Earlier in the day 😏

Beloved Child/Children, Your wonderful mother shared joyous news with me late this evening at Hotel Eliana Ntinda. As we sat in the car, having just parked and heading into our Bible class session, she couldn't contain the excitement any longer. The tests were conducted yesterday, and she eagerly conveyed your imminent arrival to me. In a heartfelt gesture, she presented the news on a piece of paper, inscribed with the words, "Hi Love, Arrow 3 is loading in our quiver, Surprise!!!" And that is how I learned about you for the first time. My initial reaction was a mixture of astonishment and gratitude: "Oh my God. What! Glory be to God." We recognize the immense blessing bestowed upon us as your parents, privileged to embark on this journey with you and to savor every moment of your life. We are humbled by the opportunity entrusted to us. Therefore, we give glory to God, who has pleased and allowed us to be active participants in your remarkable journey. Our praye...

The question of the relevance of delving into European history, particularly concerning today's challenges, sparks contemplation. A lingering doubt arises—does the examination of the past, especially that of developed countries, truly contribute meaningfully to our comprehension and problem-solving in the context of 2023? In my personal perspective, the study of history functions as a crucible, refining our ability to engage in discussions, articulate explanations, and interpret a diverse array of subjects. This acquired skillset transcends the immediate relevance of historical events, offering a versatile foundation for understanding and navigating the complexities of various topics. Consider the contemporary frustrations with leadership and infrastructure, exemplified by issues like inadequate roads we experience here in Uganda. These challenges are not novel; they resonate with the struggles that European states faced a century ago. Could their historical solutions potentially i...

On a sunny October 13, 2023, I embarked on a special adventure with my 4-year-old daughter, Zoli K. Our destination was the Uganda Museum , a place where history, culture, and wonder come alive. Entrance into the museum cost us a modest 5,000 shillings, which I found quite reasonable, though I couldn't help but notice that a coincidental fellow visitor of European descent seemed to have entered without paying a single penny. As we stepped inside, we found ourselves without a guide, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It allowed us the freedom to explore at our own pace. For Zoli, this was a journey of discovery. She marveled at the diverse shapes, artistry, images, and simulations showcasing the rich tapestry of Ugandan history and heritage.    Our first stop was the southern wing of the museum, where we encountered a Ford 1908 Model T black car. Zoli's eyes lit up when I explained that this car, more than a century old, was once considered the height of lux...

Standing at the back of the fellowship hall, I find myself at the farthest corner, quietly observing the congregation as the choir melodiously sings those familiar, slow hymns. It's my first time in this fellowship, and I'm scanning the room in hopes of spotting a friend amidst the sea of faces. As my gaze wanders, someone particularly catches my eye—an extraordinary presence in the crowd. A beautiful, brown-eyed lady, gracefully adorned in a green sweater and a gray skirt, stands out like a lily among thorns. Her features are striking, from her nice figure to her flowing hair and elegant legs. The thought crosses my mind that if the Bible speaks of wonderfully made individuals, she must surely be one of them. While I might have dismissed her presence, our eyes meet not once but three times. It feels like more than a mere coincidence; there's an unspoken connection that intrigues me. Is she a worshipper like me, perhaps counting the attendees, or am I reading too much into ...

 In recent months, my contemplation of the concept of debt has led me to a deeper understanding, prompting me to explore and share my thoughts on this intricate subject. Interestingly, this exploration was spurred by passionate debates with friends who argued that no significant entity, be it a great company or government, operates without incurring debt. This opposition propelled me to reassess my stance, prompting a more in-depth dive into the dynamics of government debt and its impact on national health. Notably, heavily indebted countries like the USA and UK continue to function, inheriting more debt while undertaking substantial projects. However, my research revealed that sustained debt at the corporate level, especially over extended periods, is harder to find. "Constructive" debt typically arises from situations where expenditure exceeds revenue, often growing due to infrastructure expansion for governments. Governments, in particular, tend to readily turn to debt, be...

