Gulu Celebrates!

KAREN:

HOME COMING

I'm pleased to report that I'm now feeling much better and travelled from the UK back to Gulu a few days ago. I'm now feeling back to my old self, full of energy, and raring to get back to work! Watch out Gulu here I come!!!

GULU GRADUATION

Saturday saw the whole town come alive with celebrations as the students graduated from Gulu University. Unlike formal graduation ceremonies in the UK, there was a true colourful carnival atmosphere with music, singing, traditional dancing, and a marching band. Ugandans certainly know how to enjoy themselves.

For the medical students, it was a particularly momentous day as they are the first medical students to graduate from Gulu University. Five years of training and they are now fully fledged qualified doctors. Graduation is a proud day for any student, but what really stood out is that these students in particular, began their studies when the area was still at war with an uncertain future. To now see Northern Uganda at peace must be such a heartening feeling and further add to their pride. Debbie and I felt very happy to see our ward doctors, who have become our good friends, celebrate their achievements!

The day began bright and early, and surprisingly on time at 8am with the inauguration of the newly built medical faculty building, adorned with banners and decorated with flags and flowers. I must say that the sweeping countryside views from the classrooms would certainly distract me if I was sat in a lecture! We then moved to the university campus where the endless speeches began - something Ugandans do so well no matter what the occasion! And believe me there were many speeches throughout the day! Acknowledgements and thanks take an eternity before the speech even begins!

The university campus was truly alive and vibrant with colour for the outdoor ceremony. It was highly amusing to see the university officials call for solitude and calm from the accompanying family members as they danced around and the women made their traditional guttural calls in chorus at the top of their voices as they rejoiced at the achievements of the students!

To be invited to join the events of the day was a real privilege, especially as we were joined by our Manchester colleagues Marian Surgenor and Mr Ged Byrne, and Marian's husband Tom. We were even mentioned in the University Professors' speech and referred to as his 'additional family members!'

The celebrations continued until way after dark as we joined the West Nile Graduates for an evening of more speeches, music, food, and dancing. A fun day and night were had by all!