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 20th 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.
