The fall of Kampala on April 11, 1979, led to the ouster of dictator Idi Amin and his seeking refuge in Libya with his fanatic companion, Col. Gaddafi. Restoration of peaceful conditions in Uganda, made displaced people, like us, think of returning to Uganda.
In the mid May, we started our journey for Kampala, along with two other vehicles - those of the Sehgal and Uppal families. Mrs. Murad, a Lecturer in the Zoology Department of Makerere University, along with her daughter and son accompanied us in our car.
We thought of having a halt at Webuye with the Sachdev family, as it may be too tiring for the tiny baby - the two-week old Neelima. The Sehgal and Uppal families proceeded straight to Kampala. On our arrival at night in Webuye, we heard the sad news of Mr. Sachdev having lost his father in India. The family was in mourning. We were so sorry to learn that and offered condolences. However we continued our journey next morning and reached the Uganda border. The stern soldiers guarding the border were greeted by Rajeev with jambo, habari , majuri and asanti sana. They were so amused having been greeted by a three year old child in Swahili, and waved us to proceed on without any check. That was the first welcome change for us.
We were still very cautious and careful , but the rest of the journey from Tororo to Kampala was uneventful and smooth. Travelling in your own car with the constant fear of your vehicle being snatched away at gun point had gone. Indeed a beautiful and pleasant experience in those dreadful days soon after the dethroning of murderous regime of Amin.
We entered Makerere University campus in the afternoon and soon met our neighbor Mr. Mugambe, a Lecture in Physics whom we had handed over the keys to our flat before we left for Kenya.. He assured us that our flat was safe and most of the household effects had been shifted to his house for safe keeping to avoid looting by the unruly goons during the last days of Amin. It was a sheer delight to be back in our apartment with the goods intact courtesy Mr. Mugambe, and had a refreshing cup of tea from them. We were very pleased with the noble gesture on the part of the Mugambe family having looked after the safety of our apartment in Quarry House.
A few days later we presented him with a wristwatch (procured from a duty free shop in Kampala), as a token of love for his kindness. He refused to accept it as he didn’t want the price for whatever he did for us. He relented on our explaining that we can not pay back for his generosity. It was just a small token of love on our part. He informed us that his wrist watch was taken away by soldiers sometime back. One can imagine our relief of finding our household intact as we had reposed faith in our Ugandan neighbours. On the contrary those of us who locked their houses and left, returned to find their houses ransacked and devastated. Such was the kindness of our Ugandan friends, like Mr. Mugambe, who would live forever in our hearts!
Years later in 2010, Neelima visited Kampala and happened to meet Mr. Mugambe - he was just same, he had hardly changed. We too look forward to meeting him and other friends, when we visit Kampala. God willing, that day should come soon!
After returning to Kampala, it was time for us to start our work in our respective places. It was again a period of shortages in Uganda. We somehow managed to procure milk and foodstuff for kids and ourselves. During that trying period we did our best to run the household and help our Ugandan friends as well wherever we could do.
Neelima and Rajeev were very beautiful and sober kids and were growing up and learning things at a quick pace. As parents we did not face much difficulties in rearing them up. It was a beautiful and rewarding experience to cherish. In fact they were a great source of joy to us.
We thank God Almighty for those little and unexpected joys!
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