Perhaps the most hospitable country on the planet?
Let me tell you, this is not my first time at the rodeo. I've traveled to over 50 countries on six continents…Antarctica - I’m coming for you! And let me say, there is something so warm and comfortable about how friendly people are here in Uganda. This place is special.
My friend Nana here tells me it's because Uganda were a protectorate rather than a colony of the British; she says the British treated the Kenyans very badly so they are not so friendly but Ugandans were not treated so badly. I'm not sure how much I agree or disagree with this, but I can say I feel kindness everywhere I turn in Uganda.
I have met kind people all over the planet. If you need a kind smile and want to see a beautiful country, definitely go hit up the Emerald Isle. Yes, Irish hospitality and Irish people are amazing. But if you're in my region of the world, go to Uganda.
Perhaps there is something about the Irish and the Ugandans. For one they both know what colonization feels like from the short end of the stick. Analysis that could do justice to that idea is better fit for a book of depth and nuance, but it should be said. The Irish here are different than other development agencies; and I believe it is for their common colonial understanding…and the fact that Ireland and its people have been deeply reflective of how they, a “developed” country engage in the “developing” world. The bond, the mutual respect, between Uganda and Ireland, is egalitarian and that is refreshing.
For the Irish, their government and people have significantly invested in long-term projects in education and poverty alleviating strategies to support Karamojong communities in this region. There are signs dotting this region with the Celtic Harp displayed next to information about development projects.
Perhaps, this special relationship between Ireland and Uganda is no accident - nor the fact that they are both so warm and kind. Maybe the Ugandans keep the Irish in check for friendliness and the Irish do the same right back. Maybe they're competing to be the friendliest country with one another. No actually, that wouldn't be so nice or selfless. I will prefer for now to think that these two countries and their peoples are just nice because they are kind, good people.
And hospitable, Uganda absolutely is! Uganda, in my experience, embodies fully the warmth you feel in your heart with genuine kindness and true hospitality. I just walked home from the trading centre and already and being greeted by people I met previously at the market.
Hospitality, kindness, concern. I don't want to romanticize one country or demonize another. Sure, we all have our problems, concerns, disappointments, even shame. But Uganda has something to teach those who come to visit and my heart and my ears are open this year - not just as a researcher, but as a human being.
I am aware that this blog is a political act but I also want it to reach people with an open mind. Let’s get out of our corners and identities and just listen to others and look for the humanity in those we don’t know or don’t understand. Ok, now watching the video linked from 2016, makes me hang my head quite low when I see how my country's leaders want to treat those coming to our border. I can only imagine how much despair and sadness I would feel if Ugandans and their government treated me the way my country is treating some others. I am grateful for those individuals and offices who have helped make this year possible for me.
Dear Uganda, I know things are difficult, but well done. There are never enough resources or dollars or shillings but well done on trying to do the right, just thing. In my little opinion, Uganda is showing what a role model can be.
This post was originally written on an anonymous research blog in 2017. As we begin our journey together, I am reposting the now defunct blog so you can see Uganda as I did with fresh eyes at the beginning of my own journey.
