Perhaps the most hospitable country on the planet?

You are welcome! Village Entrance 

Let me tell you, this is not my first time at the rodeo.  Really, I've traveled pretty extensively.  And let me say, there is something special about how friendly people are here in Uganda.  This place is special.  

My friend Nana here tells me it's because Uganda were a protectorate rather than a colony of the British; she says the British treated the Kenyans very badly so they are not so friendly but Ugandans were not treated so badly.  I'm not sure how much I agree or disagree with this, but I can say I feel kindness everywhere I turn in Uganda.

Hut entrance within a family compound.  You are welcome!

I have met kind people all over the planet.  If you need a kind smile and want to see a beautiful country, definitely go hit up the Emerald Isle.  Yes, Irish hospitality and Irish people are amazing.  But if you're in my region of the world, go to Uganda.

Perhaps there is something about the Irish and the Ugandans.  For the Irish, their government and people have significantly invested in long-term investment in education and poverty alleviating strategies to support the communities in this region.  There are signs dotting this region with the Celtic Harp displayed next to information about development projects.  

Signs showing the projects of Irish Aid dot trading centre roads.

Perhaps, this special relationship between Ireland and Uganda is no accident - nor the fact that they are both so warm and kind.  Maybe the Ugandans keep the Irish in check for friendliness and the Irish do the same right back.  Maybe they're competing to be the friendliest country with one another.  No actually, that wouldn't be so nice or selfless.  I will prefer for now to think that these two countries and their peoples are just nice because they are kind, good people.

And hospitable, Uganda absolutely is!  Uganda, in my experience, embodies fully the warmth you feel in your heart with genuine kindness and true hospitality.  I just walked home from the trading centre and already and being greeted by people I met previously at the market.  

Village Elder or Akimat.  She waited several hours for us to come visit her compound.

Hospitality, kindness, concern.  I don't want to romanticize one country or demonize another.  Sure, we all have our problems, concerns, disappointments, even shame.  But Uganda has something to teach those who come to visit and my heart and my ears are open this year - not just as a researcher, but as a human being.

I don't want this blog to be a political act but I must say, watching the video below, makes me hang my head quite low when I see how my country's leaders want to treat those coming to our border.  I can only imagine how much despair and sadness I would feel if Ugandans and their government treated me the way my country is treating some others.  I am grateful for those individuals and offices who have helped make this year possible for me.

Dear Uganda, I know things are difficult, but well done.  There are never enough resources or dollars or shillings but well done on trying to do the right, just thing.  In my little opinion, Uganda is showing what a role model can be.  

Watch the video below!