My dearest son, If there's a way for you to linger in the realm of childhood, I implore you to seize it. As I pen down these words, your only job is to wake up, eat, frolic around, and sleep—tasks that sometimes we must cajole you into completing. In stark contrast, your papa is juggling three official jobs and various side hustles, alongside your mother, all in the pursuit of crafting a livelihood for our family and those close to us. I've been tirelessly awake since morning, grappling with challenges and tasks that often leave me drained. Yet, my son, you are fortunate. The youthfulness you currently revel in is perhaps the most carefree stage, where challenges seem less imposing. Sadly, by the time you internalize this letter, you'll have transitioned into an age of shouldering more responsibilities. What I fervently pray you don't overlook is savoring every stage to its fullest, unburdened by apprehensions about the future. Frankly speaking, as I type these words, I...

Since my family's move to Kira Municipality three years ago, the daily commute to Kololo, spanning just 11 kilometers, has become an arduous task. The quickest drive, achieved only past midnight with no jams or stopovers, still took 30 minutes. On regular days, this journey extends to approximately 45 minutes, and at times, a staggering three hours—navigating through potholes, dusty roads, and jammed stopovers. In short, every trip to town is about 2 hours or 6 hours back and forth on a daily - imagine one spending a quarter of their life in jam!  The prospect of working from home every day is a tempting escape, as I'm sure it is for many residents in Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Entebbe, and the broader Kampala Metropolitan area and in recognizing this shared frustration, here are a few suggestions gathered from my experiences and those of others in the community, aimed at mitigating this draining challenge as we still need to access the city: Immediate Solutions (Short Term): 1. ...

A friend just gave birth to a boy and named him Azariah and it reminded me of when i nearly added it to my National Identity. Hmmm i have done things for love! There was this quiet beauty; slim , tender,  light skinned able to flood all LED bulbs in the boy's wing. She had been allowed to keep her hair which enabled her stand out more in our S1 class-2003. Asasira Brenda Pearl-ABP (Miss Earth Uganda 2015) was in S1B and used to walk past my stream(S1A) about 4 times every day.  Yours truly booked the front seat next to the window and ensured a clear view of this top beauty. I knew when she was headed for the canteen, notice board, lunch hour and would sometimes wait longer until she walked back to the dormitory. This stalking went on unnoticed until i temporarily modified my names to Azariah Byamukama Paul to rhyme with her highness. All my books started baring the initials ABP!   Unfortunately she changed schools before i even threw in word and there wasn't much lat...

My MaaMa is not my Hero! I am not her first born, so i didn’t experience the pampering side of her and neither am i her last born   to receive her last tender hands. In fact i was replaced when i was barely 11 months and she had already had 4 babies of her own so i wasn't the one she tendered to most. Not that I was a by the way to her but I truly arrived when her experience was up there and i guess Aine took my show too early. I also attended the same school as my elder siblings so i take it that she knew the drill by the time i was of age.   I seem to have noticed this pattern early enough and decided to shine up first enough since i wasn't going to be anyone's supper beloved considering we were always many in the house. You see, this woman had a lot on her table; She gave birth to 5 biological boys, 1 girl and adopted a 3 months’ boy in her late 40s. On top of her own children, she took on or somehow extended some level of support to her extended family since she w...

At this point of writing, I am still in debt but better than I was at the start of the year as I’ve been coming clean and have resolved to get out of debt completely and to never get there again. I had not been in serious debt before, until 2020 when my wife and I got into a construction project that drained us and needed some extra funding to complete at a faster pace . I eventually went into my  investment clubs and got as much as I could and also acquired a salary loan to top up and finish in record time. Although on paper, the total interest i've paid (or will pay) for all the facilities combined is less than what we would have incurred on rent over the period, we have upon reflection realized this debt thing is just not going to be our thing! Our thing? You know there are people who live on debt after debt; they are always asking their friends for soft loans or their office accountants for advance payment and their investment clubs for loans. They get a loan to clear an old ...

We live in an era where people have the liberty to highlight what they would want others to contribute to them at different key stages of life. You've ever attended a certain wedding meeting and seen a budget that the couple couldn't afford, but they trust their friends to raise the funds for them. A baby shower, where some ladies raise money to spend in a serene place, that could have been used for the hospital bills. Anyway, I'm here to also highlight what I would wish for, on the day you hear that I am gone. Gone? Why am I rushing, you ask? Death, my friend, is a reality too. It may come sooner than we hoped, so we ought  prepare and wait for it, just like we eagerly await a wedding day.  For the record, I have no medical diagnosis of any terminal/related illness and i'm considerably at my very best in other capitals of life at this moment of writing.  But i know one day & it's not optional, I will be gone. Definitely  my desire is to die of old age, in...

