Stories

UgandaUganda

SLIDESHOW: Northern Uganda

A driving factor of conflict in northern Uganda is the lack of resource allocation to the region. Population centers in ... read more

13 Feb 2009
 

UgandaUganda

The Clean-Up Crew: Bomb Disposal In The Wake Of War

“There are a few rules,” Mick says in thick Irish brogue, pulling me closer through a handshake. “One. You’re ... read more

03 Mar 2009
 

Insider Tips

Politics

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If they don't want to talk, there's a reason

Given northern Uganda’s violent political history, I was surprised to find virtually no serious political discussion. Political inquiries are often met with blank stares and ambiguous statements that trail ... read more

10 Feb 2009
TV

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You are watching Big Brother

It seems like people love Big Brother. read more

10 Feb 2009
Being an American

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Obama's helping the American image

Obama’s election was a great first step towards restoring a more favorable opinion of the United States abroad. I was in Gulu, Uganda for the election, which was both ... read more

10 Feb 2009
Books

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A few books to read before going

I spent my time in northern Uganda where the history, political dynamics and daily realities differ significantly from other parts of the country. If you’re headed to the north ... read more

10 Feb 2009
Getting Around

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Get your daily fix of cab accidents

The most notable means of local transportation in Uganda are motorcycle taxis known as boda-bodas. These taxis earned their name from the days when riders ferried travelers throughout the no ... read more

10 Feb 2009
Sports

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England's still the team to root for

I found it surprising that Ugandans seem obsessed only with teams from England, their former colonizer. read more

10 Feb 2009
Slang

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Keep it clean

Through the advice of an Acholi friend, I learned only words and phrases that were appropriate to use across all age ranges. I think its useful advice. read more

10 Feb 2009
Religion

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Awkward agnosticism

Most people in northern Uganda are Christians. If you’re agnostic like me and not comfortable discussing it, you may want to pick a denomination to fib about. I was ... read more

10 Feb 2009
Packing

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Bring hand sanitizer, leave the hat behind

I could have used more hand sanitizer. I brought a winter hat, which was a total waste. read more

10 Feb 2009
Nightlife

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Dancing...with a side of danger

Despite its history of extreme danger after dark, Gulu boasts a remarkable nightlife scene. During weekend nights, one can hear music blasting from nightclubs until dawn. There are several bars ... read more

10 Feb 2009
Must Do

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Be clear, say "no."

I found the concept of saying no to be particularly tricky. In the US, we often dodge the unadulterated “no” with excuses and uncertainty. “Let me see if I’m ... read more

10 Feb 2009
Must Do

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Ride the bus. Feel the fear.

I think that everyone should take the bus a few times. No trip is complete without knowing that fear. read more

10 Feb 2009
Music

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Hip-hop on the rise

Uganda has a growing hip-hop scene. I spent some time shooting in a music recording studio in Gulu called Bushfire Records. My favorite artist on that scene is Smokey Allan ... read more

10 Feb 2009
Health

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Better to be safe than sorry

Be wise. If you’re spending a lot of time in Internally Displaced Persons camps in northern Uganda, be vigilant. Odds are you’ll be fine but remember that there ... read more

10 Feb 2009
Food

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BYOBottle

Uganda has a non-negotiable recycling policy on glass bottles. The policy is born of financial rather than environmental concerns but effective just the same. If you go to a store ... read more

10 Feb 2009
Food

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Just eat it

I must say that much of East African cuisine does not do it for me. With the exception of Zanzibar, where spices are rich and seafood is varied and bountiful ... read more

10 Feb 2009
Food

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Street food is good food

I survived largely on Rolexes, Uganda’s signature street food. It’s essentially a greasy, two-egg omelet wrapped in thin, fried bread called chapatti. The vendors will make it to ... read more

10 Feb 2009
Film

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To watch before you go

I highly recommend War Dance, an Academy Award nominated documentary about northern Uganda. Beyond being an incisive and touching treatise on the issues, the film’s photography is absolutely breathtaking. read more

10 Feb 2009
Festivals & Events

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You can't exonerate without breaking some eggs

In September 2008, I photographed a traditional Acholi reconciliation ceremony for six senior commanders of the Lord’s Resistance Army. The ceremony focused on Opio Makasi, the Senior Operations Commander ... read more

10 Feb 2009
Fashion

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Don your finest Eminem t-shirt

Eminem seems to be one of the most popular guys in northern Uganda. If you’ve got a t-shirt with his face on it, you’ll fit right in. Also ... read more

10 Feb 2009
Etiquette

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Try to learn the language

To the fullest extent possible, learn the language. I was deeply alarmed by how few foreigners made any attempt to learn Luo, the local language. I’m not saying that ... read more

10 Feb 2009
Dating

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Be wary of your sudden powers of seduction

I am in a committed relationship so dating was not part of my experience in Uganda. On the basis of previous experience, however, I would urge singles to be conscious ... read more

10 Feb 2009
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