Day 18 Saturday 31st

Sometimes I am so maddened by behavioural, cultural differences here that I am driven to swear and curse and foster feelings of harm to others. I am a passive, gentle man who rarely shows emotion in a violent volatile way, but sometimes, just sometimes I get really angry and feel like punching a wall or something that is unable to hurt me back. 

So much about Africa and obviously in particular Uganda are so frustrating it drives me to distraction

Today, various situations moved me once again to anger. It frustrates me that children have to live in environments that are so shortsighted that the majority of the world would wince at their situation. It angers me that children have no role models and are to become the future of a country already extremely poor and lacking in an obvious moral framework. It angers me that people in this country want to own others and use them for their own purposes. It angers me that children are seen as pawns to be used and discarded when they have served their purpose. They are used as currency. It makes me cry that this society will abuse it's young for financial gain. I am angry that the government and the establishment take for themselves what is rightfully the people's. I am angered that so many people here including church leaders, the government, local officials are on the take and can'f be trusted and live in luxury with foreign holidays and fly first class and have many homes and cars and all the trappings of wealth whilst their people that they are supposed to be serving are kept in abject poverty. 

Today I am left with a passion to make a difference but feel impotent in some ways. I've spent many hours chatting with innocent, impressionable children who literally have nothing in this world. They fill me with hope, hope that they can be helped and can forge a future for themselves, hope that we can make a difference for these and many other kids. 

These paat three weeks I have been encouraged but some aspects bother me on a daily basis and will trouble me next week when normal life will resume. 

Ensigo y'omucungwa will be a huge success and I am confident that it will be a wonderful facility for this country. It will help many young lives to find a way forward. A way out of their poverty and hopelessness. I want it to be able to encourage as well as equip. I want it to offer counseling and corrective thinking. I want to give them acccess to people with skill but also with heart and passion for life. I am confident that the next generation that we have dealings with here will become future leaders and job creators. I am sure that it will change forever the climate here in Uganda but in particular those in this region.  

I have so much work to do for these vulnerable and abused children. I need to raise funds to realise these dreams and to extinguish the anger within. 

It feels like a new chapter in the development of our tiny charity. But to be able to forge a future for some of the world's most unloved and most vulnerable is such a privilege. I am confident that with the help of many skilled generous people, The Orange Seed will make a huge difference to the next generation of Uganda. The future has to be in releasing the potential that is bound up in an extremely passive and very gentle nation. Its not gonna be found in supporting or propping up systems that are dependant on that support. I want to make a difference to these lovely and charming children whose hand has been dealt unfairly and with extreme odds backed against them. I want to help to forge self-sustaining futures that bring personal satisfaction and pride in their own ability. I for one will fight for their future. 

In the past three weeks I have covered many topics and introduced you to some of my friends. Thank you for reading this blog and listening to my rantings. Tomorrow Sim and I begin our journey home. It has been an honour to have you share this experience with us

Thank you,. 

'til the next time........

Day 17 Friday 30th

Ensigo y'omucungwa is the name of the Malangata project. This means The Orange Seed. Our concept for the new building is that, like an orange seed which falls to the ground and after germination produces a large tree that will in time produce fruit that then may produce many trees etc. we want this building to create job creators and not just regurgitate skills or knowledge. After training and skill transference we are hoping that our students will have a mindset that enables them to pass on their abilities to others thereby completing the cycle. Today we took the new signage to Malangata and cemented the first sign into the ground at the new road entrance. Before leaving Kampala we held a meeting with Ameena who will be setting up the hairdressing salon for us and also training our first students at ENSIGO Y'OMUCUNGWA. It was a very helpful time which has enabled us to cost the salon and work towards training. As with everything we do here, it is dependant on donations. So for this, as with every other idea I need money. After the meeting we set off for Malangata to deliver the signs so that they could be screwed to the wall and also cemented. 

