Onward To Fort Portal

I think it is safe to say I have a bit more of an understanding of Kampala (though still far from competent and it is still very easy to get lost). It is a big city with a surplus of people, taxis, boraboras and everything in between. I have been doing some basic shooting of landscapes and scenery this week before I delve into the interviews. I decided it would be much better to get a firmer grasp on the culture and the people before I solidify the questions that I want to ask. After just under a week, that seems to have been a good idea. Having spent time with many local people this week, I already have a different understanding of what it means to be Ugandan. Granted, this still falls extremely short of really understanding the values and perspectives of another culture, and arguably that is impossible to attain as an outsider. Nevertheless, the week spent relating with others has been great, and I am ready to move on to travelling to the sites where I will be filming.

On Monday, Peter and I will travel to Fort Portal to meet with an old friend, Fr. Silvino, at a school outside of the town to look into the education side of Uganda. We will also travel to the AIDS clinic at Virika, where we will meet Sr. Fredriana Kyegote to film there to gain some insight into the AIDS epidemic and be able to speak with those living with HIV. I feel that this will be a very productive week. However, at the same time I know that this can be very emotional for those involved, so I will have to be very cautious and respectful of the stories being shared. Let's hope for the best.