If you want to meet a Ugandan gentleman who stands out for his dignity, intelligence and calm demeanour, then look for the boys of St Joseph's College Ombaci who studied there in the 1980s. I have met them and I am awed.
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St. Joseph's College Ombaci is a boys' school situated in Northern Uganda, Arua District, just over 450 km Northwest of Kampala. The District borders the Congo border of Vurra. Arua is a polite and cleaner version of Kampala.
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We were married on 07/07/07.
Today, we celebrate 17 years of marriage.
I’m grateful that my husband comes from a respectable and grounded family where boys and girls were raised well, to respect one another. Everyone was taught the value of domestic chores and hard work in the profession of their choosing.
I pray for all those planning on getting married that they find respectful partners whom they will thrive together with.
If you came home and saw my husband peeling potatoes, you may form an opinion of our 17-year marriage, on just one incident, and create a sensation around it.
It is impossible to observe a one minute incident and form a credible opinion of our 17-year life together. However, I understand that some people are drawn towards sensationalism.
Positive masculinity is not eroded from mixing soapy water in the sink to wash dishes. It is much stronger and durable than that. It is built on a foundation of unwavering constructive values.
People often come up to me and make comments like this:-
“Beverley, how have you remained true to yourself in your marriage?”
My response is this:
Marriage was always going to be part of my life’s journey but it was never going to be my entire identity. Before I was married, I had an identity. I had goals and dreams, and marriage happened to be part of that journey. That is why I still write and perform poetry, I train in public speaking, I travel and I read a lot.
My husband too, had his own identity before we got married. Marriage is just part of his journey.
During this journey, we have been blessed with children, navigating careers and growing older together. There is no marriage manual that fits perfectly, except if you are a person of faith and understand that God desires that as individuals, we should worship Him.
Many people, unfortunately, idolise the institution of marriage, over God. They idolise and worship their spouses over God, and their identity is confused.
Before marriage, you were a complete being. Remember that. Please, if you are planning to get married, find a coach who is able to assist you in understanding purpose and identity.
Marriage is a journey that poses interesting challenges, character building opportunities and back breaking moments. Once you have built your credible identity and found your source of faith and knowledge, it is easier to manage any situation, no matter the outcome.
I am creative. I’m a poet and speaker, who values amongst others; structure, time conscientiousness, professional email communication, respecting boundaries and the power of words to transform landscapes.
To more wonderful decades together with my husband and I. I send happiness and blessings to those who are considering marriage, and to those who are already in it.
Bless!
Beverley N N
I walked into the room and felt the light caressing my cheeks, as if it was for the first time.
When I stood besides these women, who have depth of character, who stand for strong values, are associated with social justice and purpose, I felt a mountain moving out of my way. Jackie Asiimwe invited me for the launch of her book, 'Facing Mountains.'
What she actually invited me for was a reminder of my purpose, for a restoration of my core values, limitless possibilities, dutifully and meaningfully. This was an invitation for me to once again, be part of something consequential to my life's journey.
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Jackie Asiimwe, after climbing 6 physical mountains, conquering such physical feats with tenacity, a little bit of humor and grit, when she talks about mountains we all must listen.
I admire people who have such physical capacity, because behind their strength, is a formidable and remarkable character.
Lillian Nabaggala, award-winning dancer and film maker and Hannah Mugenyi, designer
After spending time with chronically unconscionable people, walking into a room livened with pace setters, mentors, educators, advocates for peace, women's rights champions and more, is like breathing after a period of suffocation.
What an evening!
I felt at home, seated besides these magnificent women and men, whose strides continue lighting the path. I felt at home. I felt I was one of those who are driven by purpose, positive change and impactfulness. I felt I was back at home.
My young learners continue to surprise me.
Today, preparing for our regular public speaking class, they show me their Uganda Monopoly game.
It's detailed with Ugandan road names and all.
I am so impressed.
During our 2021 visit to Gulu and Pader in Northern Uganda, for the Rich Diction 'You and Your World' adventure, we visited Baker's Fort.
This Fort in Patiko, was built by Sir Samuel Baker, believed to have led he fight against slave trade in Northern Uganda. Slavery, at any level, is unacceptable.
On touring the fort, the guide educated us on the harshness of slavery, showed us the narrow spaces where slaves went, never to return at all. The places where they walked to their inevitable end.
On the ground, and this was the most harrowing image, were dried red marks of blood, reminders of the brutal murders during that time.
Fort Patiko is a tourist site and there are many educational lessons from the elders as well, whom we were blessed to have a chat with. The scars on the mountains and rocks are places to learn from the past. Rock climbers take joy in the thrill of climbing over the sturdy terrain.
There is a joy in knowing that after every storm, there is hope. That is not just a platitude. It is a fact. According to meteorological data, storms last for barely an hour. It is only that they bring devastation, if we are unprepared for them.
