Sundays in Uganda are my time. I always hope for a bright, sunny day so that I can dart off to the Red Chili Hideaway and soak up sun by the pool. When I do so, I’m guaranteed to run into familiar faces, interrupting my worship to the sun god only briefly.
My home in Uganda is much more than four walls. It’s the tribe of incredible women whom I’ve met whose friendships nurture me. Among my friends in Uganda, I feel a connection that I often lack with US-based friends. It’s a hodge podge mix of ethnicities – German, American, Ugandan, Dutch, Brit – but there’s a connection and familiarity, an understanding.
I knew that I deeply missed my second home, Uganda. I missed my quiet house, my friends, the Project Have Hope family and the Acholi Quarter in its entirety. I missed matoke and gnuts and Dancing Cup’s banana and nutella crepes.
Uganda’s government took swift and strong action when the COVID-19 crisis emerged, enforcing a strict lockdown. While other countries continue to struggle to contain it, Uganda has just over 5000 cases with only 58 deaths.
Project Have Hope improves the agricultural condition in Uganda with the help of local women. We focus on three aspects of agriculture and implementing new elements into local community: the balcony gardens, the greenhouse, and the mushroom house.