Tuesday Blog, by Liam; Through the Lens

Day visit to Jinja

It has been nearly two years since I last came to Uganda with the first AfriDACA trip. I was originally worried and anxious about returning, but as soon as I arrived I realised I had no reason to be. My confusions and unanswered questions about my last visit to Uganda shadowed how beautiful and amazing this place is, and looking through the lens of my camera has opened up a whole new Uganda.

The great thing about getting film footage and photographs of the trip is that it allows me to also sit down and speak to many of the people in my photographs. I have learnt so much about Uganda, good and bad, by having conversations with others. I realised that last time I only saw the surface of reality. From John and his inspiring story, to the deep and dark story of the Acholi community, this visit has revealed many truths, which I hope to tell in the films and photographs I produce when we return to the UK.

Today we visited a resort called Jinja. After a long drive we arrived near the dock where we would get some small boats out onto the River Nile. There was lots of wildlife, a tricky visit into a bat-ridden cave and some awkward ‘front of the titanic’ recreations by David and Nass. We returned to the dock just in time to avoid a very heavy tropical rainstorm, where after around ten minutes of rain, we realised that we had left the sunroof open on one of the cars (which had numerous bags of wallets and camera kit inside). Through the pouring rain, mud, thunder and wind, Bailey, Adam and I rushed to the car; Bailey jumping onto the roof, hanging down and throwing the soaked bags into the back of the car, before managing to close the roof – It felt like some sort of Action Movie. Despite very wet car seats and bags, luckily no belongings were damaged inside (phew!).

We then went to the shops in Jinja to buy souvenirs and gifts, before returning home to a wonderfully cooked meal by Sophie and Annette.

It’s not long now until we come home back to England – I wish I could stay for another two weeks. Thanks to everyone who is on this trip with me for being great friends, as well as being fine with the camera. I hope you all enjoy the final product.

Also, thank-you Helen for inviting me back to Uganda. It has inspired me to think about my future and the futures of others, and has made me realise that I probably don’t want to have a career where I’m always sat behind a desk.

Sending love to everyone at home.

Liam x

PS from the team - thanks to all of you who have sent comments. We love to hear from you, so please keep sending them.