UGANDA: PEARL OF AFRICA

Why do so many foreigners go to Uganda and think Uganda is good?
I am a black American and travelled to Uganda for ten days last year.

For the most part, the country is good. However, it is not all good….

So, as my first trip to the continent, I wanted to go to a sub-Saharan country that was relatively safe and peaceful. I went to Rwanda first for a couple of days and absolutely loved it. I thought Uganda would be somewhat similar, but I was wrong. Unlike most foreigners that come for only the national parks, I wanted to get out and understand the people and the culture. Uganda did not disappoint.

The Good

Things I love about Uganda

The Food

Although the variety of the food is somewhat limited. The food overall was great. It seemed like everything I tasted was extremely fresh. I ate chicken in a village that was slaughtered moments before it was cooked and served that was the best in my life. Also I didn’t even know sweet potatoes were actually supposed to be sweet. I ate greens that was cooked and tasted better than my mother could ever dream of.( I use to love my mother greens before I went to Uganda but now I hate them). So if you like organic food then Uganda is the place to be.

2. Hospitality

The hospitality is overwhelming, and Uganda should be considered one of the most hospitable places on earth. People welcomed me with open arms and took it as an insult if I didn’t eat the food even though I was very full. Some of the younger ladies greeted me by kneeling, which I found a little odd, but I guess it’s a cultural thing.

3. The Ladies

Honestly speaking they are just gorgeous. Most of them are very curvy and feminine. A lot of them are also very smart and extremely hard working. No matter what there situation is they are going to present themselves well and I found them easier to connect with than most of the ladies in the U.S.

4. Nature

I’m not sure if there is another area of the world with the same size as Uganda that have the diversity of wildlife as Uganda have. I didn’t go to any national parks but there are 10 national parks in the country. If you are an animal lover this is your dream country to visit. Also you can see the rare silver back Gorillas in their natural habitat.

The Bad

Things I didn’t understand or disappointed me about my visit.

Pollution

One of the first things I noticed after arriving in Entebbe and driving to Kampala was the trash everywhere. Initially, I thought someone must come by and clean the streets every day or something. But no, as my time progressed, it became apparent that this is the norm. I was so appalled when I was on a bus, and the conductor threw a trash can full on the road. Also the air pollution is very high, especially in Kampala. It seemed to me that the majority of the vehicles were very old or old designs that had no regard for CO2 output. I read somewhere that most of the vehicles are second hand from China.

3. Traffic/ Transportation

            Traffic Jam

It’s terrible, especially in Kampala. I consider myself a really savy traveller, and I try to use public transportation as much as possible. However, i found the taxi system too unreliable, uncomfortable, and confusing. There were also the motor bikes that could take you around, and I was amazed at how much they could fit on them. But please take at your own risk.

4 Infrastructure

                River Nile Bridge

I found this to be the saddest part of my trip because Uganda has a lot of work to do here. I am happy that the River Nile Bridge was built, but hopefully, this is a sign of things to come. However, most of the roads are dilapidated and unpaved. Also, there is a lot of work to be done on creating a viable national and efficient electric grid and water treatment facilities.

Overall, I loved my time there. I love it so much I even fell in love and found a fiance over there. I have great hope for the country and can’t wait to go back.

        “Feel the Pulse of Africa”