We left the hotel shortly after breakfast. One of our graduate friends from Siita joined us on the trip to the university. Before we got to the University we visited his apartment, off campus. It was a nice and clean place, especially considering it is the home of three male college students.
After this we drove to the University, which was a 10 to 15 minute walk away. We toured some of the facilities. It so happened that today was a registration day so there was a bit of activity on campus.
This is a Christian university and there was evidence of that throughout.
We also got to see one of the rooms in the dorms. It was very small and it had four beds (two bunk beds). The hallway was dark. The entire dorm was pretty quiet considering it was the boy's dorms and it was a registration day.
The library was awesome! It is a new building, finished in 2012. It look very modern, spacious, well equipped, etc.
I was curious about the bathrooms and at first they looked like everything you would expect to see in the U.S. until I peeked in one of the toilet stalls. There was no toilet seat. This type of "toilet" is actually more common than I ever imagined but it works in Uganda. I think I could get used to it.
After our visit to the University we went to a public hospital. In fact, I learned this was the only complete hospital in all of Uganda. We couldn't take pictures there. I understand why. The place was very busy. I saw patients sitting or laying on the ground in certain areas. Clearly there is a lot of need there. One thing most people don't realize is that here in Uganda patients are cared for by their family. Their family will bring food, bed spreads, clothing, etc. So, not only is the hospital at or near capacity with patients but then there is at least one relative or friend near each bed or patient. I didn't go to the bathroom there but I could see the hygiene standards are well below what we are used to.
After this we drove by private hospital. We didn't have time to go in but from the outside it look very modern. The neighborhood where the private hospital is located is in the same area where some of the various embassies are located. We also drove past what looked like a nice apartment or condominium complex. It was a gated complex. I asked our driver and good friend Timoh and he said the rent there was roughly $2,000 per month for a one bedroom apartment. This is still shocking to me. Apparently housing in Kampala is very expensive.
The highlight of my day was spending time with one of the graduates from Siita. Let's call him Mo. Mo's story is awesome. He became an orphan at a young age and found a home and a family at Siita. He's been sponsored by a friend from Kailua Community Church. Mo has been given the opportunity to go to the university and he is about to obtain a degree in law. Mo's aspiration is to help Ugandan's. He is very involved in the community, he has a few hours in a radio show where he shares his views and hopes for the country, and he is considering a career in politics. Most importantly, Mo hasn't forgotten where he came from. He calls the staff and kids at Siita his family.
I love hearing the stories of the young adults that graduated from Siita that are now responsible adults, contributing to society, and helping their brothers and sisters at Siita. From everything I can see, these young adults are strong Christians who seem to have their priorities right in life. Without organizations like Siita, many of the orphan kids would never have such opportunities. I know there are many more orphans out there that haven't been helped but I think it is okay to celebrate success where we see it. This also gives me hope that one day my little James and Sarah will grow to experience a fulfilled life and eventually be able to give back to their family at Siita.
Time for me to take a shower, pack, and perhaps take a nap. We leave to the airport shortly after midnight. I'll probably update this post to include pictures before I leave.
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