Listening intently to a largely experienced team of two yesterday evening I started to imagine that the road to the big time may be easy to follow after all, if only the trust between peers increased and the commitment between them also grew!
Yes savings and financial discipline may be good but is it enough? Or this is a nice situation for the bankers – just asking?
Quietly listening from my table, I heard words like long term planning – which I rarely did, I heard words like mutual funds, collective schemes and many others and thought about them deeply, it occurred to me that together with my fellow bar mates, we could actually collect our own funds into a big sack and jointly invest with government (PPP) in key infrastructure like toll roads, power generation and distribution ventures among others...
The power of collaboration to provide a means to an end, making it easier for us to think about bigger things, share bigger actionable dreams cannot be underestimated! If we started now who knows what ventures we would be joining in five years, who knows how powerful we could become... Tables can change in this part of the world – so let’s run... I started last year my friends, I only feel more excited today...
I learned that we have to learn continuously, be vigilant, study trends, understand the changing dynamics in the region and be extremely fast but most of all focus more on innovation of ideas and getting down to action when they are still burning hot!
Otherwise we face the risk of losing in an economy that continues to grow; first it was protected Uganda, then E.A of 3, now E.A of 5 and soon to be E.A of 8... But you know what these are opportunities, let me dream and see how I can get there.
Let’s not behave like tired managers shooting down ideas e.g - an enterprising young man says “Boss I have a good idea” then the boss says “Please write a contemporary concept note and professional proposals giving various scenarios/possibilities of boosting the business - then call a meeting next quarter so that we can discuss your idea... hmmmmnnn and don’t forget the budgets for the various” - creating the famous situation of “paralysis by Analysis” a common management problem.
Happy New Year all, I hope this adds to your motivations to change the world. Now I have four books to read before the end of March Yaix....
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
My comments on the campaign trail..... Part 2
This time as I write my part two comment on the campaign trail, I feel happy and excited that my readers are increasing and they actually find these articles interesting.... Let's go! This time I want to focus on corruption in the face of leadership, the voter and civic education as well as the role of the citizen.
Sometime back I wrote about..............
The blame game http://okuti.blogspot.com/2009/09/blame-game.html, corruption is a big subject, many of us are corrupt, many of us are sinners, many of us are haters, back-biters and name it; however we spend time in bars, health clubs and restaurants hating and blaming others. We come from villages where if one shows signs of progress he or she is hated and life is threatened!
Wake up Africans! Anyone who dares takes up leadership is bound to be faced with the problem of dealing with different knowledge levels, motives, skills as well as diversionists. There is a rush for wealth, a rush for power and a rush for acknowledgement that kind of rush that is only found in third world countries characterised by bickering, disgruntled, mediocre and none dreamer actors. Among them too, those with a false imagination of superiority, self righteousness living in the shadow of perceived power.
The NRMO is lucky in some cases but may also be considered unlucky in some cases, having experienced a lot of developments in their time. Some of these developments were globally driven which the NRMO moved to quickly take advantage of, examples include the shift from government owned businesses to private owned companies or for instance the innovations and rapid growth of the banking, telecom and FMCG sectors. On a personal note, I believe the farming sector was hurt though by these changes, the slowdown of cooperatives and marketing mechanisms that were government led seemed to have worked well for the small holder farmers...
We can say the NRMO provided a conducive environment for these businesses to thrive and grow but we must also acknowledge that the mobile for instance had arrived.... the Internet had arrived and for whoever was in power they had no choice but to embrace the “avalanche” or the “tsunami” because these were global treads. The force with which these new trends were flowing was so strong that you either had to shape up or you shape out! Changes were occurring real time. Funs of the 24 series.... “These events occur in real time”
In the same vein it became easier for corruption to thrive, because the private sector grew there is now the commercial, the NGO’s, the churches, the traditional institutions etc... There had to be a paradigm shift in the leadership style, the question now is – is it actually happening? Do our leaders actually know what is hitting them? And again should we encourage an extremist approach to dealing with the subject like some African nations have done? Alternatively do we have the will and capacity to empower institutions to get more vigilant in handling their affairs and civil communities to become more knowledgeable and demanding? Isn’t it true that there is no leader without a community, if there is not community then who do you lead? It is therefore paramount to serve the community well!
So now that we have peace don’t we want more? There should be checks and balances... and citizens should know their rights.
Let's all take a swipe at Government employees, don't they have some of the lowest salaries, why then do they (not every one of them) stick to their jobs with the mightiest energies? Let's take another swipe at the Pastors, how comes they have personal jets, luxury SUV's and large houses doing the work of God. I have wondered why these people of God never visit the hospitals and treat the sick, the terminally ill and the casualties - they rather you carry your patient to their church, then they make drama with your patient and proclaim that he or she is healed! Let's take a swipe at people in positions of law enforcement, the police for instance why stop a car that has a number plate, the driver seems to be okay with a valid permit, where are their records of defaulting cars? Instead they are busy wasting tax payers time and their own! Graduates who do not think about automating their surveillance Police get your act together, this is the ICT era many things are possible...
Unfortunately in many cases the tax payer has no rights to ask for a compensation of time wasted!
The subject of corruption goes on and on, so should we blame the current government, just asking and don't get me wrong, I am not trying to rescue any one, we the society bribe away from getting places in schools - even private, getting work done faster, getting treatment in a public hospital to getting the local council to do something for us! Should we blame a political party for all these occurrences, could this be a stage or a phase in development? Why not blame ourselves for the acceptance of all this, for the participation in all this, for the ignoring of all this and for the blame of others without looking inside ourselves and find out what our values are before we look outside the window? It is the duty of every individual to have some semblance of values....
How are these leaders planning to address the G2B relations, the G2C relations or do they know these dynamics, where as B2B will continue to grow naturally it is key to note that good laws, enforcement and civil society checks will be paramount in ensuring that service gets delivered.
The next leader will have to be able to be able understand the dynamics of all sectors in the country, be able to send email themselves work with smart phones and work like a CEO who must report to the Board of Directors! The new leader must be able to take criticism and advice from a team of advisors who must also in their own rights be elders, experienced and with a high degree of knowledge and integrity. Advisors could be former presidents, people with large business empires, very senior retired civil servants, traditional leaders and the like. People with power and this time I mean real power, powerful enough to unseat a sluggish and slow leader.
See the challenge is the campaigners are more aware of the problems of third world, they are more aware of how these problems could be solved while the majority of the voters may not have an idea of what needs to be changed. So the campaigner gets his/her seat and exploits the loopholes of the system... Sooner or later they increase their pay, upgrade to four wheel drives and spend lavishly in the city. Many times spending money whose value does not ring a bell to them because they have no idea how tough it can be to earn that money...
