When Rajesh and I caught up for a conversation, I never knew we would be completing each other’s sentences. Both of us shared one thing in common, we grew up in Africa. Although, Winston
Churchill called Uganda,the Pearl of Africa. Our conversation lightly started with the biggest misconception about Africa, how it is seen as a dark planet. Rajesh said the one thing he misses is the very warm love and hospitality. He has never seen it anywhere else. He still laughs, he’s left Uganda years ago, and his driver still calls him religiously and asks how he and his family are. It reminded me of my days on how my maid from Nigeria still calls me every now and then, “ How are you and your family.” But then that’s Africa, where courtesy never seems imposed, everyone nods and smiles, and wherever you go, you’re greeted with the warmest word, Hello. Rajesh jokes, that he still gets that awkward stare whenever he greets a random person at the elevator, “You
really cant’ take that African spirit out of you.”

Time Travelling

So here’s a fact, Rajesh speaks a good deal of Swahili, his 14 years of stay taught him well. So next time you catch him, you could say ‘Jambo’ or ‘Habari Aku’, which can be translated as How are you? Though his movie goes by its title Escape of Uganda, Rajesh severely misses the place and his wife always wished that they could go back.

From the cool weather to the wondrous landscapes, his favorites include the idyllic Ssese Islands and the pure white sands at the source of Nile. He loves the freshly grilled Nile Perches and Filapia caught in the rivers and the stroll through the markets. It’s a bazaar of vivacious cheers and zestful colors of textiles. Though he says African countries are depicted as dangerous, Uganda is a safe country and the nights are robust with music and sprightful dances. Many times, Uganda is associated with the infamous, Idi Yamin. Rajesh recommends a visit to the Buganda Palace. It was built by Idi Yamin and you can see his infamous torture chamber. It still has the markings of ones who were tortured. But that’s what many judge Uganda by, the crimes and avarice for diamonds. Only until you travel to Uganda, you see the true meaning of golden hearts.

Ugandan Weddings

“ Something you should never miss is an Ugandan wedding, it’s absolute fun. In fact, the dowry is opposite, he has to give the lady whet ever she asks.” The traditional marriage is a battle of tongue – twisting games between the two sides. The groom has to learn to pull off a lot of antics to answer the questions from the bride’s father while the audience hollers if the groom doesn’t impress enough. If he does succeed, he then has to propose to her. Upon agreement to wed, the groom will have to meet her parents and then write a letter to the lady’s family, also known as the bazeyi . Only until he gets a reply, he canshows up at herhome. He carries a lot of gifts just to take her hand in marriage. In some of the tribes, the parents usually give the permission for the woman to stay with the man, before getting married. In fact, some of them bear a child before their wedding. “ It was a diferent experience to see the child walk down the aisle with the bride.”

Music and Dance

“ If there is anything that Uganda loves it’s music and football. In fact, the only people who would not be dancing would be the infantsand the old ones who are not physically able. The night clubs are fantastic and alive till 5 A.M, no one really wants to drink but dance till the dawn breaks.” Try listening to the Enanga/ Adungu(Arched Harp) which are commonly played in Catholic and Protestant Churches.

Food

“I miss eating Matoke with the peanut sauce.” It’s a delicacy where raw plantains are steamed in banana leaves and garnished with cumin and coriander and finally teamed with creamy coriander sauce. If you have a sweet tooth then you must try some Mandaza, a type of donut.

Art and Craft

“If there is something I love about Uganda, the art is vibrant and their canvas painting is stunning. They way they sculpt things are amazing. I feel that Africa has the richest art history. “ Definitely look into getting some rattan woven baskets, sculptures, and canvas paintings if you visit Uganda.

Words by Atheena Wilson and Photographs by Various Sources

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