This is the Uganda most people don’t see.
Uganda is so rich in diversity – like a clay pot of goat stew on a wood fire in the backyard. Every time you stir it slightly, something new comes up, one beautiful spot after another.
Some people fall in love with the sight of lakes and volcanoes around Mutanda. Others prefer an early morning coffee overlooking the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest covered in layers of mist.
Some remember a quiet moment in a plunge pool above the rapids of the Victoria Nile.
And for others, it’s the sound and spray of the Murchison Falls that stays with them.
While travelling north, a colleague who loves climbing mountains, hills, and boulders joined us. He’s from the Eastern part of the country – the Mount Elgon region – climbing things is in his blood.
Upon approaching Karenga, there’s one area that always catches my attention. A stretch of road zigzagging through the valley – green landscapes, large granite boulders … cattle kraal in between.
We spotted one hill in particular, parked the car, and approached a family living at its base to ask if we could hike up. The house owner, Mama Stephanie, wasn’t around – she had gone to help with communal thatching nearby – so we grabbed a boda and went to find her.
When we did, she warmly agreed and even offered to join us, baby on her back. Soon, other kids joined in, and what started as a spontaneous idea turned into something of a village event.
The views from the top were breathtaking, but what stayed with me most was the spontaneity of it all. My youngest son being carried by one of the girls when he got tired. The shower of rain midway adding to the experience and excitement. The joy and laughter, from start to finish.
And – nobody asking for anything in return.
Phone numbers were exchanged, and later that day we received a call from Mama Stephanie checking on us to make sure we had reached our destination safely.
This is what Uganda is all about – those genuine, spontaneous moments that remind you how real things can be.
That feeling that humanity still counts …