On the way Paul, my friend and trusted colleague here and Simeon managed to buy a birthday cake for Abbi without her noticing. We had sung her happy Birthday earlier and managed to get a local lad to sing her a romantic love song which was hilarious as she stood thoroughly embarrassed and obviously uncomfortable. Abbi is a volunteer from the UK that was with us today. She is game for most things and loved the fact that we cared enough to celebrate with her. The video is now somewhere on Facebook and will be a reason that this birthday is never forgotten. We travelled to Malangata with cake for a later surprise. 

The well is going on well and as we arrived today the engineers had dug by hand to 30 ft. This is a third of the estimated depth to reach the water table. Sim and Helen, the other volunteer decided that they had to experience being under the ground at 30ft so persuaded the workers to allow them to swing on a rope to the bottom of the pit. They remarked on how warm it was down there and we took the opportunity to take as many photos as possible. 

Today as well as being a lovely and exciting day also was one of those days where many things seem to conspire against you. Firstly we left the 2 netballs that we bought yesterday in Paul's office. We only realised this after we arrived at Malangata. As we approached the village I had forgotten, after such a long journey being careful not to drive too fast or erratically, that our load was 10ft tall above the truck. I drove into an overhanging tree branch and bent one of the support arms. As we got closer to Ensigo James, our builder, came to meet us and after removing the sign from the vehicle straightened the pole with a kick or two and announced that it would be fine. We know however, that it will probably rust in time. After the cementing of this sign we went to Ensigo and took a tour of the complex. Sara realised that we had left the vehicle unlocked. This is a no no in Uganda as things will definitely be stolen so she locked the doors and joined the tour. After some time we needed more water to drink as it was an extremely hot day and so searched for the car keys. Yes you guessed it, these things always come in threes. The keys were firmly locked inside the vehicle. The only solution we had was to find 'a kid' and squeeze him through the tiny back window of the pick up. It was hilarious watching 20 people all with different ideas about how to fix the problem. Dis using how to do retrieve them easily.  In the end it as the 4 year old 'kid' that saved us. It then enabled us to all sing Happy Birthday to Abbi and present her with her cake. She wasn't aware at all and loved the surprise. After cutting the cake with a panger- a Ugandan machete- we all shared the huge cake with her. A fun and very productive day. On our return to Red Chilli I had my hand shaken by Francis, one of the bar staff, and he announced the he was glad to see that I shook his hand like a real man and that I wasn't naked like last night. We all laughed as he explained that I had had a short conversations itch him last night, which I had forgotten, in which I taught him a new word (knackered). He was glad I wasn't as knackered (naked) as last night.

Day 16 Thursday 29th

UThursday has been a day of many experiences. This evening we ate the most excellent of suppers by candle light as the first power cut of the trip descended on Kampala City. 

I have travelled here many times. The first time the lights went out every night. And we sat in candle light or by paraffin lamps. These days since the second damn over the river Nile was finished it is a rarity but I was still reminded that this is Uganda what else should I expect. 

We started at Kiwoi this morning as Helen and Abbi started work for real. They spent the morning doing computer training with the girls. It was the first time that they had ever touched the computer. As an example Florence (14) has never touched a computer mouse before. She had no concept as to what to do and struggles to coordinate hand movement and cursors. Our children in the UK have grown up with computers and most techy gadgets and even for the youngest child are a way of life. Christine one of our. Girls from the village had come to visit Benedicta and brought her school report for me to see and to be chastised by me for such a poor report. I asked what had happened and why this term was so bad. They test both mid term and at the end and then average the results for an overall mark. Christine explained that she hadn't an exercise book and had therefore been refused the lesson. She gained 10% in computers. She explained that the school only has 4 computers and you can only go on them if you pay each term. She can barely afford the uniform and if it weren't for possibilities wouldn't be in school anyway. So paying the equivalent of £5 per term to use the computers is impossible. Ridiculous. We will pay. 

The volunteers offered a gift to Benedicta and she immediately asked if Simeon could go and buy food with it. I refused and bought the food anyway.Their gift will be a plus later in their trip. Sim, Angie and I left for Spau's offices. We had a meeting about the future of the Malangata Project. It was most interesting. After a short while we left to collect the new signs from the sign maker. They are of a good Ugandan standard. They will look great in their new situation. Then we went to Paul and Juliet's for dinner. The food as always was excellent. Even though some of the meal was in darkness. 

