Day One in Uganda

Well we finally made it safely. It was late at night when we arrived and we had the thrill of another harrowing drive from Entebbe(airport) to Kampala. This kind of driving is for adrenalin junkies only. Thank goodness we weren’t driving.

If you can imagine, there are virtually no street lights except in the city centre so all headlights are blinding. That wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t for the hundreds of people who walk along the roadsides only inches from the cars. And then there is the head-on traffic which are the impatient many who pass from the other lane, blinding you further so that missing the persons walking seems more like a game of Frogger. It is a real E-ticket ride. Approximately 50% of all hospitalizations at the injury clinics are from traffic related incidents. I can believe it.

The streets are really something to see. They bustle with people coming and going and hanging out at the multitude of small businesses which aren’t much bigger than shacks. Most are only lit by a single candle. Businesses range from meat shops, cellular minute stores, barber shops to bars (“bottle shops”). Who would think that there would be so much need for a haircut so late at night. The bottle shops are very busy too; large or small, candle lit or electrified; they are filled with people.

We have a busy day tomorrow, so off for much needed rest.

Goodnight from Kampala!