Action Aid and Kampala's Slums

Yesterday we went on a site visit in the afternoon to 3 slums that are located within the capital city of Kampala. Before splitting into 3 smaller groups we listened to a lecture about Action Aid and the local organizations that Action aid partners with in Uganda.

I was in the group for women/gender and went to visit a local organization called Mwawenda (probably spelled wrong). This organization goes out into the community and urges women to get HIV testing for themselves. They provide lectures to the community both women and youth on the dangers of HIV/AIDS and on how to be safe (ABC - A for abstain, B for Be Safe and C for Use Condoms).

After listening to the head of the organization explain the work of Mwawenda our group was dropped off in one of the slum neighborhoods. Houses in this neighborhood are extrememly small think the size of your bathroom...and can have up to 8 people living in that space. These houses are also very hot because they have iron roofs and little (or no) windows for ventalation.

I felt extremely awkward walking amongst their neighborhood ---- like a voyeristic tourist and the situation was not helped by the fact that a few of the students on the program where rudely taking photos of the people, thier homes, etc. without even asking their permission. I mean can you imagine, a woman is baring her soul and telling you about how she discovered she was HIV posititve and how she was on her death bed and all some people could think about was getting the best photo. (sighs) oh well, it was a learning experience and I can only hope that the students who acted so insentive will think twice next time ...since some of the other students told them that their actions were highly inappropriate.

Yesterday the traffic jam was non-existant! and so I got home really early. Everynight I watch East Africa TV (a music video station) that playes music from Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Usually my two new brothers watch it with me and are able to translate the songs for me. Hopefully by next week Ill have a list of artists whose music I like and then can go and get some music!!

Alright Ttyl

P.S. One of my friends has already gotten sick on this trip. Keep your fingers crossed that all sickness stays far away from me and the rest of the group!

Cynthia