Travelling during the holiday season, I got time to blend with many friends, relatives, in-laws and politicians they were all defending their manifestos! I wondered whether they are actually educating the people about the plans they were making and how important the plans were to change the lives of those they wanted to represent - how their plans would be bench marked, monitored and evaluated.
In Arua I asked a "mirungi" seller what he thought about Feb elections and he said to me ""honestly I don't care because I do not know and do not see how it affects me", my auntie from the village asked me if there will be more money given out, salt or sugar... So I thought to myself if you give her a handout she will give you the vote! I thought this was a village thing, later passing by a maize (I like maize...) seller in Naguru - I decided to stop and ask what she thought about elections, she said "are you here to buy or waste my time". I told her I would buy and persuaded her to say something, she burst out and said to me "you think I do not want to drive, do not want to live in a nice house, do not want all the nice things - we gave up long time ago may be our children will have a better day". I wondered how many voters are enlightened enough.
The variation between the knowledge levels of our voters are so large and so sad that we are stuck in a quagmire of ignorance... extrication from this situation may take a few light years... We continue to have an increasing gap between the knowledgeable and the ignorant. May be the next President should revive Community Information Centres and with ICT promote adult literacy and continued education! The politicians themselves sometimes do not even see that the people they are talking to need more than campaigns to be able to make informed decisions. Many times decisions are made on populist grounds....
We should introduce serious civic education, but also teach about nation building, patriotism and common good. If we were patriotic may be our families would know more about politics and decision making, they would not make decisions according to how much of the handouts they get. We should teach voters that they deserve service irrespective of where they come from or colour of their skin or which leader they like but by virtue of the fact that they are Ugandan.
So this time I took a tangent, well I decided I will not talk about the candidates any more but about the people the candidates purport to lead, in the meantime let’s learn about our rights and use them effectively.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
My comments on the campaign trail..... Part 1
Interesting to watch all the political parties hit the road again to ask the Ugandans to vote for them. Money is being sought by some, others are minting from supplying the campaigners as the fairly informed Ugandans are watching from a distance.... Wondering what will happen this time round. Whether they will wake up to bigger gullies in the roads, less equipment & medicine in the hospitals and rusted schools, gun shots and more.... They all pray that peace prevails for they have learned that this may be the best they can get from any of the leaders at the moment!!!
We all know the lubiri was attacked because the government had issues to sort with the kabaka of the time, the massacre in Ombaci & others were done because the government of the time had issues to sort, the “grass suffered in GULU and the greater north, in Lira & Soroti because the elephants were fighting”, The same “grass suffered in Luwero because elephants were fighting there also” to name just some memorable times. Who wants the grass to burn again, who wants to watch blood spill no no no one...
I used to sympathize with that (UPC) party but I think they have fundamental weaknesses. They are not moving with the times....1. They need to consider serious re-branding 2. They need to have a serious media office providing accurate information (in their opinion) about their ideals as well as clean the bad image that they have had over time 3. They have businesses! They should have employed experts to build a second tower and make them self sustaining also renovate the old building! 4. They should embrace the more youthful leaders in their party and stop attaching everything to history. If they cannot do this what will they do for dear Uganda? Where are their serious ideas, this is what we “aliens” want to see set the example of what you would do for Uganda.
I feel like they are thinking in slow motion - sorry to say if you are a UPC die hard. DP? Well well it seems like Chairman Mao a good man, getting into the game of dirt and mad, a leader for a future structured systems with all key players doing their part to add up to the big picture! The “aliens” would probably understand you but are we ready for you? I am not sure, sadly I do not “feel” this party as it seems to have internal wrangles as well... The historical leaders seem to sit back and add limited value to the campaigns. My thoughts wonder far and wide is there a semblance of tribal issues, religious or the Buganda verses Uganda question – well just thinking.... Chairman Mao “Who are the people suffering from superiority complex?”
FDC ? Could this be NRM in new dress/skin or could this be the ones who have missed the bread? Just thinking, is the agenda a people centric or a war of two bruised Lions? Anyway that would be over simplifying issues but FDC seems to have traits of the current leadership which is largely considered the best or is it a perception of the few who are not aware? So is the gist of the problems political or really social-economic, where does the real problem lie? Anyway to the others I wish them luck for I am still observing!
Uganda is faced with a serious challenge; the corruption eating away at the current government is not funny, the increasing divisions in tribes and religion! Then you look at fragmented opposition with each weak party head fighting for dear life well well what can I say.... As they fight to lead us we toil away with our broken roads, riddled with everything moving from one legged animals and machines to 20 legged items... the appalling level of gas’s emitions no one knows how much lead is in the air and how many other poisonous substances, no one knows how clean the water bodies are we just pray..... And we are hoping to make a living in a country where service to all has become a miracle!
They promise development in the next five years, they promise good things – we shall be developed with large lit roads and sidewalks, no dust or potholes to grant about, schools with superior architecture, libraries (including e-libraries) with an explicitly serene environment to read and learn centres of innovation everywhere! Wow up country towns with well lit streets info points for travellers and tourists, water and sewerage systems and electricity in West Nile, airports and name it we shall be bustling in an entertainment of all good things!
It is indeed turning to "For God and my Stomach" We are observers! Where is the power that we should wield? What is our role in this circus? We sit on the fence and watch as the wiser continue to use us, the unsuspecting people who have learned to be content with mediocre life, learned to give up on dreams and learn to accept the status quo. We say we are extended families, a nation of friendly and receptive people? But it seems we are more individualistic than any other race I have heard of - so will we be something, are we going to see light at the end?
I wish I was from another country sometimes - sorry this morning I am very negative - I need a hero! WE SIT UP DAY AND NIGHT AND LIKE, COMMENT AND WE HAVE ALL THE TOOLS FACEBOOK, LINKEDin, MYSPACE, TWITTER, YOU TUBE, MAILING LISTS..... etc But we are new and sophiscated we believe we are “aliens” and part of a different world so we do not demand, we do not participate, we criticise and continue watch for we are the consumers of everything good or bad, for we have no choice, we consume innovation good or bad, we consume waste, we have no opinions and we watch life pass us by for we are the curse of human kind!!!!
Is this Africa or is this just a Ugandan Situation?
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
The Man OPP & Chi Chi
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| Its them man :-) |
This cramped up room in a Muva house somewhere in Kabalagala! Incidentally this place is noted for housing mostly Kenyan campus girls, and we were there making noise in the corridors for the room was too small to fit us all. There was this large table and a small TV these were good enough to keep us occupied. This is where I first saw her.
The Man OPP, was visibly taken up by lady Chi, quite talkative but more like in charge of the entire room, - I thought - okay may be she has potential, having known OPP for about 16 years now I wondered whether he was in for a ride being the kind of person he is – extremely polite and kind and ready to take up any responsibilities or even expenses at all times. It was not to be a one sided-affair for lady Chichi started paying us visits and joining us on various social missions. She made us eat well and become more responsible for our actions she taught us a new world!
