Ten days in the land of milk, honey, and many lakes

THROUGH THE INVITATION and hospitality of Haji Bassajjabalaba, owner of Kampala International University, Southwestern University's Chairman of the Board Dr. Lydia Aznar Alfonso, and Dr. Novembrieta Sumil and her husband Dr. Manuel O. Sumil, visited Uganda, Africa last April 8, 2005.

It was a regal visit for the delegation. From Entebbe Airport (En-tebbe was the old British colonial capital of Uganda), they were fetched by the senior driver of Mr. Hassan and were ferried in a Mercedez Benz towards one of the hotels (Regency Hotel) of Mr. Hassan at Kampala. They stayed in two of the 75 USD suite rooms for the 10 days duration of the visit.

As a country, Uganda is completely landlocked and is situated on the plateau at the heart of East Central Africa (3,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level) where most of the second largest freshwater lake in the world and source of the world's longest river (Mountains of the Moon) are found.

Uganda has a mild climate in spite of its location on the equator. Bordering this country is Sudan on the north, Tanzania and Rwanda on the south, Kenya on the east and Zaire on the west. The capital and main commercial center is Kampala, a city which has been modernized by the addition of office buildings, shops and malls. Near Owen Falls Dam is Jinja, Uganda's second largest city and growing industrial area.

A number of mountains rise above the plateau (Ruwenzori and Mount Margherita) while flat-topped rolling hills alternate the green valleys through which flow papyrus-bordered streams. Along the border with Rwanda are the bamboo forests which are the last retreats of the huge mountain gorillas.

During the visit, the group was treated to several delightful sights including the Lake Victoria, source of the Great River Nile at Jinja, the Owen Falls Dam, the wide variety of bananas, the piles of sweet potatoes, big tomatoes and sugarcane sold along the road, coffee and tea plantations, small and big houses made of bricks.

The group's trip to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, along natural, soothing green sceneries and many lakes, was most memorable. Along the way were fresh honey sold and baboons begging for bananas. The safari was exciting, having actually seen real, untouched wildlife such as elephants, wild boars, antelopes, deer, and the proud and princess-like majestic crested crane, which is their national bird.

However, Ugandan culture is not at all that far compared to the Philippines - the Ugandan diet consists mostly of beans, eggs, pineapples, bananas, rice, chicken, and fish. Most Ugandans are Christians, friendly and majority speak English.

Although small and landlocked, Uganda has preserved its history, culture, nature and wildlife. To better appreciate Uganda, make a trip to this place!