We have spent some hours today in the Condemned Section (Death Row) at Luzira Prison. Completely humbling because the inmates had been told we were coming and were waiting to greet us with real excitement. Something that obviously doesn't happen all that often!!
So, Jackson, Patrick, Ambrose, Stanley, Christopher, Julius and Francis have just topped our stay in Uganda with their welcome and enthusiasm at seeing us again. Since we last visited them, several of their number have been released or transferred to other prisons, which, of course, is the most incredible thing. They have also undertaken several courses of study including business studies, book binding and law. Its incredible how they do not sit around even though they have been condemned to die. This morning there was group counselling where the inmates were being encouraged to talk about their feelings and what could be done to help them. I was fortunate enough to have the time to advise and give information to Francis regarding nutrition in HIV/Aids patients. Plus, I had a long discussion with Stanley who, before he entered prison, had been plagued with migraines. Interestingly, since he has been in condemned, he has had no migraines at all. He puts this down to the family atmosphere and having time and encouragement to complete studies and activities that he didn't have the opportunity to undertake before. Its hard to believe, if you haven't been there, the atmosphere and the camaraderie that exists in such a place. Their living conditions are very difficult, so cramped, 3 toilets to 300 men, the washing facilities are a tap on the wall and there is only one meal a day. But this is the most genuinely friendly and welcoming place that I have ever been to. It a place that stays with all of us in our hearts wherever we are.
In the words of Ambrose - condemned for military underperformance - 'Every cloud has a silver lining and I have found my silver lining here. Learning new skills and being given opportunities that I didn't know existed.' - Wow - how fantastic to see the positive in such a situation.
I am now getting a little worried that some of the people I have spoken to here have the gift of prophesy. I had sort of forgotten that the Rev Fred had suggested I buy land here and become a banana farmer, until this morning when one of the condemned prisoners suggested the same thing. Now strangely, for the first time ever, I have managed to get a tan - the prisoners suggested that because I was looking more Ugandan, I should move here and buy land and farm it - WHAT IS GOING ON!!!!!!!!! It looks like I am destined for great curved yellow things in life!
Tomorrow - Easter Sunday - and we will again be on death row to celebrate with them at the morning worship service. This is so poignant and will be a truly blessed day for us.
I am not so sure how blessed the goats and the chickens are feeling though. Tomorrow they will be accompanying us and will be facing the death penalty! I am just hoping that we are not the ones to perform the execution. We are also taking with us sacks of onions, tomatoes, millet flour, rice and
pineapples - I feel like some sort of derranged Delia Smith!
Tomorrow is our last day here. I cannot believe how fast the time is going. I hate to declare this but we are all, already, really looking forward to coming back again!
One more blog tomorrow.
Lots of love
Catherine and Christopher xx
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