How to be a Ugandan 101

I’ve been here for almost three weeks so far. As the days have gone by I have started to adjust to life here. Being on campus the food is still the same: rice and beans, greens, matoke, potatoes, and posho. Outside of the dinning hall I have had chapati, samosa, rolex, fried chicken and chips. One day I’ll explain what all of this is. Just know that this is all the same food I have had the last time I was here. Adjusting to the food change is not as challenging this time as it was in the fall of 2006. What I am adjusting to is how to fit in as a Black American in Uganda.

Finding my balance on having dark skin, but not being a Ugandan, was something that was difficult for me the last time.  It’s not so much a struggle this time around... or so I thought.  This time I have discovered that by trying to blend in, I am actually sticking out. Such a strange notion. As munzungus (white people) visibly stick out, I stick out in my own way. Since the day I landed back in Uganda many Ugandans have looked at me like they know I am not from here. Once I speak their assumptions are proven correct.

Within the first week of being in Uganda on the university campus I somehow stood out from the other students. One person who works the library desk wouldn't let me enter the library because I was wearing shorts. I was wearing capris that went past my knees, but in Ugandan culture they were considered shorts. A week later I went into the dinning hall wearing a skirt, but had leggings underneath. I was told that leggings are only meant for the weekend. My attempt in trying to blend in has currently been failing. I have decided to compile a list of things I need to learn how to adapt to in order to blend into Uganda. So please join me on my top 10 personal observations of how to be a Ugandan. 

1. Talk in a low soft voice that only Ugandans can magically hear. 
2. There are three ways to say "yes" in Uganda. First is answer by saying “mmm,” but make sure it is drawn out. Second, raise both of your eyebrows. Lastly, which is the most challenging way for me, is to answer by saying “it’s okay.” 
3. Dress nicely everyday.
4. If you want something, push your way forward in the line. Unless you are at the dinning hall, lines are arbitrary.
5. When something or someone has fallen or an accident has occurred, it is not proper to laugh. What is proper to say is "sorry."This one will be an adjustment for me. 
6. The proper phrase to say to someone when you or they have not seen each other in awhile is "you are lost." The first time I heard this phrase I proceeded to tell the person that I understood my way around and I knew where I am going. This time I was more prepared when I heard the phrase and knew exactly what the person was referring to. 
7. Walking on the red mud after it has rained without getting mud on the back of your legs or skirts is an art form that Ugandan women have mastered. This is a skill I need to develop.
8. A general way to say no to a boda-boda (motocycle) driver when offered a ride is by keeping your mouth in a straight line and gently shaking your head "no."
9. Learn to love posho (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posho) and matoke (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matooke). 
10. Love African milk tea.

Out of all of observations, the one only I have mastered is loving African tea. Tea time is my favorite time of the day. Since I have been told that I like a little tea with my cream and sugar, African milk tea is right up my alley. I thought about learning more of the language, but I think this will confuse Ugandans more when they realize I don't speak as much as they thought I would. It will take me awhile to learn how to be a Ugandan, but I have the next 1-2 years to figure it out.