Today is an extremely sad yet supposed to be Elia&Mary’s happiest day!  Elia’s mum passed on TODAY at about 3am & their vows are still slated for 11am TODAY . We are entangled at the extremes of life. We had planned to be happy. Everything was all set(venue decor is ready, cake is set,  food is probably half ready, I have the rings & mugole’s suit in my car trunk) yet again, we also have another huge reality upon us - a burial is being planned for in this moment. Upon Elia receiving the news, he encouraged himself for sometime but eventually dropped some body energies after seeing the *body. Yes! he’s being attended to medically and thankfully he’s not in a worrying state.  But still, it’s very hard to fully comprehend or comfort either of our bagole or the other close relatives and friends. I’m praying at heart, in words and alongside others - we are offering all the help we can to our people. Next time you hear the word quagmire being said, I’m experiencing ...

Last evening, my thoughts were adorned with the name Zinomurisa L. Kangume, an alumnus from high school whom I haven't crossed paths with in 17 years. His name is a tapestry woven from "Entama zagye Zinomurisa nahabwekyo Kangume," translating to "My possession has a Shepherd, and I shall be still." Selah! What a name brimming with prophecy, confidence, and trust in our Creator. Reflecting on names, my parents orchestrated a symphony of meaningful appellations for my siblings and me. Arinaitwe, our firstborn, echoes "God is with us." Niwagaba follows, a testament that "God is the one who gives." Ainembabazi, our third sibling, carries the grace of "God is merciful," while my name, Byamukama, translates to "Everything/everyone is from God," emphasizing divine sovereignty. Ainamaani Taremwa, our fourth sibling, was named prophetically after a perilous childbirth. His name signifies "God is strong and can never fail,...

  We visited our Bee apiary (29 hives so far) located in wakiso-kiwenda on a 1 decimal enclave inside a 4acre growing forest earlier in the morning and here are my key takeaways; 1. Most bees live for only 30 days but they are working from day 1 even at night until their death. 2. Bees have a great banking system; that rich honey is their stored food for the cold and dry seasons.   3. Bees are very cooperative & organized, the bee that carries the nectar hands over the nectar to another bee and then to another before it’s cleaned and finally put into a comb. 4. Bees are organized and hardworking with each bee doing it’s specific task; worker bees collecting food, building the nest. the queen laying eggs sometimes up to 10,000 and producing pheromes that assist in the navigation system for all its bees and a bunch of drone bees that stay in the hive organizing the hive, protecting the queen and hive. 6. They are guard bees at every bee hive that use the chemical s...

  We’ve just had the first session for the Harvest Institute - 2023 School of leadership intake that I am super excited to be part of, as day one alone has been over and above my expectation in terms of content shared, testimonies, networks , reading material and projected personal growth.  A little away but still on the session was a pronounced low attendance of men in comparison to women that had my attention. My cohort named ICON's physical headcount of males versus females was seven(7) against thirteen (13) respectively as well as two males against four females on the table I was on before the breakaway. I noticed the same for the lead group assessors as we had only 4 males against 8/10 females. The same rhythm ran across the guest experience support team and the whole general attendance. I will hopefully update this ledger when I gather feedback from the school of leadership organizers. Outside this 2023 school of leadership class and into another intentional environment...

We express immense gratitude to God for our son's recovery after his circumcision operation, a procedure that we now strongly discourage. At just 2 months old, the use of anesthesia is discouraged, so our little one  was subjected to a live procedure. Contrary to the misconception that young children don't feel pain, our son, Mr. Z , vividly experienced it. The operation took place at one of the busiest hospitals specializing in this field in our town. On the third day, they removed the dressing and applied iodine directly to his wound. His piercing cry echoed, leaving an indelible mark on our souls. It's a stark reminder that every human, including infants, feels pain.  While it may fade faster in children and they lack recall, their inability to articulate the agony doesn't diminish its reality.  The operation itself carries significant risks. Disturbingly, we've come across accounts of children experiencing severe bleeding, with some losing their lives during thi...