exercise we discussed the challenges experienced as a team at KCM and the strategies we employ to address them. From this we identified and discussed our shared values.
All in all it was probably a helpful exercise for the group, but I don't know if it actually achieved a great deal. I'm interested in seeing what we do with the outcomes from the respective sessions and where it leads us as a team.
The activity required us to draw a tree, name the various parts of it and share some of the stories behind our selection. The roots - what and who has shaped us, the ground - what grounds us now, the trunk - our strengths, the branches - our hopes and dreams, the leaves - people who are close to us and the fruit - gifts that have encouraged us along the way. It was good to reflect on these topics and consider the impact of people and circumstances on my life.
After this exercise we discussed the challenges experienced as a team at KCM and the strategies we employ to address them. From this we identified and discussed our shared values.
All in all it was probably a helpful exercise for the group, but I don't know if it actually achieved a great deal. I'm interested in seeing what we do with the outcomes from the respective sessions and where it leads us as a team.
Writing the KCM Business Plan
Following the Tree of Life session I commenced the writing of the KCM Business Plan.
Thankfully I had only recently co-written the Business Plan for the new Rural Campus at BCC so I had a framework and template to work from.
It was very inspiring and confirming to hear Peter Sewakiryanga speak about his vision and the early days of KCM.
We are working on the Business Plan because we are trying to secure tax deductibility status as a charity in the United States and the US Government requires a Business Plan as part of the process.
Once this is secured, KCM plan to secure tax deductibility status in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Thankfully I had only recently co-written the Business Plan for the new Rural Campus at BCC so I had a framework and template to work from.
It was very inspiring and confirming to hear Peter Sewakiryanga speak about his vision and the early days of KCM.
We are working on the Business Plan because we are trying to secure tax deductibility status as a charity in the United States and the US Government requires a Business Plan as part of the process.
Once this is secured, KCM plan to secure tax deductibility status in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Visit to Bbira School (Watoto)
Wednesday saw us drive out to Bbira to visit two of the Watoto schools - Hope Secondary and Raymer Primary.
Our day began when we discovered that the car we had borrowed for the day had run out of petrol (about 200 metres from the Jesus House). We needed to organise a jerry can and some fuel - frustrating but funny!
After driving to Bbira, which took a little longer than I expected (due to missing the turn off on the way), we were welcomed by the Secondary Head Teacher, Ivan, who took us on a tour of his immaculate campus - we visited many classrooms including home economics, technology and art. As most of his students were sitting exams, everything was pretty quiet and many of the classrooms were actually empty.
After lunch (fish, rice, maise, matoke and beans) we were met by Edward, the Deputy Head teacher of the primary school. We enjoyed another tour, this time with Hafusa, our Watoto sponsor child who met us along the way. Like Ivan, Edward took us on a tour of his school. Although some students were sitting exams, most were working in their respective classrooms. It was good to meet some of the teachers, including a teacher named Lydia.
Hufusa is finishing Primary 5 while her sister, Lucky is completing Primary 6. Once we'd walked around the primary grounds we walked down to the children's village - and most significantly to Hafusa's home. We were met by Mama Freda. Like Hafusa, Freda remembered me from last year and was very excited to meet 'Mark's family'. As always, little Eli was a real hit. Many Ugandans have never met such a young Muzungu before.
We enjoyed a tour of the home, met some of Hafusa's siblings and were given some home grown paw-paw. After praying with them all we headed back to the Secondary school where we met up with Ivan and his secretary, Lydia.
Our final discussions included an invitation to attend the combined Primary/Secondary Speech Day and Graduation Celebration at Bbira next Friday and the combined Primary/Secondary Speech Day and Graduation Celebration at Gulu the following Monday and Tuesday. I was also invited to conduct a training session with the Bbira staff at a date yet to be confirmed (but in the near future).
We all enjoyed our Watoto experience and look forward to returning next week for the respective Graduation ceremonies.
After driving back to Kampala we decided to meet Sam for dinner and a movie at Garden City.
Our day began when we discovered that the car we had borrowed for the day had run out of petrol (about 200 metres from the Jesus House). We needed to organise a jerry can and some fuel - frustrating but funny!
After driving to Bbira, which took a little longer than I expected (due to missing the turn off on the way), we were welcomed by the Secondary Head Teacher, Ivan, who took us on a tour of his immaculate campus - we visited many classrooms including home economics, technology and art. As most of his students were sitting exams, everything was pretty quiet and many of the classrooms were actually empty.
After lunch (fish, rice, maise, matoke and beans) we were met by Edward, the Deputy Head teacher of the primary school. We enjoyed another tour, this time with Hafusa, our Watoto sponsor child who met us along the way. Like Ivan, Edward took us on a tour of his school. Although some students were sitting exams, most were working in their respective classrooms. It was good to meet some of the teachers, including a teacher named Lydia.
Hufusa is finishing Primary 5 while her sister, Lucky is completing Primary 6. Once we'd walked around the primary grounds we walked down to the children's village - and most significantly to Hafusa's home. We were met by Mama Freda. Like Hafusa, Freda remembered me from last year and was very excited to meet 'Mark's family'. As always, little Eli was a real hit. Many Ugandans have never met such a young Muzungu before.
We enjoyed a tour of the home, met some of Hafusa's siblings and were given some home grown paw-paw. After praying with them all we headed back to the Secondary school where we met up with Ivan and his secretary, Lydia.
Our final discussions included an invitation to attend the combined Primary/Secondary Speech Day and Graduation Celebration at Bbira next Friday and the combined Primary/Secondary Speech Day and Graduation Celebration at Gulu the following Monday and Tuesday. I was also invited to conduct a training session with the Bbira staff at a date yet to be confirmed (but in the near future).
We all enjoyed our Watoto experience and look forward to returning next week for the respective Graduation ceremonies.
After driving back to Kampala we decided to meet Sam for dinner and a movie at Garden City.
Child sacrifice in Lugazi
Last Saturday saw the ECS team return to Lugazi, the sugar capital of Uganda, as a follow-up to our earlier trip.
After driving to the sugar plantation worker's village, we were directed to the home of Doreen and Sharon, younger siblings of Moses, the 4 year old boy who was sacrificed a little over two weeks ago.
On arrival it was shockingly obvious that while Sharon's health had improved, Doreen had deteriorated very significantly. She was unable to see through her puffed-up eyes, her colour was a mix between white and yellow, her skin was shiny like it had been burnt, her arms and legs were very skinny and her tummy was bloated.
