A very important aspect of the Ugandan’s life is etiquette. Ugandans for the most part are soft spoken. Each person knows the rules and follows them without fail.
First, is the greeting. When greeted by a Ugandan who is a close friend, you will clasp hands, and embrace repeatedly. I have noticed that the number of embraces seems dependant on the closeness of the relationship. All the while you will continue to hold hands. Next, (still holding hands) comes the “news”… How is your family? Was the trip a comfortable one? Are you healthy? All of these questions are not merely a formality like it is here in the US.
Each question is sincere, and followed with more requests for detail. This concern is a sign of respect. As such I have had greetings last as long a half hour! I learned to always be prepared with questions of my own.
A variant of this greeting is among non-acquaintances. Here it is more important to show your social position with respect to others. My experience with the women in Midigo on the malaria night was the ultimate sign of subservience. Women in the village were considered the lowest rank. I was a special visitor, so they came on their hands and knee. At other times I have been in the presence of very high ranking government officials and made it a point to show them my subservience to them.
When in a group of people meeting to discuss a topic of importance, each member of the group is given a chance to speak their mind without interruption. Each member is of the group will be heard in respect. Arguments tend to be quiet and take place in slow motion. I have seen arguments take days of slow, respectful speeches to make a point.
Some of these discussions were so interesting. I would try and take in as much of the politics, and hidden meaning in these.
I choose the picture for this post, because it reminds me of the etiquette that flows through all of the Ugandan society. The picture shows the village women, near Midigo. They walk for many miles every morning, bringing their “jerry cans” to fetch water. Each woman arranges their water cans in order and each takes turn pumping water.
It is a well-organized tradition that has been maintained for thousands of year. This particular well is a modern installation, but the process is the same. The women sometimes sing songs while pumping to keep rhythm. Other times it is a place for gossip and updates.
Each women then places the can full of water on their heads and carries it for several miles back to their homes, like the woman who is in the background.
A couple of other things to notice in this picture. The woman kneeling in the foreground is wearing a school uniform. The girl’s school had closed down for a lack of students. Teenage girls are often required to work for their families, or are often married off early. This girl was once a student and now, is helping her family with water. The women pumping the water is dressed very nicely for a trip to the well. She was probably wanting to show off for the rest of the community who was gathered for the clinic.
The well is also interesting… but I should do another post on wells in developing nations. There is so much to learn about. 8-)
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