Day 15 Wednesday 28th

After a disjointed inferior sleep we left Red Chilli to pick up Helen and Abby from the airport. I think a combination of new surroundings, inferior mattress, short bed, and an early start that we couldn't miss we're responsible. We arrived in time at Entebbe to collect them but we had our timing wrong. The flight landed 1/2 hour before our arrival. When customs, visa and bag collect are accounted for our timing was just about perfect. 

After a rest and settle at Red Chilli we took the volunteers to Benedicta's to meet the whole family and to give a tour of the orphanage and of course to be bombarded by the children. Almost immediately the girls were flavour of the month. Sim struggled to get a look in, they were so popular. By our departure Sim, Abby  and Helen were exhausted and very very dirty. I haven't seen the girls so happy and excited for such a long time. Pure joy. We bought sodas for all which cost us £2.50 for 10. The pictures with red tongues might explain why Margaret is hyper today. It doesn't describe her general liveliness though.

This evening we ate with an old friend Richard. He works with street children in Kampala City. On Oct 26th he has organised an event for many street children. At the event they will deal with nutrition and medical care. He needs to cover the costs of medical provision of 6 doctors. I can't help myself. I offered to cover the cost of the HIV/Aids testing. So when I return to UK expect me to come knocking  I need so much money. These children are aged 13-17 and live in a slum the like you've never seen. I have never been allowed to visit the Kisenyi slum because it is too dangerous. Richard works with the street children that inhabit these slums. There main difficulty with this event is providing the healthcare project. I've pledged to cover £600. So if you are interested in helping us please make a donation on the possibilities website. 

Whenever we visit Red Chilli Evelyn provides most of our craft items. This evening I had the privilege of meeting Margaret who is one of the disadvantaged ladies who stitches and sews and sticks and makes the most exquisite of craft items. 

Today was a day of introductions and although this is very important work it doesn't make for too many words on a blog. 

Day 14 Tuesday 27th

Today we relocated back to Red Chilli. We enjoyed the time spent at Papaya Holiday Home with Mama Florence and will use the accommodation again when we travel in these parts. Red Chilli is better located for the final part of this trip. Tomorrow morning we are collecting two volunteers from the airport and then we are firmly into wind down. It has been a fabulous trip and we have to tie up the many loose ends that always need sorting at the end of such activities. Red Chilli Hideaway is Uganda's premier stop over for back packers and travellers from all over the world. After many trips to Africa this feels like home in some senses. As we walk to reception everyone wants to shake our hands. We are known by most staff on first name terms. It is really like visiting old friends. 

After a quick bag dump we took Mama Florence and David with lawn mower to the repair / main dealer in the city. The traffic was horrendous and it took us much longer than expected. 

We then visited John Asiimwe Kash at Master Signs. It is time to name the building and lay a marker at Malangata. The signage is now being prepared. Photos on Friday. This evening the proofs were approved and many texts have flown between myself and the printer/sign writer. 

Paul has been unwell for a couple of days and so I have had sole use of the SPAU pickup. It has been a great experience, learning to drive in the hump capital of the world. I can cope with the aggressive behaviour. I can deal with the lack of rules. I can deal with the ancient unroadworthy vehicles but I am not very good at avoiding pot holes and always seem to miss the humps. 

We had lunch with Angie and swapped our life stories. We chatted much about Possibilities and Uganda in general and of course what we do here and how. It was a very useful time. After a brief return to leave the vehicle at Red Chilli, we set off for the city on 3 boda's. my bike was the third and as we drifted effortlessly through the late afternoon traffic as it stood stationary, i watched Sim and Angie in front and it crossed my mind that this could be a scene from a movie. We seemed to be a crack team with a mission and nothing would stand in our way. It was as if we untouchable as we sailed effortlessly through the frustrated drivers and irritated taxi drivers. 

