As our days in Gulu come to a close and we reflect on all the things we’ve seen, the conversations we’ve had, and the people we’ve met, we keep coming back to a common theme: Ugandans have a deep understanding of their own problems and a solid grasp on what needs to be done to fix them. There are obviously many challenges, funding being the biggest, and much that needs to be done, but the knowledge and understanding here, on the ground is much further along than the international community assumes.
In our time here, we’ve seen so many things that make it obvious that Ugandans are extremely dedicated to their country’s progress. Obviously many of the NGOs run by other countries are doing good work, but we’ve been most impressed by the Ugandan run organizations and entirely local efforts. People wear sensitization shirts that read important messages like “wash your hands after using the latrine,” and “stop gender violence for happy, healthy families.” TV and radio commercials promote condom use and have slogans like “get off the sexual network and live a healthy life with your partner.” A few communities that we’ve visited have performed their own dramas displaying their understanding of human rights, what these rights entitle you to, and why everyone should consider them in daily life. There are anti-malaria campaigns in which trucks drive around, playing music, handing out information about preventing malaria, and selling well-priced bed nets and mosquito zappers.
More than these general observations, the leaders in the community that we’ve met have given us great hope. People like Pamela (GWED-G founder and director) are entirely dedicated to their people and Uganda’s development and have already made great progress in their work. After speaking with the Speaker of the District, Osaira Martin Metendezi whose last name actually means “revolutionary,” it was obvious that he understood the needs of his own people, understood the reasons that they aren’t getting what they need, and had every intention of making change in the coming year as he runs for District Chairman, which is analogous to our mayor. We have been amazed as to how many people here are involved in some sort of development work, whether it be through working for NGOs or volunteering in the community. In an effort to plan our bee keeping income-generating project, we met with Samuel today. In the last three years, Samuel has taken it upon himself to become a bee expert, and he now has big plans to become “a pilot person in his community” by getting people involved in this income generating projects by consulting them with all the necessary information. All the local doctors that we’ve met have been involved in some form of community outreach and are willing to work with NGO’s to plan more in future. For example, Dr. Joseph from the Gulu Regional Referral Hospital has offered to come with us on Monday as we visit the parish where we plan to implement our HIV/AIDS education and treatment campaign.
Despite all the hardship we’ve seen, this message of hope is such an uplifting, encouraging thought to leave Uganda with. The people on the ground really know what they need and what needs to be done to get there. This recurring message has really made us believe in GlobeMed’s partnership model and has made us so grateful for our relationship with GWED-G. GWED-G has great plans for the future and has the impressive staff and strong presence in the community necessary to really make change. We’re so happy and also proud to work with them. Countries like Uganda obviously need the help of the international community, but it’s important that the international community also recognizes all the work already being done and the impressive progress being made by the Ugandans themselves. After all, Northern Uganda is recovering from twenty-five years of war. They need time to get back on their feet. The ideas and dedication are there; it’s support and funding that is missing.