After Sam interviewed the mother and auntie (further to our investigations into Moses's sacrifice) and Shelin interviewed the father (also in relation to the child sacrifice incident) we drove back to Lugazi to speak with the doctor we had previously paid to look after the two girls. He was very pleased with the progress of Sharon but not Doreen. To be honest, we weren't very pleased with his support of Doreen.
After discussing the issue with Peter Sewakiryanga we decided to bring Doreen and her father into a Kampala hospital where she would receive more specialised assistance. It was clear that she was in a very critical state.
We paid for the father to catch a Boda Boda home to gather together some personal belongings for his visit to Kampala. While he did this we drove to Jinja to grab some lunch at the source of the Nile. We enjoyed some fish (Telapia) and chips - although we had to wait for 1 1/2 hours while they caught the fish and grew the potatoes!
After returning to the Lugazi clinic to collect Doreen and her father, we drove into Kampala. During our drive home we were saddened to see an accident involving a truck and a Ugandan Taxi. We've since heard that 6 of the passengers died at the scene of the accident and 8 are in a Kampala hospital in a critical condition (most not expected to live).
We brought Doreen into Nsambya hospital, but due to the seriousness of her malnutrition we were referred to Mulago hospital who specialise in this condition. When I asked the doctor at Ndambya hospital how advanced her malnourishment was, she said Doreen had less than a week to live if not given immediate attention.
After finding Ward 3 at Mulago Hospital (no easy exercise as there are no signposts along the way), we waited for well over an hour before the doctors were able to see us. Following this initial assessment, we were asked to again wait in the designated area while she was admitted - about an hour later we spoke to the Director of Nursing and confirmed that she could stay for the night. Due to the seriousness of her condition they said they needed to transfer her to another unit within the hospital that specialists in advanced cases of malnutrition. She thought Doreen would probably require 4 months of hospitalisation.
We ended up leaving the hospital at about 2am and returned to the Jesus House at about 2.30am.
Another rewarding, yet long day.
After driving to the sugar plantation worker's village, we were directed to the home of Doreen and Sharon, younger siblings of Moses, the 4 year old boy who was sacrificed a little over two weeks ago.
On arrival it was shockingly obvious that while Sharon's health had improved, Doreen had deteriorated very significantly. She was unable to see through her puffed-up eyes, her colour was a mix between white and yellow, her skin was shiny like it had been burnt, her arms and legs were very skinny and her tummy was bloated.
After Sam interviewed the mother and auntie (further to our investigations into Moses's sacrifice) and Shelin interviewed the father (also in relation to the child sacrifice incident) we drove back to Lugazi to speak with the doctor we had previously paid to look after the two girls. He was very pleased with the progress of Sharon but not Doreen. To be honest, we weren't very pleased with his support of Doreen.
After discussing the issue with Peter Sewakiryanga we decided to bring Doreen and her father into a Kampala hospital where she would receive more specialised assistance. It was clear that she was in a very critical state.
We paid for the father to catch a Boda Boda home to gather together some personal belongings for his visit to Kampala. While he did this we drove to Jinja to grab some lunch at the source of the Nile. We enjoyed some fish (Telapia) and chips - although we had to wait for 1 1/2 hours while they caught the fish and grew the potatoes!
After returning to the Lugazi clinic to collect Doreen and her father, we drove into Kampala. During our drive home we were saddened to see an accident involving a truck and a Ugandan Taxi. We've since heard that 6 of the passengers died at the scene of the accident and 8 are in a Kampala hospital in a critical condition (most not expected to live).
We brought Doreen into Nsambya hospital, but due to the seriousness of her malnutrition we were referred to Mulago hospital who specialise in this condition. When I asked the doctor at Ndambya hospital how advanced her malnourishment was, she said Doreen had less than a week to live if not given immediate attention.
After finding Ward 3 at Mulago Hospital (no easy exercise as there are no signposts along the way), we waited for well over an hour before the doctors were able to see us. Following this initial assessment, we were asked to again wait in the designated area while she was admitted - about an hour later we spoke to the Director of Nursing and confirmed that she could stay for the night. Due to the seriousness of her condition they said they needed to transfer her to another unit within the hospital that specialists in advanced cases of malnutrition. She thought Doreen would probably require 4 months of hospitalisation.
We ended up leaving the hospital at about 2am and returned to the Jesus House at about 2.30am.
Another rewarding, yet long day.
Saturday, 17 November 2012
Well and 'Gifts' for Kyampisi
Last Monday saw us working on the new well in Kyampisi - to be more accurate, it's more of a water treatment and water catchment system than a well. The 'well' or 'reservoir' is located within a natural water course (a stream) and is fed from a large pipe that runs along the bottom of the stream. Water enters the pipe after being filtered slightly upstream of the system.
We added large stones to the centre of the stream (in the water). We them added smaller stones to fill in the gaps. On top of the stones we added a reasonably thick layer of clay (which we dug from a low lying area about 2km from the well) to seal the stones. On top of the clay we added soil.
I understand the water passes through this material prior to being channeled into the well where it is stored for future use. As the water settles in the large well, excess sediment settles to the bottom.
While we didn't quite finish the well project, there isn't much left to be done.
After returning from the well, I was asked to take a photo of little Allan Mukasa for the Daily Monitor, who are running a general story on the practice of child sacrificing and a feature story on Allan's pending visit to Australia for reconstructive surgery following a failed attempt on his life in late 2009.
Allan attends the Edmon Nursery and Primary School in Kyabakadde, a neighbouring township to Kyampisi. I enjoyed meeting Simon Opakasi, the head teacher. We organised a return visit to the school for a fuller and deeper conversation in two weeks.
Monday afternoon also saw Sonia, Lydia and me deliver some 'special blessings' to the community of Kyampisi.
Ja Ja Margaret, Justine and Ja Ja Nalongo each received substantial amounts of rice, beans and maize flour as they had very limited food for a variety of reasons.
Ja Ja Margaret also received a bed, which we had promised her some time ago when we bought her a mattress and bedding.
While we were at Ja Ja Margaret's home, her good friend Lydia brought a mother and her sick child to us. The little girl had a hernia and sores all over her bottom. We felt moved to donate money to the mother of the child to fund the required medical treatment. We took some photos and mentioned that we'd be back in a few weeks to see the progress of the child.
After finalising these arrangements we delivered Angel (our KCM Sponsor Child) and Rita (one of the Kyampisi school teachers we're thinking seriously about sponsoring through University) a double bunk bed, a mosquito net, another mattress and a blanket. They were previously sharing a single mattress in their one bedroom home. We're now looking for a study desk for them to share as they currently have nowhere to work from at home.
