issue number 012 November-January 2013
asante issue number 012 november - january 2013
the inflight magazine of air uganda part of the
Celebrating
years Charming
Bujumbura Rebirth of
Mogadishu Ruth Matete Small Girl with a Big Voice
For Kiprotich all that Glitters is Gold
Health
Boost your Bones
your complimentary copy
EDITORIAL
Welcome aboard this Air Uganda flight and thank you for choosing to fly with us.
A
s we come to the end of 2012, we can’t help but be satisfied for making it this far. It’s been an interesting journey, with ups and downs but one that has enabled the Airline to emerge stronger. On 15 November 2012, Air Uganda will celebrate its 5th year of operation – a feat worth acknowledging. I thank all our regular and first-time customers for flying with us and making it possible for us to stay in the air. This journey is not complete without congratulating Uganda for reaching her 50th anniversary in October. Our issue brings a blend of arts, music, sports and health. In arts and music we bring you the iconic saxophonist from Uganda, Isaiah Katumwa. Our sports feature covers an inspiring and very humble man that took Ugandans by surprise and left the athletics world openmouthed, our very own Olympic Gold medalist, Stephen Kiprotich! Across to Kenya, we feature a very talented young lady with a big voice, winner of the 2012 Tusker Project Fame season 5, Ruth Matete. We discuss your health with a feature on our bones and their importance to the body and muscles. Air Uganda’s inspiring journey would not have been possible without your support. We are so grateful to you. In the coming years we will seek to offer individualised service and I am particularly excited about our newly-launched Salama Customer service project. The staff will endeavour to meet your expectations and we look forward to hearing from you on feedback@air-uganda.com. Additionally, we are excited to introduce innovative and unique experiences to you. Our new e-commerce platform to be launched this last quarter of 2012 will enable you not only to make bookings, retrieve bookings made on the web, review itinerary details and request as well as modify special requests, but also to book multiple segments on our network, view past and future bookings, check in on the web and select your seat, all from the comfort of your home or office. The platform will also enable you to purchase axcillary services such as taxi hire, airport-hotel transfer and extra meals onboard. Lastly, I take this opportunity to welcome you on board and surely hope you will fly with us again. I also wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Asante!
Jenifer B. Musiime Head of Sales & Marketing
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contents Publishers:
Camerapix Magazines Ltd
Editorial Director:
Rukhsana Haq
Editor:
Roger Barnard
Editorial Assistant: Senior Designer: Creative Designer:
Cecilia W. Gaitho Sam Kimani Charles Kamau
Production Manager:
Azra Chaudhry, U.K
Production Assistant:
Rose Judha
Editorial Board:
Rukhsana Haq Jenifer B. Musiime
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Celebrating 5 years
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Charming Bujumbura
As we celebrate our fifth anniversary this year, the Airline’s strategy is rooted in developing unique ways of satisfying the needs of travellers.
Nestled between the fertile Rift Valley highlands and Lake Tanganyika, Bujumbura is one of Africa’s most relaxed capital cities.
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ASANTE meaning ‘Thank you’ in Kiswahili is published quarterly for Air Uganda by Camerapix Magazines Limited P.O. Box 45048, 00100 GPO Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 (20) 4448923/4/5 | Fax: +254 (20) 4448818 E-mail: creative@camerapix.co.ke Editorial and Advertising Offices: Camerapix Magazines (UK) Limited | 32 Friars Walk, Southgate, London, N14 5LP Tel: +44 (20) 8361 2942 | Mobile: +44 79411 21458 E-mail: camerapixuk@btinternet.com Air Uganda, Marketing Office | Tel: +256 (0) 414 258 262/4 or +256 (0) 417 717 401 Fax: +256 414 500 932 | E-mail: info@air-uganda.com or jbmusiime@air-uganda.com Investment House, Plot 4, Wampewo Avenue, Kololo Website: www.air-uganda.com www.facebook.com/airuganda @airuganda
Ruth Matete
Destination Kinshasa
The joys, the tears, the pain and finally one winner – Ruth Matete!
Here is a major cultural and intellectual centre for Central Africa, with a flourishing community of musicians and artists.
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Correspondence on editorial and advertising matters may be sent to either of the above addresses. ©2013 CAMERAPIX MAGAZINES LTD All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the publisher. All photographs by Camerapix unless otherwise indicated.
The views expressed in this magazine should only be ascribed to the authors concerned, and do not necessarily reflect the views either of the publishers or of Air Uganda. The printing of an advertisement in Asante does not necessarily mean that the publishers or Air Uganda endorse the company, product or service advertised.
For Kiprotich all That Glitters is Gold
Remarkable victory by Ugandan Olympian, “I was unknown before today. Now I am known”.
Historic Mombasa
To all visiting the East African coast, this is a welcome point and place of beauty, adventure and leisure.
issue number 012 November-January 2013
Mogadishu, once known as one of the most beautiful cities in East Africa, is reinventing itself.
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The
Somalia: Rebirth of Mogadishu
rl ea
of Africa Turns
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y ift
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the inflight magazine of air uganda part of the
asante issue number 012 november - january 2013
Celebrating
years
Born to Run
Charming
Bujumbura
To watch a cheetah in flat out pursuit of prey is rare, but one of the most unforgettable sights in all of wild Africa. WE ARE THE WINGS OF EAST AFRICA Inside this Issue: Bayimba International WE ARE THE WINGS OF EAST AFRICA Music Festival Direct flights. Different countries. Affordable fares.
Rebirth of
Mogadishu Ruth Matete Small Girl with a Big Voice
For Kiprotich
Direct flights. Different countries. Affordable fares. Fly with us every time. Semliki Land of Plenty Fly with us every time. www.air-uganda.com www.air-uganda.com
all that Glitters is Gold
Health
The Cave Elephants of Mt. Elgon
Boost your Bones
Celebrating 50 Years of Sports
ENTEBBE | NAIROBI | JUBA | DAR ES SALAAM | MOMBASA | KIGALI | BUJUMBURA
your complimentary copy
ENTEBBE | NAIROBI | JUBA | DAR ES SALAAM | MOMBASA | KIGALI | BUJUMBURA
Cover picture: Air Uganda celebrating five years.
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The Nile River Festival
Seeking an andrenaline rush amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in Uganda? Visit Jinja, home to the most exciting kayaking event in the world.
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Isaiah Katumwa; the Reluctant Face of Ugandan Jazz
“I was a singer, drummer, and a dancer, and the school had trumpets and trombones, but it was the saxophone that always fascinated me�.
Regulars 1. Editorial by Head of Sales & Marketing 4. Air Uganda News 6. Whats Up! East Africa 22. Meet the Staff 36. Bookshelf 52. Air Uganda Flight Schedule 54. Healthy Travelling 55. Tips for the Traveller
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Have a Merry Ever Green Christmas
If ever a symbol of seasonal goodwill has taken off, it is surely this one; the Christmas tree.
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Boost your Bone Health
Amazingly, there are lots of things you can do to help strengthen your bones.
56. Air Uganda Offices 57. Route Map 58. Abato Corner 60. Crossword Puzzle & Sudoku
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AIR UGANDA NEWS AIR UGANDA MARKS 5 YEARS On 15 November 2012, Air Uganda marks five years in operation. Since its launch, when the airline only served a few East African capitals, it has grown to cover the whole of East Africa, including Bujumbura, Kigali and Mombasa. The Airline continues to grow, with new routes and fleet acquisitions planned for 2013. The airline, which is part of the Aga Khan Economic Fund for Economic Development, is growing steadily. The airline recognises and thanks its passengers and partners who have supported Air Uganda over the five years and grown with us. Air Uganda pledges to continue offering unmatched services, competitive fares, flexible flights and on-time performance. In celebration, the airline is offering a 20 per cent discount on all flights in the month of November 2012.
AIR UGANDA SPONSORS UGANDA CRANES In August 2012, Air Uganda supported the national team, Uganda Cranes, in their quest to qualify for the 2013 Africa Cup Of Nations. The Airline provided a charter plane for Cranes fans to travel to Zambia and support the team. Fans turned out in droves and the flight to Zambia was fully booked. Although the team did not win or qualify for the tournament, they put up a good flight and Air Uganda is proud to have been part of this memorable journey. Until next year, Uganda Cranes, we go!
Air Uganda Offers Special Deal on Tickets For AAR Members In September 2012, Air Uganda signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Africa Air Rescue (AAR) to offer a 9 per cent concession on all tickets purchased by AAR members on its network. Air Uganda is offering the 9 per cent concession on tickets purchased by all AAR cardholders in countries where AAR and Air Uganda operate. These include Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
AA R ood M anji and an Mr. M ahm s after nd irm ha ha e C ak da sh an la A ir Ug da, M ark Ac ho an Ug or ct ire U M an agin g D signing the MO
Air Uganda Chairman, Mr. Mahmood Manji, said: “This is a good partnership meant to benefit our mutual clients who have continuously supported Air Uganda and AAR. By signing this MOU both companies add value to the services.” All AAR cardholders are eligible for this concession at any Air Uganda sales office in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
Air Uganda rewards the marathoner Air Uganda has recognised the achievement of Stephen Kiprotich, the country’s first Olympic gold medal winner in 40 years, with an award. The Airline has pledged to provide Kiprotich with three tickets per year for the next four years to any of Air Uganda’s destinations. Kiprotich, a prison warden who won the men’s marathon at the London Olympics, was given a hero’s welcome on his return to Uganda. Several companies and individuals responded with not only cash offers, but pledges and offers in kind at a grand function held by Vision Group to reward Kiprotich for winning the gold medal.
MAHOGANY DOORS
MODERN STYLE KITCHEN
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ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS
SANDWICH PANEL
HWAN SUNG INDUSTRIES LTD. TEL.: +256 414286019, 414286604, 392789137/8 EMAIL : hsind@hwansungbiz.com PLOT M/243, NTINDA INDUSTRIAL AREA, P.O. BOX - 7628, KAMPALA (UGANDA)
Rwanda International Outsourcing Expo
8TH INTERNATIONAL MICROINSURANCE CONFERENCE
Rwanda International Outsourcing Expo is one of the biggest exhibitions in the region. This is a multi-sector, multi-national trade exhibition which will be held at Serena Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda. The event will attract many visitors from various parts of the world.
This event is hosted by the Munich Re Foundation and the Microinsurance Network supported by GIZ/BMZ, TIRA, ATI, AIO, MFW4A, iRA, UIA, CEAR, ICMIF, FinMark Trust, AfDB and the ILO. Around 400 participants and experts from around the world will exchange experiences and discuss the challenges of microinsurance. The event will take place in Blue Pearl Hotel, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. http://www.microinsuranceconference.org/2012
THE EAST AFRICA OIL AND GAS SUMMIT The Oil & Gas East Africa Summit 2012 will be uniting energy ministers from across East Africa and international oil & gas companies for a two-day Summit focussing on the latest developments and opportunities in East Africa’s booming oil and gas industries. www.eaogs.com
SWAHILI FASHION WEEK Swahili Fashion Week finals go underway in Dar es Salaam between the 8th and 10th November 2012 with a Fashion Week and Awards. The Grand Finale and crowning of the winners of the Swahili Fashion Week 2012 is set for the Spice Island of Zanzibar on the night of 11 November 2012. www.swahilifashionweek.com
WATER SAFETY CONFERENCE This event will bring together global practitioners, researchers and decision makers to discuss best practices and emerging trends for improving the safety of global water supplies. Over 300 international delegates are expected to attend the conference. It will be held at the National Water and Sewerage Corporation – International Resource Centre (NWSC-IREC) in Kampala, Uganda. www.iwa-watersafety2012.org
ITF EAST AFRICAN CIRCUIT 1 & 2 Royal Drummers of Burundi One of the greatest percussion ensembles in the world – The Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi – are a percussion ensemble from the tiny country of Burundi in Central Africa. They bring rhythm, dance, and performance that is unparalleled, ancient and compelling, rooted in a tradition of mystical belief, and as electrifyingly modern as any contemporary beat. www.tickets.haughpac.com/single/ EventDetail.
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Host nation: Kenya Grade: Grade 5 Surface: Hard - Outdoor Venue: Kenya, Mombasa city Site name & address: Mombasa Sports Club www.itftennis.com
2012 ITF MEN’S FUTURES PRO CIRCUIT RWANDA F2 Host nation: Rwanda Surface: Clay - Outdoor Prize money: 10,000 USD City/Town: Kigali, Rwanda Tennis club: Cercle Sportif de Kigali
THE SERENGETI’S GREAT WILDEBEEST MIGRATION
East Africa Summit
This December visit the Serengeti National Park and witness the greatest wildlife show on earth – a amazing spectacle of over a million wildebeest on their annual migration across Serengeti (South East) and Ngorongoro Conservation area (East and South Eastern) Serengeti near Seronera River.
Join us for a frank, open dialogue on the region’s economic potential. East Africa Summit will once again bring together international business leaders, policymakers, heads of state and senior editors from The Economist, to ask the tough questions on what can be done to reform the trade landscape. cemea.economistconferences.com/event/east-africasummit-2012
THE 2ND ANNUAL SIPI FALLS MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE Sipi River Lodge is hosting the 2nd Annual Sipi Falls Mountain Bike race. This event is all about fun and a chance for the showcasing of the incredible Sipi Falls. If you have a half price, take a coffee tour or sit back and relax.
ART & BEER FESTIVAL Raspberry Adams is organising Nairobi’s second Art and Beer Festival, a two day event to be held at the Ngong Racecourse. It will showcase various aspects of the Kenyan culture from breweries in Kenya to fashion designers . www.artandbeerfest.com
www.sipiriverlodge.com
THE 9TH ANNUAL KENYA MUSIC WEEK Kenya Music Week at Nairobi’s Sarit Centre presents a vibrant programme of live performances as well as an excellent opportunity for Kenyan music industry to market its products and network. The 9th Annual KENYA MUSIC WEEK will be held at Sarit Centre Expo Hall in Westlands for 4 days from Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th December 2012, from 12.00pm to 8.00pm daily. www.kenyamusicweek.com
2ND UGANDAN DIASPORA SOCIAL NETWORKING 2012 Ugandan Diaspora invites you to the second Ugandan Diaspora Social Networking intended to share the experience of Ugandans living in the Diaspora. The Diaspora Social Networking Gala will be at The Kampala Serena Hotel. www.ugandadiaspora.com
POETRY IN SESSION A fantastic monthly event with Roshan and Ife as the ideal and charismatic moderators giving a platform to young and old, new and experienced poets, singers and writers sharing their thoughts and feelings packed in wonderful words at Isha’s Gallery in Kampala, Uganda.
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On 9 October 2012 jubilant Ugandans celebrated 50 years of independence at Kololo Independence grounds. President Yoweri Museveni together with 15 heads of state from the continent presided over dignitary studded celebrations. Almost 80,000 people gathered at the grounds to mark this historic day.
interview
Celebrating Interview with Mr. Mahmood Manji, Chairman Board of Directors – Air Uganda.
1. Air Uganda will celebrate its fifth anniversary on 15th November 2012, and is largely seen as the national carrier since the closure of Uganda Airlines in May 2001. What have been the major achievements of the company during this period of time? Air Uganda is owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) and is also a member of Celestair Group, with sister airlines in West Africa, Air Burkina, Air Mali. Air Uganda has proved to be a strong and successful airline. As we celebrate our fifth anniversary this year, the Airline’s strategy is rooted in developing unique ways of satisfying the needs of travellers and offering affordable fares that will attract all groups of travellers in the markets the Airline serves.
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These benefits include flexible check-in – we offer 45-minute check-in for passengers with hand luggage everywhere we operate, direct routing to most of the cities we fly to and flexible processes with the travel trade and corporate accounts. The Airline, headquartered in Kampala, offers flights to Nairobi, Mombasa, Juba, Dar es Salaam, Kigali and Bujumbura. The past five years have seen a steady growth in passenger numbers and routes served by Air Uganda. From a load factor of 27 per cent in 2007, the Airline has seen a passenger growth of up to 70 per cent in 2012. This has been made possible with increased capacity on most of our routes. In 2007 Air Uganda launched with only 36 flights a week; now it has increased to
99 flights a week, trebling our operations in and out of Entebbe. For most Ugandans, a Ugandan registered carrier brought hope to the country’s local air transport sector after the collapse of Uganda Airlines in May 2001. Given the history of Uganda’s local air transport, Air Uganda’s biggest achievement has been to survive in a competitive industry by proving its worth to its customers. Some 95% of staff is Ugandan which has posted a positive contribution to the economy of Uganda. In 2008, only 147 staff were employed at the inception of the Airline and this figure has since grown to 183 staff in 2012. Tax contribution of PAYE has been close to $1m a year.
