Observations on Uganda

Note: many of the cultural observations are not as true anymore among very westernized Kampala-dwellers.

Uganda has 50-60 ethnic groups, and at least 30 different languages. English is taught in schools starting at a very young age. - Many of the people in our area are actually of Rwandan descent, and fled their country during the genocides of the mid-twentieth century (yes, the 1994 genocide was not the first to happen in Rwanda…)

Esther, Christine, and Faith

If you are a guest, and have had enough to eat, you should leave a bit of food on your plate to signal that you are full, otherwise they’ll probably keep bringing you more!

Christine serving a staff celebration lunch (above)

Patrick enjoying it! (below)

Chicken (especially the gizzard) is more of a delicacy  than beef.

Ali serving fajitas at AHI

If you light a fire in front of your home, some ethnic groups will interpret it as a sign that a relative has died.

AHI’s outdoor kitchen for cooking African style

Faith and baby Faith (sisters with the same name!)

You are expected to have children as soon as you get married – many people are quite surprised that Patrick and I have been married almost three years and don’t have kids!

Jesca and baby Benja

Dressing appropriately is very important. Most people have at least one nice outfit that is worn to celebrations, church, etc.

Ben giving a speech in a snazzy outfit

In the villages, women must wear longer-than-knee length skirts. Showing your thighs here is similar to going topless in the U.S.  Women are allowed to wear pants in the cities.
Women are also traditionally not allowed to sit with their legs crossed.

Appropriate kitchen attire

Public physical affection between spouses is not polite, but you can hold hands with any of your friends. 

We like eachother!  =D

 Ben and Ali cracked me up when I came across them “relaxing” on an overturned stool and eating watermelon on a fork

Lunchtime at AHI