Speaking of Angel, we also drove to St Peter's Secondary School in Kalagi (the next town on the main highway north from Kyampisi) to pay her outstanding school fees - 230,000 shillings to be exact. As these were unpaid, Angel wasn't allowed to sit her end of year exams - which she can now do! (It didn't seem right to us that the authorities would allow her to sit in classes throughout the term but fail to allow her to sit her exams - and get credit for her hard work)!
I enjoyed making the connection with Grace Nakito, head teacher of St Peter's SS and chatting with her about principal matters. We agreed that we would try to meet again prior to our return to Australia.
An interesting twist to the afternoon came when Justine gave us a chicken as a gift. We brought 'Henny Penny' (Lydia's name for the chicken) back to the Jesus House where she now lives 'happily' with Nagawa, the pet monkey. I'm not sure who's the boss - watch this space.
On our way home to the Jesus House we were delighted to be able to meet the family of our delivery driver - Fred. His father is a local Pastor and his family were very welcoming.
Praise the Lord for another wonderful day!
We added large stones to the centre of the stream (in the water). We them added smaller stones to fill in the gaps. On top of the stones we added a reasonably thick layer of clay (which we dug from a low lying area about 2km from the well) to seal the stones. On top of the clay we added soil.
I understand the water passes through this material prior to being channeled into the well where it is stored for future use. As the water settles in the large well, excess sediment settles to the bottom.
While we didn't quite finish the well project, there isn't much left to be done.
After returning from the well, I was asked to take a photo of little Allan Mukasa for the Daily Monitor, who are running a general story on the practice of child sacrificing and a feature story on Allan's pending visit to Australia for reconstructive surgery following a failed attempt on his life in late 2009.
Allan attends the Edmon Nursery and Primary School in Kyabakadde, a neighbouring township to Kyampisi. I enjoyed meeting Simon Opakasi, the head teacher. We organised a return visit to the school for a fuller and deeper conversation in two weeks.
Monday afternoon also saw Sonia, Lydia and me deliver some 'special blessings' to the community of Kyampisi.
Ja Ja Margaret, Justine and Ja Ja Nalongo each received substantial amounts of rice, beans and maize flour as they had very limited food for a variety of reasons.
Ja Ja Margaret also received a bed, which we had promised her some time ago when we bought her a mattress and bedding.
While we were at Ja Ja Margaret's home, her good friend Lydia brought a mother and her sick child to us. The little girl had a hernia and sores all over her bottom. We felt moved to donate money to the mother of the child to fund the required medical treatment. We took some photos and mentioned that we'd be back in a few weeks to see the progress of the child.
After finalising these arrangements we delivered Angel (our KCM Sponsor Child) and Rita (one of the Kyampisi school teachers we're thinking seriously about sponsoring through University) a double bunk bed, a mosquito net, another mattress and a blanket. They were previously sharing a single mattress in their one bedroom home. We're now looking for a study desk for them to share as they currently have nowhere to work from at home.
Speaking of Angel, we also drove to St Peter's Secondary School in Kalagi (the next town on the main highway north from Kyampisi) to pay her outstanding school fees - 230,000 shillings to be exact. As these were unpaid, Angel wasn't allowed to sit her end of year exams - which she can now do! (It didn't seem right to us that the authorities would allow her to sit in classes throughout the term but fail to allow her to sit her exams - and get credit for her hard work)!
I enjoyed making the connection with Grace Nakito, head teacher of St Peter's SS and chatting with her about principal matters. We agreed that we would try to meet again prior to our return to Australia.
An interesting twist to the afternoon came when Justine gave us a chicken as a gift. We brought 'Henny Penny' (Lydia's name for the chicken) back to the Jesus House where she now lives 'happily' with Nagawa, the pet monkey. I'm not sure who's the boss - watch this space.
On our way home to the Jesus House we were delighted to be able to meet the family of our delivery driver - Fred. His father is a local Pastor and his family were very welcoming.
Praise the Lord for another wonderful day!
Interview with Mohammed's father
Early Friday afternoon Sam and I interview the father of little Mohammed, Mohammed Senior. (I think this family likes the name Mohammed)?
He was understandably heart-broken about what's happened but very keen to partner with the authorities, the police and KCM to help bring about justice in this situation.
Although he is a Muslim, he accepted a Gideon New Testament and agreed to join us at Kyampisi church on Sunday morning.
Isn't it amazing how the Lord works?
Friday afternoon saw members of the KCM team enjoy a prayer meeting and corporate time of worship. It was very encouraging to pray for each other publicly and hear words of Scripture shared. Praise the Lord.
On another topic, I was pleased to be able to share some words of encouragement to the Year 12's at BCC (via Darren) at both the BCC Year 12 Formal and BCC Year 12 Graduation this week. Isn't technology a wonderful thing?
He was understandably heart-broken about what's happened but very keen to partner with the authorities, the police and KCM to help bring about justice in this situation.
Although he is a Muslim, he accepted a Gideon New Testament and agreed to join us at Kyampisi church on Sunday morning.
Isn't it amazing how the Lord works?
Friday afternoon saw members of the KCM team enjoy a prayer meeting and corporate time of worship. It was very encouraging to pray for each other publicly and hear words of Scripture shared. Praise the Lord.
On another topic, I was pleased to be able to share some words of encouragement to the Year 12's at BCC (via Darren) at both the BCC Year 12 Formal and BCC Year 12 Graduation this week. Isn't technology a wonderful thing?
Friday, 16 November 2012
Road trip to Kayunga
Wednesday saw members of the ECS team (Diana, Sam and me) return to the Kira Road police station to pick up the Inspector of Police, a Senior Constable and Babirye (a suspect in the latest child sacrifice case).
We then drove to Kayunga (about 2 hours north east of Kampala) to try to find and arrest Night (the cousin of Babirye), the primary suspect in the same child sacrifice case.
Night suddenly disappeared following the death of little Muhammed, the 4 year old boy from Kamwokya slum in Kampala, and the police have been searching for her for nearly a week. Babirye, who has been living in protective custody at Kira Road police station since the start of police investigations, informed the police on Tuesday night that she knew where Night was. Unfortunately as the Ugandan police force is under-funded and this is a low-profile case, the police weren't in a position to arrest her.
Senior Inspector Pande contacted KCM and asked if we were in a position to fund a pursuit of Night. To cut a long story short, I paid for the hire of a car and driver to take us all out to Kayunga. As Peter Sewakiryanga explains it, the only way for justice to be done and the person(s) responsible for the death of Mohammed to be brought to account is if someone personally funds it - and as Peter is keen to strengthen the partnership between KCM and the local police force, it made good sense to contribute in this way.