It's actually not that idyllic but I love to dream. We headed for the craft markets for something to do and to begin to pick up those knick- nacks for loved ones. After much banter and pretend negotiations, I came upon a group of artists. I had no intention of buying a picture but suddenly the picture attached shouted out at me. I think art is truly in the eye of the beholder just like beauty. It screamed out to me and I just had to buy it. After a successful firm but fair negotiation it was mine. I am mesmerised by the beauty of the image. I have the same desire to gaze upon Denise when I return home. Beauty needs to be appreciated and gazed at in wonder. Those of you that visit my home in the UK will be able to marvel at its beauty next week. The picture is of a Karamojo woman and I am spell bound.

Day 13 Monday 26th

Quite a day. A full on 'do everything' type of day. This morning we had a meeting with Musa, our long time friend and Safari driver. It was good to talk about so many things and catch up with his news. We had to make arrangements and speak about Musa's wife who will be helping us set up a hair salon at Malangata. After the set up she will be our first instructor to begin courses there. Hers will be a course in hairstyling. 

At 10.30 we had our 2nd meeting of the day. I had arranged a meeting with the leaders at Bula Children's Home with a government advisor on the child care expectations within Uganda. The meeting went as well as I expected and we are left with no illusions at all about what is expected and what the home must do now to remain as a Children's Home. At the end of the meeting Angie arrived   Angie is an American volunteer who has offered 4 months free of charge to take over from me when I leave next week. She will work with Bula to help them with the transitions and also to work at Malangata with continuing the work that we have been doing there. Angie will shadow us for the next 5 days to gather as much info as possible. She is a personable assured young woman and I will be 

We then visited Malangata to give a tour to Angie and also to pay Zub his first payment for the bore hole. Today he corrected me. He is not digging a bore hole - a bore hole is obviously a hole that is bored. He is digging a well. His team are digging a well by hand down to a depth approx. of 80ft to the water table. It will then be capped and a pump will be put in place at ground level. It is important, he was telling me, for it to be at least  6ft in diameter or at the depths that they will be digging there would be no air to breath. It is so far at a depth of 8ft after 2 days. It is going to be a long job. 

After making several payments we returned to Kampala where I had the unenviable task of driving in the dark. Driving in the day is one experience never to forget but driving at night in Kampala is definitely an experience to forget. No street lights, no lights on some vehicles, people walking everywhere, BodaBodas weaving in and out of the traffic in a huge  hurry to go nowhere, every person with a dark skin and in dark clothing, continued mayhem on the road. I have decided today that I will not drive again at night here. I will do everything to avoid it. 

P.S. Comments

Several people have expressed their annoyance at the inability to comment on some of these posts. Sorry about that. Next time ill run it through the possibilities website. http://www.possibilities.org.uk

If you have something to say please use my Facebook account 'Rob Pattison'  or send me an email at : admin@possibilities.org.uk

Day 12 Sunday 25th

Just had breakfast on the verandah listening to Paloma Faith. I love her album because it is so pivotal in my story. Sim joined me after stealing a few more minutes in bed. He then read a message that he sent to a friend yesterday. I have now cried for the first time this trip. On Wednesday we will be collecting two young women from the airport who will be here for 3 weeks. They'll be here to volunteer help with Benedicta and the children. Helen asked Sim a day ago what was needed and what she could bring for the girls. His reply was factual but it has torn at my heart and left me blubbing. 

'I've been talking to the girls. They often tell me about their desire for more shoes, currently they all have one pair of shoes but they are school shoes so big black clunky ones and need to only be used for school. So they mostly are bare feet, I was just wondering if you girls could rally some shoes up from people, even just asking friends?'

In the 21st century with electronic gadgetry coming out of our ears and the general standard of living never been better how can this be? Since we've been here this time for this group we have paid off debts, bought food, provided charcoal for cooking, paid for the water to be put back on so they aren't reliant on rusty rain water collected from the roof. We have supplied a large amount of food for another group who collect water from a filthy stand point 140 times per day. This is wrong. In the UK this would be considered child abuse. 

Sorry for the overflow of emotion it must be the Paloma Faith album getting to my deep bits. 

