Celebrate Good Times

Ugandans know how to throw a party.

You're invited!

It doesn’t matter if you are in a rural village in the Southwest where power is nonexistent or the country’s capital where access to supplies are infinite, where there is a will, there is a way.

People will find generators and fuel to power sound systems.

People put their funds together to rent out tents and chairs and hire caterers to prepare the best food.

Yesterday at In Movement we celebrated our alumni and one of our longtime team members, Juliet, who was returning back to the village after many years of being a vital member of our dream team.

Many of our alumni were already at the space as it was our last official day of our Youth Leadership Summit, which meant that the party started off as soon as the debate session led by our own alum Frank had finished.  The sound system was set and our favorite Ugandan tunes encompassed the area, allowing for our neighbors to enjoy their own dance party.

The evening started with Juliet wanting to say some words about her time at In Movement and the group she now considers family.  Before she could begin we had to start in true In Movement fashion… With a song!

Our alumni and staff started singing songs of thanks, which was incredible to see the team come together after the year hiatus of our program.  It was like no time had passed at all…

Juliet then started speaking and to avoid crying, she spoke in Luganda.  Maria, one of In Movement’s dream team facilitators translated and the words were so raw and true. 

She considers everyone at In Movement her family… Her non-biological sons and daughters.  She said she has gained confidence and support from people she would have never crossed paths with otherwise.  She reiterated her thanks for the space and what it is doing to not only empower the youth but also the greater community. 

Juliet was able to hold her tears back but I was definitely on the verge of a waterworks because her feelings hit very close to mine.

After the one speech (which is a record in Uganda!) we ate.  The salad, marinated beef, roasted chicken, and potatoes were some of the best I have had in country and gave us provided the right amount of energy for a 3-hour dance party.  With In Movement’s very own Bagonza and Davis acting as DJs, we could have kept going until dawn.  Juliet even showcased some of her very own moves in her beautiful dress, which she wore as part of her wedding ceremony.

Dessert commenced later in the evening with some of the best tasting cake… A double layer chocolate cake filled with a creamy center and chunks of apples.

Some weeks back Hamuza and I were discussing why I don’t like cake in Uganda, which I responded that the ones I have tasted are bland and usually very hard and stale.  When he tasted this cake he proceeded to say, “See Tara!  This cake is moist and even has flavor.  Now you can stay in Uganda since we found you cake you can enjoy!”

Oh that boy.

As the evening began to come to an end some of the youth surprised Juliet with a performance in the studio, which got us all reenergized and ready for round two.

DJ Davis in the house!

The time spent together reinforced that we are in fact a family, no matter how much time is spent apart from one another. 

As Juliet moves back home, I know she will continue to support the youth in whatever capacity.  During her speech she mentioned that she hopes we never forget about her, which will be impossible.  

Rachelle and I with Juliet

I just hope she remembers all of the lives she has touched throughout the years.