When we arrived in Kayunga District we went straight to the Nazigo police post and explained our mission to Joseph, the Officer in Charge. We were provided with three uniformed officers, two men (each armed with an AK47) and one woman (armed with a baton and hand cuffs). Together we drove to the community of Kirindi where Babirye told us Night would be. Unfortunately she wasn't to be found but the police did ask one of the ladies at this house, the sister of Babirye, to come back to the Nazigo police post. She spun many inconsistent stories about the last time she saw Babirye - none of which we believed and none of which we could disprove. The police spent many hours interrogating her (and others) until eventually she directed us to a person who directed us to Night.
There was a little bit of 'cat and mouse' before the police actually captured Night - given that it was 8.30pm and dark didn't help. Diana and I actually enjoyed about half an hour of fellowship with a group of students and their teacher from a local primary school while the police actually arrested her.
I was asked to pay each policeman 5,000 shillings for their time (I gave Joseph 20,000 shillings and a Gideon New Testament as I had spent much of my day with him) and we drove back to Kira police station via Nazigo police station, with Night.
To be honest, the manner in which the pursuit came to a conclusion was a bit of an anti-climax - but that was probably a good thing!
Prior to dropping into Kira Road police station we dropped Night off at Jinja Road police station where she was 'processed'. I understand she will be there for quite a while.
Another eventful day and a late night.
We then drove to Kayunga (about 2 hours north east of Kampala) to try to find and arrest Night (the cousin of Babirye), the primary suspect in the same child sacrifice case.
Night suddenly disappeared following the death of little Muhammed, the 4 year old boy from Kamwokya slum in Kampala, and the police have been searching for her for nearly a week. Babirye, who has been living in protective custody at Kira Road police station since the start of police investigations, informed the police on Tuesday night that she knew where Night was. Unfortunately as the Ugandan police force is under-funded and this is a low-profile case, the police weren't in a position to arrest her.
Senior Inspector Pande contacted KCM and asked if we were in a position to fund a pursuit of Night. To cut a long story short, I paid for the hire of a car and driver to take us all out to Kayunga. As Peter Sewakiryanga explains it, the only way for justice to be done and the person(s) responsible for the death of Mohammed to be brought to account is if someone personally funds it - and as Peter is keen to strengthen the partnership between KCM and the local police force, it made good sense to contribute in this way.
When we arrived in Kayunga District we went straight to the Nazigo police post and explained our mission to Joseph, the Officer in Charge. We were provided with three uniformed officers, two men (each armed with an AK47) and one woman (armed with a baton and hand cuffs). Together we drove to the community of Kirindi where Babirye told us Night would be. Unfortunately she wasn't to be found but the police did ask one of the ladies at this house, the sister of Babirye, to come back to the Nazigo police post. She spun many inconsistent stories about the last time she saw Babirye - none of which we believed and none of which we could disprove. The police spent many hours interrogating her (and others) until eventually she directed us to a person who directed us to Night.
There was a little bit of 'cat and mouse' before the police actually captured Night - given that it was 8.30pm and dark didn't help. Diana and I actually enjoyed about half an hour of fellowship with a group of students and their teacher from a local primary school while the police actually arrested her.
I was asked to pay each policeman 5,000 shillings for their time (I gave Joseph 20,000 shillings and a Gideon New Testament as I had spent much of my day with him) and we drove back to Kira police station via Nazigo police station, with Night.
To be honest, the manner in which the pursuit came to a conclusion was a bit of an anti-climax - but that was probably a good thing!
Prior to dropping into Kira Road police station we dropped Night off at Jinja Road police station where she was 'processed'. I understand she will be there for quite a while.
Another eventful day and a late night.
Reconciliation at Kamwokya slum
Thursday saw Sam, Diana and me again drive to Kira Road police station to meet with Netono and Nathan (the same police officers who travelled with us to Kayunga on Wednesday). We also met up with the Divisional Police Commander (DPC) and the Assistant Divisional Police Commander (ADPC), both of whom we met previously on Monday.
To cut a long story short, Diana and I travelled with the DPC together with two members of the media, one television reporter from Ugandan Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) and one print media (The Daily Monitor).
Interestingly, Sam travelled with the police officers in a marked police 4WD. Together we made our way directly to the heart of Kamwokya, where about 150 residents had gathered for a Reconciliation Meeting with the police.
Invited guests (including the KCM ECS team) were asked to sit out the front of the crowd. The meeting began with the DPC introducing invited guests and explaining their respective roles. Following this he gave an update into the current investigation, including a special thank you to "Mark and members of the KCM ECS team for assisting in the capture and arrest of a primary suspect in Kayunga yesterday". He also spoke about the importance of giving the police time and space to complete their investigations and not taking the law into their own hands. Apparently 'mob justice' is a reality in many parts of Uganda - publicly flogging a suspect until they die. He also spoke briefly about the community taking greater responsibility for their children.
Each of the next four speakers were senior police officials and each reiterated the importance of allowing the police investigation to take its course (i.e. not taking the law into their own hands) and challenged the community to take greater responsibility for their children, especially if they're walking to such places as school.
Interestingly, the DPC asked Diana and me to say a few words about the work of KCM. While Diana focussed on the support provided to families, I spoke about the travesty of cutting a life short. I mentioned that Uganda is a beautiful country with beautiful people, that God has a plan for each and every one of them and that my prayer is that all the children standing in this gathering will grow up to be old men and old women and enjoy their old age - not having their lives robbed when they're a child. I said we must work together with the police and organisations such as KCM to end the terrible practice of child sacrifice. I wasn't expecting it, but I received cheers and applause when I spoke - perhaps because I was a Mzungu?
Interestingly I appeared on the UBC nightly news on Friday - I certainly wasn't expecting that!
After a few more speakers (including the local Chairman) the meeting was opened up for questions. There were probably 5 or 6 people who asked these. Each question was given a thoughtful response from one member of the guest panel.
The whole exercise was very positive as it seemed to me that members of the Kamwokya slum community were happy with the outcome and happy to trust the police.
To be honest, it was a little confronting to be driving with the DPC into a large gathering of people in an inner city slum with armed police surrounding us. It was very reassuring to know that we had the support of the local police and that the gathering was well behaved.
We drove back to the Jesus House just as the building team were returning from Kyampisi. They had stock-piled clay bricks in readiness for building the ground floor wall of the primary classroom next week.
To cut a long story short, Diana and I travelled with the DPC together with two members of the media, one television reporter from Ugandan Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) and one print media (The Daily Monitor).
Interestingly, Sam travelled with the police officers in a marked police 4WD. Together we made our way directly to the heart of Kamwokya, where about 150 residents had gathered for a Reconciliation Meeting with the police.