2. Bujumbura, Burundi, is the carrier’s seventh and latest destination. What are the plans of the company to tap into new routes beyond East and Central Africa? All the regional capitals in East Africa are being served and the Airline is now set for growth outside the region. Uganda has a number of Bilateral Air Service Agreements with its neighbouring countries and the Airline is currently assessing the commercial viability of some of these points. Particular focus is on neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
3. Air Uganda is owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), which also has interests in other national airlines. How would you assess the potential of Uganda compared with other countries in the continent? I can only speak for Uganda because I represent an Airline in this country and also because the countries in West Africa where AKFED has interests in aviation have unique economies and political environments. In Uganda, relative political stability, an improving business environment and recent oil discoveries in the country have been stimuli for both local and international business. New entrants in the Aviation industry in the recent months have also boosted consumer demand. Air Uganda is set to tap into the opportunities these developments offer.
4. Air Uganda had announced plans to start a domestic flight service during 2012, which will require the Airline to acquire appropriate aircraft to serve the market. Can you give us the latest update on this project?
As we Celebrate our fifth Anniversary this year, the Airline’s Strategy is Rooted in Developing Unique Ways of Satisfying the Needs of Travellers. We are undertaking a feasibility study to determine the most suitable aircraft for this purpose and hope the Airline will be able to launch domestic flights in the new year.
5. The Ugandan economy is finally recovering after a few years marked by high inflation and currency depreciation. How will the positive trends affect the activities of Air Uganda?
Improved purchasing power has stimulated traveller movement and we expect that this will continue to improve.
6. Airline activity is picking up in Uganda with the arrival of major global players like Turkish, Delta and Qatar Airways at the Entebbe International Airport. How will this change the industry landscape?
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The influx of international airlines presents big tourism opportunities and will boost the economy through increased passenger traffic at Entebbe. Increased options for the Ugandan traveller will ensure the Aeronautical authorities provide highly integrated and efficient aviation infrastructure. This will also speed up the expansion of Airport facilities so as to meet the growing aircraft and customer traffic demand at Entebbe.
8. In May 2012, Air Uganda began self-handling at its hub at Entebbe International Airport, and was authorised to handle any other airline that chooses to use their handling service. What are the implications of this development for the Airline? 7. Air Uganda has signed several code share agreements with international airlines such as Brussels Airlines and Qatar Airways, among others. What are the advantages of these agreements and how will they contribute to the company’s expansion plans? Air Uganda believes in mutually beneficial agreements and has signed interline agreements with major carriers flying into and out of Entebbe and the neighbouring countries. This has exposed Air Uganda to an extended network and enables us to offer our clients seamless connections and improved customer choice. These agreements have provided Air Uganda greater network access in the markets where the carrier does not operate.
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This means all Airport operations for passengers from check-in to flight dispatch are handled by our very own staff. The primary objective of this project is to enhance operational efficiency; the secondary objective is to offer a cost-effective proposition.
9. What are Air Uganda’s competitive advantages, especially when it comes to service and fares? Firstly, we provide value for money fares. Secondly, we provide direct flights to most cities that we operate in, so passengers do not have to make intermediary stops to connect to their destination.
Going forward: We are looking forward to being IOSA cer tified (IATA operations safety Audit certification). This is an internationally recognised and accepted evaluation system designed to assess the ope rational management and contro l systems of an airline. It means tha t if Air Uganda’s operational and control systems show that the airl ine conforms to, and implem ents the international standards set by IOSA, then the Airline will be inc luded on the IOSA registry. Passenger safety is, of cou rse, a top priority to Air Uganda and being placed on the IOSA registr y allows Air Uganda to work closel y with other major carriers in the region and elsewhere on code share and bilateral agreements to further ext end the reach of the airline.
destination burundi
Photos © Reto Kuster
Charming
Bujumbura A s I stroll downtown, more and more young people in T-shirts, running boots and high spirits fill the streets. It is Saturday morning, and Bujumbura is on the move. “Come run with us!” a young man in a red T-shirt encourages me. Down the tree-lined Avenue du 13 Octobre leading to Lake Tanganyika, more runners join the crowd. Finally, at the sandy beach, the crowd forms small groups doing gymnastics, playing volley ball or exercising. In the shadows under the nearby trees, a woman sells soda and cold water. The atmosphere is relaxed and cheering. As I look over the lake to the east, I can see the mountains of eastern Congo. Looking straight, the lake finally meets the sky – Lake Tanganyika is Africa’s second-largest lake. Bujumbura, the capital city of Burundi, is the northernmost city of the lake. Bujumbura captures its visitors. First, the combination of an altitude of about
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800 metres combined with the city’s location near the equator results in a sunny, but temperate climate. In fact, nights in Buja, as the locals call their city, can be rather fresh. Second, the location of Bujumbura between the shores of Lake Tanganyika and Burundi’s highlands, forming part of East Africa’s Rift Valley, is stunning. Third, Bujumbura is a quiet and compact city by international standards. With about half a million inhabitants, it is East Africa’s smallest capital city, very relaxed and charming. Traffic jams and air pollution are practically unheard of. Bujumbura is living to its own rhythm. Given the small size, Bujumbura is best explored on foot. Despite the short distances, there is an abundance of taxis and motorcycle taxis called boda-boda for those who want it faster. Bicycles are also a common sight in Bujumbura, often being used to transport heavy loads. The variety of
Nestled between the fertile Rift Valley highlands and Lake Tanganyika, Bujumbura is one of Africa’s most relaxed capital cities, as Reto Kuster discovered. Above: The water of Lake Tanganyika is strikingly clear and often of turquoise colour.
restaurants is stunning. Favourites are the two local fish specialities from the lake, called mukeke and sangala, which are usually served grilled and with rice or frites, as French fries are called in Burundi. A common sight is young men selling brochettes (roasted goat and beef meat). Burundi’s national languages are Kirundi and French. Kiswahili is widely spoken in Bujumbura, and many shopkeepers and hotel employees understand English. During colonial times, Bujumbura was a popular weekend retreat for colonial officials. Even today, the city attracts business people from the whole East African region, from Asia and beyond. Walking around Bujumbura, I feel like getting a quick bite to eat and enter the bakery of Kapa brothers, three Greeks grown up in Congo who later moved to Burundi and now produce some of the finest breads and most delicious pastries in Buja.
Left: A monument in a small park in the centre of the city commemorates the independence of Bujumbura from Belgium in 1962. Below: The beach is an attraction for many locals and visitors alike.
Tourism in Burundi is Still in its Infancy, and the Country Remains One of East Africa’s Best-Kept Secrets off the Beaten Tracks. Bujumbura’s beaches are near deserted during the week and come to life during weekends, when families gather for picnics, where food is sold and music groups perform on the beach. The water of Lake Tanganyika is strikingly clear and often of a turquoise colour. This, coupled with the white sand, reminds me of East Africa’s Indian Ocean coast or some Indian Ocean islands. Indeed, Burundi’s beaches are known for being some of the continent’s best inland beaches. But beware: Swimming is recommended on designated beaches only, as hippos and crocodiles inhabit other parts of the lake shore. To watch the region’s crocodiles, snakes and other reptiles close-up, a visit to the Musée Vivant, Bujumbura’s zoo near the city centre, set in a lush green area, is recommended.
Bujumbura was founded in 1889 by the then German colonial administration who called the military outpost in the early days Marienheim. Later called Usumbura during the German and then the Belgian colonial period, the small town featured a population of only about 3,000 in 1914. In 1916, the Belgians took over the colony from the Germans and started a rapid expansion of the city. Usumbura became the capital city of the Belgian-controlled Ruanda-Urundi. Many traders from East Africa and from Asia settled in Usumbura. At independence 1962, the name was officially changed to Bujumbura. A monument in a small park in the centre of the city commemorates the independence of Bujumbura from Belgium in 1962. Some of Bujumbura’s buildings are remnants of the German
colonial period when the Bauhaus architecture was incorporated into Bujumbura’s city character. Later, the city’s wide boulevards were extended. In recent years, with increasing tourist numbers and more direct flights to Bujumbura’s airport, new hotels and resorts of international standards opened near the beach. Tourism in Burundi is still in its infancy, and the country remains one of East Africa’s best-kept secrets off the beaten tracks. Bujumbura is also an ideal base to discover the beauty of Burundi, as distances within the country are rather small. Worthwhile daytrips include Rusizi national park, waterfalls in Rutana province and beaches in the south of the country. •
FACT FILE: BURUNDI Area: 27, 830 square kilo metres. Capital: Bujumbura. Official language: The offic ial languages are French and Kirundi, a Bantu language. Swahili and Eng lish are also spoken. Time zone: Local time is GMT +2. Currency: Burundi franc (BIF). Calling code: Country cod e is 257; international acc ess code is 00. Communication: Postal services, internet and cell ular phone usage are common place. Inte rnational calls can be mad e from the ‘Office National des Telecommun ications’ (ONATEL), pho ne centres and hotels. Climate: Burundi has an equatorial climate which has two distinct seasons: the wet season (February-May and Sep tember-November) and the dry season (Jun e-August and December-J anuary). Average annual rainfall is 1,500 mill imetres. Average tempera ture ranges from 17°-23°C and depends on altitude that ranges from 772 metres to 2,670 metres above sea level. Hotels and restaurants: Bujumbura hosts a wide selection of international standard hote ls. Outside the city accomm odation is basic and reasonable. Travelle rs are advised to book hote l accommodation in Burundi well in advanc e. For international cuisines , plenteous good French, Greek and Asian restaurants are found mai nly in Bujumbura. Local eateries rich in bot h local and internationa l cuisines abound in the country. Money: Burundi is cash based economy and cred it cards are generally not accepted. Foreign curr ency is changed in major banks in Bujumbura or Gitenga. ATMs are rare ly available. Travellers are advised to take travellers’ cheques in US Dollars or Euros. Transport: Bujumbura Inte rnational Airport offers both local and international flights. Bus es, vans (cars) and trucks are widely available. Special car hire is also ava ilable for booking; drivers are required to have International Drivers Lice nce. Lake steamers on Lak e Tanganyika are used for transport, with the major port on the lake being Bujumbura. Entry requirements: Visa s are required by all, and are best obtained from a Burundian embassy or nearest Burundi diploma tic or consular mission before arrival. Health: Travellers are adv ised to seek medical adv ice and insurance as well as to take pre-arri val precautions against malaria. Yellow fever immunization is required . Major hospitals are foun d in Bujumbura, cash payment is expected.
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entertainment
Photos courtesy of AIR Uganda & OGILVY Public relations
Ruth Matete The Small Girl with a Big Voice
The joys, the tears, the pain – and finally ‌ one winner, reports Wangechi Wahome.
W
hen Ruth Matete – the 2012 Tusker Project Fame 5 winner – went for the original auditions she had no idea just how much this would change the course of her life. She got to the auditions at the Kenya National Theatre in Nairobi on their last day and performed a song by British singer, Adele. Hard to impress Judge Ian Mbugua was happy with her performance and gave her the nod; she could now proceed to the next level of the competition. The decision to participate in the competition was not an easy one as Ruth Matete was a choir leader at her church and she did not know how her pastor and other church members would take her decision. She therefore consulted the two most influential people in her life, her father and her pastor. “I called my dad and told him I wanted to go for the auditions. At first he thought I was not serious,” she said. Her pastor on the other hand was supportive and encouraged her to follow her dream. Armed with the blessings of the two most important people in her life and a big voice, Ruth was ready for the big stage, but it took weeks of hard work and the occasional setback before she was declared the overall winner. When asked what she would do with the prize money, Ruth quickly answered that 10 per cent will automatically go to God as tithe. Then i will buy a car, change my wardrobe and later see what to do with the rest. Throughout the contest she kept believing in herself. Her self-confidence saw to it that she was never put on probation until a few weeks before the end of the show. She could take practically any song and make it her own; the genre did not matter. “The rock song ‘clocks’ by Cold Play was the hardest song I have ever had to sing. I was amazed when everybody loved it because I had never heard it before it was assigned to me,” she said. She went on probation for the first time during the seventh week. “I sang about heartbreak and that did not impress the judges much. It was a blessing in disguise because I got to meet and greet and bond with my fans.” Ruth has been singing since she was eight when she joined her father in Nairobi
“My album will be a fusion of different genres; there will be reggae, soul and you never know, even rock,” she said, “the important thing is that I sing uplifting music, something that will make the listeners have a brighter day.”
Air Uganda is Committed to Making Positive Contributions to Initiatives in Education, Sports and the Arts. after her mother, with whom she had been living, passed away. Ruth had never been to school and the challenge for her father was to find a school where the teacher could translate from Kiswahili to her mother tongue. Ruth explained that back in Kakamega, she stayed home and took care of her younger siblings. At an earlier interview, her father Abel Amunga said he first discovered she could sing when he overheard her singing one of the songs she had learnt at school. Ruth Joined Maasai Girls School after sitting for Kenya Certificate of Primary Education and after Form Two she went to study at St. Paul’s, Erusui in Western Kenya. Ruth has now completed her diploma course in communication at Daystar University and graduates next year. Ruth plans to release her album by the end of the year and is working with local producers to ensure that the local music market, the people who voted for her, gets to hear her best offering.
Above: Njeri Wachira, Air Uganda’s Country Manager Kenya, congratulates TPF5 winner Ruth Matete.
Opposite: Winner Ruth Matete (centre) in a frenzy upon the announcement of her victory and is supported by presenters Mich Egwang (left) and Sheila Mwanyigha (right).
The Talented Ugandan Contestants Sharon Nalwoga The 23-year-old Ugandan beauty came from a broken home and her greatest wish when she joined the Tusker Project Fame academy was to use her voice to soothe others who, like her, had seen their parents break up. Her angelic voice mesmerised many when she performed Tracy Chapman’s revolution and her talent was further confirmed when she composed a sweet song mama in honour of her beloved mother. She recently joined the Zawee Band in Kampala to continue her music career. Sharon is also pursuing a diploma in cosmetology at a college in Kampala. She is part of the top ten-compilation album that was released in October. When not singing, Sharon enjoys hanging out with her friends and cleaning. Allan Roy Sekiranda Twenty-one-year-old Allan Roy Sekiranda went to the Tusker Project Fame auditions just for the sake of it, never thinking for one moment he could actually make it through. He made it. His main concern while going into the academy was just how much he would miss partying. His attitude while in the academy landed him on probation many times, with the judges asking him to tone down his ‘don’t care’ attitude and concentrate on getting ahead. Ugandan contestant Judge Julianna Kanyomozi was especially hard on him, telling him once after he had performed, “I really want to know your creative level, and I want to know what you can do with a song.” He recorded a song during his stay at the Project Fame Academy called Omono Jealous and it is in the top ten-compilation album. He also plans to pursue his education further and is currently waiting to join university. About the Show The Tusker Project Fame show was first broadcast in the year 2006 and was the
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entertainment
first music show of its kind in Kenya and East Africa. There have since been four other successful seasons and until this year Uganda held the record for the most wins after two contestants from the country walked away with Kenya Shillings Five Million (USD 58,000) and a recording contract in season two and season four. Esther Nabaasa was the season two winner after Valerie Kimani won the first season. Davis Ntare carried the day in season 4. That was his second attempt at stardom after he failed to make it to the Tusker Project Fame academy in season three.
Tanzania has not fared well in the competition. In all the five seasons, no Tanzanian has ever won. Peter Msechu came a close second to Davis Ntare in the fourth season. In the end, one of his dreams came true as he got to record a song with his favourite musician, Kidum. From Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, the competition has grown both in scope and scale to include South Sudan, Rwanda and Burundi. Air Uganda’s participation in the show was integral. From the auditions to the beginning of the show, to the evictions, Air Uganda provided air
Above: Njeri Wachira (centre) Air Uganda’s Country Manager Kenya with the TPF5 contestants.
Left:: Contestants flanked by Air Uganda’s Ground Supervisor, Christine Muli, are welcomed to Nairobi for the Grand Finale of TPF5.
