Sometimes, it’s hard to fully understand what things are like in other countries. Even in other cities in the same country.
So often, our opinions and perspectives are shaped by our own experiences.
As much as I am an American, it’s hard for me to really understand what it’s like in the USA with the virus spreading and the various levels of lockdown. That’s something I’ve never experienced while in America.
young American me:)
The way it’s hard for me to understand what’s going on in America, it’s probably hard for you to understand what it’s like in Uganda. I thought maybe a couple of stories from here might give you a better understanding.
I can’t speak to what things are like for everyone, each house is different. In the capital, Kampala, there are restaurants and grocery stores that do delivery, that’s not an option around here.
mingling posho
Most all of the food we eat in our house is fresh. We don’t really buy any ready-made food, canned goods, or frozen food. Those aren’t really options or even practical for us.
Having a ban on public transportation makes it harder for many people to get food.
we have started using our bicycle more, in order to get things or go somewhere
Take for example, the people who work for us in the garden. They have no car, no motorcycle, or bicycle. If they want to go anywhere or get anything, they have to walk. With the ban on public transportation, the amount that Sam goes to the garden has dramatically decreased. When Sam does go, he takes larger amounts of food for them to cook, and is more often giving them money to buy ingredients.
in the garden last week
Then there is a family we know, let’s call them Dwaine and Elsa. Dwaine usually drives boda boda (motorcycle) as a way to make money; everyday, he leaves home and heads out taking people where they need to go on his motorcycle. With the ban on public transportation, they no longer have a source of income.
They had been making bricks to bake and sell, sadly, after a big storm, they lost a lot of bricks. Currently, they have no way to make money. Any money they get at this point, goes to buying food for the two of them and their two daughters.
Unfortunately, this story is not unique. From the first mention of the lockdowns, people started saying that more people are going to die of starvation in Uganda than from Coronavirus.
Yesterday, the President announced the lockdown will continue for another 21 days.
Also, there are now 55 confirmed cases within Uganda.
I don’t want to end on such a dreary note. Although that’s the reality here, there is still joy and laughter.
Yesterday, I was working on my computer, the kids had been helping Sam outside, when all of a sudden, I heard an uproar of shouting and laughter. When I went to check out the scene, this is what I saw…
most all of the kids playing ball
much love!