She became part of the team, she made us laugh and we accepted her. We made friends and OPP became a proud, and a happy man and finally cut his hair a bit more, from the extra long and even once treated much earlier in the day…… He was evidently getting closer and closer to saying it to her ….. We also got closer to her friends, it became one big “manyake” affair but only OPP seemed to be focused on the ball.
I remember the day we swarmed off to the coastal town of Mombasa, half filling the Kenyan plane and chatting away like students in a school bus! The time had come to visit Chichi’s home, now Chichi can mean to have a pinch of arrogance ;-) and that makes her sometimes quite difficult to decipher, however Dad and Mum were kind and visibly excited for the blessings of a good man :-)! They thought to themselves, for these people to come from across the lands in large numbers must make him a good one…......
Over 45 people came only for just one of their daughters! We, of course made merry, had lots of food at Chi’s home, that night we went out to North coast and danced all the food away at Bobs and finally Tembo’s – some even experimented on the famous poles…., The next day we went site seeing with our new friends, visited the ocean front – meeting Danny too, who had apparently made up his mind on the one love too, we visited Fort Jesus, South Coast and the rest of clubs.
At Mofat a small resort we joked away and tried to outsmart each other in various exploits around Mombasa till we finally became the “M Crew” OPP had been approved and the Speaker was ecstatic for his long time solo man had gone down. Then without warning Chichi introduced me to one great person who has long become a life time friend very special indeed was this visit… Then is when I concluded that Chi was very excited to be in love with OPP a man of all. All the way from Paidha via Pakwach, Karuma, Kampala, Jinja, Busia (Well done), Nairobi to Mombawu....
The return was filled with joy happiness of accomplishment of a mission, but also of an official beginning of a romance that would stand the test of time. Many of the “M Crew” members returned thereafter and made decisions, they discovered the value of one verses many and are following suit day by day….
The D-day would happen in Kampala, it happened today three years ago – HAPPY ANNIVERSERY MY PIPO
Monday, June 7, 2010
The Apprentice
The Apprentice – Exciting real life practical learning...
Excitement just hit us like a cloud of sweet scent, we are geared towards a new day....
We started The Apprenticeship program after realizing that a lot of recent graduates had had no chance to participate in internship activities during their studies and therefore faced challenges getting jobs! So far a small 16 have gone through this exciting program and will soon be in sustainable employment or business.
The program facilitates applied learning, where theory is tried in actual business with very strict supervision and support. We actually thought the response from Ugandans would be very low and indeed many skeptics missed the very first Apprenticeship program, which will see off 4 first rate recent graduates turned into experts in their trade through vigorous practical trainings.
They will join the world of business and share there experience in business planning, research, product development, marketing, sales, account and project management as well as applied Information Technology.
In a world where no one is willing to take on trainees or spend vast amounts of money on training people for jobs, Asili Marketing & ICT has made it possible for recent graduates to train themselves by applying their theoretical knowledge in a company working together with senior consultants, mentors and experienced couches in a discipline of choice.
Lets have a good time, come learn and have fun making money....
Excitement just hit us like a cloud of sweet scent, we are geared towards a new day....
We started The Apprenticeship program after realizing that a lot of recent graduates had had no chance to participate in internship activities during their studies and therefore faced challenges getting jobs! So far a small 16 have gone through this exciting program and will soon be in sustainable employment or business.
The program facilitates applied learning, where theory is tried in actual business with very strict supervision and support. We actually thought the response from Ugandans would be very low and indeed many skeptics missed the very first Apprenticeship program, which will see off 4 first rate recent graduates turned into experts in their trade through vigorous practical trainings.
They will join the world of business and share there experience in business planning, research, product development, marketing, sales, account and project management as well as applied Information Technology.
In a world where no one is willing to take on trainees or spend vast amounts of money on training people for jobs, Asili Marketing & ICT has made it possible for recent graduates to train themselves by applying their theoretical knowledge in a company working together with senior consultants, mentors and experienced couches in a discipline of choice.
Lets have a good time, come learn and have fun making money....
Monday, March 8, 2010
Memiors of Gulu
It all started in Naguru hill "Mutte Hill" where we discussed and concluded the plans to visit Patiko to Celebrate the life of Mama - Everina. For me it was one visit for three occasions, it was going to be only the second time that I get to see Gulu but also celebrate the life of Everina (mother of Santa) our grand mother as well as pay respects to the mother of the Lawoko's it was indeed a trip to remember.....
We left for Gulu some cool afternoon, driving out quietly through Wandegeya, then past Bwaise and finally past Kawanda, this is the point at which you realize the journey has started. Before that, it is traffic, taxi's stopping every other ten meters and noisy "boda boda's" fighting to prove that they also have a right to the narrow, pealing and slimming road.... Driving on Bombo road after Kawanda is so nice the road is good, new and wide enough, the highway is open - so we set our music to the tunes of the Northern & West Nile connections - local music from Luo and Lugbara land as we waited for the sun to cool off - myself and Joachim - started dreaming about the Tuskers under the back seat we were headed to celebrate the lives of Women........
Knowing our ideas for the trip Ziki and Josephine (big sisters) would from time to time call pretending to find out how were doing, but they were actually monitoring our progress towards Gulu thinking that we might just take a left turn to the park - he he we knew what they were up to, we just kept them happy. Allan kept the speed at a steady 100 as we passed the thick treas and the land opened more and more to the sparse drier tries towards Kafu. Stopping by Migera, we discovered that it was going to be a bigger group Hon. K and his team were taking a break too and of course Cousins Ziki & Jose were carefully watching to see if we had started on our clever pints he he he not yet.........
When one is on the Gulu highway its very important to stop by Kafu bridge shopping center where some of the best "Ghost" meat is found, a delicacy of this meat together with ivory white cassava is so refreshing and so filling that one has to make sure they take at least a liter of water. If one has an unstable tummy they need to carry some desserts- hmn you know what I mean.
We were eating this spiced dish all they way to Karuma... as one draws closer to Karuma the trees get thicker and darker once more. The site in Karuma is breath taking emergying from a thicket is this massive water flowing Violently over the rocks as if to say give me way, we got there in the evening, at this time the sun coloring the water brown and orange is much cooler and kinder to the pint hungry, silently one gets to listen to the water running down the stream with little songs from the wild birds drawing circles and arrows in the air.
Just past the bridge were the monkeys seated on the road side watching as cars pass by and telling each other tales of the monkey history I guess. Looking at human being they muse and wonder what these creatures have made and now killing our beautiful land with their machines and new air that God had not made. It was time to pop the Tuskers, hmmnn they were still ice cold and "yaix" the green bottle looks cute. Allan had limited access due to the nature of his task....
