First Impressions of Uganda

Here are some thoughts from three members of our group for whom this was their first visit to Uganda:

Muzungu, Muzungu!!! The children shout excitedly from the side of the red dusty earth track with massive pot holes that rock the jeep from side to side. The countryside is beautiful, lush green, plantains, bananas, avocados and massive jackfruit hang from the trees. We travel high up into the mountains visiting remote villages where UWCM visit on a regular basis. As we get near we hear the wonderful singing and that lovely ululation, a strange howling sound, then we see the women and children dancing and cheering, just for us!! We are greeted with hugs and ‘special’ handshakes the children, so beautiful, are so pleased to welcome us, tears fill my eyes, already that red dust has got into my eyes and indeed my heart ! Penny Sims

I have been coming to talks about UWCM for approximately 20 years and have always wanted to go to Uganda. But I have never quite understood what I would be able to do if I went. Well this year I made it!!!
I feel very privileged to have been part of this year’s team. And no – I have not been able ‘to do’ very much BUT I have received SO MUCH. It has been an opportunity to see the hands, heart, ears, eyes and feet of Jesus at work. It is a very humbling experience to see those folk with very little supporting others with even less in a wholehearted way. Everything is surrounded by prayer and there are a lot of smiles. UWCM do amazing work within the poorest of communities and it is a real privilege to have visited them. Carolyn Waite

It does tear at the heart strings and there is so, so much need here, and you have to ask yourself, where do you start. It is incredibly overwhelming. What I do know is that I have to start somewhere, and just starting makes a difference. And they are so incredibly grateful just for any small gesture or help you give. It is incredibly humbling. By helping one person or family, it radiates like heat out to others in the family or community. We are doing it all through Uganda Women Concern Ministry, which means the coordinators give the food/money/clothing/ to where it is most needed. Pete O’Keeffe