Invited guests (including the KCM ECS team) were asked to sit out the front of the crowd. The meeting began with the DPC introducing invited guests and explaining their respective roles. Following this he gave an update into the current investigation, including a special thank you to "Mark and members of the KCM ECS team for assisting in the capture and arrest of a primary suspect in Kayunga yesterday". He also spoke about the importance of giving the police time and space to complete their investigations and not taking the law into their own hands. Apparently 'mob justice' is a reality in many parts of Uganda - publicly flogging a suspect until they die. He also spoke briefly about the community taking greater responsibility for their children.
Each of the next four speakers were senior police officials and each reiterated the importance of allowing the police investigation to take its course (i.e. not taking the law into their own hands) and challenged the community to take greater responsibility for their children, especially if they're walking to such places as school.
Interestingly, the DPC asked Diana and me to say a few words about the work of KCM. While Diana focussed on the support provided to families, I spoke about the travesty of cutting a life short. I mentioned that Uganda is a beautiful country with beautiful people, that God has a plan for each and every one of them and that my prayer is that all the children standing in this gathering will grow up to be old men and old women and enjoy their old age - not having their lives robbed when they're a child. I said we must work together with the police and organisations such as KCM to end the terrible practice of child sacrifice. I wasn't expecting it, but I received cheers and applause when I spoke - perhaps because I was a Mzungu?
Interestingly I appeared on the UBC nightly news on Friday - I certainly wasn't expecting that!
After a few more speakers (including the local Chairman) the meeting was opened up for questions. There were probably 5 or 6 people who asked these. Each question was given a thoughtful response from one member of the guest panel.
The whole exercise was very positive as it seemed to me that members of the Kamwokya slum community were happy with the outcome and happy to trust the police.
To be honest, it was a little confronting to be driving with the DPC into a large gathering of people in an inner city slum with armed police surrounding us. It was very reassuring to know that we had the support of the local police and that the gathering was well behaved.
We drove back to the Jesus House just as the building team were returning from Kyampisi. They had stock-piled clay bricks in readiness for building the ground floor wall of the primary classroom next week.
Monday, 12 November 2012
Child Sacrifice in Kampala slums
On Monday Shelin, Colin and I caught a Boda Boda to Kamwokya slum to investigate the case of Mohammed, a 4 year old boy believed to be sacrificed in Kampala but found in Jinja.
Similar to the 'hunt' for the family at Lugazi, we asked around the slum until we found someone who knew the whereabouts of the family.
The family home was right in the middle of the slum. The conditions were smelly and dirty. Channels full of raw sewerage ran beside houses that were in various stages of disrepair. Children ran around between areas covered with drying yeast.
We sat on the 'verandah' of the family home (which doubled as the kitchen) and interviewed the mother and uncle. The father wasn't home at the time of the interview. I've since heard that the neighbour, Night, has been missing for most of the investigation and there is an unconfirmed rumour that the father has recently had an affair with her.
Once we finished the interview (and captured the slum in photos) we caught a Boda Boda to Kira Road Police Station where we met Mr Walugembe, Divisional Commander of Police (DCP) - responsible for many of the police districts across Uganda, including most of Kampala and Mr Pande Davis, a senior officer of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
I understand Kira Road police station is a reasonably typical Ugandan police station, except that it also accommodates a number of senior police personnel. It was a little confronting to see the prisoners in their respective cells. Arrested men and women have their shoes removed when they're taken into custody and men also have their shirts removed to distinguish them from civilians. They all looked pretty hopeless and destitute and their eyes were hollow. There were many men or women sharing the one cell.
After interviewing the DCP about the details of the current case, we offered our continued support to assist in their ongoing investigations - to help bring about justice for those involved.
Mr Walugembi mentioned that he was planning a Community Reconciliation meeting in the Kamwokya slum later in the week and that he would appreciate having members of the KCM ECS team as guests due to our hands-on experience with families affected by child sacrifice.
After agreeing to assist, we returned to the Jesus House on a Boda Boda.
Another unexpected adventure!
Similar to the 'hunt' for the family at Lugazi, we asked around the slum until we found someone who knew the whereabouts of the family.
The family home was right in the middle of the slum. The conditions were smelly and dirty. Channels full of raw sewerage ran beside houses that were in various stages of disrepair. Children ran around between areas covered with drying yeast.
We sat on the 'verandah' of the family home (which doubled as the kitchen) and interviewed the mother and uncle. The father wasn't home at the time of the interview. I've since heard that the neighbour, Night, has been missing for most of the investigation and there is an unconfirmed rumour that the father has recently had an affair with her.
Once we finished the interview (and captured the slum in photos) we caught a Boda Boda to Kira Road Police Station where we met Mr Walugembe, Divisional Commander of Police (DCP) - responsible for many of the police districts across Uganda, including most of Kampala and Mr Pande Davis, a senior officer of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
I understand Kira Road police station is a reasonably typical Ugandan police station, except that it also accommodates a number of senior police personnel. It was a little confronting to see the prisoners in their respective cells. Arrested men and women have their shoes removed when they're taken into custody and men also have their shirts removed to distinguish them from civilians. They all looked pretty hopeless and destitute and their eyes were hollow. There were many men or women sharing the one cell.
After interviewing the DCP about the details of the current case, we offered our continued support to assist in their ongoing investigations - to help bring about justice for those involved.
Mr Walugembi mentioned that he was planning a Community Reconciliation meeting in the Kamwokya slum later in the week and that he would appreciate having members of the KCM ECS team as guests due to our hands-on experience with families affected by child sacrifice.
After agreeing to assist, we returned to the Jesus House on a Boda Boda.
Another unexpected adventure!
Thursday, 8 November 2012
Child Sacrifice in Lugazi
Today's post may be a little disturbing for some readers.
Wednesday saw Sonia and I travel with the KCM End Child Sacrifice (ECS) team to Lugazi (two-thirds of the way to Jinja).
From media reports a father had sacrificed his eldest son.
The landscape of the Lugazi district is very similar to that of Childers and Bundaberg. There is a tapestry of sugar cane and tea plantations scattered throughout the area.
When we arrived in Lugazi (about one and a half hours drive east of Kampala) we asked the locals where to find the family who had lost their son earlier in the week. Suffice to say that we were quickly directed to the sugar cane paddock where the boy's body was found. We then drove to the family home to speak with the parents. They had relocated to the grandparents village where they had buried the body on Tuesday.
When we arrived at this village there were about 50 or 60 people mingling around the home grieving with the family.
The ECS team interviewed the father before walking to the burial site to interview the local Chairman and Speaker (leader of district Chairmen).
