Blogs from Central Region, Uganda, Africa

I booked a walking tour through Tripadvisor yesterday, with a female guide, Faridausi and Glyn booked an Uber to meet her in town. She was almost 20 minutes late, but it seems in Uganda, that’s standard and not worth an apology. The first stop was a statue of Edward Mutesa, the first president of Uganda, (after independence from the UK in 1962). He was also the King and pushed out of power by Milton Obote and sent into exile, aided by Idi Amin. And then Obote was ousted by Idi Amin, who made himself popular by returning the body of Mutesa, so he could be buried in Uganda. Nearby stood a statue celebrating Uganda’s independence, a public place with a few homeless scattered around. A very old sign displayed photographs from 1962. A big hole had ... read more

Uganda Day 10 Birds, traffic and getting lost in Kampala I was already awake when the alarm went off at 6 this morning so these lie-ins must be a bit too much. Breakfast was a buffet-style affair and quite Westernised but it was nice. The hotel houses conferences and weddings so it’s a bit posher than we’re used to and everyone is very formal but it’s clean and apparently in a nice part of town. Wehen we were booking in yesterday Zed was concerned that we might be a bit late setting off today as breakfast didn’t start until 7. So we were there just before 7 and ready for when he was due to pick us up at 7:30. He messaged to say that he was on his way, then that there was lots of ... read more

Today we left Lake Bunyoni for the 440 km trip back to Kampala including a stop at the equator. It was sad to leave all the lovely people of Lake Bunyoni View, but we did leave them a good tip. At a nearby petrol station, Didan said his farewells too and we thanked him a lot for the awesome time we had. And so started our long journey, through towns, past farms with women and children toiling in the fields. By quarries where mostly women were bent over doing what appeared to be back-breaking work. We left our last dirt road and returned to tarmac, where they have far fewer potholes than the UK. Zedius calls it an African massage when we drive over the bumpy dirt roads, but in all honesty, I’ve not found them ... read more

While in Uganda I wanted to visit as many of my new loan recipients as possible so I could see where they are starting from. I had the opportunity to meet most of them so I will share their stories with you: Jane: We went to Kampala last week to visit Jane at her stall. She received a loan for $2,000,000 UGX (Approx $600) so she could 'move up the food chain' for second hand clothes. She used to buy a few pieces of clothing from a supplier and bring them to the market to sell. Now with the loan she can buy a whole bail of clothes. An average bail might cost $1,000,000 UGX. She will get it very early in the morning and then people will come to her and buy the clothes to ... read more

My main purpose for my quick visit to Uganda (other than to see my Kigo Girls!!) was to check-in with the women who have received micro loans over the last year. Many of the ladies have their loans totally paid back, two will finish at the end of the month, and then there are six new loans since the start of this year. All of the loans are matching loans. So the women have to save the same amount as the loan. That way it is a partnership in their future. I thought I would share a few of their stories of the women who received loans last year: Daisy stayed at the RWO shelter prior to it being closed during COVID. They were able to find her a foster family to take her in while ... read more