Hi from Bronwyn
Australia opened her borders in November 2021 and I started looking at returning to Uganda to do some groundwork for Friends Under One Sun.
It had been two years since my last visit and I was so excited to return, catch up with friends and see what could be done to progress the charity’s purpose and vision.
I was happy to find some direct flights and booked to leave in late February and return the end of March. Travel has changed like so many things have in our lives with Covid. I applied online for a visa, book a PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival in Uganda and other digital forms required for International travel. Melbourne airport was unusually quiet in February, not many travelling yet, nor planes flying and it felt surreal going through the process of checking in and customs. Boarding the plane with mask on and being greeted by the smiling flight attendants I felt at ease and sat back for the long trip of 23hrs with one transiting stop in Dubai.
I arrived in Entebbe going through customs, collecting baggage, exchanging Aussie dollars to Ugandan shillings, tropical heat and the joy of seeing our Ugandan Director Frank and he is also our Project Manager. He and his family were hosting me for most of my stay in Uganda.
It was great to be back with the sights, sounds and smells that are Uganda. And the crazy traffic, boda’s, taxis and cars weaving in and out. The markets, the energy of the beautiful people. The Ugandan foods are so tasty, fresh and healthy. Their pineapples and bananas are a favourite.
I held a meeting with a lawyer to gain information on the questions the committee had which was how to proceed getting an entity registered or incorporated in Uganda. The answer revealed it could be quite a lengthy process and not as easy as first thought.
We also looked at the option of starting as a CBO (Community Based Organisation) which is less complicated and we can upgrade to a NGO ( Non- Government Organisation) more easily later on. Our research continues and the committee will make an informed decision on this.
The next meeting I had was with a draughtsman qualified to draw up a building that would fulfil the all needs of our Medical Centre. We discussed and exchanged ideas. He showed me some of his work and I was impressed. We are negotiating costs at the moment and it is looking promising.
Another day I met with an Ugandan nurse and midwife working in Kampala. We had lunch to get to know each other and exchanged ideas. She is really interested in helping Friends Under One Sun with the clinic and projects.
I visited some health centres one government and one private. The Government one was a small operation of two rooms and very little equipment or access to medications. In contrast I learnt a lot from the private one that resides in a village outside the town of Jinja. This clinic had been operating for quite a number of years and I could see where we could aspire grow to. They could have up to 200 patients a day sitting in a reception area and they ran their own laboratory and pharmacy. They even had an ambulance! I learnt a lot about their programs, outreach services and processes. The manager is an Australian acquaintance who is happy to share her knowledge and support.
Frank and I hired a car for a day to travel out to the remote, rural village of Kyarusesa where our medical centre will be established. Going along the red dirt roads reminded me of off-road Australia with the pot holes and water of recent rains. We wanted to check on the land which Frank had arranged to be cleared and fenced. I was delighted with the progress and took photos of the progress. The village of Kyarusesa is small but growing and the surrounding districts and villages will also benefit from our delivery of basic health care. We did a long drive around the area to better aquaint myself with the lay of the land, the village communities and the schools in the area and I noted the lack of medical services. I know we can improve and enrich the quality of lives here with our health care services.
Towards the end of my time in Uganda I decided to volunteer at a small school consisting of forty-five children of varying ages and is privately run. I had so much fun there, reading to the children, playing my ukulele, singing songs, helping them with their work, reading, maths and teaching english and assisting with corrections. I shouted Pizza, Ice-cream and soft drink on my last day something they would so rarely get. I could see the excitement and joy in their faces and couldn’t stop smiling. You give but get so much more back.
I am always sad to say goodbye to Uganda but my heart was full and I had achieved much. I returned home with renewed vigour to promote and endeavour to achieve our objectives for this year.
More updates soon and sending much love……………………….