The weather forecasts I checked before leaving the United States were very misleading. It has been extremely hot and humid in Uganda, interspersed with rain showers that provide a nice respite from the heat. The people use the resources they have available to them, taking advantage of the sun to dry the bricks they make from the red clay earth before curing them in the heat of a low fire. 

The sun also aids in drying coffee beans, vegetables such as cassava, and other foods. Drying is essential, since there is no cold food storage. 

Cassava.

As I was riding through the rural areas to visit water points, I noticed small solar panels sitting outside of their huts, which are used to provide power for low wattage lights and powering cell phones. 

 

One of the aspects of Water, Hygiene and Sanitation training provided to the villagers where water projects are supported is the education about latrines.  The villagers construct pit latrines using the same materials used to build their houses.  The education and training taught by our partner, International Lifeline Fund, is relayed through the use of pictures, drama, and the creation of songs.  Even the well site signage displaying the donors’ names and project partners use the back of the sign to instruct villagers on the correct and incorrect uses of the wells.

 

One of the differences I observed between Ethiopia and Uganda was the prevalence of bikes.  Bikes in Uganda are as common as donkeys in Ethiopia.  Bikes serve as transportation for people, jerry cans and anything else people need to get from one location to the next.

 As we prepare to leave Uganda, what will remain in my memory is the beautiful faces of the people and their quick smiles.

 

 

The weather forecasts I checked before leaving the United States were very misleading. It has been extremely hot and humid in Uganda, interspersed with rain showers that provide a nice respite from the heat. The people use the resources they have available to them, taking advantage of the sun to dry the bricks they make from the red clay earth before curing them in the heat of a low fire. 

The sun also aids in drying coffee beans, vegetables such as cassava, and other foods. Drying is essential, since there is no cold food storage. 

Cassava.

As I was riding through the rural areas to visit water points, I noticed small solar panels sitting outside of their huts, which are used to provide power for low wattage lights and powering cell phones. 

 

One of the aspects of Water, Hygiene and Sanitation training provided to the villagers where water projects are supported is the education about latrines.  The villagers construct pit latrines using the same materials used to build their houses.  The education and training taught by our partner, International Lifeline Fund, is relayed through the use of pictures, drama, and the creation of songs.  Even the well site signage displaying the donors’ names and project partners use the back of the sign to instruct villagers on the correct and incorrect uses of the wells.

 

One of the differences I observed between Ethiopia and Uganda was the prevalence of bikes.  Bikes in Uganda are as common as donkeys in Ethiopia.  Bikes serve as transportation for people, jerry cans and anything else people need to get from one location to the next.

 As we prepare to leave Uganda, what will remain in my memory is the beautiful faces of the people and their quick smiles.