About Uganda
Uganda the pearl of
Africa with friendly and welcoming people who will often greet strangers on
public on public transport while working in the rural areas. The greeting comes
not with just a simple hullo but also with inquiry into you and how your family
is doing – and the interest is genuine. Uganda is well connected by public
means of transport and your likely to take a string of buses, minivans, boda
boda, farries and shared cars sometimes
all in the same day.
The Ugandan People
We have included
some guidelines to be aware of so that you can begin immediately to be
culturally sensitive, while also portraying a modest, Christ-honoring attitude
and appearance. Smile often and say "thank you" and "forgive
me" whenever appropriate. Don't be offended by people who stare usually
does not connote rudeness as it does in western culture. People will be curious
about you, so they will stare.
With Ugandans: Relationships
It is easy to
forget that in Africa our thinking and ways of doing things are often different
than what we are used to in our home country.
1 Age.
Show respect for older
people, Stand up and be prepared to give
an appropriate greeting or kneel down while greeting. When circulating in a
group, always take time to talk with older people.
2. Conversation Style
North Americans
tend to talk too much, so be sensitive to whether the nationals might like to
express themselves, or whether they want to listen to you. Some people communicate through hints and
metaphors, rather than frankness; some through satirical repartee and over
statements; some through stories. As a
rule, well-told stories will be appreciated, including the story of your life
in Christ.
3. Time
Be flexible, not up
tight. Go with the flow of the culture
and ministry you're involved in. The
people of East Africa are event oriented rather than time oriented. The key in all of this is the event, not
whether or not the event started and/or ended on time. This should not give you an excuse to be
late. Try to set a good example by being
on time (or early).
4. Groups
Family, community,
and church relationships are very important in the Ugandan culture. Ask
nationals about their family and friends and try to get to know them. Learn to tolerate a crowd. Likewise, talk positively about your family
and be ready to show photos if you have them.
5. Anger
In many cultures,
losing your temper is just about the greatest sin possible. Keep quiet. Defuse your explosive emotions in
your journal or in prayer.
Ask Questions.
If you have
questions regarding anything relating to your work, the people, the culture,
etc., please ask a veteran missionary before jumping into something that might
harm your personal testimony or that of your fellow missionaries. Smiling boy Greetings
Ugandans, both men and women, greet each other with a handshake. The people of
Uganda are generally very friendly so do not be surprised if strangers come up
to shake your hand. You will be taught
special greetings for special circumstances.
Usually older
people greet younger people first. Men greet women first. If you are not in a
position to shake hands, acknowledge others with a wave. Friendship between two
men or two women is often expressed by holding hands. It does not mean that
they are gay.
Time Keeping
Africans are
event-oriented rather than time-oriented.
They may arrive late for church, prayer meetings, etc. Do not let this bother you. If you have an appointment with an Ugandan,
wait for awhile before giving up on him/her. Something important may have come
up. Finding a telephone to let you know
may be difficult.
Photographs
When taking photographs
of a Ugandan, you need to ask their permission as a matter of common courtesy,
just as you would ask permission at home.
Usually street scenes, athletic events, church services, and pictures at
institutions and homes are welcomed. It is best to take pictures when you
arrive and your experience is still fresh.
You may forget or become accustomed to the scenery. It is illegal to
take pictures of some government buildings and official personnel unless
special permission has been given.
Dating and the
Opposite Sex
Ugandans have a
different standard for dating and expression of affection in public. Please
refrain from kissing and hugging, even your spouse, in public. What we regard
as a sign of friendship may mean something different to a Ugandan. Be friendly
and hospitable but develop friendships with a number of people. Organize or
join group activities. Do not spend time alone with a person of the opposite
sex unless he or she is your spouse. The specific use of the word
"friend" in many cases has a different meaning. A man is not a "friend" to a woman
and vice-versa. Women are friends with
women. Men are friends with men.
Beth_and_martha_250_1Choice
of Dressing Style We should all be conscious of local sensibilities when
choosing the clothes we wear. It is also
good to note that Africans are very neat dressers. The villagers are more casual depending on
what they can afford. Most Africans find it insulting for Westerners to wear
scruffy or dirty clothes. If you are
traveling or doing manual work, it is not always possible to look neat but we
should try to look as clean and neat as possible.
Ladies Clothing
Ladies generally
wear dresses/skirts but loose fitting slacks or Capri's are acceptable in
Kampala and the game parks. Pants/slacks on women are not recommended in rural
areas. Since Ugandans consider it offensive for a woman to expose her knees and
shoulders (although you may see less modest wear on the young adults and in the
city), the most acceptable thing to wear is a dress/skirt covering the knees
with a modest top - short tops that show your stomach or your back are not
acceptable. A tank or T-shirt which
exposes your bra - or more - is definitely not acceptable. A loose fitting tank top which is at least 4
inches wide at the shoulders is acceptable, but nothing less. And these are
only acceptable in Kampala. However, if you are wearing aloose-fitting shirt
over the tank, such as a "camp shirt" (meaning button up
short-sleeved shirt), this is acceptable. Also keep in mind that the thigh and
knee of a woman is considered very sensual so keep them covered in public. It is absolutely necessary for ladies to wear
an underskirt or lining underneath their dress/skirt, unless it is denim or of
a similar heavy weight material!