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tickets for Eastern Africa contestants from Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and Rwanda. This was no easy feat and involved considerable organization as the Airline had to coordinate with the directors up to the very last minute in order to know which of the contestants on probation was to be eliminated. Upon elimination on Saturday night the Airline would then ensure that the contestants flew the next day in the morning to their final destination in East Africa. Air Uganda staff at the airport were on hand to meet and assist the contestants, ushering them to the executive lounge in Entebbe for refreshments while in transit to their final destinations. Air Uganda’s reliable and on-time service ensured that they also returned to Nairobi for the Grand Finale. An Air Uganda spokesperson commented: “Air Uganda understands the significant role that music plays in our society and wishes to encourage the development of budding musicians in East Africa. “Air Uganda firmly believes in supporting programmes that benefit the destinations that we serve, as this is an essential part of being good corporate citizens. We are committed to making positive contributions to initiatives in education, sports and the arts.” •
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destination KINSHASA
Photos © Wikimedia
Destination
KINSHASA K
inshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has the largest population of any city in Africa with a population of more than 10 million, and ranks as Africa’s third largest metropolitan area. It is also the second-largest French-speaking city in the world (after Paris). After decades of armed conflicts imposed by neighbouring countries, the infrastructures of the once leading modern African city are now being remarkably restored. Chinese companies are involved in numerous projects of reconstruction throughout the city. The city was founded as a trading post by Henry Morton Stanley in 1881 and named Léopoldville in honour of King Leopold II of Belgium, who controlled the vast territory that is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The post flourished as the first navigable port on the Congo River above Livingstone Falls, a series of rapids over 300 kilometres (190 miles) below Leopoldville. At first, all goods arriving by sea or being sent by sea
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had to be carried by porters between Léopoldville and Matadi, the port below the rapids and 150 kilometres (93 miles) from the coast. The completion of the Matadi-Kinshasa portage railway in 1898 provided a faster and more efficient alternative route around the rapids and sparked the rapid development of Léopoldville. By 1920, the city was elevated to the capital of the Belgian Congo, replacing the town of Boma in the Congo estuary. In 1965, Joseph-Désiré Mobutu seized power in the Congo and the following year Léopoldville was renamed Kinshasa after a village named Kinchassa that once stood near the site. The city grew rapidly, drawing people from across the country who came in search of their fortunes or to escape ethnic strife elsewhere. This inevitably brought about a change to the city’s ethnic and linguistic composition as well. Although it is situated in territory that traditionally belongs to the Bateke and Bahumbu people, the lingua franca among African languages in Kinshasa today is Lingala while the administrative and main written language is French.
Above: Kinshasa with Congo river in the back.
In 1974, Kinshasa famously hosted ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’ boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, in which Ali defeated Foreman to regain the World Heavyweight title. Kinshasa is still a major cultural and intellectual centre for Central Africa, with a flourishing community of musicians and artists. It is also the country’s major industrial centre, processing many of the natural products brought from the interior. The Congo river is the second longest river in Africa after the Nile, and is the largest in terms of discharge. As a waterway it provides a means of transport for much of the Congo basin, being navigable for large river barges between Kinshasa and Kisangani, and many of its tributaries are navigable too. The river is an important source of hydroelectric power, and downstream of Kinshasa it has the potential to generate power equivalent to the usage of roughly half of Africa’s population Fact File N’djili Airport is the main international airport with connections to other African countries as well as to Brussels, Paris and some other destinations. N’Dolo Airport, located close to the city centre, is used for domestic flights only with small turboprop aircraft. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is essential. Keep in mind that when returning to the airport to leave you
cannot drive your car or take a cab onto the airport property without paying for parking/access USD5 or USD10. A taxi into town will probably cost USD 30-USD 50. It is an hour’s drive into the centre of Kinshasa. The best option is to get a shuttle offered by one of the travel companies on the right outside the arrivals door. Officially there is a city bus but most people use the ‘taxi’system (small buses) that has risen organically to serve the needs of the people of Kinshasa. One will also have to speak French or Lingala as the drivers do not speak English. There are also traditional taxis for hire. They are available for single runs or can be hired by the day. Again, help from a local is best or using drivers that others in the area have past experience with and trust. Rates for these taxis vary widely.
If you’re looking for local arts and crafts, visit in Le marché des valeurs, (sometimes known as marché des voleurs meaning market of thieves!). Be prepared to haggle and get the best price. For some higher quality art visit the Academie des Beaux Arts on Avenue Pierre Mulele or Symphonie des Arts. An interesting and personal way to get to know the artists of the country is to visit their private studios. Prices are high even there for paintings of Lema Kusa, Henri Kalama or Nshole, but worth it considering the quality of their works and their international status. A more relaxed and fun way to buy street art is to have a beer at Surcouf: it’s on the street off the boulevard 30 Juin towards Justice off the INSS building. The same rule on negotiating applies as at Marché des valeurs. Plenty of cyber cafes exist, so don’t worry about staying connected. The US Dollar (USD) is the prevalent currency
Kinshasa is Still a Major Cultural and International Centre for Central Africa. Major areas of the city include the Cité de l’OUA, home to the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, quartier Matonge, known regionally for its nightlife, L’ONATRA, the impressive building of the Ministry of Transport and the residential area of Gombe. Notable features of the city include the SOZACOM Building and Hotel Memling skyscrapers, the central market, the Kinshasa Museum and the Kinshasa Fine Arts Academy. The Boulevard du 30 Juin links the main areas of the city. Kinshasa is home to the country’s national stadium, the Stade des Martyrs. Go see the bonobos by Lac de ma Vallée, Chutes de Zongo in Bas Congo and Bombo Lumene on the road to Kikwit. A barbecue on a sandbank on the Congo River is also a ‘must’.
Above: The Lola ya Bonobo is the world’s only sanctuary for orphaned bonobos.
Kinshasa becomes alive most nights when residents head to Matonge, a place filled with dancing bars, restaurants and night clubs. Lately Bandal and Bonmarche are the more popular ‘quartiers’ to visit the local bars and ‘discotheques’. As with many large cities in Africa, when travelling by car, always lock all the doors before you set off. For the same reason, keep bags and valuables out of reach and out of sight.
for most transactions of any significant quantity. Credit cards are not widely accepted – do not rely on them. Only major hotels and some supermarkets will accept them. Cash can be withdrawn from the PRO CREDIT Bank with a valid international VISA ATM card.
It is highly recommended that you have someone with you at all times that is a local (except when you are in your hotel). Cab drivers will usually stay with you too when going to local shops and making quick stops and will serve as your translator if you get a good one. Many places are ‘sensitive’, even if they are not specifically prohibited for picture-taking.
The official language of the DRC is French. Kinshasa is the second largest officially Francophone city in the world although Lingala is widely used as a spoken language. However, some speak the Congolese languages (Kikongo, Lingala, Tshiluba or Swahili) among themselves. Thus, while the culture is dominated by the Francophonie, a complex multilingualism is present in Kinshasa. Learning a bit of Lingala goes a long way to befriending locals.
Kinshasa has a tropical wet and dry climate. It features a lengthy rainy season which spans from October through May and a relatively short dry season which runs between June and September. Its dry season begins in June. This is in contrast to African cities further north featuring this climate where the dry season typically begins around January. Kinshasa’s dry season is slightly cooler than its wet season, though temperatures remain relatively constant throughout the year. •
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MEET THE STAFF…
Name: OKEMA PHILIPS Designation: Baggage and Cargo Handler When did you join Air Uganda? I joined the Airline in December 2011 and have worked for close to a year now. Tell us about the work of a Loader. A Loader is charged with the responsibility of sorting and loading baggages and other cargo for transportation via an aircraft, and unloading them at the end of its journey. How would you describe your work day? I work two shifts; the morning shift runs from 4am to 1pm and the afternoon shift runs from 1pm to 11pm. So depending on the schedule, I am either at the Airport at 3am or at 12 noon. Air Uganda runs a tight schedule which makes my day quite hectic with many inbound and outbound flights, from and to the various destinations served by the Airline. I have to make sure that all passenger baggage and cargo is loaded correctly, on the right flight. With many inbound and outbound flights, I have to be quick and very attentive to make sure the baggage is loaded correctly to ensure the flight departs on time and passengers travel with all their bags. What is the most interesting aspect about your job? Every day is a learning experience, the opportunity of meeting and making acquaintance with people from all walks of life. This has had a great and and positive impact in my career and personality. What challenges do you experience in your job as a loader? Because I work in shifts I have to be up very early which means I miss out on my sleep. Sometimes we have to work in adverse weather conditions and for long stretches or longer hours, because the flights have to operate. These have been my challenges but I love my job and the positives outweigh the challenges.
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Do you ever fly on Air Uganda and have you been to any destinations you fly to? I have not yet flown on Air Uganda but look forward to visiting a holiday destination this festive season, most likely Mombasa which we fly to. Where do you see yourself and Air Uganda in the next five years? I am learning all I can on this job so that I can progress in career and aviation. I see myself progress to Flight Dispatch and my duties will be dispatching flights. Air Uganda will have opened new routes on the African continent, to Europe and across the
Atlantic as we keep spreading the wings and it will be more exciting to work for the airline. If given a chance, what other job in the Airline would you do? Flight Dispatcher, because these are the people that make sure the flight is good to go. It’s my dream job. Any last words? Success is not a result of spontaneous combustion; you must set yourself on fire. I am glad I started my career with Air Uganda, which is also on fire and growing very fast but steadily!
Photos: courtesy of Joseph Kabuleta and Air Uganda
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n Four o i t a r b f Cele o t c A s Lap’. eou y n r a o t t n c i o V ur’ or ‘ as a Sp o w n t o a H h f W ‘Lap o e h t s a known
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t’s a sight that Ugandans will savour for years, even generations, to come. Stephen Kiprotich, a hitherto unknown constable in the Uganda Prisons Force, standing in-between two Kenyans, a couple of feet above them on the medal podium, with the black-yellow-red flag being hoisted high above the black-red-green of Kenya. Eclipsing her neighbours is a feat rarely achieved by Uganda in any sporting endeavour, much less in an Olympic marathon. The sound of the Ugandan anthem, all three stanzas of it, being boomed across a packed Olympic stadium was as sweet as it was rare.
Opposite and below: Stephen Kiprotich wins the men’s marathon at the London 2012 Olympics.
Kiprotich himself is such a reluctant hero. The determination and drive that propelled him to an unexpected achievement was masked in a shy, reticent demeanor. On the podium he looked a bit distant, smiling only in glimpses at a time when the eyes of the world were, literary, on him. But for the rest of the country it was a script that couldn’t have been written better. For most Ugandans the Olympics had ended on the second last day of the competition when the country’s only anointed medal hope Moses Kipsiro
finished 15th out of 15 competitors in the 10,000m (metres) final, only barely avoiding being lapped by the winner Mo Farah. Few Ugandans were interested in watching, as they imagined, the latest chapter in the unending story of Kenya’s marathon dominance. In 2011 Kenyan athletes ran 144 out of the 150 fastest marathon times and the Kenyan selectors had to choose from a list of 278 athletes who made the A-standard Olympic qualifying time. In the wake of such damning facts, realism demanded that Ugandans turn off their screens and head to the beaches on that beautiful Sunday morning. But word went around that three runners had broken free from the pack in the Olympic marathon, and one of them was our own Kiprotich. Thankfully, the marathon is a two-hour event that allowed most enthusiasts enough time to dash to the nearest screen to catch the end. The word on every Ugandan’s mind as the athletes entered the final 10kms (kilometres) was bronze. How we could have settled for that! But the protagonist in this opera had other ideas. With just over 5kms to run, Kiprotich fell behind the two Kenyans and started
patting his thigh as if in pain. The country held its collective breath fearing that even the bronze medal that looked like a certainty a couple of minutes earlier could come under threat. But it was all part of Kiprotich’s naughty playacting that was meant to lull his more illustrious Kenyan opponents into a false sense of security. It worked like magic. “I was thinking Kiprotich was fading away,” said silver medalist Abel Kirui, a seasoned competitor who is also a two-time world marathon champion. “In my mind I thought I was going to have a sprint with (Wilson) Kipsang.” At a time when the Kenyans least expected it, and at a corner when they couldn’t see him, Kiprotich, like a dexterous pickpocket, made his move. “I saw him go past me like a cheetah,” said Kirui. “It was very hard to control that kind of move.” There was a brief cheer across Kampala as he took up the frontrunners position, followed by 15 minutes of sustained anxiety that heightened every time Kiprotich looked behind. But it soon became clear that the frequent glances over his shoulder were never about
For Kiprotich, all that glitters is gold
Right: Winners, Stephen Kiprotich (Gold) with Abel Kirui (Silver) on the left and Wilson Kipsang (Bronze) on the right.
Kiprotich Became only the Second Ugandan to Win Olympic Gold.
Right: Glowing with happiness, Kiprotich shows his Gold medal on arrival at Entebbe Airport.
fear but were a kind of premature celebration. The crowd grew bigger and the cheer louder as the Ugandan raced past London’s Houses of Parliament, then past Buckingham Palace, on to the Mall where he picked up a Ugandan flag from an onlooker and lifted it above his shoulder for the final hundred metres. The relief across Kampala was palpable. Kiprotich became only the second Ugandan to win Olympic gold. The first, John Akii-Bua in the men’s 400m hurdles, came in the Munich Games of 1972 – while the country’s only other medal was a bronze from the 400m runner Davis Kamoga in 1996. It had been a long wait. What makes Kiprotich’s victory even more remarkable is his back-story. His parents are subsistence farmers in Kapchorwa, a district on the KenyaUgandan border known for cattle rustling. He was a sickly child who missed three years of school due to an undiagnosed illness. As a teenager he was lapped in a school 10,000m race against runners his age and from 2003 to 2005 he quit athletics for two years.
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“I decided to concentrate on my books,” he said. “People were always castigating me for sitting on my talent but I felt I could gain a lot more from education.” As the sixth of seven children, Kiprotich disclosed that he was the one distinguished sportsman in his family. “I want to first achieve something in athletics before I can return to school,” he said. A couple of months before the Ugandan team departed for London, Kiprotich told one of the dailies that he was plotting for Olympic gold but nobody took him seriously, and for good reason too. He
had finished 24th in the world crosscountry championships in 2006, and then 13th in the world championships last year. Not the sort of background that would make anyone quake in their boots. And with a personal best (2:07.20) that is four minutes slower than the leading marathon runners, Kiprotich’s gold promise before the Games sounded presumptuous, to put it mildly. If he wasn’t too modest for it, the 23 year-old could have pointed his finger at all the naysayers and screamed “I told you so”. Instead all he could say was: “I was unknown before today. Now I am known.”
Grand Welcome The reality of how ‘known’ he now is was only revealed to him when he touched down at Entebbe Airport to be met by a stream of dignitaries that would be more befitting of a visiting head of state than of a home-coming athlete. But for a country so starved of Olympic success, it was probably less than he deserved. A dinner with President Yoweri Museveni at State House, Entebbe, was followed by a slow procession into Kampala in an open-roof sports car with personalised number plates UG GOLD. The Prisons constable looked embarrassed as he waved to crowds that grew bigger as he drew nearer to the city. For a month after his return, Kiprotich has had to surrender his freedom to a programme manager who dictates which function he attends at what time; from a promotion exercise by the Uganda Prisons Force that saw him skip several ranks to Assistant Superintendent, to dinners with diverse corporate companies seeking to identify with his success, media interviews, hitting the gong to open the Kampala stock exchange, and so many other functions that the reticent Kiprotich has probably found more onerous than running an Olympic marathon.
But the responsibility of an Olympic champion goes a little further in a country like Uganda that is known to produce sudden winners who never go on to have a prolonged career. But the well-grounded Kiprotich is aware of that fact and is determined to trek a different path. “I will leave the money to people who know how to handle money as I concentrate on what I do best, running,” he said. So far he has been as good as his word. Big Responsibility The glory and sudden fame attained through Olympic success, especially one as unexpected as Kiprotich’s, comes with an enormous burden of responsibility. The athlete did get a lot of money from diverse sources ($300,000 at the last estimate) and Air Uganda presented him with three tickets per year for the next four years to any of Air Uganda’s destinations, but along with this comes an alien lifestyle wrought with expectations previously unknown to him. For a clear picture of what the sudden wealth and fame can do to an athlete in the prime of his years, Kiprotich doesn’t have to look any further than the man he replaced as Olympic champion. The Kenyan Sammy Wanjiru couldn’t hold his post-Olympic life together and opted, calamitously, to end it.
Above: Air Uganda’s Darlington Muwongi, Corporate Sales Executive and Jenifer Musiime, Head of Sales and Marketing present the Voucher to Stephen Kiprotich.