We drove quietly past kamdini corner, Minakulu..... then arriving in Gulu we saw a giant town vibrant with activity it was about 9:00pm, and what!! Well JJ, Jerry & Hkiz were right there so feeling at home that I felt the adrenaline calling on me to join them right away, we got places to stay and I immediately joined them. We made a small visit to The Pub and retired early. However about 100 meters away from us was a bar that closed the road by midnight people were having fun and sometimes extending it close to us, we were at Roma and this famous place is called Green Valley.
Gulu is probably as big as Mbale and may have been much bigger had it had a steady growth. We settled in early, the D day was yet to come!
Raising early apprehensive and yet excited about the prospect of finally making it to Patiko, we got ready to have some starters. Having breakfast on the veranda of the hotel, we see people moving with purpose, quite serious going about their business and I wonder why its some times assumed that these so very polite people are considered rude in some societies.
I look deeper and I see pain in some of them pain of wasted time! Time wasted by some one else, time taken away from them forcefully by someone else, time they could have used to fulfill their potential, time they could have used to share with their loved ones.... Time wasted in a war they too did not understand, some continue paying for the sins of others.... I wondered how rude can the world get! Our mothers see it, they see us and the pray and cry so that we may live a meaning full life..
Well its the crude world of conflicting interests, different societies and sometimes greedy one's too, its the world we grow in.... We prepare for the trip to the first place we are told the function is a three part/three day function. Day 1, prayers, Day 2, Celebrations, Day 3 exchange of pleasantries and gifts, I wonder will we celebrate for all these days, lets see...
Ready to go we drive out of town via Santa Monica - I remember we were there and that is where we started our peace match with youth from all over Uganda, I remember Ernst, Talia, Marion, the Speech from Chairman - that time we walked all for a one world. We drove on towards custom corner and out further turning off finally towards Negri, for the first time I see where Ezaga went to junior school, a very quiet place on vast acres of land, this was a very powerful Catholic boarding primary school, we drive further and we are finally in Patiko.
I think it is called Patiko Pabo.... Reaching the homestead, there was a big set up of tents in a place about the size of four football fields, each tent belonged to a group, a clan or a tribe from a different place! We prayed for half of the Afternoon sitting next to Cousin Monica a no-nonsense Christian! I learn every day from her, very many things about life and she is very inspiring..
If you eat little and no meat you would not enjoy being at the table with us, there was all sorts of dishes ranging from all the meats in different forms fresh, dry to vegetables and stews made with peanut butter and local bread and sweet P & irish P and well it was time to feast and feast hmmnn, I liked most the dry fish in vegetables and white peas in peanut source with "moya" and local bread, this dish can only be eaten with hands......
We had too much to eat...... he he you may note that I do not even remember what happened the rest of the afternoon, guess I was digesting food. Returning quietly to town in the night we are greeted by the bustling activity in town, this night we decided to explore the green valley, this is one hell of a happening place people virtually sealing off the road and extending across to the other side men, women all having fun, the down side though was this place seemed to have minimal regulation otherwise it was loud beats beats and beats and all the things that come with the beats...
Anyway was not keen on too much activity I withdrew to my room to read "The Power of Focus" very nice writings in that book..
The next day was day 2 of our celebrations, reluctantly driving back to Patiko, we anyways sat down to chat about the stories of the previous night, sitting next to Big Uncle of Mutte Hill we laughed at his Jokes from the village to town and beyond, as Leo kept prompting him, Peter just sat there laughing at me, I was pre-occupied with testing the local brew "Qwete". Finally I landed on little cousin Jovine and she agreed to arrange one......
Looking up from our tent, I saw this beautiful, tall lady walking towards me, I was dumbfounded, I could not look else where I forgot the people in the tent, they sounded like voices very far a way..... I was looking, in a state of astonishment and perplexity she stood there and gave me this drink that I had long forgotten about. I think it was even tastier than I had expected! Hmmmnn They all caught me, right from Big Uncle to Brothers in Law, to kid sisters and all. I just said to them God found out that Man was lonely and he made Woman.
Leaving Patiko for Custom Corner, we had to pay our respects to the Lawoko's little did we know, we had to have lunch again!!!!!! Winnie, Doreen, Cathe the usual suspects made sure they staffed us all with more food. Custom corner is a famous junction where roads leading to Paraa, Packwach and Sudan split close to this place is a very big homestead right from the top of the hill slopping in one direction to the road and in the other to a school. Homes have been beautifully built with out distorting the nature, there is a natural shade created by the tree cover in the compound one gets to relax and forget the burning heat above the trees. This is the home to my friends, who have only recently been able to access this lovely paradise after so many years of unrest in the area.
Andrew, Peter & their Southern friends were so full that when they retired to Boma most of them retired early... We had a short catch up though at that magnificent hotel, it was a nice and classy looking place, I am happy Ugandans have started appreciating the power of good architecture...
This night I was determined to explore the night, I found my self at BJ's very nice place, good bbq, good music, good people - I missed Mr. Ogik, wondered where he could have been.... The bar is manned by two good looking ladies, though quite polite they are very firm when it comes to dealing with errand customers. I watched as my cousins danced away the evening.... As Jeremiah showed skills in making new friends Aaron showed skills in snubbing wanna be friends...
Now I don't know why but return trips are not that memorable, it feels like unwinding, like back to work and reality, so I guess you understand why I have nothing much to say on the way back. Gulu a great place. I write this in Memory of all our Mothers those who have returned to the creator and those still with us. Mr. Dell, Mrs. Lugalambi, Ms. Mugyeni, Mr. Okello and all have a wonderful womens day....
We left for Gulu some cool afternoon, driving out quietly through Wandegeya, then past Bwaise and finally past Kawanda, this is the point at which you realize the journey has started. Before that, it is traffic, taxi's stopping every other ten meters and noisy "boda boda's" fighting to prove that they also have a right to the narrow, pealing and slimming road.... Driving on Bombo road after Kawanda is so nice the road is good, new and wide enough, the highway is open - so we set our music to the tunes of the Northern & West Nile connections - local music from Luo and Lugbara land as we waited for the sun to cool off - myself and Joachim - started dreaming about the Tuskers under the back seat we were headed to celebrate the lives of Women........
Knowing our ideas for the trip Ziki and Josephine (big sisters) would from time to time call pretending to find out how were doing, but they were actually monitoring our progress towards Gulu thinking that we might just take a left turn to the park - he he we knew what they were up to, we just kept them happy. Allan kept the speed at a steady 100 as we passed the thick treas and the land opened more and more to the sparse drier tries towards Kafu. Stopping by Migera, we discovered that it was going to be a bigger group Hon. K and his team were taking a break too and of course Cousins Ziki & Jose were carefully watching to see if we had started on our clever pints he he he not yet.........