Please note that it
is culturally inappropriate for ladies to wear trousers or shorts in many areas
of Uganda, especially in the villages.
In such places longer skirts/dresses should be worn. However, for beach holidays, school
activities and trips, one may wear trousers.
Children are not required to wear special clothes although most schools
require uniforms that conform to school standards.
Men's Clothing
Men must also be
conscious of what they wear - or bare! The older generation will look upon you
as still being a "boy" if you wear shorts in public. It is considered
more respectable to wear trousers and have your legs covered.
Walking around in a
public place without a shirt is totally unacceptable.
Be prepared to
preach, teach, attend a funeral or wedding by bringing a suit, or dress pants,
a sports jacket and tie. (Some consider jeans as very inappropriate.) It is
never acceptable for short shorts to be worn - by either male or female!
Special Events
If you attend a
baptism, wedding, church dedication or other special event, you will experience
cultural habits that are specific to that occasion. Visitors to special events will be treated in
a special manner. You may be served food
when no one else is served, and may be watched the entire time you eat. The people you are visiting may not eat with
you. In some groups, they will leave you
on your own to eat. In other groups they
will sit with you and watch you eat. If
you know ahead of time that you will be attending a special event, ask a
missionary what you may expect to see or do.
Africans are very
community oriented. They take care of
each other, watch each other's children, and are extremely
family-oriented. The African family not
only consists of one's immediate family, but also their extended family.
As well, most East
African people groups are male-dominated.
Women and children often do not eat with the men. Men are served first and are the dominant
figure in the family. Women are, to the
western eye, second-class citizens.
Church
info@figtreetoursandtravel.com
You will probably
visit several different types of churches while you are in Uganda. Each will have its own personality, although
there will be some distinct differences.
Music is very much a part of the service, and the singing may go on for
an hour at the beginning of the service.
Women will
"piga kilele" (eulilate) as part of making a joyful noise. There will be a lot of hand clapping, and
moving during the singing. If
instruments are available, instruments will be used, too. This is the African way.
Service may be as
long as two, three or four hours. This
is due to the fact that many people walk a long way to church. People enjoy the body of believers while they
are there.
Vehicles
Driving in Uganda is
challenging here you need to take the left hand side of which is not the same
case in Europe. Although there is a highway code, it is often not followed
because of inexperience as a driver or lack of proper training. To get through
the city streets in rush hour traffic, one needs to drive defensively, but we
need to avoid displaying the behavior that we find offensive. Watch out not
only for vehicles that will do the unexpected, but also for boda bodas,
bicycles and pedestrians that often appear out of nowhere.
Driving Conditions
(10 tips)
Driving in Uganda
is different from some other countries:
Most of the
vehicles have right hand drive and are manual transmissions. Driving is on the
left side of the road. Roads are often potholed and rough. Take caution when
driving, and learn how to patch a tire. It is illegal to text or talk on your
mobile phone while driving.
Seatbelts are
required by law. The larger vehicle or the vehicle with the bumper out in
front, has the right of way. Cars in the roundabouts have the right of way. Always
be on the lookout for vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. On
boulevards, right hand turns are made at the second opening. Due to the free
style method of driving, you must drive aggressively. Try not to be overly aggressive and therefore
offensive, when driving. Public transportation is available though not always
dependable and is sometimes dangerous.
The three main types are listed below.
Taxi (Public commuter transport)
All Taxis [white
mini vans] have got a blue squares on
them go to (Old Taxi Park) for public
means. To go to town just wave a taxi down in the direction you want to go.
When you get to the taxi park, ask anyone around he/she will be off help to you
and move to the next destination. You pay the conductor when you get off. Watch
what others pay - you pay the same. Don't let it scare you - the more you use
it the easier it gets!
Private Hire
There are several
little white cars (with squares on them sometimes) that are always ready and
waiting for you. They are more expensive, but the price is negotiable. They
take you directly where you want to go. They can be hired for all day - and
there are no crowds or taxi parks to deal with.
Be sure to negotiate the price ahead of time, and do not give the fare
until you reach your destination.
Boda Boda (motorcycle taxi)
These are for
private hire; men driving bikes or mopeds.
Always use caution when riding on a boda boda; they can be very
dangerous. Using a helmet is necessary.
Cultural
distribution
Further south in Bwindi, see local
communities and projects (gorilla-tracking can be arranged as well) before
continuing to Mgahinga. Visit the local Batwa animist communities.
Return to Kampala via Lake Mburo, one of Uganda’s most
striking parks, rich in birds, hippo, buffalo, zebra and cultural communities.
Back in Kampala on the Kabaka’s Trail – see the cultures of
Buganda and see the preserved lifestyle of their ancient kings.
See Naggalabi Kings’ Crown-ground, Kasubi Royal Tombs,
Katereke Royal Prison, King Kamala’s tombs and other cultural visits organized
by Heritage Trails Local Project.
Visit the Namugongo Martyrs’ shrine. East of Kampala City
where some 22 staunch Catholics were burnt alive in the 19th century, this
shrine is also worth visiting.
Visit the Baha’i Temple, the only one in Africa; buy art and
crafts. In the east, at Jinja, look at Sezibwa Local Falls and the source of
the Nile.
Participants stay in selected homes or lodges of local
people who take care of your food, drink and accommodation.
