Common Values

On Thursday Steve went with Mr. Lubega to the Annual General Meeting of the Regional Chiefs. He wore a tie for the occasion but decided to leave his new spear at home (a good plan). As he left he wondered what Mr. Lubega would have in mind for him this time.

Mr. L led Steve up directly to the front row, facing the speaker and the head chief. He was given seat there while M. L sat with the senior chiefs. Once there was a break in the agenda, the speaker called upon Mr. L who stood up and walked to the front of the room. First he introduced Steve (and the rest of us, although we were absent), and offered an animated and very emotional speech. He spoke in both languages so that Steve could follow along.

Steve was very excited about what M. L had to say. He spoke of working with foreign partners and the importance of accountability and transparency. Often he was interrupted with vigorous clapping. Of course, he also made sure to tell them that each of our team had been given Bugandan names, which the many chiefs also loved (Steve estimated there were about 150 of them).

Unbeknownst to Steve, a speech was required! He was given three minutes to address the chiefs. Thankfully, Steve is good on his feet, and was able to clearly articulate both our gratitude for the welcome we have received and what we have learned through this partnership. He praised the centre’s committee and Mr. Lubega. He also said that people from other countries can offer assistance, but only local people can offer effective leadership. The chiefs were quite pleased when Steve suggested that other groups could follow the example of the Learning Centre to meet the needs of their own communities.

As the session ended, Steve was honoured to be asked to lead all the chiefs as they processed out. It also meant Steve got to the buffet lunch first! Nice work.