Laura in Kampala....

So it is obvious this is my  first time posting. I tried to copy and paste into the box and it didn't work! Here is the second version of my original post!

I arrived in Kampala on Aug6th and have been thurst into the chaotic energy that this city has! Although I arrived in the evening I was in the office first thing the next morning!

I am here with the Canada Africa Partnership on AIDS Uganda (CAP AIDS Uganda). Although my official ICAD/CIDA job description is Program Development Coordinator, it looks like I will be filling the roll as Program Coordinator for a project being implemented as part of the EU's Northern Uganda Rehabilitation Programme. The project is called 'Promoting COnflict Resolution, Peace Building and Human Rights in Northern Ugandan and Karamoja Regions. The project targets youth heading HIV/AIDS or war orphaned families, local authorities, war returnees, widows & Agwata community dwellers. The main project activities will be vocational skills training, capacity building of our local implementing partner, training of local authorities on aspects of human rights and HIV/AIDS awareness within the Agwata community. As the Programme Coordinator I will coordinate the field office in Agwata and Kampala, providing lots of field travel. I will keep you updated as more details unfold. I am off to Agwata in the newly formed Dokolo district in the north next tuesday for the project launch, baseline survey and work planning!

I am staying with another CIDA Mines Action intern named Matt while I figured out my housing situation. I am happy to report I officially signed for a 2bedroom unit in the same compound! It is a 15 min walk from work. Kevin will move in when he gets here (he owes me SO many beers!). It is unfurnished at the moment, except for my bed ($123 for bed, mattress, pillow and delivery). NO hot water either. But hey....it's home!

I love hearing about what everyone is doing. It has been a tough adjustment here, and hearing from friends helps. I have only seen Tyler once as I don't want to catch his "Kampala flu". Although I am not convinced it isn't the "Canadian flu"!!!! Sorry Ty...just joking.

Post again soon. I might even see about making my own blog. E-mailing friends and family the same thing over and over is becoming tedious...and the internet is not guaranteed here!

Cheers everyone. All my best to those of you at home, and those of you whom are someone else, building new homes.

Laura