Our last morning in Jinja found us focusing on natural resource protection and management. We headed to the local municipal office and picked up Moses, the district environmental officer. He gave us a very thorough rundown of all his required duties. The list is extensive and he isn't provided a car - which means very expensive private hires or taxi rides between sites. The lack of budget efficiency is enough to make one shudder. That aside, he does a great job.
After our briefing and a quick Q&A, we head out to Bujagali Falls and the location of their new dam site, the Nile River.
Don't we look sexy in our hard hats?
The dam project has displaced about 200 residents, will destroy tourist opportunities & income at the falls (major rafting site), and will affect the surrounding plant, fish, and wildlife. However, it has provided substantial employment and there is presently no other technology available that could provide the amount of power that this dam will generate - especially from a cost/benefit perspective. Conundrum.
Once we were done exploring the construction site, we made our way to a recycling and compost center that was doing some amazing work.
They have been open less than a year but are already experiencing much success. A 6 step process that involves hand sorting, along with a little water and cow dung, breaks down plastics and other recyclables within 60 days. The result is a beautiful compost pile - a gardeners delight. I'm usually not one to run my fingers through a pile of compost but this was quite a feat.
Just enjoying the view from the compost heap
After riding around in our van all day, we decided to stretch our legs whilst learning about tropical forests. Our loyal driver, Mr. William, turns the ignition and sets off for Mabira Forest.
A common sight
Mabira is a rainforest located in the Mukono District, which is between Jinja and Kampala. It is home to many endangered species and has also been involved in a recent deforestation dispute. There are several companies that are attempting to clear cut large portions in order to start sugarcane plantations. I do not have many details beyond that, however, as we opted for the self-guided forest tour. The pricing on the guided tour appeared to be a rip-off. Thus, we set off on our own mini forest walk.
We encountered many creatures, large and small, like the one below:
Some strange litter...
Huge, beautiful trees
and had to negotiate a fallen tree or two.
Along our route we also have the privilege of being attacked by safari ants. Bradford was the first victim. Those bites really hurt! Though it was far more hilarious than traumatizing.
We return from our hike covered in mud and ready to finish our drive to Kampala.
Behold, Kampala!
Boda boda drivers
Finally, we arrive at Adonai Guesthouse, our home for the next 4 nights.
Us ladies were lucky enough to get the room with the balcony shown above. We definitely took advantage of it!
Our bedroom:
Dining room:
Where we were served many more meals of eggs & white bread
Evening came and so we grabbed our torches and hiked about 20 minutes into downtown Kampala for dinner. We had a rousing "day leader" facilitated discussion and enjoyed some fabulous food at the Ethiopian Village Restaurant. Sadly, this is the same restaurant that was recently bombed. My heart and thoughts go out to all who were injured or lost their lives.
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