Today we were left the pickup. Paul had no need of it and because I always drive when I'm here Paul was happy for us to have the vehicle for the day. After a long breakfast and loads of deep discussion we decided to head for the east. Jinja is the playground of the region. The whole of East Africa descend on this town for thrills. Bungee jumping over the nile. White water rafting etc. it is the place that has for 100 years or more been regarded as the source of the mighty river Nile. We decided to try out an activity as a kind of reccie for next summer's travel trip and probably because the bungee jump doesn't really appeal, we decided to quad bike as a fun thing to do and as something we could recommend to our fellow travellers. It was exceptional, superb fun. We also had a great discussion with Herbert, our guide, and also with the ATA proprietor regards purchasing such a machine for Malangata. It is currently out of our reach but would be a very useful asset and is certainly something to consider in the future. A quad bike would be perfect for work on the hillside and also a vehicle for the mechanic trainees to maintain. 

On our journey to Jinja I overtook two taxi buses that were driving at a very slow speed looking for fares. Probably 5mph on the highway. Within 10 seconds of the overtake we were hailed by a policeman. He approached the vehicle and asked to see my permit. During our long conversation he informed us that we had been arrested for overtaking. We questioned the road markings which appeared to us to permit us to pass. He asked to see our vehicle papers and after intentionally not looking at the papers but pretending to take note of our legality. He then returned them and asked how he should penalise us. I told him that I thought he looked like a reasonable man and even though we knew that he stood for what was right and that it was his duty to uphold the law we had made a simple mistake and hoped that he would tell us to be more careful and allow us to continue our journey. He said that this was not within his power. We would have to accompany him to the station to speak with his OC. After a little more reasoning and when it became obvious to him that we wouldn't offer him a bribe he returned my driving license. With a look of disgust he seemed to find the authority from somewhere and moved us on. The police force here is underpaid and it is expected that they supplement their wage with 'wvoluntary donations' from offenders who can pay. It can be a lucrative employment and some police officers apparently have a paunch that is derived from their con. According to some lady friends of mine they can tell what kind of man stands in front of them by the shape if his stomach. It seems that the women of Uganda, when looking for a husband, choose the right man by his stomach shape. On consideration we think that today's police officer is new to the job. 

Day 11 Saturday 24th

Sim and I decided that after 10 days work we deserved a day off. So it decided to rain. It's just like being at home. It rained however until 9:00 and then stopped just In time to enjoy a late breakfast on the verandah. Whilst I was clearing up yesterday's paper work, David (the gardener/handyman) came and asked if he could have lessons. I wasn't sure what he meant so after a few quizzical questions I discovered that I have the ability of a skewer. I ask questions that cut right through the meat. David says he has met many whites and none apart from me has this special gift. Could I teach him how to do it? Firstly it's a new one on me. Secondly how do you teach such a thing if its a gift. Thirdly I should probably explore this as I may have a business idea. In Africa It is perfectly acceptable to refer to a Blackman as black because he is. Equally to refer to me as a white or a mzungu, is harmless and perfectly acceptable. Well, I am white so it makes perfect sense to describe me as a white.  

After a leisurely morning we decided that the Internet at Mama Florence's was so bad that we should make an attempt to get it sorted. After all, this is how I make my living. After a little research we discovered that the router was sold to Florence just one and a half months ago. It cost her the equivalent of £100. She considered this a bit expensive but as she is trying to start a B and B business she needed to pay whatever it costs to get wifi as a selling point for her guests. I looked at the router and I recognised it as a router that i installed for a customer 8 years ago. It is actually about 7 years old and was sold to her as brand new just 5 weeks ago. I offered to go to the shop and insist on a replacement. Mama said 'This is Africa'. We went anyway because she had been ripped off and I was ready for a fight. We approached the seller and he agreed with every word that I said and immediately exchanged the router for a brand new, still packaged unit. As we left Mama was more than a little amazed and called it a miracle. She has never witnessed a shop keeper caving in so readily. In Uganda this never happens. Must have been something I said. Or my white skin. 