After meeting the remaining 5 children in the family (the eldest daughter had passed away from a lack of nourishment only last month) it was very clear that the youngest two were also very sick and malnourished. Sonia and I asked if the ECS team could take them to a local medical clinic in Lugazi, which we did.
After we dropped them off (Sonia and Shelin stayed with the father, sister-in-law and two children) the rest of us dropped into the Lugazi Police station to interview the Officer in Charge of the Criminal Investigation Department. He was very appreciative of the support the ECS team were providing to the family and was very happy to share with us some of the details surrounding the boy's death.
Our visit to the medical clinic proved very worthwhile as one of the children had typhoid and both were significantly malnourished and anaemic. As the family couldn't afford the treatment we decided to pay the medical expenses (we agreed to pay 180,000 shillings straight away and pay the remaining 150,000 shillings in two weeks when we plan to return to the family to see how they're travelling). The doctor agreed to drive out to the village each day to administer the medication.
We also felt compelled to purchase groceries and clothes for the family as they were extremely poor and had absolutely nothing. We enjoyed going to the local Lugazi market to buy a laying chicken, millet, maize flour, beans, eggs, fruit and vegetables, cooking oil, milk and some other necessary requirements.
On our way to the market place the father asked the ECS team if he could commit his life to Christ. I asked them to ask him what he knew about the gospel and if he saw himself as a sinner. As he didn't have any understanding of the gospel I agreed to share it with him when we return to his home in two weeks.
Just to clarify, the ECS team tend to agree with the local police who think the father killed the eldest son on instruction from his brother (who is a witch doctor) in return for money, health and prosperity for the family.
The deceased boy (who we didn't see) was missing his head, neck, right arm, right leg, genitals, heart, liver and intestines - many of which would fetch a very high price if given to the 'right' people.
It was an emotionally draining day, but one that was important for us in building our understanding of the issue of Child Sacrifice. We felt very safe as a team, had the full support of the local Police and are taking the gospel to families and communities affected by this devastating practice.
Throughout the experience we were mindful to put on the full armour of God and seek his arm of protection.
Please pray for the team as they support families such as this. Please pray also for Moses, the father in question, that the truth comes out, justice is implemented and he accepts Christ in two weeks.
We spent most of Thursday writing up the official report from Wednesday.
Wednesday saw Sonia and I travel with the KCM End Child Sacrifice (ECS) team to Lugazi (two-thirds of the way to Jinja).
From media reports a father had sacrificed his eldest son.
The landscape of the Lugazi district is very similar to that of Childers and Bundaberg. There is a tapestry of sugar cane and tea plantations scattered throughout the area.
When we arrived in Lugazi (about one and a half hours drive east of Kampala) we asked the locals where to find the family who had lost their son earlier in the week. Suffice to say that we were quickly directed to the sugar cane paddock where the boy's body was found. We then drove to the family home to speak with the parents. They had relocated to the grandparents village where they had buried the body on Tuesday.
When we arrived at this village there were about 50 or 60 people mingling around the home grieving with the family.
The ECS team interviewed the father before walking to the burial site to interview the local Chairman and Speaker (leader of district Chairmen).
After meeting the remaining 5 children in the family (the eldest daughter had passed away from a lack of nourishment only last month) it was very clear that the youngest two were also very sick and malnourished. Sonia and I asked if the ECS team could take them to a local medical clinic in Lugazi, which we did.
After we dropped them off (Sonia and Shelin stayed with the father, sister-in-law and two children) the rest of us dropped into the Lugazi Police station to interview the Officer in Charge of the Criminal Investigation Department. He was very appreciative of the support the ECS team were providing to the family and was very happy to share with us some of the details surrounding the boy's death.
Our visit to the medical clinic proved very worthwhile as one of the children had typhoid and both were significantly malnourished and anaemic. As the family couldn't afford the treatment we decided to pay the medical expenses (we agreed to pay 180,000 shillings straight away and pay the remaining 150,000 shillings in two weeks when we plan to return to the family to see how they're travelling). The doctor agreed to drive out to the village each day to administer the medication.
We also felt compelled to purchase groceries and clothes for the family as they were extremely poor and had absolutely nothing. We enjoyed going to the local Lugazi market to buy a laying chicken, millet, maize flour, beans, eggs, fruit and vegetables, cooking oil, milk and some other necessary requirements.
On our way to the market place the father asked the ECS team if he could commit his life to Christ. I asked them to ask him what he knew about the gospel and if he saw himself as a sinner. As he didn't have any understanding of the gospel I agreed to share it with him when we return to his home in two weeks.
Just to clarify, the ECS team tend to agree with the local police who think the father killed the eldest son on instruction from his brother (who is a witch doctor) in return for money, health and prosperity for the family.
The deceased boy (who we didn't see) was missing his head, neck, right arm, right leg, genitals, heart, liver and intestines - many of which would fetch a very high price if given to the 'right' people.
It was an emotionally draining day, but one that was important for us in building our understanding of the issue of Child Sacrifice. We felt very safe as a team, had the full support of the local Police and are taking the gospel to families and communities affected by this devastating practice.
Throughout the experience we were mindful to put on the full armour of God and seek his arm of protection.
Please pray for the team as they support families such as this. Please pray also for Moses, the father in question, that the truth comes out, justice is implemented and he accepts Christ in two weeks.
We spent most of Thursday writing up the official report from Wednesday.
'Feed my Lambs' Slum School
Tuesday saw the family enjoy a day with Matthew and Brittany Newton, a couple from the United States who have been working with the Kyampisi Children's Choir. As it was their final day in Uganda, we thought it would be nice to spend a good portion of it with them.
First up we visited Feed my Lambs Primary School. The school was established about 4 years ago by a local Christian lady (Claire) who felt God leading her to establish a Christian School in one of Kampala's slum areas.
While there was a definite aroma of raw sewerage wafting through the P1-P5 classroom, the students were incredibly focussed and amazingly well-behaved. As Claire explains it, those attending the school are the lucky ones! The ones looking in from the outside (literally) can only dream about coming to school. A little bit like the students who attend a Watoto school, the students attending Feed my Lambs Primary School have become the most privileged in their district and they seem determined to make the most of the opportunity given - good on them!
While the classroom and playground were very basic, there was an obvious love and concern amongst the children.
Matt and Brittany had recently organised new uniforms for the students and they all looked very proud of themselves! Matt and Brittany had also taught them many Christian songs which they happily sang to us all.
The whole experience was another reminder that despite having nothing, students can be very happy, well behaved and so very keen to learn - it really puts some of our Aussie kids to shame!
After saying 'goodbye' to the children at the school we drove to one of the local craft markets to find a bargain! We bought a traditional African drum and two contemporary African paintings - all very beautiful and ridiculously inexpensive!
