After breakfast we set out on foot to visit the U.S. Embassy and USAID (United States Agency for International Development). This was of particular interest to me as I have an affinity for government and policies, especially their inner workings.
Our guesthouse was literally down the street from the Embassy, so we figured it would be an easy walk. Much to our dismay, the entrance was on the opposite side - which was about a mile and a half walk. Not bad, mind you, but we're nicely dressed and short on time. We took a short cut through an informal settlement, which proved quite interesting and educational in and of itself. Finally, we arrive...
U.S. Embassy, Kampala
Upon reaching the front gate, we are informed that the list containing our names is not there. However, things are sorted out in good time and we can use this snafu as an excuse for our slight tardiness. Ha! Besides, we're on Africa time now, right? Of course.
We are greeted by John Dunne, Deputy Affairs Officer for the Embassy.
I did not have any pictures from our Embassy visit, so I snagged this one of John from the internet. (Thank you, Google)
We are handed our visitor badges and led to a conference room where we meet Christian Smith, program officer for USAID.
They presented a nice powerpoint on why they are there and what they do. In short:
Uganda: Why It Matters To The U.S.
- Strategic Location
- Stable Partner in a Rough 'Hood (neighbors = DR Congo, Rwanda, Sudan & Kenya)
- Fledgling Democracy
- Disease Burden
A Few Objectives:
- Improve health & well-being of Ugandans
- Encourage economic reform & market-based growth
- Build capacity of civil societies, political parties, and parliament
- Fight corruption
- Ensure free & fair elections
- Improve responsiveness of local government
- Reconciliation & reintegration of former combatants
- Improve access to essential services
The U.S. Embassy in Uganda is the 3rd largest U.S. diplomatic mission in Africa. They currently receive ~$521 million/yr. in foreign assistance and employ 700 personnel through 6 agencies.
Despite my enthusiasm, I was a tad disappointed in their answers. Though, I should not have been surprised by their lack of candor - this is the US government after all. I inquired about their stance on the local gay rights movement and recent backlash but received a textbook answer. Regardless, the meeting was very informative and enjoyable.
After an interesting lunch at the food court in Garden City mall - you sit down and all the restaurants come to you with menus!? - we headed to Owino Market for a lesson in bargaining and crazy market skills.
Our 'official' assignment was to purchase something via successful bargaining and to interview the vendors where we made the purchase.
There are approximately 500 vendors in the cramped aisles of Owino and they are persistent.
This is definitely not a market for the claustrophobic or those with intense personal space issues. The ladies will be followed or brushed on the arm by the men to get attention and hopefully a sale. (Please note that not all markets in Uganda are like this, Owino is special.)
The market contains all second-hand goods and the lines the vendors feed you are hilarious. If you're a woman, especially a white woman, you get even more attention.
A few of my favorite lines delivered directly to me:
"Are you Miss America?"
"I am ready to take you as my wife."
...and my very favorite:
"I give you shirt, you give me babies!"
Needless to say, the novelty wears off after about 10 minutes and we were all ready to get out of there.
Our next stop was with The Land Equity Movement in Uganda (LEMU). We met with the program director Judy Adoko. She provided a wealth of knowledge along with an engaging discussion about land rights and policies.
The complexities of some of these issues are both staggering and fascinating.
After a very long day, we were ready to collapse. We made our way back to Adonai for dinner and then a night cap out on our balcony.
I love "I give you shirt, you give me babies" :)
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