Events as they were

 

Dear reader,

Allow me to start by congratulating the #Kabutemba17 team for a job well done over the weekend. This was by far a very successful project. What is the measure of success you may ask? And I will say, the radiant smiles and gratitude expressed by the young and old alike was more than delightful.

If you are reading this and for one reason or another were not able to make it to Kabutemba, worry not as I will labour to give the blow by blow account of events.

On the evening of Friday the 20^th day of October 2017, the clouds started to darken at approximately 4pm which is expected (It’s never Kabutemba without the rain). The plan was that the team assembles by 5.30pm and sets off at 6 O’clock. Given that President Paul and the iron lady (Nvannugi) were at the forefront of organizing the project logistics, you either had to keep up with the timelines or chase after the bus on a bike. The clouds finally gave way at about 4.45pm and this usually translates into heavy traffic. However, I must say I was quite impressed at the fact that despite the setback, the bus arrived for the pick up on time and there were no major delays (Probably it was because the usual late comers were not scheduled for the night trip, you can take a wild guess).

The team set off at exactly 7.33pm and shortly after, we were stuck in heavy traffic. This definitely worked for few individuals like Past President Sherry and our very own Treasurer, Rtr Ruth who did not have to sit on that bike ride for long chasing after the bus. And now that I think about it, how were we going to survive without the Treasurer? Indeed Paul and Joanne, you guys are quite the daring team. I must also mention, if you are reading this and at about 8pm you were on call with Rtr Andrew (Bugoolobi), you are a woman of power (I would like to believe it was a lady on the other end of the line because if it was a guy, then we are finished!). The young man literally excused himself and ensured he was far enough from the bus to have that conversation (Just in case everything went silent suddenly) that was before he comfortably sat by the walkway like an experienced street hustler to finish his conversation. And interestingly IPP Solomon thought that would be a nice way to express undying commitment (I can’t say I am surprised).

I have always found the trip to Kabutemba quite strange because while it should ordinarily be a 2 hour drive, we somehow always spend eternity on the road. Of course it was a long and fun 6 hour trip. Just to clarify, we lost 90 minutes in traffic and I honestly cannot account for the extra 150 minutes but I can attest to the energy levels exuded on the bus the entire trip; that is a story for another day. It was a safe trip and by 1.30 am, we were pitching camp at the Lutaaya residence. Despite the fact that we were unfashionably late, we were attended to and dinner was served at 2 am. I must say a big thank you to our hosts, these little details may often be taken for granted but Mr and Mrs Lutaaya are definitely heroes in the Kabutemba story.

While I promised to give a blow by blow account of events, allow me skip the events that transpired the first night. I will however thank the Kyambogo gentlemen who successfully locked themselves out of the room where they were to spend the night and were left with no option but to try and ensure we all stayed up with them. You guys were almost successful.

Fast forward to the “Kabutemba Breakfast”; the cassava in Kabutemba is like no other that I have tasted. It literally brings life; there is no better meal for anyone that is getting ready to serve above self! And while cassava is still the topic of discussion, has anyone noticed that the cassava in Kabutemba is the only kind that does not have drowsiness as a side effect? (If you felt sleepy at anyone point, don’t blame the cassava). Shortly after the mouth-watering meal, Rtn Robinah calls out for us to board the bus just like the sweet mother that she is, (God bless her soul!). We all make our way to the bus of course after making sure our tents and belongings are secured in anticipation of a heavy down pour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This particular trip was a quiet one as people were not only battling the inadequate rest from the previous night but also the discomfort from not knowing their cassava limits. After driving for a while, we finally arrived at the school and were received by an excited group of children who were singing, dancing and welcoming us “on” their school. A huge number of people from near and far had already arrived and anxiously waiting to be attended to. Some of these people were in excruciating pain but their faces clearly lit up when we arrived.

 

It was in this very moment that I released that what we do every time we reach out to a community is far more than the medicine we deliver to these communities but hope is also reignited which is a much greater and more rewarding gift. We quickly distributed roles and set up for the day. There was clearly a lot of work ahead of us and the satisfaction derived from serving each one of these people and watching them smile and light up with hope at the end of the day was something I was looking forward to.

