July 21, 2009 - “North Beyond The River Upon Acholi Ground…”

What an interesting day. First, a little background. For over 25 years the northern region of Uganda was terrorized by a rebel army. The rebels would attack small villages and towns during the night, killing adults and abducting children. Millions were forced to flee their homes and live in camps. When we were here in 2007 we visited one camp that housed over 30,000 people.

Peace talks between the government and the rebel army that terrorized the region began almost 3 years ago and although a formal agreement has still not been signed, the process of rebuilding is well underway and approximately 80 percent of the people living in camps have gone back to their villages.

But that isn’t as easy as it sounds. After so many years, most are rebuilding from scratch. And while there were many charities working in the region providing emergency services during the war, fewer remain to assist in the rebuilding process.

Today we visited three different communities that are benefitting from projects CPAR is implementing in partnership with UNDP (United Nations Development Program). They were all north of Gulu, closer to the Sudan border an area hard hit during the rebel activity.

What I saw were well organized, hard-working people who want so badly to be self sufficient and improve their standard of living. All are so appreciative of the help they are receiving. They remain optimistic in the face of many obstacles. For example, changes in weather patterns have been problematic for some of the communities, last year ruining their crops with too much rain, and this year with too little. They have been through so much; I wish they could cut a break.

On a humourous note, I was able to provide some laughs for the children…just by being there. The same thing happened last trip, in rural areas where they haven’t had much exposure to blonde, blue-eyed, pale-skinned women. First they look me over, from afar. Then, after I wave and smile at them, they venture closer. And before you know it they are right up close laughing like crazy! And, possibly the funniest thing of all seems to be my name…even the adults seem to get a chuckle from it. I guess Sue isn’t a name you hear too often in these parts.

(Above) “Sue”…ha ha ha ha!!! 

Remember yesterday I was remarking how the roads to Gulu had improved since our last visit in 2007? From Gulu to the north, not so good. Kinda made yesterday’s 5 miles of speed bumps seem not so bad in retrospect.

(Above) The road to Raa

Once we returned to Gulu, Dwight and I went for a walk to the market and around the town. As I mentioned yesterday, it is really bustling. Prices have increased since our last visit but are still very reasonable by Canadian standards. The currency here is the Ugandan Shilling…approximately 2000 shillings = $1CDN. Handing over thousands of shillings feels like you are spending a fortune until you do the calculation. My dinner of Okra, Rice, and a bottle of Fanta Orange drink was 3500 shillings…less than $2!

(Above) Me in Gulu

The streets of Gulu are filled with boda bodas (motorcycles) and the drivers call out to you offering their services as you pass by. Although it seems to be the most popular mode of public transportation, I can’t see myself climbing on the back of one in this traffic chaos. Walking safely was a challenge with traffic coming in all directions. We tried to stick to sidewalks wherever available.

I am so glad I got a short haircut before this trip. Although I forgot to consider the curl factor, so it looks even shorter since I’ve been here in this very hot and muggy weather.

Okay, enough of my yakking for tonight. Hope to get Internet access soon so I can post this.