Political Rallies, Tobin Health Center and the boda bodas

Yesterday we went to Rabbi Gershom's political rally. Those intimately involved in the campaign ride around in an open air truck complete with megaphone, sound system, music, whistles and a coup[le of vuvuzulas. Many supporters, staff campaigners, religious leaders (and  myself) stood up to give their endorsements and state why one should vote for Rabbi Gershom. There were a couple of imams who gave their endorsements and another well-known figure in the community who will be switching parties to vote for Gershom. The rabbi is a popular candidate and seems to have quite a bit of name recognition. After the speeches, everyone danced as the music blasted on the sound system. Very fun and  festive.

Next day onto visit the Health Center. It's amazing what one can do with very little.  Their supplies are extremely limited and we brought what we could.. Much more is needed but they're doing great work. 

Most of the patients are babies and young children with malaria. Massa Barnz, the doctor, on the left. 

Took the bodas bodas home. They are the motorcycle taxis and there is a dedicated ward in most hospitals just for boda boda accident victims. Only one minor injury in our group and we simply duct taped the wound. All's well so far and Benji is hardcore at a mere 15 yrs old.

We made it!.YES!

We’re here in Nabagoye.

It was an adventure today. Started out at Owina market. It is the busiest market in Kampala. Great  to  look at it for those who have never seen a sprawling African open market. Not exactly like the shopping malls in the states. It’s where all your Goodwill donations end up and much, much more -    always lots of people and lots of action. It wakes up all your senses.  It’s one of those places that reminds you you’re alive.

Survived driving in Kampala. There is always traffic and there are no rules. It’s fun for an hour. Unfortunately it takes an hour to get 6 blocks. That is why there is the boda boda, the moytorcylcle  taxi, but getting to where you want to go is a bit risky.

Started out going to Nabagoye, near Mbale. First the car ran out of gas and then we got about halfway and broke down in the middle of nowhere. Luckily, Isaac from the guest house came to rescue us. Poor Samuel stayed with the car and is now trying to get it fixed.  Arrived in the village around  1am.

I think we’ll relax this morning, see the village and then go campaign with Rabbi Gershom!

Pictures coming soon!

Morning in Entebbe

It’s a beautiful day in Entebbe – warm, warm, warm and raining. There is a huge pool with a 12’ foot high dive in our fancy hotel here in Entebbe. I would love to try it in honor of Raph, Dante and Yirga, who would jump  at the chance, but it’s raining. Maybe next  time.

Stayed up for 34 hours. I think that’s my unintentional record.

Maintaing my reputation as technically challenged, the IT guy here in the hotel saved me. Tried to get my equipment charged and working last night - no luck. I suppose some would say , no skill. All is well now.

Samuel will be picking us up to go to Mbale soon. Can't wait to get on the road and see and smell  that familiar red earth!

A bit of eco-tourism and some facts on Uganda

My friend Samuel and his brother are putting the finishing touches on their eco-village on Lake Victoria in Uganda. A place for tourists and marine biologists. They're growing their own organic food and it sounds like this "village" will be sustainable. Very cool.

Arriving in Entebbe and then onto Nabagoye. Stopping in Jinja for some white water rafting in the White Nile on the way back and then onto Kampala to enjoy a bit of their famous nightlife!

Some Facts about Uganda

Government
The colonial boundaries created by Britain to delimit Uganda grouped together a wide range of ethnic groups with different political systems and cultures. These differences prevented the establishment of a working political community after independence was achieved in 1962. The dictatorial regime of Idi AMIN (1971-79) was responsible for the deaths of some 300,000 opponents; guerrilla war and human rights abuses under Milton OBOTE (1980-85) claimed at least another 100,000 lives. The rule of Yoweri MUSEVENI since 1986 has brought relative stability and economic growth to Uganda. During the 1990s, the government promulgated non-party presidential and legislative elections. In January 2009, Uganda assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2009-10 term.

Flag description
Six equal horizontal bands of black (top), yellow, red, black, yellow, and red; a white disk is superimposed at the center and depicts a red-crested crane (the national symbol) facing the hoist side; black symbolizes the African people, yellow sunshine and vitality, red African brotherhood; the crane was the military badge of Ugandan soldiers under the UK.

Abayudaya Jewish Community of Uganda

The Abayudaya Jewish Community is a growing 100-year old community of over 1,000 Jews living among 10,000 Christians and Muslims. They live in scattered villages in the rolling, green hills of Eastern Uganda. The largest village, Nabagoye, is near Mbale.

The Abayudaya, whose tribal name means "people of Judah," trace their Jewish origins to the turn of the 20th century. According to Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, the Abayudaya began their journey to Judaism under the leadership of Semei Kakungulu, a great warrior was to be a missionary for the British, converting the people of Mbale to Christianity. However, Kakungulu favored the Hebrew Bible. In 1919, the community began practicing the biblical Judaism they maintain to this day.

After Kakungulu’s death in 1928, many members drifted away. In 1971, Idi Amin Dada came to power, banning Jewish practice. Many in the community were forced to convert to other religions. After the fall of Amin in 1979, the remnants of the Abayudaya community gathered to begin rebuild the community.

2 more days.

Rabbi Gershom Sizomu running for member of parliament

From Be'chol Lashon press release

Native-born Rabbi Running for National Parliament in Uganda

San Francisco, November 16, 2010 Rabbi Gershom Sizomu is running for National Parliament in Uganda. If elected to parliament Rabbi Sizomu would not only be the first Jew elected to national office in Uganda, but also the first rabbi to be seated in nationally elected government outside of Israel.

Candidate Sizomu sees his political mission as directly connected to his religious vision. As he explains, “It is important that local and national government officials be tolerant and foster a climate of understanding between religious groups.” He is running for office with the endorsements of Christian clergy and prominent Ugandan politicians, including The Honorable Nathan Nandala Mafabi, Member of Parliament. The campaign of this traditional Jew is being managed by a local Muslim leader.

With the help of Be’chol Lashon, an American based NGO committed to strengthening the Jewish people worldwide, Sizomu came to the US to train as a rabbi. In conjunction with Be’chol Lashon he has been working to provide clean water, mosquito nets and provide medical care with the building of a new health center in Mbale. He is improving life for everyone in his region regardless of religious affiliation or economic means.

Candidate Sizomu’s expansive vision of religious tolerance runs counter to the discrimination he experienced growing up during the rule of Idi Amin Dada. Under Amin, Judaism was banned and the native Jewish community, called the Abayudaya, was persecuted.

Having already secured the official endorsement of the Forum for Democratic Change party, Rabbi Sizomu is waiting until November 25th to have his papers officially endorsed by the National Electoral Commission. The election will be held in February 18, 2011.


Follow Gershom Sizomu's Campaign on Facebook

Starting anew.

Starting anew. Going next week to spend some time in Nabagoye, Uganda with the Abayudaya. Hoping to go on the campaign trail with Rabbi Gershom who's running for parliament. Should he win he will be the first Jew to serve as a member of parliament in Uganda. Bringing much needed supplies. In light of this -17 temperature, can't wait to be in some warm equatorial weather.