Parties and things

At last the container arrived in Fort Portal. It left UK in early December with a load of computers and a gift of 25 items from Tehniquest Hands on Science Park in Cardiff. It arrived at 11.30 at night but could not be opened until the Customs people arrived at 5.00pm the next day. The arrival at the school which was receiving much of the contents was the excuse for a party which seems to have gone on from arrival to being emptied. The school hall was filled with compouters, cricket bats and balls, sewing machines, books, copiers and science equipment, every item had to be viewed and counted by customs before they could be removed to store. To get our stuff we used the truck which had brought the container, another truck, a pick up, and my 4WD. More or less completing at midnight. Getting the small truck proved very difficult, one refused outright as the road was so bad and the next needed serious evidence that we were not smuggling, in the burglary business or supplying rebels down the road. Luckily a white skin was a big help. The arrival of the equipment opens up much hard work to get the gifts into use but also great opportunities for development.
Light relief this last weekend. Saturday the wedding of a colleague started in church at 11.00am and we finally got to eat at 6.30, stamina is needed for social gatherings in Uganda, and strong insides. The party of the wedding reception was the third day. They must have fed about 1000 people on our day although it seems it was a cooperative effort of the whole village and beyond bring food and staying for the 'dancing till dawn'. Ugandans seem to love a speech even more than the Irish so about 2 hrs family, friends, politicians and the employer - me. A heavy shower beautifully timed as the wedding party arrived greeted with cheerfulness as it is a good sign of fertility.
The next day was a birthday party for a friend who is 80, He was thrown out by Amin but came back to re-establish his tea estate which he has virtually done. Again a wonderful party with strange contacts, another friend out here whose mother is remarrying is marrying an ex school friend of 50 years ago. Fort Portal is clearly the place to be if you want to meet the world.
Now into Easter which again is done with enthusiasm and with plenty of time......