UGANDA THE PEARL OF AFRICA

by Grace ZOZI (Zambia)

I didn't expect to find Zambia

UGANDA THE PEARL OF AFRICA That day it was a Monday morning when I got news that I was to travel and represent my organisation at a network workshop in Kampala Uganda. I was very excited for many reasons; indeed i have read and heard so many stories about the country Uganda. It came as a surprise and hence i was excited that finally I will be traveling to the Pearl of Africa. At the back of my mind i was wondering what to expect, especially the fact that I would be able to see and confirm what I knew about the country. When this opportunity presented itself well I was filled with joy because it was the first time to be visiting the country Uganda. It was quiet amazing on my part because the trip meant not only embrace the interacting with other network partners from other countries around the world who came from Jamaica, United States, Bolivia, South Africa, Mali, Togo, Tanzania, Netherland and Zambia. But also it was a privilege to see the wonders of the world such as the longest river in Africa, the Buganda kingdom with its rich history and to crown it all with the famous Idi Amin, the cities built on seven hills which has beautiful view site especially at night, the source of the Nile river, the line of the equator and also their famous water falls. I must say my trip to Kampala, Uganda was interesting and a memorable one. I must admit Uganda is a beautiful country, with a favourable weather and the warm people are marvellous and very friendly. It really felt like home. If I was told to go back I would not heisted. The trip took hours (to be precise about four hours) from Lusaka, Zambia Kenneth Kaunda International Airport because we went via Nairobi, Kenya Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. When we reached Entebbe Airport the site was amazing it is built in such a way that when the plane is landing it passes through Lake Victoria, which was a little bit scarily on my part for once I thought the plane was going crush land into the waters. Oh Well these are just thoughts one has especially it being the r the first time. At the airport we never anticipated to find the American Soldiers at the airport and in the city. It was incredible indeed to learn that the President of the United States of America Mr. W. Bush was visiting Kampala, Uganda at the time i was there. The city of Kampala was surrounded by the American Soldiers during the period President Bush was in the country and after he left but of course interesting knowing the fact that President of America was visiting at time I was there. The security was tight which even made our stay peaceful. My first visit to Kayunga District the out-skates of Kampala and visited a school. We were treated to a thunderous welcome by the people with the traditional dances and their food. The time I was there we were staying in Jinja Town. They local people say if you have not visited Jinja town then, you not enjoyed your visit the country. I was also told that Jinja town was the favourite place for the President of Uganda. The place has a number of tourist spots and this were you find a lot of activities like stuffing on the Nile river and view of the famous water falls. This was evident the unexpected happened indeed the president will be booked at the same resort we were staying in Jinja. I had a wonderful stay in the country and i visited a number of places in the country including watching some of their traditional music. The country has a rich culture I must say which they are very proud of and that was one thing I admired about the people of Uganda.