After a month of playing dignitary, wearing suits and opening all sorts of events, a period he seemed to endure rather than enjoy, the athlete spent a few weeks with his family in Kapchorwa and is now back on the track, training for next season. Kiprotich will be the first to acknowledge that his victory over more seasoned runners in London was as much about ambush as it was about skill or endurance. But ambush, effective as it was, can only be used once. Can he become the first Ugandan track athlete to have a full career that spans more than a decade? Can he handle the weight of expectation that comes with being an Olympic champion? Can he reduce his personal best time to close in on the best marathoners? In more ways than one, time will tell. •
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Destination mombasa Photos: Courtesy of Camerapix publishers/Robert Harding
Gateway To East Africa by Kate Nivison.
M
ombasa is always high on travellers’ ‘Great Cities of Africa’ lists. The former capital of Kenya, it is not only East Africa’s largest port, but serves a vast hinterland reaching to Uganda and beyond. Moi International Airport is the country’s second largest airport after Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta, and is the starting point for many safaris inland, or holidays along the beautiful Indian Ocean beaches to the north or south of Mombasa. Overnight stays in Mombasa are sometimes not on the agenda, which is a pity because views from the airport bus give little hint of what makes it really great – its historical and cultural riches. But those willing
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Above: View over rooftops of old town Mombasa.
to take a break from the sun loungers and make an early start will find that a trip to Mombasa’s Old Town is like stepping back into its fascinating and atmospheric past. For those not with an escorted tour, the best place to start is the big square at the end of Nkrumah Road near the entrance to the Fort. Even with a map, negotiating the narrow streets can be a challenge, and this is the place to pick up an authorised guide whose knowledge and courtesy can make the tour more enjoyable. Guides usually suggest leaving the Fort until last, even though its rearing walls are close by, since it provides shade at midday or shelter from afternoon showers. In pride of place on a traffic island in the square is a huge copper coffee pot,
symbolising Mombasa’s historic links with the Arabian Peninsula. Exactly when pioneering dhows, sailing before the north-east monsoon winds, first sighted the coast of East Africa may never be known. But certainly by the 11th century, Arab chroniclers were writing about a small town on an island at a break in the great coral reef that stretched down most of the coast, and for them it seemed an open invitation to investigate further. Opposite the huge symbolic coffee pot are two other powerful reminders of the past – the very first coffee shop that served as a meeting place for traders and money changers, and to its right the fading colonial grandeur of the Mombasa Club. The main road of the Old Town, Njia Kuu, runs straight ahead and is lined with buildings that retain a strong Arab/Swahili or Indian influence. The overhanging balconies with their delicate wood latticework were part of the zenana or women’s quarters, so the Muslim ladies of the house could watch the comings and goings in the street without being seen.
water is the modern Ithna Asheri Mosque with a shady courtyard commanding a wonderful view of English Point where the liners from Europe would anchor. Although the Old Harbour is now a faint echo of the busy place it used to be, there are usually a few interesting crafts around from Zanzibar, Malindi or Dar es Salaam, and even a dhow or two. The original harbour well is still there, and it is good to see it being used by local boat crews stocking up with fresh water, doing the laundry and gossiping beneath its Arab-style arch. The government offices finally moved up to Government Square, where today two relics of this period remain – the Old Treasury and the Post Office. It was the building of the railway inland to Nairobi in 1901 that saw a huge influx of Indian
Below: Dhow drifts gracefully on the tranquil Indian ocean waters.
labour. The Post Office was a symbol of colonial pride to reassure the Indian workers that their hard-earned wages would get safely to their families back home. Many stayed on, and a new wave of traders and shopkeepers was born who grew prosperous along with the port, which was fast becoming the main railhead for the whole of East Africa. At this time, most of the roofs in the town progressed from thatch or wood slats to imported corrugated iron sheets or ‘pan’. These at least were water and termite-proof, but they were noisy when it rained, turned the houses into ovens in the heat, and not very elegant when they rusted. As prosperity grew, the wealthier merchants and officials rejected the pan in favour of modern ceramic tiles, so it’s interesting to note that in the Old Town conservation area, the tiles are being replaced with pan
There would have been plenty to see. One street that leads up from the old port had rails laid to take a kind of trolley that was hand-cranked along to transport the baggage of newly arrived bwanas to the hallowed shade of the Mombasa Club. Karen Blixen, of Out of Africa fame, arrived here, and often stayed at the oldest hotel in town whose facade is among those now carefully restored. In spite of appearances, many of the buildings are little more than a century old, one notable exception being the tiny Mandhry Mosque with its white beehive minaret. It dates from 1570, making it older even than the main buildings of the Fort. A narrow lane and some rough steps lead down to the Old Harbour and the Leven House, a colonial-style mansion which used to be the customs post and, for a while, Government House. Overlooking the
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again to keep the style correct for its period. The Fort is certainly one of the highlights of Old Mombasa and hasn’t suffered from over-restoration. Its Venetian architect had worked for the Portuguese in Goa, and his design for the outer walls was thought to resemble, of all things, a baby, albeit one with pointed feet, truncated arms and a square head. It was in fact this compact, rather bizarre shape that ensured invaders could be caught in crossfire. Much of the original 1590 plan is still intact and it seems to have worked, because the Fort was never taken by storm, only by treachery, disease and starvation at various stages in its
blood-soaked history. When Portuguese power declined, the Sultans of Oman re-established their rule along the coast. In 1840 their capital was transferred from Muscat to Zanzibar, which brought Mombasa into their sphere of influence. But when the British banned the export of slaves to the Middle East, the reigning Sultan, faced with declining revenues, agreed in 1887 to lease a 16 kilometres ( 10 miles) coastal strip, including Mombasa, to the British East Africa Protectorate. The British then converted the venerable old fortress into a prison and, more importantly, gained a base from which to trade with the interior as far as Lake Victoria.
The Fort is a good place to linger for a cool drink before facing the hustle, bustle and traffic of today’s Mombasa. The realities of 21st century life are now to be found in the city markets, down by the always-busy Likoni ferry or in the modern town’s commercial centre and expanding new port. But the Old Town is still very far from being merely an openair museum. Restricted traffic access reduces pollution, so walking around is pleasant, and the air of a by-gone age remains. There are plenty of curio and antique shops, but their wares are in keeping with the area’s past and often locally made, while a lack of ‘hard sell’ preserves its quiet dignity.
The views over the old harbour are lovely, but there are still some reminders of the Fort’s turbulent past – the skeleton of a Portuguese soldier in a glass-covered grave in the sunny courtyard; graffiti done by bored sentries far from home; tales of poisoned wells, secret passageways and assassinations in dark rooms. The museum, built over the old barracks has two large models of dhows, the boats that made Mombasa.
One feature of these small galleries and boutiques is antique and inlaid furniture – and clocks. With the coming of the railway, time-keeping became an obsession, so highly decorative chiming clocks were a status symbol among the merchant classes. Wonderful old timepieces of all sizes, from fob watches to grandfather clocks all ping away merrily among lots of colonial memorabilia that is pure Out of Africa. In the narrow streets women
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Above: The 16th century fortress which dominates Mombasa island was built by the Portuguese and offers lovely views over the old harbour.
in colourful kangas, silk saris or the all black bui-bui go about their household business. Visitors can also wander in to admire the craftsmanship in backstreet workshops given a boost by the restoration programme. The beautifully carved and studded doors that grace the old houses are now skilfully repaired on the spot by their original makers’ great-grandsons. Many of the doors have huge, spiked brass bosses said to deter elephants from rubbing against them. Genuine antique furniture in good condition is rare today, but some of the restored and reproduction pieces look very authentic, and can be shipped anywhere if required. To experience seeing Mombasa from the water as its first arrivals saw it, there are several companies offering a variety of evening cruises round the main harbour area, with local food and entertainment to set the mood. Once a week, there is a special evening at the Fort, with dinner and a Sound and Light Show. •
Destination MOGADISHU Photos © of Reto Kuster
Somalia
rebirth of mogadishu
Turning to a new page after two decades of war, Somalia’s capital is in the middle of a reconstruction and business boom. Mogadishu, once known as one of the most beautiful cities in East Africa, is reinventing itself, as Reto Kuster found out.
T
he narrow streets in Hamarwenye district, the oldest part of Mogadishu, are bustling with traders, customers and goods. Piles of suitcases from China, mattresses and roofing material from Dubai and sets of cooking pots from Yemen are on display. In between, women with brightly red headscarves are selling bread and tea. A jewellery shop offers gold earrings to those who can afford it. New supplies are brought by donkey carts and by an ancient, roofless Fiat lorry. Two men gesticulate as part of their negotiation over the price of construction tools. You could be forgiven thinking that these scenes are part of any East African coastal city. However, peace regained Mogadishu only in the second half of 2011. Before, Mogadishu was a war zone, with frontlines crossing the
32 asante nov – jan 2013
city and checkpoints manned with armed militias. “This is a thing of the past now”, explains Osman, a trader in Hamarwenye district. “People and goods move freely and safely within Mogadishu, making life much easier for everybody.” Within a short time, Mogadishu has regained an amazing sense of normalcy. Still, there are a few differences from other East African cities: For instance, up to now there are no international banks in Mogadishu, but hundreds of money transfer offices. There is no public water or electricity system, but several private companies offering safe drinking water and reliable 24-hours power supply. A dry, sparsely populated country, Somalia has few resources. But Somalis are known to be skilled traders. Mogadishu is one of the oldest commercial centres on the East African
coast. Written history of the city dates back more than five centuries. Goods from the African inland such as ivory and gold were shipped to Arabia and as far as South Asia. The accumulated wealth in turn attracted more traders from the region and beyond. Arab and Persian traders started settling in Mogadishu. Archaeological evidence even suggests ancient trade links to China. When the famous traveller and writer, Ibn Battuta, visited Mogadishu in the 14th century, he mentioned the unusual size of the city and its prosperity. Before the outbreak of the war in 1991, Mogadishu was known as the White Pearl of East Africa, referring to the impressive white buildings. Beautifully ornamented palace-like houses built by rich trading families are reminders of past glories – sadly, most of these historic houses including the waterfront were destroyed during the war. One of the most striking landmarks in Mogadishu now is the Isbahaysiga
Opposite: Gentlemen enjoying the beautiful beach of Somalia – a potential tourist attraction. (inset): Young men carry sharks and other big fish on their heads to the nearby fish market. Below: On Lido beach, which stretches for miles, young men are busy playing football.
mosque, built in 1976. Not far from the city’s biggest mosque in bright white is the Sayidka monument in Howlwadag district, remembering a famous Somali freedom fighter. Somalia is one of only three African countries with an Italian colonial past. In 1892 the Italians set foot in Mogadishu which in 1905 was declared capital of the Italian colony of Italian Somaliland. In 1960, Somalia became independent. Former Italian Somaliland and former British Somaliland entered in the union of the Somali Republic. In the old port, the impressive historic lighthouse, built by the Italian colonial administration more than a century ago, is a reminder of the past. From the old lighthouse, I observe fishermen returning in their small white boats in the morning and offloading their catch. Young men carry sharks and other big fish on their heads to the nearby fish market. Other fishermen from outside Mogadishu arrive in old Land Rovers to sell their catch to traders. The sea off the Somali
The Sea off the Somali Coast is One of the World’s Richest in Fish Including Tuna. coast is one of the world’s richest in fish, including tuna. However, local consumption of fish is limited: Somali traditionally prefer camel meat over fish. I head further east, through the ruins of destroyed buildings. On Lido beach, which stretches for miles, young men are busy playing football, while a beachside restaurant has just opened its doors. I start a conversation with one of the young football players, Ali, who studies medicine. “Another two years, and I will become a doctor. I will help this country to get back on its feet”, he explains. Some young men swim in the waves, while in the background a huge cargo ship approaches Mogadishu port. This peaceful scene would have been unthinkable in the recent past. Along Lido beach a lot of construction is
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somalia:rebirth of mogandishu
taking place. “New villas and restaurants will soon dot the beach here”, Ali is sure. The improved security in Mogadishu has led to the return of many people who fled the city during the fighting and had settled elsewhere in the country. The current city population is unknown, but is estimated to be around two million. Plenty of minibuses, locally known as casi, ply their routes with commuters from different districts of the city. It is not unusual to encounter a traffic jam around the central K4 roundabout. Already, street lighting using solar panels has been installed and traffic police regulate the increasing number of cars. In many ways, Mogadishu starts at zero. Reconstruction is the order of the day, amid a general atmosphere of optimism. There is a construction and investment boom all over the city, offering young men badly needed income as day labourers. Skilled masons, carpenters or painters are in high demand, and cargo ships from Dubai keep offloading construction material from tiles to wooden doors to taps. New internet
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providers have opened up, and four mobile phone companies vie for customers. Several new hotels are about to open. Every day, planes full of returning Somalis land at Mogadishu airport. ”Property and land prices have risen sharply due to the high demand”, explains Noor, who came to Mogadishu from London to check out investment opportunities. Many Somali families from the diaspora visit their homeland
Top: Shop bustles with goods in Mogadishu. Inset: People and goods move freely and safely within Mogadishu, making life much easier for everybody.
for the first time in many years. Also, East African businessmen arrive in Mogadishu to check out business. Currently, only bank notes of 1,000 Somali Shilling are in circulation. US dollars are used for most transactions. • Note: For now foreign visitors are advised to arrange security and pickup from the airport before their arrival in Mogadishu.
bookshelf RWANDA FAST FORWARD
these great expeditions, while also
Campioni, Maddalena & Noack, Patrick
Uganda and Sudan to this day.
examining the tragic consequences which the Nile search has had on Explorers of the Nile is a gripping adventure story with an arresting
Social, Economic, Military and Reconciliation Prospects
AMBIGUOUS PLEASURES by Spronk, Rachel Sexuality and Middle Class Self-perceptions in Nairobi
analysis of Britain’s imperial past and the Scramble for Africa.
AFRICA SINCE INDEPENDENCE EXPLORERS OF THE NILE
by Nugent, Paul Second Edition
by Jeal, Tim The Triumph and Tragedy of a Great Victorian Adventure
296pp, UK. PALGRAVE. 2012 9780230360488 Hardback GBP 57.50
344pp, UK. BERGHAHN. 2012 9780857454782 Hardback GBP 65.00
528pp, UK. FABER. 2012 2011 9780571249763 Paperback GBP 10.99 New in paperback. Between
The future of Rwanda lies in its diversity, in how this diversity is handled and prioritised. With a vast array of first-hand experience, the contributors offer insights on Rwandan social, military, civil society, governance and economic matters to weave a picture that is as compelling as it is balanced.
1856 and 1876, five explorers, all British, took on the seemingly impossible task of discovering the source of the White Nile. Showing exceptional courage and extraordinary resilience, Richard Burton, John Hanning Speke,
680pp, UK. PALGRAVE. 2012 9780230272880 Paperback GBP19.99
Samuel Baker, David Livingstone and Henry Morton Stanley risked
A comparative study of the
their lives and their reputations
different trajectories and
in the name of this quest. They
experiences of independent
journeyed through East and
African states. This expanded,
their future role in the region.
Central Africa into unmapped
revised and updated new edition
In a diversified, incisive and
territory, discovered the great
of an established text now
comprehensive series of responses
lakesTanganyika and Victoria,
includes the latest scholarship and
that are neither ‘for’ nor ‘against’
navigated the upper Nile and the
features more on issues such as
the current political regime, they
Congo, and suffered the ravages
AIDS, urbanisation, South Sudan,
ask fundamental questions that
of flesh-eating ulcers, malaria and
questions of citizenship and
will shape the future of this tiny
deep spear wounds. Using new
the importance of transnational
mountain country in central Africa.
research, Tim Jeal tells the story of
spaces.
Assessing Rwanda’s future beyond its ‘development plan’, they discuss the implications of decisions taken today and
36 asante aug – oct 2012
Among both male and female young urban professionals in Nairobi, sexuality is a key to achieving a modern identity. These young men and women see themselves as the avant garde of a new Africa, while they also express the recurring worry of how to combine an African identity with the new lifestyles with which they are experimenting. By focusing on public debates and their preoccupations with issues of African heritage, gerontocratic power relations, and conventional morality on the one hand, and personal sexual relationships, intimacy, and self-perceptions on the other, this study works out the complexities of sexuality and culture in the context of modernity in an African society. It moves beyond an investigation of a health or development perspective of sexuality and instead examines desire, pleasure, and eroticism, revealing new insights into the methodology and theory of the study of sexuality within the social sciences.