 

 

 

 

People kept streaming in, the numbers kept growing bigger but no one backed out. There was a lot of activity going on, the dental clinic, the treatment and consultation area, the pharmacy where drugs were dispensed after consultation, the menstrual hygiene and awareness workshop where young girls and mothers were equipped with skills on how to make reusable sanitary towels and also sensitized on how to stay clean and avoid infection. Indeed Rotaractors may not have deep pockets, but we definitely have very deep hearts.

At about 12 noon, we received the news that DG Ken was on his way and about to arrive. We set out to meet him and the first stop was at Kantongole and his siblings’ home (Our Bukoto babies and little heroes). We first met these 4 children in 2013 when they hardly had shelter or any basic need of life. By the grace of God, we have been able to build a house they now call home and pay their school fees. Even after all this time, I have never been able to hold back my tears every time we visit these little ones. And no, they are not tears of sorrow or some sort of pity but it’s always a humbling experience to see how far these babies have come.

Katongole at just 14 years is running a home and caring for his siblings. He went on to narrate how he sold his pig during the year and bought another. DG Ken inspired by the young man’s relentless spirit, offered to buy two  pigs for him and AG Eric also offered another pig. I couldn’t help my emotions when Kantogole smiled so hard and knelt to say thank you. DG Ken also offered to have their house plastered and to set up a solar system for them. God bless your soul DG Ken and God bless those little children, I pray they grow up to be great leaders and serve above self. We then handed over the foodstuffs we had brought for the children and returned to the school where the medical camp was ongoing. The DG was taken round to the different work stations and thereafter joined the team for fellowship.

You might be wondering why there was fellowship during a project, right? We all know Rotary is about service above self. For the Rotary Club of Bukoto, the best time for the DG’s official visit is during the project; this not only tells a story of what the club is doing but the DG gets to be part of the project.

The fellowship chaired by IPP Opira started with the Rotary norms before being constituted to a club assembly after which the president informed those in attendance of the purpose of the meeting. This was later followed by the introduction of the DG by AG Eric (this man has quite the CV). The DG in his submission thanked the Rotarians for the good job well done and he thanked them for the continued teamwork with the Rotaractors. He had many praises for the team and good ideas that he shared. He later urged the Rotaractors to start transitioning to Rotary; notably the likes of Solomon (in his absence) were requested to stop hiding in Rotaract and move on to join their age-mates. Fellowship ended at about 4.30pm at which point, he proceeded to plant a tree as an act under his Mission Green campaign. The CC, AG and DRR planted trees too. DG ken addressed the crowd that had gathered and officially closed the medical camp shortly after his speech. People were then invited to lunch and departure thereafter.

After the sumptuous lunch and a long day’s work, we were all looking forward to getting on that bus and heading back to the Lutaaya residence when we noticed the long line of patients waiting in queue at the dental clinic. I was moved by the selflessness of the Rotaractors and dentists who despite their fatigue and the fact that time was fast spent opted to stay back and ensure that each and every one of the patients had been attended to even at nightfall, these guys used car lights and torches to get the job done. I am sure by now you agree that indeed this was by far a successful project. For the first time in the history of the Kabutemba community project, that anticipated heavy down pour never arrived, I also believe it was the first time we had no tents for shelter in the history of this project and no I don’t believe in coincidences or luck, I believe there is a God that watches out for us as we reach out to His people.

Before I joined Rotaract, I always heard that Rotaract is about service and fun and this day I realise the perspective from which that fun is derived; it’s more of a celebration! When we returned to the Lutaaya residence, despite the fatigue and long day’ work, people still gathered around to dance, chat and have fun. It was not because we are young and energetic (no doubt, we are!) but for me it was that joy from making a difference in the Kabutemba community. I will not go into the blow by blow account of that night’s events but will wrap this up by once again thanking each and every one that made time to be with Bukoto in Kabutemba, you are a good soldier!

Daphne & Paul.