This morning, the whole group visited the Salem orphanage just outside of Mbale. The children were so excited to have visitors and loved the balloons, bubbles and clothes that some of the group brought for them. Their living conditions were poor by our standards but fair for Uganda and they were obviously very well cared for by the staff they called ‘Aunties’.
There were many sad back stories including children who had lost their parents through disease and others who had been left on the side of the road by parents too poor to raise them. However, there was an overwhelming feeling of happiness and fun throughout the orphanage that lifted everyone’s spirits.
During the afternoon, we ventured into the centre of Mbale for the first time. It was an extremely busy, hot and noisy town and the market was so crowded we were grateful for a sudden heavy downpour. Everything was an absolute assault on the senses - there was so much to see, smell and taste but you really had to keep your wits about you! We managed to avoid countless bicycles, taxis and Boda-Bodas on the way back to the hotel before having a farewell meal with one of the groups leaving that day.
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