Games, Growth… and Gunshots
We woke up around 7 AM and enjoyed a hearty breakfast to start the day. After that, we took the bus to a business that helps girls learn different skills so they can start their own businesses. Some of these skills include music, hairdressing, baking, and sewing.
After touring the first business, we joined four fellow HOWEST students, who are completing their internship there, on a visit to a juvenile prison. Our purpose was to spend time playing with the children. These visits take place twice a week, as the children are only permitted outside when visitors are present.
After playing a group game, the kids were free to do what they wanted. Some played board games, some danced, and others played football. After about two hours, we had to leave and the children headed off for lunch.
Following this, we visited another business, and then returned to our hotel for a light snack, as it was already around 3 PM. Afterwards, we went for a swim, and later, three others and I decided to go for a run.
Once we had showered, we headed into the city. We first stopped by a restaurant to order our food, then wandered around to purchase souvenirs and enjoy some chips. Afterwards, we returned to the restaurant for our meal. As we were eating, we suddenly heard a series of gunshots nearby. It turned out there was a hostage situation less than 100 metres from us. For our own safety, we were ushered indoors. We hurried to finish our meal, as our driver wanted to depart before the army closed the streets, which would have left us stranded.
Blog - Uganda from within 2026 