My Ugandan Birthday (July 3rd)

Yesterday was my birthday and as birthdays are not really a big deal here, I had just expected to have a relaxing Sunday with my Ugandan family and enjoy the sunshine that I never get on birthdays at home. So, I was a little surprised when Emmy announced he was going to take me to visit his brother, as watching Die Hard in his brother’s house was not really my idea of an ideal birthday, but figured it was culturally appropriate to visit his brother’s house at some stage during my visit and yesterday was as good a day as any.

We arrived back at the house at 6pm and as I got out of the car I noticed a lot of people sitting out the back of the house, and then suddenly out of the hedges jumped Jolly, Peter, Honest and Alice singing me happy birthday. Mummy and Daddy rushed to me, dressed very nicely, with Mummy in a beautiful gomezi (traditional dress), and led me to the party area, which was set up with chairs, decorated tables, flowers, etc. They had prepared a huge feast, even buying and slaughtering chickens for me. It was also a joint party for Mummy and Daddy to show their appreciation to the choir members who had recently travelled to Gulu for the memorial service of Christine, their daughter.

It was a wonderful party that included a couple of party games, speeches, yummy cake and dancing. I was really touched by their generosity and the effort they had gone to. It was a magical moment and a lot of fun.

Here are some pictures…















Sitting at the head table next to Mummy and Daddy
















Being fed birthday cake by Peter, Alice and Honest















Dancing