When one is on the Gulu highway its very important to stop by Kafu bridge shopping center where some of the best "Ghost" meat is found, a delicacy of this meat together with ivory white cassava is so refreshing and so filling that one has to make sure they take at least a liter of water. If one has an unstable tummy they need to carry some desserts- hmn you know what I mean.
We were eating this spiced dish all they way to Karuma... as one draws closer to Karuma the trees get thicker and darker once more. The site in Karuma is breath taking emergying from a thicket is this massive water flowing Violently over the rocks as if to say give me way, we got there in the evening, at this time the sun coloring the water brown and orange is much cooler and kinder to the pint hungry, silently one gets to listen to the water running down the stream with little songs from the wild birds drawing circles and arrows in the air.
Just past the bridge were the monkeys seated on the road side watching as cars pass by and telling each other tales of the monkey history I guess. Looking at human being they muse and wonder what these creatures have made and now killing our beautiful land with their machines and new air that God had not made. It was time to pop the Tuskers, hmmnn they were still ice cold and "yaix" the green bottle looks cute. Allan had limited access due to the nature of his task....
We drove quietly past kamdini corner, Minakulu..... then arriving in Gulu we saw a giant town vibrant with activity it was about 9:00pm, and what!! Well JJ, Jerry & Hkiz were right there so feeling at home that I felt the adrenaline calling on me to join them right away, we got places to stay and I immediately joined them. We made a small visit to The Pub and retired early. However about 100 meters away from us was a bar that closed the road by midnight people were having fun and sometimes extending it close to us, we were at Roma and this famous place is called Green Valley.
Gulu is probably as big as Mbale and may have been much bigger had it had a steady growth. We settled in early, the D day was yet to come!
Raising early apprehensive and yet excited about the prospect of finally making it to Patiko, we got ready to have some starters. Having breakfast on the veranda of the hotel, we see people moving with purpose, quite serious going about their business and I wonder why its some times assumed that these so very polite people are considered rude in some societies.
I look deeper and I see pain in some of them pain of wasted time! Time wasted by some one else, time taken away from them forcefully by someone else, time they could have used to fulfill their potential, time they could have used to share with their loved ones.... Time wasted in a war they too did not understand, some continue paying for the sins of others.... I wondered how rude can the world get! Our mothers see it, they see us and the pray and cry so that we may live a meaning full life..
Well its the crude world of conflicting interests, different societies and sometimes greedy one's too, its the world we grow in.... We prepare for the trip to the first place we are told the function is a three part/three day function. Day 1, prayers, Day 2, Celebrations, Day 3 exchange of pleasantries and gifts, I wonder will we celebrate for all these days, lets see...
Ready to go we drive out of town via Santa Monica - I remember we were there and that is where we started our peace match with youth from all over Uganda, I remember Ernst, Talia, Marion, the Speech from Chairman - that time we walked all for a one world. We drove on towards custom corner and out further turning off finally towards Negri, for the first time I see where Ezaga went to junior school, a very quiet place on vast acres of land, this was a very powerful Catholic boarding primary school, we drive further and we are finally in Patiko.
I think it is called Patiko Pabo.... Reaching the homestead, there was a big set up of tents in a place about the size of four football fields, each tent belonged to a group, a clan or a tribe from a different place! We prayed for half of the Afternoon sitting next to Cousin Monica a no-nonsense Christian! I learn every day from her, very many things about life and she is very inspiring..
If you eat little and no meat you would not enjoy being at the table with us, there was all sorts of dishes ranging from all the meats in different forms fresh, dry to vegetables and stews made with peanut butter and local bread and sweet P & irish P and well it was time to feast and feast hmmnn, I liked most the dry fish in vegetables and white peas in peanut source with "moya" and local bread, this dish can only be eaten with hands......
We had too much to eat...... he he you may note that I do not even remember what happened the rest of the afternoon, guess I was digesting food. Returning quietly to town in the night we are greeted by the bustling activity in town, this night we decided to explore the green valley, this is one hell of a happening place people virtually sealing off the road and extending across to the other side men, women all having fun, the down side though was this place seemed to have minimal regulation otherwise it was loud beats beats and beats and all the things that come with the beats...
Anyway was not keen on too much activity I withdrew to my room to read "The Power of Focus" very nice writings in that book..
The next day was day 2 of our celebrations, reluctantly driving back to Patiko, we anyways sat down to chat about the stories of the previous night, sitting next to Big Uncle of Mutte Hill we laughed at his Jokes from the village to town and beyond, as Leo kept prompting him, Peter just sat there laughing at me, I was pre-occupied with testing the local brew "Qwete". Finally I landed on little cousin Jovine and she agreed to arrange one......
Looking up from our tent, I saw this beautiful, tall lady walking towards me, I was dumbfounded, I could not look else where I forgot the people in the tent, they sounded like voices very far a way..... I was looking, in a state of astonishment and perplexity she stood there and gave me this drink that I had long forgotten about. I think it was even tastier than I had expected! Hmmmnn They all caught me, right from Big Uncle to Brothers in Law, to kid sisters and all. I just said to them God found out that Man was lonely and he made Woman.
Leaving Patiko for Custom Corner, we had to pay our respects to the Lawoko's little did we know, we had to have lunch again!!!!!! Winnie, Doreen, Cathe the usual suspects made sure they staffed us all with more food. Custom corner is a famous junction where roads leading to Paraa, Packwach and Sudan split close to this place is a very big homestead right from the top of the hill slopping in one direction to the road and in the other to a school. Homes have been beautifully built with out distorting the nature, there is a natural shade created by the tree cover in the compound one gets to relax and forget the burning heat above the trees. This is the home to my friends, who have only recently been able to access this lovely paradise after so many years of unrest in the area.
Andrew, Peter & their Southern friends were so full that when they retired to Boma most of them retired early... We had a short catch up though at that magnificent hotel, it was a nice and classy looking place, I am happy Ugandans have started appreciating the power of good architecture...
This night I was determined to explore the night, I found my self at BJ's very nice place, good bbq, good music, good people - I missed Mr. Ogik, wondered where he could have been.... The bar is manned by two good looking ladies, though quite polite they are very firm when it comes to dealing with errand customers. I watched as my cousins danced away the evening.... As Jeremiah showed skills in making new friends Aaron showed skills in snubbing wanna be friends...
Now I don't know why but return trips are not that memorable, it feels like unwinding, like back to work and reality, so I guess you understand why I have nothing much to say on the way back. Gulu a great place. I write this in Memory of all our Mothers those who have returned to the creator and those still with us. Mr. Dell, Mrs. Lugalambi, Ms. Mugyeni, Mr. Okello and all have a wonderful womens day....