On our return to the house a lawn mower mechanic had arrived to repair the machine. The spark plug was damaged. I had inspected it a few days ago and pointed out the potential problem.  The 'engineer' stripped the machine down and announced that it was the coil and that he would require a certain amount of shillings to fix it. He came with no tools and no spares. Mama says this is the third mechanic to come and repair it. They all strip it down and remove a part and then ask for payment and then find that with the new part it still doesn't work. It seems that anyone can set themselves up as an engineer here and never carry tools or spares and then demand payment. Mama is used to paying them and then it still doesn't work. She says that she has to pay them anyway because they have worked for her and demand payment. I made it clear that i wasn't happy with the diagnosis and proceeded to cast real doubt on this man's efficiency. This time she refused payment strengthened I think by Sim and my presence.  Tomorrow, we will take David and mower to the Honda depot where we will be sure that it is repaired properly. 

This afternoon we went to watch some football and meet up with some old friends. 

Not a very exciting day and not many photos but it may be interesting to some. 

Day 10 Friday 23rd

Well today marks half way of this trip and what a way to mark it. Today I made a commitment that will change lives of 1000s of children and families forever. We also spent quality time with the children from BULA. 

After we left for Malangata this morning we stopped at a plant nursery to purchase what will become a very important plant for us. We selected an orange tree that was discarded at the back of the field and was so forgotten about that it had sprung its pot and had begun to root in the ground underneath. After some skillful hoeing the tree was released and we purchased it.  The Malangata Centre will be doing just that. Picking the discarded children of this society and deciding that they will be key. Then tending them and causing them to deliver fruit. 

After our customary daily one and half hour trip to the farm we had a site meeting with Zub to gauge siting and final costing of a borehole were we to proceed. We discussed several options and finally decided on the best position for the villagers and also for the main complex so that at a later time we could fit an electric pump and supply the complex with water on tap. After a brief conversation with a poss. trustee we decided that clean water was always more important than a door or a coat of paint. So we commissioned Zub to begin digging on Monday. Very exciting, but equally scary. We don't have the ready funds for this. I need a couple of thousand pounds quickly. I will be begging for yhe foreseesble future. This bore hole will transform so many lives. 

After a bit of banter with the builders, who have made great strides with the water harvesting, we left for Namirembe. The tanks are almost finished and the guttering is being positioned. I think we are now just about finished with water. That is so important. 

BULA children's home has been a home that we have supported for seven years. These young men and women were children when we first met them. They have grown into respectful, humble young adults. It is wonderful to spend time with them. Today was about spending time with them each where they are. Simeon went to the local playground where an impromptu game of football was arranged in haste.  it gave him time to find out what's happening in their lives whilst running in 28 degrees afternoon sunshine. He struggled with the conditions. And they want to play the World Cup in Qatsr in 2022?

I answered questions and discussed politics, religion, education and international relations with some very acute and bright young minds. It truly is a privilege to know these young people. I walked to the well with Vicent as he wanted a private chat with uncle (me). We talked pigs, family and other stuff. The walk to the well took 15 minutes. When we arrived, there was a man there that had been washing pots in the water from the pipe. He was standing down stream urinating. As we approached he completed what he was doing. Vicent jumped down into the concrete hole and stuck the jerry can under the pipe. I asked how often this has to be done for the home. 140 times every day. The water was disconnected at the home several weeks /months ago so the daily ritual of collecting water in the ubIquitous African yellow jerry can is a necessity for these children. This is survival. 

Vicent's dream in life is to own a pig. He doesn't dream of a family, or a car, or foreign holidays or his own place. He hopes that one day he will be able to have a pig so that he can begin to look after his two younger siblings. Vicent is 18 next month and he dreams of owning a pig.  His dream will cost between £7.50 and £12 to fulfil yet he can only dream of it. I told him that when he leaves this home and moves to somewhere where he can keep such an animal I will buy him one. He was overjoyed. 

Day 9 Thursday 22nd

After a prolonged, unexpected and unwelcome visit from an African distant cousin of 'Delhi Belly', we set out 1 hour late. Today we only had two things to accomplish. Firstly we had to visit a water engineer, and then attend a funeral. 

