Global May Uganda

1. Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project.

Last May, I went to Uganda for three weeks to study the topics of development and human security. We stayed with host families in Kampala and also traveled outside of the capital to Kamuli and Jinja. Over the course of the three weeks, we took classes at Makerere Univeristy, visited the Ugandan Parliament, the U.S. Embassy, Murchison Falls National Park, Mwana Mugimu Nutrition Unit, TASO Mulago Hospital and went on a boat ride down the Nile River- just to name a few.

2. What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project?

Every time I try to share my experience of my time in Uganda with others, I have a hard time putting it into words. In the short three weeks we were there, we were educated on the reality of the food insecurity present in certain areas of the country, and the desperate state of the free hospitals which are flooded with patients but haven’t enough staff to meet the demand. We were exposed to the slums that can be found all throughout the city and rural areas, as well as the houses surrounded by gates and concrete walls left over from Idi Amin’s reign. Taking in this landscape, I was struck by my realization of privilege as a product of the West. I was prompted to question my privilege as an American along with evaluating the fast-paced and commonly materialistic American lifestyle.

These images of poverty and corruption were not defeating, however; instead, these hardships highlighted the resilience of the Ugandan people. I was constantly overwhelmed by the immense warmth, hospitality and genuine kindness of all of the people I encountered. A conclusion I came to is that although the standards of living may not be luxurious in Uganda, their customs of a slower lifestyle and prioritizing familial values are something to admire. Ugandans really take the time to enjoy each other’s company and they treat complete strangers like family. After this trip, I was encouraged to make a conscious effort to make these qualities a priority in my own life.

3. What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those affect you?

One of the most challenging experiences I encountered while in Uganda was when we went to the Mwana Mugimu Nutrition Unit. I was not prepared to see how extremely skinny and malnourished some of the children were, and at such a young age. Dr. Fouts, our resident director and professor of the trip, pointed out to me that on the bright side, these children were all receiving help and on the road to recovery. When we went into the ward of the children nearing discharge, there was a cluster of children and their parents sitting together on the floor. We introduced ourselves and then sang Carmen for them. Children from the playground outside ran over to stand in the doorway and watch, while many of the parents took out their phones to record us. It put a smile on everyone’s faces, even if only for just a moment, and became a special memory for all of us.

Another site visit that I really enjoyed was going to TASO Mulago (The AIDs Support Organization). The people at this organization took such a positive approach in addressing HIV and AIDs; we watched a performance put on by a group of HIV survivors who played drums and sang songs about togetherness, unity, courage and love. Some of them even shared their testimony with us. It was so inspiring to see how they came together in the face of hardship to fight HIV and AIDs.

My host family was so welcoming from the moment I met them and taught me so much about kindness. My host brother Solomon gave up his bedroom so that my roommate, Caroline, and I would have a room to ourselves. My host mother and our Uncle Michael took turns driving us to class for the entire first week so we wouldn’t get lost riding the matatus (delivery van converted taxis) to school. Whenever we returned from class, we were always greeted with smiles and were asked how our day went. Solomon was always taking time away from his studies to show us his favorite places to hang out around Kampala. They truly made it a home away from home for Caroline and I, and I could not have asked to be placed with a better family. I still miss and think about my wonderful host family everyday!

Dr. Fouts was such a joyful and positive presence in the group. Whenever someone was disheartened after encountering something challenging, she would provide us with some perspective and revive our spirits. She was always encouraging us to be vulnerable and to lean on each other for support. One of my favorite nights of the trip was when the group spent the night at her home in Bujuuko. Her house is on a hill at the top of her village and the view was breathtaking. We spent the night taking pictures, dancing, enjoying each other’s company, and eating amazing food. The night ended with storytelling around the bonfire. It was a great way to end the trip and to create lasting memories with the people that I had grown so close to.

4. Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life?

I learned so much about healthcare, education, food security and human security on this trip, and as a result, grew more well-rounded in my personal life. I saw, thought about, and discussed so many issues on this trip that I had never been exposed to before and it led me to reposition my perspective on what really matters in life. I have really come to appreciate the blessings I have been given, including my home, friends and family. Even being a student as this prestigious university is an opportunity many people do not receive and I often forget that. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, but my experience in Uganda reminds me to take a step back and stay grounded.

For me, the overarching theme of the trip was resilience. One of the site visits was to a Level 4 District Hospital, which was in poor shape compared to the hospitals we have here in America. The hospital was severely understaffed and lacked funding as well as necessary resources and supplies. Upon returning from the visit, our friend Dr. Ruth summed up how the Ugandan people deal with adversity, “At the end of the day, we do what we can. And what we can’t do, God takes over”. The importance of this type of mentality has stuck with me since I have returned from Uganda. I am so thankful for this trip for giving me many new friends, a wonderful mentor and memories that I will cherish forever.