KAMPALA AND THE RAINS

It was around 3am on the night of 4th October when it started drizzling.  Many hearts of people staying in Kampala went into fear especially those at Bwaise, Nateete and other swampy places.

Believe me or not Kampala was a wetland but due to modernisation it was deformed in to a beautiful city.  Whenever it rains the city floods disrupting shelters and work places. I tell you it was a wetland.

So back to 3am, it started as if it is going to end soon but later it became so heavy (rain). At that moment the sleeping of many ended as they were trying to get their properties on the higher levels where floods can not affect them. " I told Yusuf to climb up the cupboard together with his siblings as I collected plates and cups from down" a citizen said.

It was a tough rain with alot of wind and it attracted many people to start praying so that they get saved from the high amounts of water that were getting in their houses yet they had nowhere to run. It rained for 7hrs and by the time it stopped, my friend most regions of Kampala had already flooded. 

Heavy rains is what people don't want to hear about in Kampala as it makes everything difficult starting from home to workplaces. The authority responsible for the environment has failed to protect the wetland since it is the capital city and there is no way you can rebuild it.

Traffic jam becomes heavy because floods affect some roads. Here people move while holding their clothes up. The floods are seen as an opportunity to the youths who lift people on their backs through the floods so that they also earn  some money. 



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UGANDANS AND THEIR UNCONDITIONAL LOVE FOR CONDOMS

I know now you are wondering why am writing about Ugandans and condoms, yet everyone knows the reason and use of condoms. The streets of Uganda most of them are covered with bars, guest houses and night clubs. From bar to night club to guest house,that's the arrangements of the streets. And especially in Kampala people don't sleep. 

With all of this late night commiserating, it’s no surprise that this city of over 2 million (not to mention the other 35 million individuals living outside of the city!) buys a lot of condoms.

 Current estimates place the total market value of condoms around $5 million annually, which has remained fairly constant since 2011. And the good news is that most of these condoms are heavily subsidized, helping users have access for a very low price – approximately 2300 UGX for a 3-pack of condoms (or about$0.75).

n Uganda, there are about 19 condom brands, with three main players in the social market space:Protector, Life Guard, and Trust. Protector takes the lion share of the social marketing share, selling in 2013 over 23 million units, while Life Guard and Trust own respectively less and less of the market.

90% of youths in Uganda move with condoms in their pockets claiming to be ready to save life just in case he gets someone on his way. This is so common university and college students. 

After every major event eg Kampala festival, people who collect the remainings and rubbish say that 20% of the rubbish are used condoms.  "It is as if eats were being wrapped in condoms" said one cleaner after Kampala festival. 

Condoms in Uganda have become a necessity and in every house,it appears. But the too much love for sex has caused this unconditional love for condoms by Ugandans. 
People have trusted them and I bet the next killer disease will result from the use of condoms. 

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MOTHER EATS CHILDREN'S SCHOOL FEES

They say a mother can do anything for the goodness of her kids, and this is very true.  Our mothers suffer so that we get to be recognised in this world. They don't fear  hard times because of us.

But this mother caught me offside, she ate the school fees for her children and now they are home sitting. 
The father did his job and provided the fees but the mother used it for other business. 

Ibrahim a resident of Kawempe discussed to me the pain he has after discovering that his second wife Mariam refused to clear fees for their children.  "last term I went to pick the report cards of our children and I was surprised to find the school demanding me money yet I had given all the fees to Mariam (wife) says Ibrahim.

He continues" now this time I gave her all the fees to clear but she used  it for something else and now kids are home sitting"

Mariam is not the first mum I have seen doing such a thing. I will not judge our mothers because they also have reasons why they do so. As it is mothers keep many in their hearts and it is always difficult to reveal them.  I call upon the fathers to take responsibility of what ever takes place within their homes.



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