Not knowing Luganda fluintly is frustrating

Hello everyone. How is life?
I got back from Kampala two nights ago and I'm back at Sabina, but this time I'm here alone. I thought it might be scary, but the kids make me feel so at home that I forget all about it. The man that drove me back here is named Daniel. He was so much fun to talk to and hang out with. Very smart and funny, but also difficult to accept when he expresses his opinions. For example, during the drive someone was beating their child with a stick, all he had to say was they probably did something wrong. I asked him if he does that and he said "of course! That is the way here in Uganda". Knowing me, this discussion went on for quite a while. I can't blame someone for having a different culture, but it was really interesting to hear someone say such rediculous things. He even tried to convince me that men are superior to women. HA!
Daniel had many questions to ask me about America. He wants to move their with all his heart, but knows it isn't possible. I told him about NYC and all the hussle and bussle. He loves action and every detail of the city excited him. When I told him that some people in New York dedicate their lives to fighting for animal rights he laughed and laughed. When I told him my dog lives in my house he said "Eh! Are you sure?". He told me that he had been told about a place called Disney World. He wants to work there even though he has never heard of Disney in his life. I explained to him what an apartment is. When he found out that there are no chickens or cows in NYC he asked if it was possible to keep hens in his apartment. He wants to keep them for eggs and to sell. I told him the neighbors would complain and it would be too messy, but he insisted that he could pull it off. Later, Daniel talked to me about Musseveni (their president). He described him as a performer who refuses to get off the stage after their act is complete. Musseveni has been ruleing for over 25 years now and does everything possible to keep power. Anyone who speaks out against him is imprisoned and beaten. Any potential presidential canidate who becomes popular, he makes their life a living hell. At first, Musseveni did good for Uganda. But his good ideas have ran out and it really is time for a new ruler. I asked Daniel why the people don't rebel and he said it was because of poverty. Everyone is too busy trying to survive, they have no time to even think about how to change the government. It goes around in a puzzling circle. Poverty cannot end until the government changes, but the government cannot change until poverty ends.
This morning at the breakfast table, a conversation in Luganda arroused. As I sat there, eating my pinaple and banana, my eyes darted back and fourth, watching the troubled faces and listening to their loud words. The conversation seemed to escelate and they bagan to get more agressive. I tried to interpert what was going on, but it was a lost cause. Someone then brought in a radio and out it on the table. I was eager to hear whatever was going on, but as they switched it on my hopes for that were crushed. It was of course in Luganda, and I found myself once again very confused. They all listened intensly. I decided not to ask any questions because they all seemed too involved. So I got up and took a walk to the market. Tina, a Ugandin college student working in Sabina, walked with me. While walking through the market a crazy man kept walking by and pushing me with his shoulder. I walked quickly away as Tina laughed. This man is the same crazy man that once wanted to raige a war against cars and mazoongoos. Sarah (the peace courps person here) told me that everytime she would walk into the village he would throw fruit at her. Eventually it irritated her enough to tell the police (two lazy guys that sit under a tree all day with chairs, a pen, and paper). She left town for a week and when she returned he was very polite to her. She asked the tree men what they did and they stated "we tied him to a tree for three days". She reacted surprised and sympathetic so in trying to reassure her they added in "Don't worry, thats what we do to him everytime he does something wrong". I guess thats law here in Uganda.
On the way back from the market I asked Tina what was going on, reffering to the disturbed breakfast table. She explained that Musseveni has imprisoned three ministers from the royal family, including the priminister. Apperintly they were talking about how they don't agree with Musseveni's decisions having to do with land. Here in Uganda there is a royal family with a king, and then the government with a president. They arrested these men, beat them, and are refusing them a court case. Uganda is outraged and Tina says this could cause a war because it is not the president against the king.
As I learn about the government here, it makes me so greatful to be born in America. As patriotic and red neck as that sounds, I never knew freedom of speech was such a great privilege until I came here. Everywhere I go Ugandins ask me to take them to America. Its like their trapped here under the rule of a dictator with no way out. This problem seems unresolvable. If other countries become more aware, maybe things can change though.
Also, for all my friends that throw away clothes or bring it to Salvation Army. Next time, please bring them to me. I didn't realize how much need for clothing there is at Sabina. Some children only have one shirt to wear, and one pair of socks with many holes. They hand wash these clothes every day, but when I think about how many clothes I myself have waisted, it irritates me. Just bring me any stuffed animals or clothes that are no longer wanted and I will do the rest. Thanks so much.

xoxo

~Madeline~

ps: Jasmine, thanks for keeping up. I'm all better now and it wasn't a big deal. I miss you a lot too!!! Hows HANNIE?!
Allison-thank you for the tips. I've been doing all of that. Mom got mad that I won't eat eggs there and made up some excuse for why you thought they were dangerous. "I'm 53 year old doctor I think I know..." yahda yahda yahda you know the rest. haha sorry mom if you read that. I hope you laughed. I miss you already mom, and you too Aly!