Stir Fry Sea Fish with Ginger and Spring Onion
Ingredients • 2 sea fish fillets (red snapper, changa or rock cod) • 1 medium size white onion, sliced • Thin slices of ginger (2 inch pieces) • 8-10 bunches spring onions cut into small thin pieces • 1 teaspoon chopped garlic • 2 tablespoons light soya sauce • ½ teaspoon white pepper powder • 2 teaspoons corn flour • 1 egg (whole) • 1 teaspoon lemon juice • ½ teaspoon dry red chilly flakes • Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing • Salt to taste (if required) • ¼ cup vegetable oil Method 1. Wash the fish fillets under cold tap water and dry with clean kitchen towel. 2. Cut each fillet into 4-5 thin slanting slices, let the side having a skin surface face down. 3. In a bowl, mix an egg with corn flour, lemon juice, salt and pepper. to this mixture add the fish fillets and mix. Mix them and then leave to marinate for 12-15 minutes in the refrigerator. 4. Heat oil in a non-stick wok or non-stick frying pan and stir fry the fish pieces on high heat to seal and cook until light golden in colour on both sides. 5. Remove from the pan and keep aside. 6. In the same pan add sliced onions, ginger, garlic, red chilly and stir fry for one minute on high heat. Add fish pieces, soya sauce and spring onions and toss to coat evenly. 7. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot, ideally with fried rice. Recipe courtesy of Haandi Restaurant: www.hanndi-restaurants.com
37 asante nov – jan 2013
Wild Zone Photos © James Michael Dorsey
B
eing the fastest animal on earth is a great asset to any predator but for the cheetah, the “Greyhound of cats,” it is both a blessing and a curse. After a three month gestation they are born in litters of three to six, with the largest litter on record reaching nine cubs. They are blind and helpless at birth, unable to even open their eyes for at least 4 days and sometimes as long as 10 days. They must be left alone much of the time so their mother can hunt. Because of this it is believed that the mortality rate may be as high as 90 per cent in their first few weeks due to predation.
Photo © Camerapix Publishers/Karl Ammann
To counter act this problem they are born with spots for camouflage that most other cats such as the leopard develop later, and a thick mantle of fur that blends in with the tall grass of Africa’s savannahs that also acts as a thermal regulator of both sun and rain. During their first few weeks, mother will relocate them to a new den every few days to minimize their risk. Their first teeth appear at three weeks and they begin to feed off mothers kill at about six weeks. By six months, they have lost most of their deciduous teeth and begin their first awkward attempts at stalking prey. It will take dozens if not hundreds of tries before they are able to make their first successful kill. At 16-18 months they will be left on their own, but both female and male cubs will stick together for weeks afterwards or until the males are killed or chased away by larger predators. Male cubs, so closely bonded, will spend their entire lives together, forming a coalition to control a hunting area. Sometimes mother cheetahs will bond with a daughter for short periods of time, but after weaning, females tend to live alone. At two to three
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Born
to Run
Fish have to swim, birds have to fly, and cheetahs have to run, says James Michael Dorsey. years they reach sexual maturity and the cycle repeats. Males are territorial and will mark their area with urine while females do not establish territories but tend to live and hunt within a homeland area. An adult will stand 90-120 centimetres (3-4 feet) tall, and weigh between 34-65 kilogrammes (75 -140 pounds), They live from 10-12 years, and only eat and drink every three to four days. Unlike other large cats they cannot roar but they do purr, chirp, yowl, and growl, while most other cats roar but do not purr. Cheetahs are a special adaptation of nature, aerodynamically designed to accelerate from 0 to 64 kilometres (40 miles) per hour in the first three strides, and hitting a top speed of about 113 kilometres (70 miles) per hour in approximately five seconds. Their stride covers up to eight metres during which time only one foot is in ground contact, and twice in the cycle of using all four feet, there are times when they are completely airborne. At full speed the cheetah is taking three strides per second and its breathing accelerates,
through their overly large nostrils, from 60- 150 breaths per minute. They can do this because of an oversized heart and liver and extra strong arteries. They have large eyes and a small muzzle which allows them to spot and track prey easily and long black tear shaped markings under each eye that cuts sun glare while hunting. They are slender with long limbs and a spine that flexes up and down to accommodate swiveling hips and pelvis. This combined with a long powerful tail that acts much like a rudder, allows the cat to turn quickly without losing its balance, while its short partially retractable claws with foot pads smaller than other large cats give it
To Watch a Cheetah in Flat Pursuit of Prey is Rare, But One of the Most Unforgettable Sights in all of Wild Africa.
Cheetah in hot pursuit of prey; it is the fastest animal on earth.
39 asante nov – jan 2013
Wild Zone
long history of interaction with these beautiful cats.
great traction. They approach prey by stealth, using their incredibly muscular body to crawl on all fours just inches above the ground until they feel within comfortable striking distance before breaking cover for the killing sprint.
An official Sumerian seal dated to 3000 B.C. shows a man with a leashed cheetah, and the great cats were a common companion of Egyptian Pharaohs where they were considered a symbol of fertility and known as the cat-goddess, Mafdet. Unlike other large predatory cats, Cheetahs can be relatively domesticated and they were often stationed near a pharaohs’ throne as symbolic protectors. Their painted image has been found in numerous Egyptian royal tombs and it is theorized their great speed was used to carry the deceased souls to the next world. The Indian ruler known as Akbar the great was known to keep almost 40,000 captive hunting and pet cheetahs in his 49 year reign.
Because of this massive expenditure of energy, they must run down their prey and make a kill within about 549 metres (600 yards) or become too exhausted to continue. They will knock it down, usually by tripping it, and strangle it at the neck because they have undersized teeth and have trouble biting through any large touch carcass, so their kills are usually confined to animals smaller than themselves unlike larger cats that hunt in packs and can take down elephants or Cape buffalo. Because of their exertion and lack of formidable teeth and claws they are extremely vulnerable to other predators such as lions and hyenas during the initial minutes after a kill and usually drag it away to a secret den to feed in private. Because they do not have the strength of most other large predators, a cheetah will usually surrender a kill immediately to another animal such as a hyena rather than risk injury in a fight, and it is estimated they lose up to 50 per cent of their kills in this manner. Scavengers such as hyenas have learned to trail cheetahs for this very purpose.
They rely solely on sight rather than scent for hunting so most of them live in open grasslands, but some are still to be found in heavy forest and even mountainous areas. They usually hunt in the early morning to avoid expending energy in the days’ heat.
Above: To counter predation cheetahs are born with spots and thick mantle of fur for camouflage.
Cheetahs are believed to have originated in Africa almost 26 million years ago and migrated to Asia about 11 million years ago. Besides other large cats, their main source of danger is man and this is ironic as we have a very Left: A cheetah is known for its slender body, long limbs and flexible spine.
From paintings we know that by the 19th century, Cheetahs were as popular as hunting companions as dogs. This was a sport known as ‘coursing’ and exacting records exist throughout Europe and Asia in which it was noted that royals often went on hunts with a hooded cheetah riding in a cart by their side. When prey was spotted, the hood was removed and the cheetah set loose on the hapless victim. The animals were killed for sport and not for food, with wagers quite common as to who had the best hunting cheetah. At the close of the 20th century the Cheetah population was estimated to be in excess of 100,000 cats, but current numbers linger around the 12,000 mark, with the majority of African cheetahs living in Namibia where a well-funded conservation project is underway. It is believed that only 50-200 Asian cats still survive and they are in a remote area of Iran. To watch a cheetah in flat out pursuit of prey is rare, but one of the most unforgettable sights in all of wild Africa. •
40 asante nov – jan 2013
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feSTIVAL Photos © Peter Holthusen
The mighty Nile, like no other river on earth, still attracts those with a passion for exploration and adventure and is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most popular kayaking destinations.
42 asante nov – jan 2013
THE NILE RIVER FESTIVAL T he exploration of the Nile is the story of all those intrepid adventurers who tackled the secret of the source. It also tells the intricate history of the gradual exploration of the course of the river and its snaking tributaries, from the ancient Egyptians to the Napoleonic conquest, from the British expedition to Abyssinia to the Egyptian invasion of the Sudan, from the slave and ivory traders to the epic death of General Gordon at Khartoum, besieged by the Mahdi. Today, the mighty Nile, like no other river on earth, still attracts those with a passion for exploration and
Peter Holthusen paddles his kayak at one of the world’s most exotic white-water destinations.
adventure and is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most popular kayaking destinations. For the past eight years an intrepid band of kayakers have charted a course to the spectacular Bujagali Falls near Jinja, Uganda, to compete in the most coveted of all white-water competitions, The Nile River Festival. This year The Nile River Festival took place from the 11th to 14th October and proved to be bigger and better than ever with more than 80 world-class kayakers competing against each other in the four main competitions scheduled throughout the weekend. This annual event is also used as a platform to showcase the very talented Ugandan
Below: This year The Nile River Festival proved to be bigger and better than ever with more than 80 world-class kayakers competing against each other in the four main competitions scheduled throughout the weekend.
kayakers such as Ibrahim Mugembe and David Egesa, and of course the renowned Ugandan Freestyle Kayaking Team, who are always selected from the results of the competitions. In the past the local team have travelled to world championships and other competitions in Australia, France, Switzerland, Austria, Canada, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa. The 2012 event also marked the inaugural Hendri Coetzee Itanda Falls Race, named in honour of the renowned South African outdoorsman and author who was tragically killed by a crocodile whilst leading an expedition into the Congo in 2010.This extreme race was actually conceived by Coetzee long before his death, but at the time the course was considered far too dangerous. The race which was held by invitation only took place on the spectacular Itanda Falls, an 800m (metres) Class 6 rapid, and it is predicted the race will soon emerge as one of the most extreme kayaking events in the world. Coetzee gained prominence in 2004 leading a Nile River source-to-sea expedition, following in the path of John Goddard’s expedition of 1951. The expedition set off from Lake Victoria in Uganda on 17 January 2004, reaching Khartoum on 25 March 2004 and the Mediterranean Sea at Rosetta on 21 May 2004. The
43 asante nov – jan 2013
purpose of the trip was to draw attention to the humanitarian situation in the region in partnership with CARE, the United States-based relief agency. Following claims that the expedition had not begun from the true source of the Nile, Coetzee’s party undertook a further journey from Kagera to Lake Victoria in April 2005, adding 750 km (kilometres) the 6,700 km they completed in 2004. At the time of the attack, Coetzee was leader of an expedition going from the source of the White Nile into the Congo. The trip was the first-of-its kind kayaking expedition from the White Nile and Congo rivers into the Democratic Republic of Congo to explore the Ruzizi and Lualaba rivers. The two other men on the trip, Americans Chris Korbulic and Ben Stookesberry were also experienced kayakers, but watched helplessly as their expedition leader was pulled into the river. Coetzee was an employee of Kayak the Nile at the time of his death, the renowned Ugandan white-water adventure company founded by his closest friend Jamie
44 asante nov – jan 2013
Simpson, the celebrated kayaker from Scotland who, with Nile River Explorers, is largely responsible for coordinating The Nile River Festival. Funds raised from this year’s event went to the Hendri Coetzee Trust (HCT), which was formed in his name. Some of Hendri’s close friends suggested forming a committee to steer his legacy and fund the publication of his book, The Best Day Ever. In addition to the Hendri Coetzee Itanda Falls Race, the organizers held three other competitions including the Big Air Freestyle kayaking event on the Cuban wave, and the challenging Big Air Freestyle event on the Nile Special wave. Big Air Freestyle really pushes freestyle kayaking to its limits with kayakers often pulling huge inverted tricks up to 152 centimetres (five feet) above the surface of the water. The waves in this 70 kilometres (43 miles) section of the great White Nile are much bigger than anything competed on elsewhere in the world and The Nile River Festival seems to have more media coverage than the World Freestyle Championships. The final
Above: The Nile River Festival is also renowned for hosting some of the best parties ever seen in such a remote location, but then they are sponsored by a brewery!
competition was an Extreme Endurance Race running down a 40km course of Class 5 white-water. Kayakers raced in teams of two that took extreme fitness and skill to a new level, for in this section of the mighty river 1,600 cubic metres of water per second drop down through 70 metres to give rise to the finest white-water in the world. On top of this they held a number of rafting events, video screenings of Kadoma (Hendri Coetzee’s film of his final expeditions) and The Grand Inga Project (Steve Fisher’s film of running the largest rapids in the world, the vicious Inga Rapids in the Congo) and of course, some of the best parties ever seen in such a remote location, but then they are sponsored by a brewery! The Nile River Festival was sponsored by Kayak the Nile, Brussels Airlines, Nile Breweries, Bujagali Energy Limited, Nile River Explorers, Fluid Kayaks, Nalubale Rafting, Pyranha Kayaks, Artistic Sports Gear, The Hairy Lemon Island, the Uganda Innovation Factory and Palm Equipment Europe.
This year the organisers also laid on a special ‘Party Truck’ between The Nile River Festival and The Zambezi River Festival at Livingstone, Zambia – a spectacular event already into its second year, so paddlers could make one trip to Africa and compete in the best kayaking events in the world! The White Nile near Jinja, Uganda’s second largest town has become known as the adventure sports capital of East Africa, for the river here has several grade five rapids, which offer exhilarating white-water rafting on a par with the world-renowned Zambezi Gorge below Victoria Falls. Less than 17 years ago, tourism activity on the Nile north of Jinja was limited to a peaceful and rather obscure picnic site at the Bujagali Falls – a series of impressive rapids about 10 kms (6 miles) downriver of the source of the Nile – visited by a handful of travellers annually. Today, the eastern bank of the Nile between Jinja and Bujagali has developed into a worldclass adventure-tourism centre, serviced by four bustling backpacker facilities, and an upmarket tented camp and hotel. This is because the 70kms stretch of the Nile north of Jinja is now a mecca for whitewater rafting, river surfing, kayaking, bungee jumping, jet-boat riding and quad biking.
with space between to lay back and float along taking in the scenery and enjoying the wildlife, particularly the many species of birds to be found here. Two kilometres upstream beside the Jinja Nile Resort is the Nile High Camp which has a 44 metres bungee jump. Here, intrepid jumpers leap from a 12 metres cantilevered steel structure on top of a towering cliff above the Nile. If you want an extra adrenaline rush, there is the option of being dipped into the river on a longer bungee. Often performing at this site is the ‘Ugandan Acrobatic’ Jeremiah Bazale.
Below: This year The Nile River Festival proved to be bigger and better than ever with more than 80 world-class kayakers competing against each other in the 4 main competitions scheduled throughout the weekend.
Fishing for Nile perch and tilapia attracts many anglers to the Bujagali Falls. The fast-flowing waters above and below the falls are probably the best places from which to cast off. The king of the freshwater fish is without doubt the massive Nile perch, while the much smaller, rather bony tilapia which makes good eating, can be found on the menus of many of Kampala’s finest restaurants.
The White Nile near Jinja, Uganda’s Second Largest Town has Become known as the Adventure Sports Capital of East Africa.
The actual ‘Source of the Nile’ is marked by a popular but uninspiring plaque, but if you are seeking to explore the natural wonders of the area, the nearby Mabira Forest Reserve, which straddles the Kampala-Jinja road about 20 kms (12 miles) west of Jinja, is one of the largest forest areas in Central Uganda. This popular nature park hosts grasslands, forested valleys and an astonishing variety of bird and monkey species. Apart from its natural attractions, Jinja also offers a variety of fascinating cultural sites such as the Satya Narayan Hindu Temple with its bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi, commemorating one of the spots where his ashes were scattered. A less religious experience, Jinja also hosts the famous Nile Brewery in Njeru, which gives you a taste of a local beer that is very popular in Africa, the Nile Special Lager. A visit to this enchanting city on the shores of Africa’s largest lake will not disappoint. It is the human psyche that demands we discover and explore. If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush amidst some of the most spectacular scenery in Uganda, you’ll be well rewarded for charting a course to Jinja, home to the most exciting kayaking event in the world – The Nile River Festival. •
All the rapids at the Bujagali Falls are named to heighten the anticipation, for instance: ‘Total Gunga’, ‘Silverback’, ‘Rib Cage’ and ‘Surf City’. Jinja is at the head of the Napoleon Gulf, on the northern edge of Lake Victoria, and lies on the east bank of the Victoria Nile. A typical itinerary would include a transfer from your hotel at Jinja where the mighty Nile begins its journey to the Mediterranean Sea. After a full safety demonstration you will then enjoy a halfday adventure white-water rafting. With lots of good rapids, including the mighty ‘Itanda’ (The Bad Place) and a beautiful river with spectacular flora and fauna, there are some very exciting sections
45 asante nov – jan 2013
STAR profile Photo © Jonathan Kabuye
ISAIAH
Katumwa
THE RELUCTANT FACE OF UGANDAN
By Jonathan Kabuye.
