Ready … Set … Go!!!

As many of you know, I arrived safely in Uganda several of weeks ago. Entebbe welcomed me with open, hundred degree arms. A nice change from the frigid winter that my body was preparing to hibernate in, but similar to my last winter in Sierra Leone, where the climate change was drastic. I am happy to report that my body has adapted, and that I am starting to work on my red-dirt tan J

Initially, I had planned to stay in Kampala for about a week while awaiting ethics approval from the University, which was approved about a week and a half ago, but I had to spend some extra time figuring out the details of the Ugandan research permit before I could head north to Gulu (my field site). The Ugandan Government requires anyone conducting research in Uganda to apply for a research permit. The permits are a way for the government (1) to regulate the type of research that is being conducted on their soil, (2) to make money off of foreign researchers, and (3) I imagine, to filter out any research on sticky subjects, such as research on LGBT rights in a state that criminalizes homosexuality, or research on the failings of Museveni’s government. An anticipated bonus from the delay, however, was spending time with folks I met the last time I was in Gulu, who now live in Kampala.

Long, boring story short, I packed my bags and headed north to Gulu to start my research. Gulu has changed as much as one would expect since my last visit in 2012. Old businesses have relocated or permanently closed, and new businesses have sprouted up around town. My first day in Gulu, I walked my old route to the Refugee Law Project and visited the shop owners. I brought copies of the portraits I had them pose for last time before I left, and passed them around. I brought them each a standard size and four wallets size photos (to share with friends). Everyone was so excited! Laughing, pointing at the picture, “Eh! That is me!” It was definitely a great way to start my stay here. Of all the people from Gulu that I connected with last time, only one had left.

Next time (very soon) I will post a story about my initial thoughts on the burgeoning sexual economy in northern Uganda. In the meantime, I will be enjoying training for my first ultra, taking a photography class, doing yoga, and eating pineapples galore. Oh and of course, working on my dissertation! Meet some of my housemates, Denver and Lilly: