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Africa

You are in: Tyne > People > Worldwide Geordies > Africa > Hello from Uganda!

Thomas with his Toon Army recruits!

Thomas with his new Toon Army recruits!

Hello from Uganda!

BBC Tyne is on a mission to prove that there are Geordies all over the world. Meet Thomas Howie, who's flying the Worldwide Geordie flag for us in Uganda!

Hello from Uganda

I have been living in Uganda for nearly one year. I have been on a gap year volunteering for a sport non-government organisation called The Kids League Uganda. Obviously, as the name suggests, I have been working with kids, especially in North West Uganda.

Thomas in the Biwindi Impenetrable Forest

Thomas goes gorilla spotting

The kids are amazing at football and embodied the slogan  “live, sleep, eat football.” Hopefully a few strikers in the pipe line for the Toon!

After indoctrinating the locals to support Newcastle United, I spend my time partying with friends, eating roasted pork - which is the best I have ever tasted, and travelling to the national parks where I saw rare Mountain Gorillas - amazing!!!!

The country is politically stable apart from ongoing rebel activity in the North of Uganda. Thousands of people are forced into IDP camps (Internally Displaced Person’s camps) to avoid attacks and child abductions. Nevertheless, life goes on here. You will not meet a sullen-faced Ugandan, and will be hounded down the street with calls of “How are you Muzungu?” - Muzungu meaning white person.  

Spotted in the Biwindi Impenetrable Forest!

Spotted in the forest!

The thing I miss the most is obviously family, but I also miss watching the Toon and a bottle of Brown Ale. However, I have arranged to go see a Toon game and have a bottle of brown on my return at the end of August.

The photos on this page are of Newcastle United Supporters Supporter Association Arua branch just after we defeated Man U Supporters team, 3-1, me watching the gorillas and one of the gorillas at Biwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Keep the Faith, Thomas Howie

Are you a Geordie abroad?

Share your experiences on the BBC Message board and help us prove that there really are Geordies all over the world!

Your comments

Dean Hall
I live in Barcelona and I fly the Geordie flag in a place called Sabadell. I work as a translator out here for a software company. There are truly Geordies all over the world (defined as someone from Tyneside not anyone from Northern England).

carl erskine
areeet .... uganda rule

lee
It,s cool seeing uganden football players that iv'e never seen before in my life that are so good at playing football good to see you their thomas! Bye lee

Hannah Dixon
Thomas... I was just browsing the BBC website from my classroom at ASU and I happened to spot your name. WHAT A SUPRISE! Well hello...please keep in touch, I would love to hear how you are doing! Love always, Hannah

last updated: 24/04/2008 at 11:21
created: 25/08/2005

You are in: Tyne > People > Worldwide Geordies > Africa > Hello from Uganda!



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