Kampala

Kampala is the largest city in Uganda and is the capital. About 1.4 million people live here.

The city is organized according to its landscape; there are 7 hills, each of which have a different name and comprise the 7 different areas of Kampala.

English and Luganda are the official languages here. Many other tribal languages spoken, and most people are still well aware of their specific tribal roots.

Coffee grows well here, but all of the good beans are exported to western countries. This leaves us with nescafe instant coffee for breakfast.

Uganda has about 5 prominent tribes. The Baganda tribe makes up around 60 percent of Kampala's population. This is because former leader Idi Amin was from this tribe.

Idi Amin is a leader that this country is not proud of. He was responsible for long tribal and political civil wars of the 1960's, 70's, and 80's.

There are just as many vendors who have physical buildings as those who do not. People line the sides of the streets selling anything; candy, shoes, fruit, hardware, bicycles, hot food, and more can all be found displayed on old newspaper in dirt on the side of the road.

Beggars are common. Social programs are poor if they exist at all. They are not persistent like in other countries; they will ask for money once then leave you alone.

Ugandans are the most friendly, happy, and polite people. They may have no shoes, be incredibly dirty, be poor, or be sick, but this does not prevent good manners or happiness.

Brad