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
If this dream could come true!
I recently had a very brief chat with Chairman Mao in Gulu and what strikes me about this Gentleman is that he is so unassuming of any circumstance... He is not preoccupied with prejudices and he just is an example of people who have learned that life is larger than self.... I am sure if you have read some of my earlier notes you know what I mean!
Listening to him talk again on TV was a reminder of this Great man from Gulu, I thereafter listened to M. G. Muntu and was totally amazed at the caliber of his intelligence, I think this Gentleman is too Intelligent for this part of the world, like some one rightfully commented he may be a few generations ahead of us!
I dream that these two men discover each other and make a new party, a party that is larger than self, a party that will bring the likes of me back to the football field. I wouldn't mind which one of them carried the flag for as long as they teamed up! My bias would be though that Chairman Mao takes the first round then retires as party Chairman and M.G. Muntu takes the second round and joins in retirement and all remain advisors to the new flag bearer! Wow this would make African change in less than a decade in the eyes of the world.
I think even our Dear M7 would for once be comfortable to hand over to a new leader knowing that he has done well for leaders have emerged .... This is my dream
.jpg) |
| Mao talking to youth in Gulu |
I dream that these two men discover each other and make a new party, a party that is larger than self, a party that will bring the likes of me back to the football field. I wouldn't mind which one of them carried the flag for as long as they teamed up! My bias would be though that Chairman Mao takes the first round then retires as party Chairman and M.G. Muntu takes the second round and joins in retirement and all remain advisors to the new flag bearer! Wow this would make African change in less than a decade in the eyes of the world.
I think even our Dear M7 would for once be comfortable to hand over to a new leader knowing that he has done well for leaders have emerged .... This is my dream
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Its dawning on you the year has ended, did you achieve, where did you fail, what have you learned, its now your nth year on planet earth and still dreaming? Or have you achieved some!
Well this year we read, worked, shaped up our skills but also blamed, rumored, accused and let go of very fundamental values and yet many remained in the rat race? Guess some in the cat race? Turn the pages some bought new cars, houses started a romance of a life time and the road still seems long! I would like to draw your attention to my interests for you in the years to come Wisdom, Wealth, Health, Travel & Romance.
May you reflect on the value of wisdom to so as to work towards your dreams well knowing what ingredients to put into the game to up it, I will be reflecting on how to build lasting mutually beneficial business and personal relationships. I will be reading a bit more about how to influence and lead people to success but also on how to win over the best kinds of friends.
Wisdom is wealth my brothers and sisters, white, oriental or black.........
May you reflect on the value of wealth, the wealth that includes wisdom, financial freedom, fullness, fulfillment etc, the wealth that allows you promote your values and not shy away from society. How do we get this wealth, reflect, do you deprive another of a meal or shelter in the name of self aggrandizement or do you work with them to make wealth, reflect my brother, reflect my sister!! May you FOCUS and gain a good value driven approach towards achieving your dreams.
May you reflect on the body you reside in and come clean with your God, do you value it for it is the one that toils to store your wisdom as you build your wealth. Health is key reflect on how to make your body breath fresh air, eat fresh food and function well like one big factory with all parts functioning normally. Join a routine physical activity run, ride, climb mountains, swim, dance and reduce on toxins you know them things.... Health is the key to Wealth & Wisdom
Go go go see places, sites, scenery, cities and all for they help your innovative part of the brain, travel feeds the mind with ideas, dreams are kept alive and motivation is at 100 a nice number right? Wisdom facilitates innovation for wealth in a healthy body..... Marvel at God's creation, architecture new and old, see the wild life where man and animal realize that they are the same sharing creation none of them can comprehend....... A new world requires innovation
Hmmnnn this is it romance is the most rewarding part of life eventually you must enjoy your attractions, love and desires for they nourish your mind, soul and body.....
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR
Romance is the epitome of wisdom, wealth, health & travel, some believe they can live with out romance, they miss lot-sa good stuff.....
Well this year we read, worked, shaped up our skills but also blamed, rumored, accused and let go of very fundamental values and yet many remained in the rat race? Guess some in the cat race? Turn the pages some bought new cars, houses started a romance of a life time and the road still seems long! I would like to draw your attention to my interests for you in the years to come Wisdom, Wealth, Health, Travel & Romance.
May you reflect on the value of wisdom to so as to work towards your dreams well knowing what ingredients to put into the game to up it, I will be reflecting on how to build lasting mutually beneficial business and personal relationships. I will be reading a bit more about how to influence and lead people to success but also on how to win over the best kinds of friends.
Wisdom is wealth my brothers and sisters, white, oriental or black.........
May you reflect on the value of wealth, the wealth that includes wisdom, financial freedom, fullness, fulfillment etc, the wealth that allows you promote your values and not shy away from society. How do we get this wealth, reflect, do you deprive another of a meal or shelter in the name of self aggrandizement or do you work with them to make wealth, reflect my brother, reflect my sister!! May you FOCUS and gain a good value driven approach towards achieving your dreams.
May you reflect on the body you reside in and come clean with your God, do you value it for it is the one that toils to store your wisdom as you build your wealth. Health is key reflect on how to make your body breath fresh air, eat fresh food and function well like one big factory with all parts functioning normally. Join a routine physical activity run, ride, climb mountains, swim, dance and reduce on toxins you know them things.... Health is the key to Wealth & Wisdom
Go go go see places, sites, scenery, cities and all for they help your innovative part of the brain, travel feeds the mind with ideas, dreams are kept alive and motivation is at 100 a nice number right? Wisdom facilitates innovation for wealth in a healthy body..... Marvel at God's creation, architecture new and old, see the wild life where man and animal realize that they are the same sharing creation none of them can comprehend....... A new world requires innovation
Hmmnnn this is it romance is the most rewarding part of life eventually you must enjoy your attractions, love and desires for they nourish your mind, soul and body.....
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR
Romance is the epitome of wisdom, wealth, health & travel, some believe they can live with out romance, they miss lot-sa good stuff.....
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Okay one day it will be love!
Okay one day it will be love!
Guess I will one day, not so far away, I know I am about to see what I am looking for! Love, I waited so long, I told my self not to give in to temptations and take what I have because it is here! Well - I waited this long, so I better go for the last waiting mile for the waiting will soon end - I will wake up and find love there and I will know that its here – that one day!
The love of my life, I will tell as always that it has come and it will not be about time, age, social beliefs or societal perceptions but it will be about me and love of eternity............
I believe in God I see his power leading me – the invisible force working through us sometimes called instinct or the six sense, sometimes called miracles - and that power will show me what I have been waiting for that treasure that lives in the heart of mankind - I will not use power chains and premeditated plans to create and forge love! The world is free and we are the birds that enjoy it! A nasty world some times uncaring or selfish..... but it is our world - sometimes loving and understanding and still it is our world!