B
etween sometime in the 1960s, when the legendary jazz musician Louis ‘Satchmo’ Armstrong came to Uganda, and August of 2008, something strange seems to have happened. Armstrong played to packed audiences in what was then Uganda’s largest stadium, Nakivubo; and that was the largest crowd ever to attend a music concert until 1997 when South African reggae artist Lucky Dube filled up the 48,000-seater Mandela National Stadium in Namboole. These days, if you tell sceptical Ugandans that a jazz musician once filled up a stadium in Kampala, they will think you are crazy. The Serena Hotel’s Victoria Hall is not a stadium, and barely fits in 2,000 people. But one night in August of 2008, saxophonist Isaiah Katumwa did fill it, just like old man Satchmo filled Nakivubo. And there, one can say, Uganda’s modern jazz age begun right there. Before that August night, and long after Satchmo had visited Kampala, jazz concerts in Kampala were largely a forte of foreign artists, and attendance was more of a society event than jazz aficionados coming to get their live jazz fix. Ticket prices were often very high, and usually it was a charity event to support some cause or other, and so corporate Kampala showed up to show they took their community social responsibility seriously. There were a few ‘corporate wannabes’ in the audience in Serena that night in 2008, of course, but most of the people had come to watch one of their own finally play jazz. And they loved it, not least of all because he was playing the saxophone. You have to understand that for a long time jazz to Ugandans meant somebody playing the saxophone. It is not clear where this came from, but every time you showed up with a sax, somebody would ask if you played jazz. So when Katumwa showed up with his saxophone, Ugandans readily embraced him. But it was a long journey that had brought Isaiah Katumwa to centre stage at the Serena, and it was a tough one at times. Brought up by a single mother, he last saw his father at the age of three, and the job of
educating him fell to his mother, who very often could not find the money to pay for his school fees. Shunted from one relative to another while his mother tried to make ends meet, he finally ended up at the Reverend John Foundation School in Kitintale, a Kampala suburb. Instead of paying fees, his mother worked her small farm, and supplied the school with food in lieu of Katumwa’s fees. During holidays he would join her at the farm, and he would do his part in growing the food that would take him through school. It was at that school that Katumwa started his long musical journey. The director of the school, Washington Mugerwa, had a passion for music, and had a school band which he tutored. In an interview, Katumwa described how he decided to take up the saxophone. “I was a singer, drummer, and a dancer, and the school had trumpets and trombones, but it was the saxophone that always fascinated me,” he said. “I wanted to be different and play the saxophone because of how complicated, unique and sophisticated it seemed. Its interpretation is different and I liked that.” He later went on to high school still playing music to pay for his school fees, and played with several bands, including the Waka Waka band that used to play at the Sheraton Hotel. Other bands he played with included the Light Rays Band (Grand Imperial Hotel) and the Afri-Diamonds (which became Diamond Productions and had the present members of the Eagle’s Productions). But life was still not easy for a young saxophonist trying to survive on his music, and his search for fulfilment eventually took him to the Lubaga Miracle Centre of Edward Kayanja. Here he found Jesus Christ, and his life was soon to change.
Kampala, marking his entry onto the local market. The Sinza launch was a low-key event, in a small theatre in Kampala, and on a night when several foreign musicians were in town. But it was a decent turn-up, and Katumwa was very encouraged by it. That, in turn, led to that sell-out concert in Serena’s Victoria Hall. Katumwa describes his style as smooth, contemporary African jazz, with a strong Christian message. He readily admits to a strong influence from Kenny G, the debate on the latter’s credentials as a bona fide jazz musician notwithstanding. “Katumwa’s music is Christian, and the titles of the songs definitely are Christian and so are the messages in the music,” said Harry Lwanga, a musician himself and a one-time music critic. “But for many people, it is just jazz. The soulful supplication, the exultation in praise and worship, is sometimes lost to the aesthetics, but for those who it matters most, Isaiah brings jazz to church!” Since that memorable August evening in 2008, many more Ugandan jazz musicians have come to the fore, and now there are regular jazz theme nights all over town. A club solely dedicated to the enjoyment and preservation of jazz opened up late 2011, and Kampala jazz aficionados are no longer starved of their weekly fix . Katumwa also hosts a weekly jazz show one of the local TV stations, and has worked hard in introducing jazz to the ordinary Ugandan, who’s wont more often than not to refer to jazz as instrumental music.
One thing led to another and he ended up at the City of Westminster College, London, where he graduated with a degree in sound engineering and music technology.
One can opine, and in fact the debate still rages, that local jazz interest would have developed with or without Katumwa; but we’ll never know, will we? He doesn’t claim he did it on his own; nor does he claim to be the top jazz musician in Uganda. In fact he cites Afrigo band leader and saxophonist Moses Matovu as one of his inspirations in playing the saxophone.
It was also in London where his music career finally took off, and his debut album Sinza (Luganda for ‘praise’) soon found its way on the BBC playlist. He was later to launch it on
But to many people, especially the young ones who are developing an appreciation of jazz, Isaiah Katumwa is very much the face of Ugandan jazz. •
47 asante nov – jan 2013
Festival
by Kate Nivison.
N
ow that Christmas has become an almost universal holiday, it seems that the urge to decorate both private and public spaces in all kinds of extravagant ways has pretty much gone global too. It doesn’t matter whether you’re shovelling snow or picnicking beneath palm trees in the tropics, come November, there will be people up ladders practising their ‘Christmas décor’ skills. Up will go streamers of tinsel and fairy lights, glowing plastic Santas and all kinds of trees, from pines to palms, real or fake, along with baubles, trumpeting angels and twinkling stars. In China, whole towns are devoted entirely to the manufacture of sparkly seasonal bits and bobs. Fashions may change, but the trend everywhere is towards the bigger and brighter, with ever more stylistic, themed and ‘designer’ displays. Of course, nobody likes a ‘party pooper’ or a Mr Scrooge muttering ‘Humbug!’, but with worries about global warming and general belt-tightening, perhaps this is the year to consider getting back to the basics of a simpler age.
It all started out modestly enough on a local scale, and well before Christmas appeared on the scene. In the cold north, the sun would do its worrying annual disappearing act, leaving the residents huddled together round the roaring fire in the communal hall under bearskins and reindeer hides. To keep their spirits up, the Northmen made a ceremony of dragging the largest log they could find into the big hall, crowned with evergreen foliage as a reminder that spring would come again. They called it the yule log – ‘yule’ meaning ‘wheel’ to symbolise the ever-turning year. These days, the memory survives mainly in the form of a gorgeously gooey, log-shaped cake covered with chocolate and sprinkled with icing sugar ‘snow’. The custom of bringing mid-winter greenery into the house easily survived the coming of Christianity. The Holly and the Ivy, one of the best know Christmas carols, explains the use of these two ‘evergreens’ in terms of Christian symbolism rather than the traditional pagan beliefs they replaced, with holly prickles representing the crown of thorns, and so on. But ‘decking the halls with boughs of
now gone from candles to a positive orgy of electric lights, from the daintiest winking ‘fairy’ types to enormous street displays, on town halls, in department stores, even cascading off bridges. Lately, coloured lasers beamed at the stars have been added to list. It’s true that candles, bush lamps and night-light lanterns can be a fire hazard, but in the open air round a communal big tree or city square, a Carols by Candlelight gettogether is one of the season’s treats, and it’s far more atmospheric with less garish lighting around. Another way of using a tiny amount of light effectively is to revive the old custom of putting a
holly’ requires determination and thick leather gloves, so the custom survives mostly in the form of a holly sprig, real or fake, stuck on top of the Christmas pudding. However, real holly berries are poisonous, so don’t let the kiddies mistake them for sweets. Ivy is much more amenable to the decorator’s art. Its long streamers of glossy, heart-shaped leaves are just begging to be worked into decorative swags festooned with red and gold ribbon and bows. Any thick-leaved creeper will do, and the children can be let loose to add their own flourishes. It’s cheap – since gardeners are usually pleased to get their wayward evergreens pruned. It looks nicely ‘traditional’ and can be thrown on the fire or composted after the celebrations. The ultimate form of ever-greenery is, of course, the Christmas tree. If ever a symbol of seasonal goodwill has taken off, it is surely this one. It started quietly enough in Latvia, where there’s a plaque in the town square of Riga marking its first official appearance in 1510. Queen Victoria’s German husband brought the custom to England, and Charles Dickens also played his part, with his everpopular A Christmas Carol and a famous short story, The Christmas Tree. Charmingly, whole countries now send each other a huge tree for Christmas. The one in London’s Trafalgar Square is presented each year by the people of Norway in thanks for wartime comradeship. Maybe that custom could catch on too. Even better would be to send lots of sapling trees instead, to countries that badly need them to ‘regreen’ barren lands – or the cash to grow them locally. Amongst all the greenery, the other Christmas colour is undoubtedly red. No great mystery there, since red is the colour of fire and love – or maybe Santa hijacked his red gear from the traditional costume of the Lapp people of northern Scandinavia where he gets his reindeer.
The Ultimate Form of Ever-Greenery is of Course, the Christmas Tree. If Ever a Symbol of Seasonal Goodwill That has Taken off, it is Surely this One. Or was it from red church robes? After all, he may well have been a saintly bishop in an earlier life. More red (and green) was added to the décor from the New World where, in 1829, an American official, Joel Robert Poinsett, first brought back the beautiful Flor de Noche Buena (Holy Night Flower) from Mexico to the United States, and gave his name to it. The stunning scarlet form of Poinsettia is now one of the most popular Christmas emblems. Millions of pot Poinsettias, much reduced in size from their wild bushy state, are produced in greenhouses each year. Locally produced plants are more ‘green’ than importing ones, but better yet is to cut the carbon out completely and go in for homemade fantasy flowers in reusable rich red fabrics. Extra lighting is also part of the festive season. It is Sweden we have to thank for the association of Christmas with candles. December 13th, is the feast of St. Lucia, the patroness of light, at the darkest time of year. It goes back to pre-Christian times and was similar to the Hindu festival of Diwali. But we’ve
candle in the window on Christmas Eve to show travellers the way home. As for mistletoe, that seasonal excuse for getting in touch with your inner pagan by stealing a kiss under a sprig of it at the office party, it has little to do with Christmas. This small, bunchy parasitical plant grows mainly on old oak or apple trees, but mysteriously retains its pale green leaves and squashy white berries in winter when its host’s branches are bare. Delve into its murky past, and out will pop tales of druids cutting it with a golden sickle by the full moon, wild fertility rites, and the use of its berries to cure almost anything. It is possible, though, that its reputation may have less to do with festive naughtiness than we’d like to believe. Tribal disputes were sometimes settled in sacred oak groves, where sworn enemies could be persuaded to offer the ‘kiss of peace’ under a bunch of mystic mistletoe. Perhaps this aspect of mistletoe-related activity should be revived, and not just at parties, but at the United Nations as well. If all you can get is the plastic variety, at least it can be recycled for next year. •
49 asante nov – jan 2013
HEALTHY LIVING
Boost your Bone Health by Gilly Pickup.
F
rom our 40s onwards, bones gradually lose their density as a natural part of ageing. Weak bones can lead to fractures, which in turn, can lead to all sorts of scary consequences so it makes sense to keep our bones strong and healthy. Osteoporosis doesn’t have external signs, it’s the breaks, the result of having fragile bones, that have the impact. Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do to help strengthen your bones. Start right away, by becoming more aware. Eat Well Everyone should aim for a healthy balanced diet. The four food groups should be included: fruit and vegetables, carbohydrates, dairy products and protein. Research reveals that almost half (45%)
50 asante nov – jan 2013
of adults are unaware that bread contains calcium, essential for healthy bones. Other calcium-rich foods include yoghurt ,cheese , milk, canned salmon, tofu , dried fruit, flour and water. Calcium helps to improve bone density which reduces the risk of factors and people should aim for the recommended 700 mg daily. Now that you know how to get calcium your body needs vitamin D to help absorb it. This vitamin is found in oily fish, liver, fortified spreads, cereals and egg yolks and the body makes its own vitamin D when exposed to sunshine. The body stores vitamin D for around 60 days and deficiency signs may be highlighted by slight aches and pains in the body. Zinc helps vitamin D boost calcium absorption and is required from the proper formulation of osteoblasts, one of the
cells necessary for bone renewal. Foods high in zinc include shellfish, brown rice, wholegrains and meat. Magnesium can also help keep bones healthy. Sources include Brazil nuts, seeds, almonds, bananas and green vegetables like spinach and kidney beans. Researchers have also found that high levels of vitamin C may help strengthen bones and prevent fractures. Get your daily dose of this vitamin from oranges, kiwi fruits, tomatoes and berries, or take a supplement. Danger Areas • Dieting too much, not eating enough calcium, being stressed and lack of exercise are linked to thinning bones. • Smoking may inhibit the activity of bone forming cells and may also increase the risk of hip fractures.
• Some foods which may reduce the absorption of calcium necessary for bone strength include phosphoric acid which is used to improve the flavour of some fizzy drinks so consider switching to water or fruit juice. • Salt may speed up the body’s loss of calcium, so avoid adding extra salt to your food and read food labels to help you cut down. Processed foods including pies and pizza are often high in salt. • Excessive caffeine could reduce your calcium levels from your bones, as it is secreted through the urine. So try to limit the amount of coffee you drink. Exercise People of all ages should increase the amount of exercise they do each week. Scientific studies show exercise is a great way of increasing bone mineral density. Dancing, keep-fit classes, a game of tennis or weight training are good though be careful not to overdo it. Those who don’t go to the gym can substitute bottles of water for weights. If you feel those activities are too full on, then carrying shopping, gardening, tai chi and golf can also benefit. Brisk walking for 20-30 minutes each day is excellent for bone health and even housework counts! Non weight bearing activities like cycling, swimming or using a
Exercise is a Great Way of Increasing Bone Mineral Density. Natural Remedies Fish oil containing EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and GLA (gamma linolenic acid) are not only believed to be effective safeguards against osteoporosis, but also help improve skin and brain function. GLA is also found in supplements of evening primrose oil. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, osteoporosis is linked to a deficiency of kidney energy and the production of blood to nourish the bones. Kidney energy declines as we age. TCM treatment often utilises herbal therapy (including dong quai) and acupuncture. Homeopathic practitioners may prescribe calcarea carbonica to treat osteoporosis, particularly if individuals tire easily or suffer from restless behaviour. cross-trainer are excellent for toning muscles and as a cardiovascular workout but won’t help to strengthen bones in the same way. However, don’t dismiss these activities because simply being active does help to reduce the chance of fractures.
Tip If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, it is a good idea to talk to your GP or health specialist before you embark on new exercise activity, to make sure it is right for you •.
51 asante nov – jan 2013
A Fabulous Christmas Season awaits you at the Serena City Jewels… By Victoria Nyamunga
If you haven’t made your booking this festive season then here is your ultimate reason to stay at Kampala Serena Hotel in Uganda, Kigali Serena Hotel in Rwanda, Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel in Tanzania and Polana Serena Hotel in Mozambique. Kampala Serena Hotel which is ideally located at the very heart of Kampala could be your first stop if you wish. The Kampala Serena Hotel stands amidst 17 acres of landscaped grounds and water gardens. An oasis of cool and green, encircled by the seven hills of Kampala, this 152-room world-class hotel is the focal point of national, regional, business, political and social life. In here you will explore the various oriental tastes of Ugandan people at the Explorer Restaurant or simply go for a fine- dining experience at the Pearl of Africa Restaurant. Kigali Serena Hotel, located in the “land of a thousand hills” is, on the other hand, built around a polished granite atrium and showcases the very best of Rwandese cultural art. Relaxed yet elegant, the hotel is centered around the Executive Lounge and Bar which opens onto a wide sundeck overlooking the newly refurbished swimming pool. Also overlooking the pool is the popular Milima Restaurant which offers a wide range of all-day buffet choices, while the relaxed Sokoni Café offers inside and outside poolside seating. If you haven’t been here then you haven’t been anywhere- the experience will leave you wanting more… Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel ... well, if you wish to- call it the Heartbeat of Tanzania! An oasis of luxury at the very heart of Dar es Salaam, the elegant and cosmopolitan Dar es Salaam Serena enjoys an exceptionally high-profile clientele and regularly plays host to both regional and international events. Encircled by tropical gardens and just minutes from the broad sweep of Indian Ocean beaches that characterize this vibrant city, the 230-room Dar es Salaam Serena offers a unique mix of pan-African style and worldclass professionalism. Polana Serena Hotel- better known as the “Grande Dame of Maputo” can sum up your festive season safari experience. The 5-star opulence of the Polana Serena Hotel’s luxury accommodation is complemented by the superfluous service. Couples who visit Mozambique and stay with us are welcomed on arrival with champagne, ushered to deluxe sea facing suites with decor reflecting the refined elegance and lavish reference to Mozambique’s Indo-Portuguese heritage. In-room dining is offered for breakfast and newly-weds also have the choice of dining in the elegance of the French-cuisine Delagoa Restaurant, enjoying fresh sushi at the Aquarius Bar overlooking the Indian Ocean, taking afternoon tea in the Varanda Restaurant or relaxing on the pool deck. May be a place to say “I do” this season? You be the judge. Our Maisha Health & Fitness Clubs and Spas will give you a welldeserved sensational retreat after a long tedious day. Originating from the rich Coastal Swahili culture, Maisha is a Swahili word meaning “Life”. The Moorish concept with a blend of Arabic and African Culture that Serena has adopted has made Maisha one of the first establishments in Africa to belong to the respected International Spa Association, which sets standards for global compliance with Authentic Spa practices. Serena Hotels are located in some of the most exquisite and prime locations in 6 Eastern African Countries where one can experience the uniqueness, diversity of cultures and the dedication for excellence.
