American accents, a bit of Swahili and a NAKED prime minister...

Life here continues to be interesting and exciting:

On Monday, Joyce and I spent a lovely, relaxing evening with U.S. Ambassador Scott DeLisi and his wife, Leija, at their home, which is just two "doors" down the road from us on Kololo Hill Lane (we walked there).

And, on Friday morning, I had a visit to my office from "a representative" of the IGP (Inspector General Police, Uganda's top police chief, one of those responsible for shutting down the Monitor last spring). I was informed, by that pleasant young man, that the IGP was quite upset with the Monitor's coverage, especially with this week's political shenanigans (which I liken to "Housewives of Beverly Hills" -- fun to watch, but what does it really mean?). It involves some "secret" tape recording of political "doings" that included alleged payoffs to political operatives. The IGP says the tape, made available to us by the Ugandan prime minister's wife, a political rival, was stolen from police. Not sure yet what the fallout, if any, will be. Stay tuned.

Two ends of the spectrum in one week. Well, that's life (and journalism, which is most exciting) in Uganda. (BTW, just like the good ol' days in the U.S. -- we have at least five dailies here in Kampala, including one, the Red Pepper, that runs headlines such as "Prime Minister NAKED!", which referred to a political tug-of-war between the PM and the Ugandan president. Fun! My goal, BTW, is to make our paper, the Daily Monitor, the most-respected of the bunch, and we're on our way to do just that! So, no "NAKED" headlines for us.)

The visit with Scott and Leija was a comfortable couple of hours with two very engaging folks along with two other engaging folks, Bill and Theresa Ristow, both journalists. Bill, formerly of the Seattle Times (where a few KU alums are seated), is consulting with our chief rival, the government-owned daily, the "New Vision," which, for the most part, is a pretty good paper, considering, and a formidable competitor given its resources. However, it covers issues such as "stolen tape recordings" much differently (or at all).

It was a terrific evening on Scott and Leija's patio overlooking the city with Lake Victoria visible in the distance. Great company and great conversation. And a little bit like being back home with just U.S. accents filling the air.

Coincidentally, the U.S. Embassy had a "town hall" meeting for all the U.S. ex-pats in Uganda. That, too, was fun (and informative, including tips on how to be sensitive to the "bad guys" -- terrorists --"who are out there" and who would like to do harm to Uganda, especially to "muzungus" -- Europeans and Americans -- here). We do remain "aware," especially at a snazzy new mall that just opened just down the hill from us, but also we have felt wonderfully comfortable here in Kampala, meaning we don't walk around being "tense." Aware, but relaxed, is our mantra.

A note on Scott: He spoke at the U.S. Embassy's "town hall" meeting this week, both an opening speech, that appeared to be extemporaneous (without notes) and, after which, he answered questions. He's one of the best public speakers (smooth and glib and very relaxed) I've ever listened to. Everyone I've talked to who knows him says he's a top-notch guy. However, I'll bet Leija has a lot to do with that: She just makes everyone feel comfortable whenever she's around, just seeming to bring everything down to ground level and relaxed, even at that "official" gathering on the beautiful grounds (U.S. soil, by the way) of the embassy. She even gives us hugs when we see her, and that has made us feel better than she can possibly know. So, thanks to Scott and Leija for making us feel at home, as well as part of the Ugandan community.

As for the IGP's rep, Ambrose (first name only and "I don't carry a business card"), we actually had a pleasant chat (though I'm not sure I've convinced him of anything; we'll see). But, because he's from Kenya, I did get to practice my Swahili a bit. (I hope it impressed him! My photo with Nelson Mandela did, I think.)

So, here it is Saturday morning, just "another beautiful day in Uganda" -- with a terrific sunrise after a terrific and powerful rainstorm in the middle of the night (that we loved, even though it stirred us awake). Today, it's off to do some routine stuff (with me driving), along with searching for the spot where you can straddle the Equator (is that upper case or lower; I don't have my AP Stylebook available) with one foot in the northern hemisphere, and the other in the southern hemisphere -- winter in one, summer in the other.

And tomorrow, off to another cricket match -- we've become fans! And I now know what "overs" is, but still trying to figure out exactly when they occur and under what circumstances!

Hugs to all.

Oh, there's a photo of the six of us from the visit to the Scott and Leija's place on Monday that was taken with Bill and Theresa's camera. (We forgot ours because we were in a bit of a tizzy because, right before we left to meet them, I had cut myself shaving!). I've asked 'em to send the photo along, and I'll share it here when it arrives.

Kwa heri. ("Good luck," a form of "good-bye" in Swahili).