.... I will not be tempted by the chain - the chain of force, premeditated love a false emotion created by repeated thoughts in the brain of man! The chain will rust and break to miserable pieces eventually - I will not direct or guide or plan I will wait..... for I do not intend to use the breakable chain...
Either way I am part of the world and will do things as I deem pleasing..... I will continue on my path..... make the contributions that I want to make........ I will not let this unending quest for life's' answers tie me to a tree!!!!!
Inspired by; “My thoughts of love and what it should feel like after reading St. Peter"
Guess I will one day, not so far away, I know I am about to see what I am looking for! Love, I waited so long, I told my self not to give in to temptations and take what I have because it is here! Well - I waited this long, so I better go for the last waiting mile for the waiting will soon end - I will wake up and find love there and I will know that its here – that one day!
The love of my life, I will tell as always that it has come and it will not be about time, age, social beliefs or societal perceptions but it will be about me and love of eternity............
I believe in God I see his power leading me – the invisible force working through us sometimes called instinct or the six sense, sometimes called miracles - and that power will show me what I have been waiting for that treasure that lives in the heart of mankind - I will not use power chains and premeditated plans to create and forge love! The world is free and we are the birds that enjoy it! A nasty world some times uncaring or selfish..... but it is our world - sometimes loving and understanding and still it is our world!
.... I will not be tempted by the chain - the chain of force, premeditated love a false emotion created by repeated thoughts in the brain of man! The chain will rust and break to miserable pieces eventually - I will not direct or guide or plan I will wait..... for I do not intend to use the breakable chain...
Either way I am part of the world and will do things as I deem pleasing..... I will continue on my path..... make the contributions that I want to make........ I will not let this unending quest for life's' answers tie me to a tree!!!!!
Inspired by; “My thoughts of love and what it should feel like after reading St. Peter"
Thursday, October 15, 2009
To Ma Man Phil (Romeo) & Julie
Its an early afternoon, this day I have had a very exciting day making a big deal happen for my company - I decide let business be for now and take me to a green somewhere and learn more about the American President, as I read through world news on my laptop at the rugby club, thanks to UTL's hotspot, busing myself with the hopes of becoming somebody one sweet day! I begin to feel the presence of some one around me and I raise my head to see Phil and immediately ask him "Boss you are here early wats up?" Phil says "Boss - in fact it is good to see you, you know I am getting married?" I say wow "But I have never seen you with a bird!", Phil Says "Boss are you living in Kampala?" Anyway we start to talk about planning his wedding.
We all agree that the historical chairman would be the best man to lead us through this big venture and Big Brother (I mean the Ugandan one) was to be asked later that day to "hola" the historical chairman who agreed after acknowledging how much time he would be spending away from his dear newly wed wife (as if that was not enough - with a newly born child)! Starting with small meetings at Kati Kati, it was very interesting to see how Phil's guys mobilized themselves for the mighty wedding, meanwhile Phil (Romeo) is actually a very humerous fellow, wondering why all the fuss about this big day. Suddenly the wedding preparations kicked into full gear - at a certain point Phil was asked to let the ladies take over costing the decoration services and making vital decisions in that area with out his input, you could see that he (Phil) was beginning to appreciate the fuss....... The team further demanded openness and the presence of Julie in the meetings.... Phil wondered what a nightmare he was getting into.....
A few weeks later the fund raising started, Phil & Julie have definitely lived well, friends from all walks of life poured into the meetings, others sent resources from the furthest continents - the team of organizers was getting pleased each and every day seeing that this was going to be a wedding of abundance... Phil made more friends from Julie's side and Julie made more friends from Phil's side - they saw the wedding in their imaginations a nice day, a day when they would tell the world how much they love each other a day they would look at the stars as one :-). I remember once sitting with the treasurer as I was standing in for the historical chairman, he was smiling at the game of fund-raising, money was flying in like lives from the autumn tree...
One fine Thursday as I sit at The Zone contemplating what I was going to do for my friend JJ, Peter calls and declares to me that we shall be going to a place called Bunamwaya the next day, I ask him "what are we gona do there Boss", he says "Boss do you live in Kampala", I say well I guess so, he says again "Boss be serious we are going to pick a wife!" Well well come Friday, a nice shiny day, we congregate at Peter's Dads house and plan the motorcade to Bunamway, believe me this was one I will remember for a long time. I was very shy to drive my car (a used Japanese....) to bunamwaya, this was good because it paid off eventually getting me to sit much closer to the escort pickup that kept blaring sirens when ever there was traffic slowing us down - I was ecstatic being amongst the VIP's who made part of our delegation!
Being a man of cultural understanding - I was happy to see Phil & Julie united all the way from the land of the wise men past the land of milk and honey to the land of lakes, sites, scenery, potatoes, natural habitat and beauty - pleasantries were exchanged, food was served and drinks were flowing like the Nile and yet Julie was still kept away from the team. We began to get anxious and like they had read our minds she was handed over from parent to parent in the traditional African manner & human sirens went off in excitement - We had acquired a wife.
The week that followed run so fast that I did not realize the long awaited day had come - again a gentleman bellowed from the other side of the line advising me to sleep early because I had been assigned to pick up the bride in the early hours of the morning! WHAT!! Well what could I do I told him I was honored to carry out the assignment and as I prepared to sleep another gentleman bellowed from the other side saying he was to come with me....... Interestingly these happened to be the historical & Peter. Well I slept late but still woke up early and picked up Peter for the journey to collect our dearest.
When we arrived, it was such a warm welcome, our names were taken to be recorded in the books of history. Tea was served and Mclean kept us laughing, all the time. Julie's Dad reminded us to give Julie something to eat before church knowing that it was going to be along day, and wow that is when it downed on me that Dad was going to miss his only daughter so much! Of course she reassured him that she would return to visit from time to time. It was going to be different for ever! We drove through the traffic laughing like crazy when Julie joined in to add "soup" to Mcleans jokes. We were both very awake by this time, as we got to the salon's where the ladies would style their hair for the day.... I thought I would take this moment to get a two hour nap, but alas we realized Nina had to come to the salon too, then the boys had to do their hair too, I suddenly wanted mine done too - it was time for church already and the clock just kept on ticking....
The day running so fast I wished I could climb up to the sun and the solar system and slow it down for a bit but hey the clock just kept on ticking..... Nice Mercs parked and waited and then the entourage entered the church welcomed by a very excited choir as Joshua made every one comfortable in church we prayed for happiness, wisdom, wealth, love, good weather, leadership, understanding, harmony and many many many things.. We prayed for children and grandchildren and generations to come. Yes Phi (Romeo) & Julie became husband and wife. Off to the lake side we went....