After buying two-for-the-price-of-one pizzas from Nando's Cafe in the city centre, we came home for a restful afternoon.
Following dinner we drive Matt and Brittany to Entebbe Airport. Interestingly we were asked to hop out of the car on the outskirts of the airport, walk through a security check (similar to that at the airport) and then get back into the car before making our way to the Departures Lounge at the airport. They must be tightening up on security at the airport?
First up we visited Feed my Lambs Primary School. The school was established about 4 years ago by a local Christian lady (Claire) who felt God leading her to establish a Christian School in one of Kampala's slum areas.
While there was a definite aroma of raw sewerage wafting through the P1-P5 classroom, the students were incredibly focussed and amazingly well-behaved. As Claire explains it, those attending the school are the lucky ones! The ones looking in from the outside (literally) can only dream about coming to school. A little bit like the students who attend a Watoto school, the students attending Feed my Lambs Primary School have become the most privileged in their district and they seem determined to make the most of the opportunity given - good on them!
While the classroom and playground were very basic, there was an obvious love and concern amongst the children.
Matt and Brittany had recently organised new uniforms for the students and they all looked very proud of themselves! Matt and Brittany had also taught them many Christian songs which they happily sang to us all.
The whole experience was another reminder that despite having nothing, students can be very happy, well behaved and so very keen to learn - it really puts some of our Aussie kids to shame!
After saying 'goodbye' to the children at the school we drove to one of the local craft markets to find a bargain! We bought a traditional African drum and two contemporary African paintings - all very beautiful and ridiculously inexpensive!
After buying two-for-the-price-of-one pizzas from Nando's Cafe in the city centre, we came home for a restful afternoon.
Following dinner we drive Matt and Brittany to Entebbe Airport. Interestingly we were asked to hop out of the car on the outskirts of the airport, walk through a security check (similar to that at the airport) and then get back into the car before making our way to the Departures Lounge at the airport. They must be tightening up on security at the airport?
Saturday, 3 November 2012
Safari
We departed the Jesus House (together with driver Paul and passenger Eddie) on Wednesday morning at about 10am. We made our way north along Gulu Road for about 3 hours and then turned west onto Misindi Road for about an hour. After lunch at New Court View Hotel, we drove directly to Murchison Falls National Park (via a very picturesque dirt road full of pot holes and wildlife).
As we drove through the main gates of the National Park (about an hour and a half drive from Misindi) we were greeted by baboons. The drive from the main gate to the Nile River ferry also took about an hour and a half. We were again greeted by animals on our arrival - this time by water-hogs and hippos. The Nile River flows right through the Murchisin Falls National Park. Interestingly it is called the Victoria Nile where it is fed from Lake Victoria, the Albert Nile where it is fed from Lake Albert and then the White and Blue Nile as it travels north to Egypt. Paraa Resort is a few hundred metres from the eastern bank of the Victoria Nile.
After settling into our respective rooms, we met Eddie in the restaurant for a buffet dinner (with an amazing choice of food).
After an early night we awoke at 5.30am for our first safari drive. We saw giraffes, elephants, cobs, Cape buffalo, a lion, his lioness, lots of birds (including many crested cranes), a goanna look-alike and many Jackson antelopes.
After a late breakfast and a swim in the resort pool, we enjoyed a buffet lunch - again, with another amazing choice of dishes.
After applying liberal amounts of sunscreen and insect repellant, we boarded the 'African Queen', a double-story tour boat, which took us downstream to Murchison Waterfall. En route we were escorted by hippos, crocodiles and an amazing array of bird life (including weaver birds, kingfishers, saddle-billed storks, lilac-breasted rollers, carmine bee-eaters, scarlet- tuffed malachite sunbirds and eagles). The saddle-billed stork is especially impressive with its long beak featuring vibrant red, yellow and black, the colours of the Ugandan flag.
Eli won't forget the experience as Moses, the captain of the tour boat, let him steer for much of the journey up the Nile.
When we returned to the landing site for the 'African Queen' we were entertained by a handful of friendly baboons. They hopped onto the roof of Paul's car, poked their heads inside the sunroof and generally fooled around. To be honest, I think it's become a bit of a game for them as there were probably five baboons 'playing' on the roof of another nearby car, bending the aerial and pulling out the rubber from the windscreen wipers (I captured some of these antics on HD video). While it was all a bit of a joke, I'm sure it could easily become quite scary for an unsuspecting tourist.
On our return to Paraa Resort we enjoyed a buffet dinner, followed by two games of pool and another early night.
On Friday morning we set our alarm for a 5.15am start as we wanted to commence our safari drive at 5.45am to catch a little more of the darkness before dawn. Unfortunately as Hannah and I were up with diarrhea and vomiting during the night we didn't attend the morning safari drive.
When Sonia, Lydia, Eli and Eddie returned they kept talking about the leopard they saw lying in an Acacia tree. They each had a look through the binoculars and could explain the intricate pattern on its coat. They also saw a large herd of giraffes and Cape buffalos.
Following breakfast and a quick swim (for Lydia and Eli) we had a quick lunch before departing for home.
As we waited for the ferry to cross the Nile we were again entertained by a couple of baboons who harassed a school bus full of school girls. One baboon actually jumped up to an open window, made his way inside the bus, provoked about 50 girls to scream and stole a handbag. It was another reminder about the potential dangers of wild animals!
After crossing the Nile we drove to Misindi via the top of Murchison Waterfall - another amazing experience, although we did need to stop a few times on the way for me to vomit by the side of the bumpy road.
I'll write a separate blog about our return trip.
What an amazing few days - in hindsight we should have stayed a few more days. I'll recommend to Peter that he encourage future guests to stay for at least 4 or 5 days given the time and energy to get there!
In the visitors book at Paraa Lodge I wrote 'Praise God for His creation. The whole experience was inspiring and uplifting for the whole family'.
As the local Africans would say 'Thank you Jesus' for three wonderful days.
As we drove through the main gates of the National Park (about an hour and a half drive from Misindi) we were greeted by baboons. The drive from the main gate to the Nile River ferry also took about an hour and a half. We were again greeted by animals on our arrival - this time by water-hogs and hippos. The Nile River flows right through the Murchisin Falls National Park. Interestingly it is called the Victoria Nile where it is fed from Lake Victoria, the Albert Nile where it is fed from Lake Albert and then the White and Blue Nile as it travels north to Egypt. Paraa Resort is a few hundred metres from the eastern bank of the Victoria Nile.
After settling into our respective rooms, we met Eddie in the restaurant for a buffet dinner (with an amazing choice of food).
