Ugandan Time

Ugandans do not keep time by a clock; in fact, many in the villages don't even own clocks, watches or cells. They are hard workers, but show up whenever they “get there”. School may start at 8am or 10am, depending on the weather, the roads, the electric; depending on when the parents drop off the children. It's as if Ugandans are allergic to anything permanent or fixed: there are no consistent school books, lessons, laws, meals. (Well, the only thing you can be sure to find at every meal is matooke!) People walk along the single dirt path to church at 9am, 10am, in their Sunday best. I see them walking on my run out of the village and back in again. Most stare at me in my running shorts and hat, but a few wave and say good morning in Runyankore. Everyone is very friendly, if not curious.

Even during my training session, when we were expected to follow the schedule, things started hours later. Lunch was never at 1pm, but often at 2pm or 2:30pm. You learn to carry a book to stay occupied. Restaurants take HOURS to deliver food (unless you tip, of course). As soon as you define anything here, it's a mess, loses importance. Time is an extension of personal relationships.

Internet is very unreliable here. Hopefully once I start work tomorrow at the district office I'll have better access.