Serena Hotels Maisha Health Clubs and Spas is the first of the East African Spas to feature the leading luxury British spa and skincare brand Elemis, and other products include Gerrad, OPI nail products and Maisha homemade blends. We offer rejuvenating face and body spa therapies designed to provide a unique experience using powerful massage sequence, and potent actives are featured including pro-collagen quartz lift facial, Elemis Trienzyme Resurfacing Facial and Elemis Exotic Lime & Ginger Salt glow. Maisha Spa menu includes the ancient Ayurvedic treatment, bamboo massage and signature treatments such as Hot stone massage, Maisha Indulgence and Maisha Signature massage. The Hot Stone Massage uses carefully heated basalt stones, rhythmically applied on the body to warm up and relax tensed muscles, generally giving you a deep relaxed feeling and balance of calm. Maisha Indulgence is a combination of a Coffee Scrub, Body Wrap and Aromatherapy Massage where ground East African coffee mixed with essential oils helps to slough out dry skin, followed with a seasonal fruit and honey body wrap that softens and hydrates the skin and keep you relaxed and blown away with a one hour aromatherapy massage to bring your mind, body and spirit into a state of wellbeing. Maisha Signature Massage will additionally give you the pleasure to indulge in using our blend of technique, leaving you relaxed and rejuvenated all day/ night long. Through the well- established pre- treatment assessment sessions carried out by the Serena Maisha team of qualified and experienced therapists one is able to gauge and ensure that our products will give you nothing but the desired results. The Serena Maisha Retail services also offer Maisha Herbal tea blends as well as Luxury Products from Elemis, allowing one to enjoy a Spa Experience at the comfort of one’s home. Maisha Herbal Tea Blend can be enjoyed hot or cold, and comes in two flavors for Women Wellness - sweet cinnamon, selected vanilla & candied fruits and Men Wellness - flavored blend of herbs, fruit mélange and spices. The Serena Maisha Health Club and Spa also features a gymnasium, Steam, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Plunge pool, swimming pool, changing rooms and relaxation lounge with gym activities including Aerobic classes, Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Tae-kwondo, Spinning, Body pump and Body balance, Swimming and Aqua aerobics. Enveloped in the relaxing music, soft light and the fragrance and incense that fills the peaceful atmosphere at any of the Serena Hotels Maisha Health Clubs and Spas within the Nairobi Serena Hotel, Serena Beach Hotel & Spa, Kampala Serena Hotel, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Kigali Serena Hotel and Polana Serena Hotel will indeed ensure yours is an experience of tranquility and good health for your mind, body and spirit. If you still need reasons to be there, simply call your travel agent now or visit www.serenahotels.com and make your reservation to begin your journey to a fantastic holiday experience, only this season, with the Serena City Jewels.
HEALTHY TRAVELLING These gentle exercises, which you can carry out easily during your flight, will help blood circulation and reduce any tiredness or stiffness that may result from sitting in one place for several hours. Check with your doctor first if you have any health conditions which might be adversely affected by exercise.
Foot Pumps
Knee Lifts
Start with both heels on the
Lift leg with knees bent
floor and point feet upward
while contracting your thigh
as high as you can. Then put
muscles. Alternate legs.
both feet flat on the floor.
Repeat 20 to 30 times for
Then lift heels high, keeping
each leg.
Other Tips for a Comfortable Flight
•
For your own comfort try and travel light.
•
Wear loose clothing and elasticated stockings made of natural fibre.
•
Increase your normal intake of water and only if need be, drink alcohol but in moderation.
•
Use moisturising cream to keep your skin from drying out.
•
Take off shoes in the plane to prevent your feet from swelling up or wear shoes that will cope with expanding ankles.
•
Avoid heavy meals during the flight.
•
Short walks once every two hours are excellent for circulation.
•
Try to touch your toes when waiting in the aisle to stretch your hamstrings.
•
On arrival at your destination, have a hot shower or a relaxing bath.
•
On arrival a quick jog, brisk walk, or a vigorous scrub will help stimulate your circulation.
the balls of your feet on the floor. Continue cycle in 30second intervals.
Knee to Chest Bend forward slightly. Clasp hands around the left knee and hug it to your chest. Hold stretch for 15 seconds. Keeping hands around knee, slowly let it down. Alternate legs. Repeat 10 times.
Shoulder Stretch Reach right hand over left shoulder. Place left hand behind right elbow and gently press elbow toward shoulder. Hold stretch for 15 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
Overhead Stretch Raise both hands straight up over your head. With one hand, grasp the wrist of the opposite hand and gently pull to one side. Hold stretch for 15 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
Forward Flex With both feet on the floor and stomach held in, slowly bend forward and walk your hands down the front of your legs towards your ankles. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds and slowly sit back up.
Shoulder Roll Hunch shoulders forward, then upward, then backward, then downward, using a gentle, circular motion.
Ankle Circles Lift feet off the floor, draw a circle with the toes, simultaneously moving one foot clockwise and the other foot counterclockwise. Reverse circles. Do each direction for 15 seconds. Repeat if desired.
Arm Curl
Neck Roll
Start with arms held at a 90-degree angle: elbows down, hands out in front. Raise hands up to chest and back down, alternating hands. Do this exercise in 30-second intervals.
With shoulders relaxed, drop ear to shoulder and gently roll neck forward and to the other side, holding each position about five seconds. Repeat five times.
54 asante Nov – jan 2013
TIPS FOR THE TRAVELLER IN UGANDA
Land
Medical services
Uganda is a compact country, with an area of 236,580 square kilometres – roughly the size of Great Britain.
Uganda has good health services, with some good government and private hospitals and clinics in the major cities. Air rescue services are available.
Climate
Currency
Although situated on the equator, Uganda’s relatively high altitude tempers the heat, and humidity is generally low. Throughout the year sunshine averages about 6 to 10 hours a day. There are two rainy seasons: the main long rains, which start late in February and end in April, and the short rains, which start in October and run until about the middle of December. The region around Lake Victoria, however, receives rain at almost any time of the year.
Topography
Uganda Shilling (UGX). Notes are in denominations of UGX 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of UGX 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. You can change money at banks and hotels. Although the forex bureaux usually have better exchange rates.
Credit cards
International credit cards are accepted in major hotels and shops.
Working hours
It is located on the equator, within the eastern plateau region of the African continent and between the eastern and western ridges of the Great Rift Valley. Near the borders several mountain masses stand out strikingly from the plateaux.
Shops and businesses are generally open from 0830 to 1730 hours on weekdays, with a lunch break between 1300 and 1400 hours. Some businesses are open on Saturday, at least until midday. Small, local shops or kiosks on the side of many roads are generally open much later, until about 2130 hours and on weekends and holidays as well; they stock basic food and household items.
Economy
Public Holidays
Language
2013 1 January 26 January 8 March 29 March 1 April 1 May 3 June 9 June 8 August 9 October 15 October 25 December 26 December
Uganda is blessed with fertile soils that support a wide variety of food and export crops, both annual and perennial. Agriculture is the dominant sector of Uganda’s economy. The major traditional export crops are coffee, cotton, tea, horticulture, tobacco and sugar cane, while groundnuts, maize, beans, sorghum and millet have emerged in recent years as cash crops for the peasant farmers.
English is the official language and is also the medium of instruction in Uganda’s education system, from primary school up to university level. Swahili is also spoken. There are some 30 indigenous languages spoken in the rural areas. The most common of these are Luganda and Luo.
Electric supply
All installations are of British standard and appliances should be fitted with the square, three-pin plugs of British specifications. The voltage is 240 volts, 50 Hz for domestic use. The voltage fluctuates continually, however, and proper surge protectors are advisable for any expensive equipment.
Time
Uganda is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Time remains constant throughout the year.
People
The people are warm, friendly, and full of humour. They are anxious to make friends with visitors and are continually asking guests whether they are comfortable and enjoying themselves. A large number of people speak English.
Excursions
Uganda is beginning to develop an excellent tourist infrastructure, with first-rate roads and communication facilities. Uganda’s national game, forest and recreational parks are indeed some of the spectacular showpieces Africa has to offer. They do have regulations regarding offthe-road driving, game watching, and so on, which are clearly stated at the entrance gates of parks or on leaflets supplied by the tourist offices. Mountaineering safaris to the Ruwenzori Mountains in the western Rift Valley are now becoming a favourite Ugandan expedition. Similar safaris can also be organised to climb Mount Elgon in the east, sharing the border with Kenya. Hotels There are international-standard hotels in Entebbe, Kampala and Jinja, as well as in many of the smaller towns. Camping, rustic bush camps and guest houses are also available. The Kampala Sheraton, the Serena Kampala, the Grand Imperial, and the Nile Hotel, all in the national’s capital are by the best. There are many other less expensive, but quite nice hotels in the city. Outside Kampala, most towns also have a variety of moderately priced and budget hotels. Banking hours There is a wide range of banks in Uganda, particularly in Kampala. Their hours are generally from 0830 to 1400 hours on weekdays, and Saturdays from 0830 to 1200 hours. Forex bureaux keep longer hours – 0900 to 1700 hours on weekdays and 0900 to 1300 hours on Saturdays. ATMs are available in the larger cities. Communications Telephone, telex, fax and airmail services connect Kampala to all parts of the world. Services are available at the General Post Office and its many branches, as well as in the main hotels. International direct dialling is available and now there are a number of Internet cafes.
New Year’s Day Liberation Day International Women’s Day Good Friday Easter Monday Labour Day Martyrs’ Day National Heroes’ Day Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) Independence Day Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) Christmas Day Boxing Day
Note:The two Muslim holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximate.
Customs
Besides personal effects, a visitor may import duty-free spirits (including liquors) or wine up to one litre, perfume and toilet water up to half a litre and 270 grammes of tobacco or 200 cigarettes. Other imported items, not exceeding US$100 may be brought in duty free and without an import licence, provided they are not prohibited or restricted goods, are for personal use, and are not for resale. Note: A special permit is required to export game trophies.
Health requirements
Visitors from areas infected with yellow fever and cholera required certificates on inoculation. All visitors are advised to take an antimalarial prophylactic beginning two weeks before their arrival and continuing for six weeks after their departure. A gamma globulin injection provides some protection against possible infection by hepatitis and is well worth taking.
Visa and immigration requirements
Visa applications may be obtained at Uganda diplomatic missions. Two photographs are required for visas, which are usually issued within 24 hours. Visas are also available at the country’s entry points. Check with the Uganda diplomatic mission in your country if visa is required as some countries are exempted. Taxi services Taxis are immediately available at Entebbe International Airport. They can also be found outside most hotels in Kampala and at most of the country’s major centres. All don’t have meters, so make sure the fare is negotiated in advance. Car rental Several firms operate car hire services in Kampala. Vehicles may be hired with or without driver. For trips outside the city it is possible to hire insured cars appropriate for the trip (a four-wheeldrive vehicle with a driver-translator is recommended). Entebbe International Airport The main point of entry is Entebbe International Airport, about a 30-minute drive south of the capital, Kampala. Although modest, the modern airport does provide automated passenger facilities, currency exchange, postal services, banking facilities, telephoned, duty-free shops, gift shops and a restaurant and bar. Security The same rules apply for Kampala as for almost any city anywhere.Be careful and take the usual precautions to safeguard yourself and your belongings. Do not leave valuables in your car. Walking at night in all major centres is reasonably safe.
55 asante nov – jan 2013
AIR UGANDA CONTACTS AND OFFICES
Kampala Sales Office: Tel: +256 (0) 412 165 555 +256 (0) 312 165 555 Fax: +256 (0) 414 258 267 Email: info@air-uganda.com and klasupervisor@air-uganda.com Jubilee Insurance Centre,1st Floor, Podium Level, Plot 14 Parliament Avenue, Kampala, Uganda. P. O. Box 36591, Kampala, Uganda.
Kigali Sales Office: Tel: +250 (0)252 577 926 +250 (0) 782 229 572 Email: saleskigali@air-uganda.com Office No. 26 UTC (Union Trade Centre) Building, Town Centre. Kigali, Rwanda.
Head Office: Tel: +256 (0) 414 258 262/4 +256 (0) 417 717 401 Fax: +256 414 500 932 Email: info@air-uganda.com
Bujumbura Sales Office: Tel: +257 (0) 22 223 460 +257 (0) 71 460 000 Email: salesbjm@air-uganda.com
Investment House, Plot 4, Wampewo Avenue, Kololo, P.O.Box 36591, Kampala, Uganda.
40.Av.du Commerce B.P: 2460 Bujumbura, Burundi.
Entebbe International Airport (Ticketing Office): Tel: +256 (0) 414 321 485 +256 (0) 41771722 Email: ebbticketing@air-uganda.com or info@air-uganda.com
Rue du 18 septembre Galerie la Perle B.P. 2184 Bujumbura - Burundi Tel: +257 222 772 62 +250 (0) 22223460 Mobile: +257 714 600 00 OR +257 764 600 00
2nd Floor, Passenger Terminal Building, Entebbe, Uganda. PLEASE NOTE : After working hours: Weekdays (17:45 hrs - 21:00 hrs), Saturday (14:00 hrs - 21:00 hrs) and Sunday (07:30 hrs - 21:00 hrs) Please call our Entebbe ticketing office on Tel: +256 (0) 414 321 485 +256 (0) 417 717 222 for assistance.
Nairobi Sales Office: Tel: +254 (0) 20 313 933 Email: info.ke@air-uganda.com IPS Building Kimathi Street 10th Floor, P.O Box 27781- 00100, Nairobi, Kenya. Mombasa Sales Office: Tel: +254 (0) 20 313 933 or +254 (0) 734 605 203 +254 (0) 2313626 Email: vwamakau@air-uganda.com 1st Floor, TSS Towers, Nkrumah Road, Mombasa, Kenya. Moi International Airport (MIA) Sales Office Tel: +254 735 877 289 Email: reservationmba@air-uganda.com Unit 1 Terminal Building, Mombasa, Kenya.
Dar es Salaam Sales Office: Tel: +255 (0) 783 111 983 +255 (0) 222 133 322 Email: reservationsdar@air-uganda.com Harbour View Towers J-Mall, 1st Floor, Samora Avenue, P.O. Box 22636, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Juba Sales Office: Tel: 0977 153 912 Email: info@air-uganda.com Hai Suk Street, (Opp. the Mosque) Juba, Sudan.
Belgium
Bahrain Doha
Mali
Dubai
Juba Nairobi
Entebbe
Mombasa
Kigali Bujumbura
Dar es Salaam
MAP KEY Air Uganda Direct Flights Interline Flights Entebbe
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Nairobi
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Bujumbura
ABAto corner!
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word square! Hidden in this word square are twelve towns and cities in East Africa. How many can you find? The words are written horizontally or vertically, forwards or backwards. There are no diagonal words. Add vowels to the following to complete the sentence (3 words)
Hppybrthdyrgnd. Answer Happy Birthday AirUganda
Answer Arusha, Dar, Embu, Hoima, Kampala, Kisumu, Lamu , Masaka, Mbarara, Mombasa, Nairobi, Ujiji.
