Field Journal: September 2013

I have now been in Gulu for 11 weeks, living in a spacious house in a suburb that's within walking distance to both the town and my office.

Before arriving in Gulu, I didn’t know much about the area. Despite speaking with a few people, I had lingering doubts about my security and imagined I might not feel safe. I was naïve about being perceived as a foreigner, even though I come from a neighboring country—especially in a region historically affected by war. However, it’s clear that things have changed since the end of the two-decade-long conflict between the Government of Uganda (GoU) and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Nevertheless, the memories of war continue to linger in many people's minds here.

Since my arrival, I have grown to appreciate my time here as my worries have largely been alleviated. I’ve encountered friendly and open-minded people who have welcomed me warmly.

Uganda is a culturally rich country, and the ethics and values here have made me feel at home. The people have treated me as part of their community rather than as a foreigner.

Cultural Experiences

As mentioned earlier, the Acholi language is commonly spoken in Gulu. While it’s a unique language, it shares some similarities with the Kenyan Luo language. Even though I don’t fully understand it, I can pick up a few familiar words. Thankfully, some residents speak Swahili, my native language, which has made communication easier. English is also spoken by some educated locals and foreign nationals.

As a Kenyan, I found it exciting that my cultural practices align with some local customs. I initially thought that culture shock wouldn’t be a major concern for me since I am from the region and, being African, I imagined I would navigate the cultural dynamics with ease. While this familiarity was an advantage, I quickly realized I still had much to learn from the local people.

I have come to understand that culture shock isn’t necessarily negative; instead, I view it as an opportunity for personal growth and self-awareness. It’s part of the learning process when entering a new culture. To minimize the impact of culture shock, I’ve focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking time to socialize with friends. There is a Kenyan community here that I meet regularly, and we support one another.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that I should not assume my culture is superior or that I know everything. I recognize that I have a long way to go in exposing myself to the community if I want to make a positive impact. I challenge myself to let others shape their futures and strive to understand the cultural norms of the local people by immersing myself in community activities. This not only helps me build relationships but deepens my understanding of their way of life.

However, I have encountered some frustrations, such as frequent power outages, particularly during the rainy season. These outages affect not only office operations but the entire town. It's frustrating when power goes out for three days, yet local residents seem unfazed; many have bought generators, while others simply accept their lack of electricity without complaint. During these times, I’ve learned to enjoy the simple pleasures: sitting outside my house with the neighbor’s children, looking up at the sky, and listening to their laughter—a reminder of my rural village. It’s a constant reflection on how dependent we’ve become on electricity and how modern conveniences like televisions and the internet can sometimes rob us of the joy found in simpler moments.

This internship has significantly shaped my personality. Meeting new people, navigating cultural differences, engaging in meaningful conversations, and contributing to the community have all helped to build my confidence. Given my background, I knew it would be challenging, but this experience has deepened my appreciation for what I have and reminded me not to take anything for granted.