Arrival in Uganda

Stepping off the plane in Entebbe, I was hit with a wall of hot, humid air. It had been raining, which only added to the heaviness of the air. Ms. Namatovu Catherine, the headmistress of Mwebaza Primary School, was waiting for me outside customs. "I was looking for a muzungu (white person) with many bags, and I knew that would be you." she said. She was absolutely right, I had checked two bags full of school and medical supplies. I used to bring three bags until British Airways changed their baggage allowances from three to two checked bags.

We took a longer route back to Mwebaza School as to avoid any roads that might have been washed out by the rain. As much as I wanted to get back to my hotel, shower, and sleep, I first had to stop by Mwebaza School and greet Namatovu's family who founded the school many years ago on their own property, and where they still reside.

I was welcomed with a cup of tea and some boiled "Irish" (potatoes) and began the exchange of a string of greetings that most Baganda people extend to all visitors. 

"You are welcome!"

"Thank you!"

"How is Colorado?"

"Colorado is fine, how is Uganda?"

"Uganda is alright."

"How is your family?"

"My family is good!

"How is yours?"

"Our family is ok"

Only after this introduction, could we begin talking of other things. We spoke until I could barely keep my eyes open. Apparently someone must've noticed, since Namatovu being the gracious host she is, insisted she accompany me back to my hotel that is only a block away from Mwebaza School, so I could rest. 

Knowing that Wednesday would be a busy first day, we got up early to get a head start. We wanted to leave early for "town" (Kampala) since we had a list of errands to run. However, in the typical African way, our driver didn't show up until 1pm so I used this time to drop in on all the classes at Mwebaza!

When we finally got into Kampala, our first stop was the bank. For months we have been working on setting up a bank account in Uganda under the Mwebaza Colorado Educational Foundation (the Mwebaza Foundation's Ugandan branch), but there were still a few loose ends to tie up. Opening a bank account in Uganda is a completely unfamiliar and very complicated and lengthy process. To set up online banking we had to reschedule to meet with an online banking representative and to make sure our account is "official" we had to certify our bank resolution document, at which point we were directed to the government offices, because they do not certify documents at the bank. We were, however, able to withdraw $5 million shillings ($1,500 USD) to place a deposit on a large 30 passenger bus for Mwebaza School that will be used as a school bus and a taxi to generate income for the school. The teachers and students here are so excited!

After only a short time of being greeted as "sister" and "mama" once again, I can't help but think how connected we really are. Not only on a human level of compassion and empathy but on a genetic level too! Watch this video that keeps playing through my head, DNA Test.