Yesterday while driving through Ishaka we saw a load of coffins being made with hand tools. It must be a good trade to be in with the HIV/AIDS rate and a life expectancy of 45 or so. But it started me thinking. Where are the cemeteries? (Where have all the flowers gone?) Haven’t seen a one. Where do they bury the dead folks in Uganda? Robert, our source for local knowledge, told us they are buried in the yard, in family plots. But the government is trying to put a stop to the practice, too many people not enough land. And I guess it’s a bit unsanitary, too. But another piece of the puzzle that is Africa fits into place.
Fifteen kids from Swazi Primary School went through the program to day. I am glad I wasn’t on the trip. It’s one of the most difficult schools to reach and after last night’s rain and with 17 people (15 kids, one teacher, and the driver) in the little van it must have been tricky.
Just after midnight, the NFA Land Rover arrived with a group who had been out on patrol in the forest for three days. Evidently the driver lost track of where they were so arrived late. And I can appreciate their desire to wash up and bed down having been there (Vietnam) and done that long ago. But they were so noisy it required ear plugs and great concentration to get back to sleep. And it appears someone snatched one of our bananas, worth perhaps $.02, hardly grand theft fruit.
While we were eating lunch the rogue baboon who has been eyeing our fruit tried to finish the caper. The cheeky little shit came around front and tried to snag the whole bunch! So we moved them back inside. I hope they don’t draw fruit flies.
The group from Rugyenda Primary School begins arriving soon. Twelve today, 24 tomorrow, and 24 on Monday and we are finished with this part of the program. Then it’s just some school visits, clean and inventory and relax.
We were paid an unexpected visit by the district education officer, Norman and Lois, whom we met on our first day in Bushenyi. I explained the program and gave them copies of the pre-, post- and follow-up assessments and paid high compliments to Robert, Lawrence and Erias, the driver.