" Give me money!"

One of the noticeable things walking around Kisoro is that whenever you meet children they often say ‘Mzungu. Give me money!”. (Alternatively “Give me pens” or “Give me sweets”) We think it is because many white tourists visit the area who feel able to respond to such a demand, and are happy to give small change. As a result the children associate a white face as someone from whom you can demand money. This may seem OK to tourists, but is wearing when you are living here, and worrying if it encourages young Ugandans to think it is easier to get money by begging from white people rather than working.



Malcolm is still working out how to respond. In part he is tempted to say “Its rude not to say ‘Please’”, but fears that a bit of Education might only encourage them further. Its harder to resist "Please give me money" - (though it never gets Irene very far!!!!!) Instead he simply replies “I don’t give money” in the hope that over time they will learn that it’s not worth pestering this particular Mzunga.

And yet, when you might expect an adult to ask for money as a reward, they don’t.

As an example, last weekend Malcolm went out for one of his ‘little’ walks. We had seen Lake Mutanda from the top of a local hill some weeks ago, so Malcolm decided he would try and find it. The only problem is that to get there you have to first climb, and descend, a rather steep range of hills. And the shortest route is little more than a winding, mountain goat path. Twice Malcolm got lost, and twice two men (Julius and Peter) escorted him to put him on the right path, or he could still be wandering around the hills (which would be apt as we understand ‘Mzungu’ means a man who wanders). And in neither case was there any hint that they expected a reward – but were pleased with his gratitude.

The walk did prove how beautiful the countryside is, and how much work the residents put in to growing crops. No matter how steep the slopes, every inch seemed to be terraced, with people digging the ground and sowing seeds. Malcolm walked along narrow paths to the lake through a ‘forest’ of tall banana trees, which made it very difficult to see which direction he was heading. Almost every child he met said ”Mzungu. Give me money”. But some were happy just to have their photo taken.

And having arrived at the lake, and learning that it used to be a home for crocodiles and hippos, he turned around and had to walk back over the hills again.

Next week – new vinyl for the lounge!