After an early night we awoke at 5.30am for our first safari drive. We saw giraffes, elephants, cobs, Cape buffalo, a lion, his lioness, lots of birds (including many crested cranes), a goanna look-alike and many Jackson antelopes.
After a late breakfast and a swim in the resort pool, we enjoyed a buffet lunch - again, with another amazing choice of dishes.
After applying liberal amounts of sunscreen and insect repellant, we boarded the 'African Queen', a double-story tour boat, which took us downstream to Murchison Waterfall. En route we were escorted by hippos, crocodiles and an amazing array of bird life (including weaver birds, kingfishers, saddle-billed storks, lilac-breasted rollers, carmine bee-eaters, scarlet- tuffed malachite sunbirds and eagles). The saddle-billed stork is especially impressive with its long beak featuring vibrant red, yellow and black, the colours of the Ugandan flag.
Eli won't forget the experience as Moses, the captain of the tour boat, let him steer for much of the journey up the Nile.
When we returned to the landing site for the 'African Queen' we were entertained by a handful of friendly baboons. They hopped onto the roof of Paul's car, poked their heads inside the sunroof and generally fooled around. To be honest, I think it's become a bit of a game for them as there were probably five baboons 'playing' on the roof of another nearby car, bending the aerial and pulling out the rubber from the windscreen wipers (I captured some of these antics on HD video). While it was all a bit of a joke, I'm sure it could easily become quite scary for an unsuspecting tourist.
On our return to Paraa Resort we enjoyed a buffet dinner, followed by two games of pool and another early night.
On Friday morning we set our alarm for a 5.15am start as we wanted to commence our safari drive at 5.45am to catch a little more of the darkness before dawn. Unfortunately as Hannah and I were up with diarrhea and vomiting during the night we didn't attend the morning safari drive.
When Sonia, Lydia, Eli and Eddie returned they kept talking about the leopard they saw lying in an Acacia tree. They each had a look through the binoculars and could explain the intricate pattern on its coat. They also saw a large herd of giraffes and Cape buffalos.
Following breakfast and a quick swim (for Lydia and Eli) we had a quick lunch before departing for home.
As we waited for the ferry to cross the Nile we were again entertained by a couple of baboons who harassed a school bus full of school girls. One baboon actually jumped up to an open window, made his way inside the bus, provoked about 50 girls to scream and stole a handbag. It was another reminder about the potential dangers of wild animals!
After crossing the Nile we drove to Misindi via the top of Murchison Waterfall - another amazing experience, although we did need to stop a few times on the way for me to vomit by the side of the bumpy road.
I'll write a separate blog about our return trip.
What an amazing few days - in hindsight we should have stayed a few more days. I'll recommend to Peter that he encourage future guests to stay for at least 4 or 5 days given the time and energy to get there!
In the visitors book at Paraa Lodge I wrote 'Praise God for His creation. The whole experience was inspiring and uplifting for the whole family'.
As the local Africans would say 'Thank you Jesus' for three wonderful days.
Kabalega Diner
Another example of God's providence came during our trip home from safari -when the water hose in Paul's car blew up in the middle of nowhere (about three hours from Kampala). How is this a good thing I hear you ask? Well, as Paul pulled up on the side of busy Gulu road just on dusk, I noticed Kabalega Diner about 25m back on the opposite side of the road.
Suffice to say, we carefully reversed the mini-van and pulled in for a break - we weren't sure how long we'd be staying there, but decided it was a much better place to stay than on the side of a busy road in the dark. We also thought it was a good place to buy dinner as it was about 6.30pm. The menu was great, but as I'd had diarrhea and vomiting all day, I decided to 'watch the animals feed' from a distance.
After three hours, Paul had managed to replace the water hose and so we were back on the road again. Although we had a few little stops on our way home (as the engine was still overheating) we eventually arrived home at about 1am - 4 hours later than we anticipated!
Having said all that, the whole safari experience was totally amazing for everyone - we saw lots of animals, enjoyed the resort-style pool and ate heaps of meat, fresh fruit and fresh vegetables - more than we have had for the first part of our trip.
We each highly recommend Murchison Falls National Park and Paraa Resort to anyone looking for a great safari experience in Uganda. We'd also recommend Kabalega Diner if you get stuck somewhere along Gulu Road and are looking for a good meal, clean toilets and smiling faces.
Suffice to say, we carefully reversed the mini-van and pulled in for a break - we weren't sure how long we'd be staying there, but decided it was a much better place to stay than on the side of a busy road in the dark. We also thought it was a good place to buy dinner as it was about 6.30pm. The menu was great, but as I'd had diarrhea and vomiting all day, I decided to 'watch the animals feed' from a distance.
After three hours, Paul had managed to replace the water hose and so we were back on the road again. Although we had a few little stops on our way home (as the engine was still overheating) we eventually arrived home at about 1am - 4 hours later than we anticipated!
Having said all that, the whole safari experience was totally amazing for everyone - we saw lots of animals, enjoyed the resort-style pool and ate heaps of meat, fresh fruit and fresh vegetables - more than we have had for the first part of our trip.
We each highly recommend Murchison Falls National Park and Paraa Resort to anyone looking for a great safari experience in Uganda. We'd also recommend Kabalega Diner if you get stuck somewhere along Gulu Road and are looking for a good meal, clean toilets and smiling faces.
Friday, 2 November 2012
New Camera
Unfortunately our new camera, bought with the safari in mind, has sustained an injury. It looks like the inner lens has a star in it. When focussing, the image has a large blur at its centre and the colours are not true to life. Basically, there is no point in using the camera and unfortunately there is no Fuji dealer in Uganda. We'll certainly get it fixed on our return to Australia - but that's not much good to us here!
Interestingly there is a Canon dealership in Kampala, so had we chosen the Canon camera (which we very nearly did), we could have arranged for its repair whilst here in Uganda. Isn't it amazing how some things pan out?
Interestingly, the last photo shoot using the new camera was during the witch doctor ceremony at Mpigi about three weeks ago. Both Peter and I believe he may be in some way responsible for the damage.
The camera has always lived in the camera bag and has only been used by me since we've arrived. As it's been well looked after it does beckon the question about the influence of the witch doctor?
Interestingly there is a Canon dealership in Kampala, so had we chosen the Canon camera (which we very nearly did), we could have arranged for its repair whilst here in Uganda. Isn't it amazing how some things pan out?
Interestingly, the last photo shoot using the new camera was during the witch doctor ceremony at Mpigi about three weeks ago. Both Peter and I believe he may be in some way responsible for the damage.
The camera has always lived in the camera bag and has only been used by me since we've arrived. As it's been well looked after it does beckon the question about the influence of the witch doctor?
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