58 asante aug – oct 2012
TIME TABLE
TIME TABLE
Valid from 01st December 2011
Valid from 1 November 2012. ENTEBBE - NAIROBI Valid from 01st December 2011 AIR UGANDA FLIGHT SCHEDULE FLIGHT NUMBER DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL TIME FREQUENCY ENTEBBE NAIROBI U7 202 6:30 Hrs 07:40 Hrs Mon,Tue ,Wed ,Thur, & Fri ENTEBBE - NAIROBI LIGHT NUMBER DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL TIME FREQUENCY FLIGHT NUMBER DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL TIME FREQUENCY U7 206 14:30Hrs 15:35Hrs Tue ,Wed & Fri Hrs Hrs Mon,Wed - Fri U7 202 U7 202U7 202 6:30 Hrs 06:00 07:40 Hrs07:10 Mon,Tue ,Thur, 8:30Hrs 9:40Hrs Sat& Fri Mon ,Wed - Thu & Fri U7 206 U7 206U7 206 14:30Hrs 14:30Hrs 15:35Hrs15:40Hrs Tue 12:20Hrs 13:25Hrs Sun U7 206 14:00Hrs 15:10Hrs Fri U7 202 U7 204U7 204 8:30Hrs 19:30 9:40Hrs20:40Hrs Sat 16:45Hrs 17:50Hrs Sat Hrs Mon - Thu U7 206 U7 204U7 204 12:20Hrs 19:50 13:25Hrs21:00 Sun 18:45 19:55Hrs Mon,Tue,Wed. Thur, Fri&Sun Hrs Hrs Hrs Fri Hrs Sat & Sun U7 204 U7 204 16:45Hrs 17:30 Hrs 17:50Hrs Sat NAIROBI -18:40 ENTEBBE U7 202 09:30 Hrs 10:40 Hrs Sat & Sun U7 204 FLIGHT 18:45 Hrs 19:55Hrs Mon,Tue,Wed. Thur, Fri&Sun NUMBER DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL TIME FREQUENCY NAIROBI - ENTEBBE U7 203 08:15 Hrs 09:25 Hrs Mon,Tue ,Wed ,Thur & Fri FLIGHT NUMBER DEPARTURE TIMENAIROBI - ENTEBBEARRIVAL TIME FREQUENCY U7 207 16:15Hrs 17:20Hrs U7 203 07:45 Hrs 08:55 Hrs Mon - Fri Tue ,Wed & Fri LIGHT NUMBER DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL TIME FREQUENCY U7 207 16:10Hrs 17:20Hrs Mon - Thu 10:15Hrs 11:25Hrs Sat U7 203 U7 207U7 203 08:15 Hrs 15:40Hrs 09:25 Hrs16:50Hrs Mon,Tue Fri ,Wed ,Thur & Fri U7 207 13:55Hrs 15:00Hrs Sun U7 207 U7 205 16:15Hrs 21:10Hrs 17:20Hrs22:20Hrs Tue Mon ,Wed - Thu & Fri 18:20Hrs 19:25Hrs Sat Hrs Hrs Fri U7 203 U7 205U7 205 10:15Hrs 21:30 11:25Hrs22:40 Sat U7 205 20:30Hrs 21:40Hrs Mon,Tue,Wed. Thur, Fri&Sun U7 205 19:10 Hrs 20:20 Hrs Sat & Sun U7 207 U7 203 13:55Hrs 11:10Hrs 15:00Hrs12:20Hrs Sun Sat & Sun ENTEBBE - JUBA U7 205 18:20Hrs 19:25Hrs Sat ENTEBBE - JUBA FLIGHTNUMBER NUMBER DEPARTURETIME TIME ARRIVALTIME TIME FREQUENCY FREQUENCY U7 205 FLIGHTU7 20:30Hrs DEPARTURE 21:40HrsARRIVAL Mon,Tue,Wed. Thur, Fri&Sun 120 10:15Hrs 11:15Hrs Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur & Fri U7 122 07:00Hrs 08:05Hrs Mon ENTEBBE - JUBA 11:00Hrs 15:15Hrs 16:15Hrs Fri U7 122U7 120 10:00Hrs Tue,Thu &Sat LIGHT NUMBER DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL TIME FREQUENCY U7 122U7 120 10:00 HrsHRS 11:05 Hrs Wed &Fri 12:15 13:15HRS Sat Mon &Thu U7 120 U7 120U7 120 10:15Hrs 16:25Hrs 11:15Hrs17:30Hrs Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur 15:15Hrs 16:15Hrs Sun& Fri 17:25 Hrs Tue, Wed, Fri & Sun U7 120 U7 120 15:15Hrs 16:25 Hrs 16:15Hrs Fri JUBA ENTEBBE JUBA - ENTEBBE U7 120 FLIGHT 13:15HRS SatFREQUENCY NUMBER 12:15 HRS DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL TIME FLIGHT NUMBER DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL TIME FREQUENCY Hrs Hrs Mon Sun Mon & Fri U7 120 U7 123U7 119 15:15Hrs 08:35 16:15Hrs09:40 12:00Hrs 13:00Hrs U7 123 11:30Hrs Tue,Thu, & Sat U7 119 12:15Hrs 13:15Hrs Tue, Wed & Thur JUBA - ENTEBBE 12:30Hrs U7 123 11:35 Hrs 12:40 Hrs Wed & Fri U7 119 17:00Hrs 18:00Hrs Fri LIGHT NUMBER DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL TIME FREQUENCY U7 121 18:00 Hrs 19:05 Hrs Mon & Thu 13:55HRS 14:55HRS 00 Hrs Hrs Tue,Wed,Fri SunSat U7 119 U7 121U7 119 12:00Hrs 18: 13:00Hrs19:00 Mon &&Fri ENTEBBE - DAR ES18:00Hrs SALAAM 119 17:00Hrs Sun U7 119 FLIGHTU7 12:15Hrs DEPARTURE 13:15HrsARRIVAL Tue, Wed & Thur NUMBER TIME TIME FREQUENCY ENTEBBE DAR ES SALAAM U7 119 U7 320 17:00Hrs 09:00Hrs 18:00Hrs11:45Hrs Fri Tue & Thu DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL FREQUENCY U7 320 NUMBER 09:30Hrs 11:15Hrs TIME Mon & Sat Wed U7 119 FLIGHT 13:55HRS 14:55HRS U7 320 14:00Hrs 15:45Hrs U7 32O 15:15Hrs 17:00Hrs Fri U7 119 U7 320 17:00Hrs 11:35Hrs 18:00Hrs13:20Hrs Sun Mon Sat U7 320 14:45Hrs 16:30Hrs Tue, Wed& Thur ENTEBBE - DAR ES SALAAM U7 320 12:00Hrs 13:45Hrs Sun U7 320 10:45Hrs 12:30Hrs Fri & Sat DAR ES SALAAM - ENTEBBE LIGHT NUMBER U7 320 DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL TIME FREQUENCY 15:30Hrs 17:15 Hrs Sun FLIGHT NUMBER DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL TIME FREQUENCY U7 320 U7 321 14:00Hrs 11:45Hrs Mon DAR15:45Hrs ES SALAAM - ENTEBBE 13:30Hrs Mon U7 320 FLIGHT 14:45Hrs 16:30Hrs Tue, Wed& Thur U7 321 NUMBER 12:15Hrs 14:00Hrs TIME Tue & Thu FREQUENCY DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL Wed U7 320 U7 321U7 321 10:45Hrs 11:45Hrs 12:30Hrs14:30Hrs Fri & Sat Mon 16:20Hrs 18:05Hrs 321 Fri U7 320 U7 15:30Hrs 17:30Hrs 17:15 Hrs19:15Hrs Sun 17:05Hrs 18:50Hrs Tue,Wed&Thur U7 321U7 321 13:50Hrs 15:35Hrs Sat 13:10Hrs 14:55Hrs Fri & Sat DAR ES SALAAM - ENTEBBE U7 321U7 321 14:15Hrs 16:00Hrs Sun ENTEBBE - MOMBASA 17:50 Hrs 19:35Hrs Sun LIGHT NUMBER U7 321 DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL TIME FREQUENCY NUMBER DEPARTURE ARRIVALas TIME FREQUENCY ENTEBBETIME - MOMBASA (Flights available of 11th December 2011) U7 321 FLIGHT 16:20Hrs 18:05Hrs Mon U7 320 09:00Hrs 10:30Hrs Tue & Thu 09:00Hrs 10:40Hrs Thur & Sun U7 321 U7 320U7 340 17:05Hrs 09:30Hrs 18:50Hrs12:30 Tue,Wed&Thur Hrs Wed MOMBASA - ENTEBBE (Flights avalable as of 11th December 2011) 12:30 Hrs Fri Fri & Sat U7 321 U7 320 13:10Hrs 11:00Hrs 14:55Hrs Hrs Sun 11:10Hrs 13:50Hrs U7 321 U7 320U7 341 17:50 Hrs 14:00Hrs 19:35Hrs15:30 Sun Thur MOMBASA- ENTEBBE U7 341 13:00Hrs 14:30Hrs Sun ENTEBBE - MOMBASA (Flights available as ofARRIVAL 11th TIME December 2011) FLIGHT NUMBER DEPARTURE TIME FREQUENCY ENTEBBE ZANZIBAR (Flights available as of 11th December 2011) U7 321 11:00Hrs 14:00Hrs Tue & Thu U7 340 09:00Hrs 10:40Hrs Thur & Sun U7 321U7 340 13:00 Hrs 14:30 Hrs Wed & Fri 11:40Hrs Thur MOMBASA 16:00Hrs -09:00Hrs ENTEBBE (Flights avalable as of17:30Hrs 11th December 2011) U7 321U7 340 Sun 09:00Hrs 11:25Hrs Sun ENTEBBE - KIGALI U7 341 11:10Hrs ZANZIBAR - ENTEBBE (Flights 13:50Hrs Thur available asTIME of 11th December 2011) FLIGHT NUMBER DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL FREQUENCY U7 341 13:00Hrs 12:10Hrs 14:30Hrs13:50Hrs Sun Thur U7 341 U7 350 13:15Hrs 13:00Hrs Mon ENTEBBE ZANZIBAR (Flights available as of 11th December 2011) U7 352 11:50Hrs 13:00Hrs Tue & Thu U7 341 11:55Hrs 14:30Hrs Sun Wed &Sun U7 340 U7 352 09:00Hrs 18:30Hrs 11:40Hrs Thur ENTEBBE18:15Hrs - KIGALI U7 352 17:20Hrs 18:30Hrs Fri U7 340 FLIGHT 09:00Hrs 11:25Hrs SunFREQUENCY DEPARTURE ARRIVAL U7 352 NUMBER 09:00 Hrs TIME 08:45 Hrs TIME Sat ZANZIBAR - 09:15Hrs ENTEBBE (Flights available as- ENTEBBE of 09:00Hrs 11th December 2011) U7 350 Mon & Wed KIGALI NUMBER TIME TIME FREQUENCY 350 09:55Hrs 09:40Hrs U7 341 FLIGHTU7 12:10Hrs DEPARTURE 13:50HrsARRIVAL ThurTue & Thur 351 Mon &Tue U7 352 15:30Hrs 16:30Hrs Fri U7 341 U7 11:55Hrs 13:30Hrs 14:30Hrs15:15Hrs Sun U7 353 19:00Hrs 20:45Hrs Wed & Fri U7 352 16:00Hrs ENTEBBE - KIGALI 11:05Hrs 15:45Hrs Sun U7 353 09:20Hrs Sat KIGALITIME - ENTEBBE U7 353 18:45Hrs 21:55Hrs Sun LIGHT NUMBER DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL FREQUENCY ENTEBBE - BUJUMBURA FLIGHT NUMBER DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL TIME U7 350 U7 360 09:15Hrs 11:50Hrs 09:00Hrs11:50Hrs Mon & FREQUENCY Wed Tue & Thu 09:30Hrs 12:30Hrs Mon & Wed U7 350 U7 362U7 351 09:55Hrs 17:20Hrs 09:40Hrs17:20Hrs FriTue & Thur 10:10Hrs 11:55Hrs Sun U7 352 U7 352U7 351 15:30Hrs 18:30Hrs 16:30Hrs19:25Hrs Fri Tue & Thur U7 353 17:00Hrs 18:45Hrs Fri BUJUMBURA - ENTEBBE U7 352 U7 361 16:00Hrs 12:20Hrs 15:45Hrs15:15Hrs Sun Tue & Thu U7 353 16:15Hrs 18:00Hrs Sun KIGALI ENTEBBE - ENTEBBE- BUJUMBURA U7 363 17:50Hrs 20:45Hrs Fri U7 353 19:55Hrs 21:55Hrs Sun LIGHT NUMBER DEPARTURE TIME ARRIVAL TIME FREQUENCY U7 350 09:15Hrs 10:00Hrs Mon & Wed For any information contact your preferred Travel Agent or our Sales & Reservation Office on 041 2 165555/ 0312165555 in KAMPALA. U7 351 09:30Hrs 15:30Hrs 12:30Hrs15:30Hrs Mon & WedFri U7 352 U7 351 10:10Hrs 11:55Hrs - ENTEBBE Tue & Thur BUJUMBURA U7 353 17:00Hrs 18:45Hrs FriMon & Wed U7 351 10:30Hrs 12:30Hrs U7 353 16:15Hrs 16:05Hrs 18:00Hrs18:45Hrs Sun U7 353 Fri
CROSSWORD PUZZLE & SUDOKU Clues across 1. This snare is part backwards. (4) 4. Claire turns to pastry. (6)
Crossword '
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8. A tear to be found on a tombstone? (3)
13. Facts in a turn-round – they’re obsessed. (8) 14. Better to cut with, and keener. (7) 15. Write your name again – and quit. (6)
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10. Sharp-tasting drug. (4)
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17. Hercules was reputed to be one. (6, 3)
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21. Take a small drink from Mississippi (3) 22. Operated and scarpered. (3)
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23. Favourite from Cape Town. (3)
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26. A drab cord made into packing material. (9) 27. Change shape and make good. (6) 28. Does this teacher travel by rail? (7) 32. Kidnap in old Chinese city. (8)
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34. Numbers east for an organ. (4)
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35. Short road with nothing in is useful for fishing. (3) 36. Slayer works in shifts? (6)
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37. Arid spell makes sudden surprise attack. (4)
Clues down
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1. Meals or drinks from waste asparagus. (4)
5. Cowardly cavern? (6) 6. Man in a palindrome. (3) 7. Feel bitter about having posted something? (6)
Answers across 1. Trap |4. Eclair | 8. Rip | 10. Acid | 13. Fanatics | 14. Sharper | 15. Resign | 17. Strong man | 21. Sip | 22. Ran | 23. Pet 26. Cardboard | 27. Reform | 28. Trainer | 32. Shanghai | 34. Nose | 35. Rod | 36. Relays | 37. Raid.
3. If we mix, she’ll be a partner. (4)
Answers down 1. Teas | 2. Asia | 3. Wife | 5. Craven | 6. Ali | 7. Resent | 9. Par | 11. Chats | 12. Droop | 15. Rand | 16. Idea | 18. Riff 19. Gram | 20. Mar | 23. Pop in | 24. Tries | 25. Eraser | 26. Craggy | 28. Tar | 29. Riot | 30. Nora | 31. Reed | 33. All.
2. Region that is part of fantasia. (4)
9. Standard for golfing dad, say. (3)
Sudoku
11. Talks concerning a century with headgear. (5) 12. Doctor puts nothing into operation – it’s a let-down. (5) 15. African currency from far and near. (4) 16. Notion, not quite ideal. (4) 18. Repeated musical phrase – it goes with raff! (4) 19. Margaret half returns with little weight. (4)
Place a number from 1 to 9 in every empty cell so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains all the numbers
6 4
from 1 to 9.
20. Endless month will spoil. (3) 23. Sounds like father’s at home. Make a visit. (3, 2)
No number can appear twice in
24. Attempts of a rugby team? (5)
a row, column or 3x3 box.
25. Rolls Royce involvement with ease. Use it to rub out. (6)
Do not guess – you can work
26. Rugged, and rough-featured. (6)
it out by a process of elimination.
5
30. A lady from Bognor area. (4) 31. Deer goes back for swampy grass. (4) 33. 6 down – I become learner, everybody. (3)
60 asante Nov – jan 2013
2 4 3
6
7 9 2 1
3 2
1
28. Rat runs back on road surface. (3)
9
8
8
29. I get in rot to make trouble. (4)
1
7
5 6 5
7 9
issue number 012 November-January 2013
asante issue number 012 november - january 2013
the inflight magazine of air uganda part of the
Celebrating
years Charming
Bujumbura Rebirth of
Mogadishu Ruth Matete Small Girl with a Big Voice
For Kiprotich all that Glitters is Gold
Health
Boost your Bones
your complimentary copy