People came from the East, North, South, Central & West, from all places that God's creation exists and the hall was filled with smart people of all colors, creed, sizes again food, drink, music & all filled the air. And when Katumwa did the Jazz every one was merry making, speeches were made and the day was getting deeper into celebration, then Phil talked I remember he said thank you to some one and then thank you to another one and again thank you to the other guy and and and ....... and he asked his wife to humour us wow it was a nice one..... She says "I get this call from a guy and he is asking for some one but when he discovers he is talking to her he looks over the partitioning and sees a good thing - next he is at her desk and asks her whether she can cock and many other direct questions - she says - she tells her friends the chap is marriage material and the rest was history" (Quote is not completely accurate though)..
They then opened the dance, didn't have to change, and the party started we all joined in the everlasting dance young, old and all, after midnight a tighter formation of dancers took to the floor till later dancing to songs like moonie moonie moons etc... A small stint of bafudde dancing to silence in the car park with Big Brother, Chichi, Adamski, Peter, Phi & some stray chaps ......... it was a great night to remember we toasted to Mickey's & Breathalyzers too.
We stayed up till past 4:00am ...... and the day came to pass and going one going two and gone it went to the book of history....
Congratulations Phillip - Romeo & Juliet - Juliet!!!!
We all agree that the historical chairman would be the best man to lead us through this big venture and Big Brother (I mean the Ugandan one) was to be asked later that day to "hola" the historical chairman who agreed after acknowledging how much time he would be spending away from his dear newly wed wife (as if that was not enough - with a newly born child)! Starting with small meetings at Kati Kati, it was very interesting to see how Phil's guys mobilized themselves for the mighty wedding, meanwhile Phil (Romeo) is actually a very humerous fellow, wondering why all the fuss about this big day. Suddenly the wedding preparations kicked into full gear - at a certain point Phil was asked to let the ladies take over costing the decoration services and making vital decisions in that area with out his input, you could see that he (Phil) was beginning to appreciate the fuss....... The team further demanded openness and the presence of Julie in the meetings.... Phil wondered what a nightmare he was getting into.....
A few weeks later the fund raising started, Phil & Julie have definitely lived well, friends from all walks of life poured into the meetings, others sent resources from the furthest continents - the team of organizers was getting pleased each and every day seeing that this was going to be a wedding of abundance... Phil made more friends from Julie's side and Julie made more friends from Phil's side - they saw the wedding in their imaginations a nice day, a day when they would tell the world how much they love each other a day they would look at the stars as one :-). I remember once sitting with the treasurer as I was standing in for the historical chairman, he was smiling at the game of fund-raising, money was flying in like lives from the autumn tree...
One fine Thursday as I sit at The Zone contemplating what I was going to do for my friend JJ, Peter calls and declares to me that we shall be going to a place called Bunamwaya the next day, I ask him "what are we gona do there Boss", he says "Boss do you live in Kampala", I say well I guess so, he says again "Boss be serious we are going to pick a wife!" Well well come Friday, a nice shiny day, we congregate at Peter's Dads house and plan the motorcade to Bunamway, believe me this was one I will remember for a long time. I was very shy to drive my car (a used Japanese....) to bunamwaya, this was good because it paid off eventually getting me to sit much closer to the escort pickup that kept blaring sirens when ever there was traffic slowing us down - I was ecstatic being amongst the VIP's who made part of our delegation!
Being a man of cultural understanding - I was happy to see Phil & Julie united all the way from the land of the wise men past the land of milk and honey to the land of lakes, sites, scenery, potatoes, natural habitat and beauty - pleasantries were exchanged, food was served and drinks were flowing like the Nile and yet Julie was still kept away from the team. We began to get anxious and like they had read our minds she was handed over from parent to parent in the traditional African manner & human sirens went off in excitement - We had acquired a wife.
The week that followed run so fast that I did not realize the long awaited day had come - again a gentleman bellowed from the other side of the line advising me to sleep early because I had been assigned to pick up the bride in the early hours of the morning! WHAT!! Well what could I do I told him I was honored to carry out the assignment and as I prepared to sleep another gentleman bellowed from the other side saying he was to come with me....... Interestingly these happened to be the historical & Peter. Well I slept late but still woke up early and picked up Peter for the journey to collect our dearest.
When we arrived, it was such a warm welcome, our names were taken to be recorded in the books of history. Tea was served and Mclean kept us laughing, all the time. Julie's Dad reminded us to give Julie something to eat before church knowing that it was going to be along day, and wow that is when it downed on me that Dad was going to miss his only daughter so much! Of course she reassured him that she would return to visit from time to time. It was going to be different for ever! We drove through the traffic laughing like crazy when Julie joined in to add "soup" to Mcleans jokes. We were both very awake by this time, as we got to the salon's where the ladies would style their hair for the day.... I thought I would take this moment to get a two hour nap, but alas we realized Nina had to come to the salon too, then the boys had to do their hair too, I suddenly wanted mine done too - it was time for church already and the clock just kept on ticking....
The day running so fast I wished I could climb up to the sun and the solar system and slow it down for a bit but hey the clock just kept on ticking..... Nice Mercs parked and waited and then the entourage entered the church welcomed by a very excited choir as Joshua made every one comfortable in church we prayed for happiness, wisdom, wealth, love, good weather, leadership, understanding, harmony and many many many things.. We prayed for children and grandchildren and generations to come. Yes Phi (Romeo) & Julie became husband and wife. Off to the lake side we went....
People came from the East, North, South, Central & West, from all places that God's creation exists and the hall was filled with smart people of all colors, creed, sizes again food, drink, music & all filled the air. And when Katumwa did the Jazz every one was merry making, speeches were made and the day was getting deeper into celebration, then Phil talked I remember he said thank you to some one and then thank you to another one and again thank you to the other guy and and and ....... and he asked his wife to humour us wow it was a nice one..... She says "I get this call from a guy and he is asking for some one but when he discovers he is talking to her he looks over the partitioning and sees a good thing - next he is at her desk and asks her whether she can cock and many other direct questions - she says - she tells her friends the chap is marriage material and the rest was history" (Quote is not completely accurate though)..
They then opened the dance, didn't have to change, and the party started we all joined in the everlasting dance young, old and all, after midnight a tighter formation of dancers took to the floor till later dancing to songs like moonie moonie moons etc... A small stint of bafudde dancing to silence in the car park with Big Brother, Chichi, Adamski, Peter, Phi & some stray chaps ......... it was a great night to remember we toasted to Mickey's & Breathalyzers too.
We stayed up till past 4:00am ...... and the day came to pass and going one going two and gone it went to the book of history....
Congratulations Phillip - Romeo & Juliet - Juliet!!!!
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