We have talked for about a year of the need for a bore hole at Malangata. In both meetings this week, with the elders and with the 'dropouts', it was of equal importance to them as the proposed apprenticeships and training opportunities that we will offer there. I have spoken at many events over the past year or so and asked for funds so that we can sink a bore hole at Malangata. Today was exciting as we seemed to be nearing the fulfilment of a long term goal or at least exploring near to its completion. 

This morning we travelled cross country on the most appalling of roads so far, to meet an engineer who has so far installed 80 bore holes. Several months ago we took a quote for approximate £5000. Zub - his newly christened nickname because I can't pronounce his full name - will manually install for us at 11,000 000 Shillings. That is £2750. We visited several installations and also went to his home to see what he has done there. The system is so simple and has the advantage over many installations in that it can easily be adapted to add an electrical pump at a later date. This would mean that the centre could have runnIng water, showers and taps direct from the water table. It is easy to maintain and would take a couple of hours for repair should it be necessary. I mustn't lose sight of everything else that we do here but we certainly need this at Malangata and in my thinking also at the new plot on the Mityana Road. The locals at that place have been waiting for 3 years. At a village meeting back then I gave half the money to ensure it was done immediately. The government has promised many times but it is expected that it will not deliver for several years yet. Zub has 2 wives and 5 children. He stays in a small house at the end of a road. In fact the road finishes at his front door. He has built it himself. With his water skills he has produced a family home that by African standards is very well equipped. We inspected his pump, the well, an underground reservoir which is there for 'just in case', And his overhead tanks. Sim also checked out his flushing toilet, sinks and showers. Zub has no qualifications and can't speak English particularly well. He dropped out of school at 13. But has the knack of getting it done. He is the right kind of role model the youth at Malangata need. 

I commissioned him to sink us a well at Malangata and tomorrow we have a site meeting to plan the installation. I now have a death defying balancing act to perform as I want the building finished but I also want water there and I also need to be seen to be a man of my word and produce the goods as soon as possible. The dropouts want the centre open yesterday. I told them that it will be a gradual process but I want the first things to be happening by Christmas this year. I am used to such balancing acts and pressure so look forward to the challenge of keeping all people on side and delivering by December. If you have spare pennies that you'd like to commit to the bore hole or the Malangata Centre please get giving. 

After this superb meeting we headed back to Kampala via the most ridiculous set of road repairs and management system of those roadworks you have ever seen. Total Mayhem. I usually maintain a passive demeanour but this was an occasion when I began to show my frustrations. 

We arrived at the funeral and discovered the story of the death as the funeral progressed. There were some 50 or 60 vehicles parked by the side of the road and as we approached the funeral place  we quickly estimated just how many attendees there were. We reckoned aproximately 1000. It was obviously the funeral from a rich family as they had paid for a funeral management company. Tents, flowers, food and a hearse. Poor people do it themselves. This seemed an extraordinarily large affair to us but were informed that it wasn't large at all. Funerals are a community occasion. This particular funeral was for a 23 year old that had been shot dead in his home. The police have decided to let the perpetrators escape this time apparently because it would be too costly to open an investigation. At an African funeral it appears that if you have something to say you may take the microphone and address the congregation. The local MP was in attendance and so he took the opportunity, after a 2 minute expression of sadness at the tragedy, to use the funeral as a political rally. As an opposition MP he felt it is his duty to point out the President's failings, the inadequacies of the police force etc. the grievers sniggered and openly laughed with embarrassment and showed their frustrations with the arrogance of the man. It was appalling. TIA (This Is Africa). 

I enquired as to the unusual nature of this type of funeral and was told that this is a regular occurrence. Yesterday in another district 10 people from one household were poisoned, I was informed, and 3 days ago 6 members of another family were murdered - shot dead.  This type of thing is unfortunately very common here. Unpaid debts, thefts, disagreements, sometimes for the most of petty reasons. It seems Uganda is much closer to lawlessness than the UK. On reflection maybe the politician has a point, but at a funeral?

We returned to our accommodation and ate a meal of Tilapia, chips and Ugandan spinach served and cooked by Mama Florence.  It was delicious.