Claire Welford

There's a song with lyrics that go something like
'bless the rain down in Africa'… well I can safely say that God blesses Uganda with lots of rain. I found this out during a trip into Kampala. The heavens suddenly turned from scorching sunshine, to thunderous storms and within minutes the whole city was flooded.

Not being dressed for the occasion, I rolled up my trousers and waded in my flip-flops through pools of water, to reach the pavement. I was drenched. But hey, this is Africa… where it really does rain sometimes!!

Uganda is a country full of surprises! You never know when someone will pull out a live chicken from beneath your feet on the public transport, and you're never too sure when you'll be living without water or electricity.

The electricity goes off several times a week, and quite often for the whole evening. When it happens everyone dashes for candles, and it's quite romantic spending so many evenings by candlelight! - It just means that you can't do much, apart from chat and sleep!! Despite the heavy rains, water is in short supply. I just learned not cover my hands in soap
before turning on the tap!!

Straw and mud home

Everywhere you go you're aware of the poverty. Children with no shoes are begging in the street and babies are left with a bowl in front of them and it's too hard to walk on by without your heart being hurt. 87% of the population live in homes they made themselves. In the villages you'll find homes made from straw and mud. Malaria is widespread and thousands die each year because they can't afford to buy a mosquito net.

I was quite astounded at how much the English
Premiership football league was just as popular in Uganda as in the UK. Everyone has a British team that they support, with Man U, Liverpool and Arsenal being the most popular.. The lads go to local bars to watch the teams play and are really passionate about it.

Hanington, Julie, Sandra and Tendo

The people in Uganda are so generous, warm and friendly. They willingly open their homes to you and make you feel so welcome. I lived with a Ugandan family - Hannington, Julie, Sandra, Tendo, Dinah and Farida.

It was brilliant to be completely immersed in Uganda culture and I learned so much from their humility and kindness.

Child carrying water

One thing that always amazed me, were the things that people carried on their heads. You'd see women carrying babies on their back and jerry cans of water on their head at the same time - And they don't complain, they just get on with it. I have so much respect for them.


Uganda will always be a country close to my heart, I'll never forget the amazing time I had there and will continue to hold in high regard the many friends I made in a truly wonderful country that deserves it's name 'the Pearl of Africa'.

Uganda photo gallery >>

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was one of the most awesome experiences of my life >>