UgandAshis 3: The Buvuma Islands

UgandAshis 3: The Buvuma Islands.
Kampala, October 29, 2008.
Willy looks slightly terrified. It is his first time on the water in a boat. And we picked a mighty lake named Lake Victoria as an introduction. As the boat starts bumping and grinding he asks why we are sliding. I tell him there are speed bumps in the water as to reduce the pace of the boats on the water. Julius our host for the weekend almost rolls of the boat with laughter. It has to be said however the next two times we board the boat wearing lifejackets Willy is like an old school sailor.
Lake Victoria has many islands. The island group we are visiting is called the Buvuma island group. It has about 52 inhabited islands, of which the largest is Buvuma. The lake is teeming with birds, crocodiles, Nile perch and it is said hippotamus. For centuries people living on the islands have been neglected for many reason. First there is the fear of many Ugandans of water, secondly many criminals found shelter on the islands, thirdly some of the islands take over 8 hours to reach by motorized boat, fifthly as mentioned crocodiles and hippo’s do not make a safe journey.
The island we are sleeping is called and has about 1500 inhabitants in three camps. Since 1 year a secondary school has been opened and there has been a primary school for quite some time. An organization called Shepherd’s Heart is working hard to uplift the quality of life of the islanders. Projects ranging from agriculture (digging), clean water (McGuire purifiers), education (school), health care (small clinic and lab) and mission (Christian). The local population and the Mission people warmly receive us. We talk about their work and progress. They have been digging land around their newly constructed houses and face dangers as roving goats and mischievous monkeys. Last weekend a troop of primates destroyed the eggplants. They know exactly when fruit or vegetables are edible and wait until the humans turn their backs to strike. The goats are less delicate. They come and chump away until the dogs, or the diggers chase them.
Not only are there monkeys on the island as we depart I see a water snake and I am told on neighboring islands there are pythons that have eaten goats and dogs. And then there is the waterbuck. It is hard to believe that the island only has a circumference of 6 kilometer.
Termites build hills up to a meter and a half. The students are asked to help remove them. One girl stands out as she chops away with a hoe until the entire mount is gone. Too bad she could not find the queen. The highlight of my visit was my inauguration as a Scout. A circle was formed and with a left handed greeting I was inaugurated. Hoping to be prepared the rest of my life.
The islands rock and lots of work to do there.

Namaskar, Ashis