After a long day of discussing crafts, tourism, and community development in the Sebei sub-region, our conversation with Mr. Mungech naturally shifted into storytelling.
He recounted memories from his grandfather, the late Makenjo, who lived through the colonial era. One story in particular stood out: during colonial times, the Sebei sub-region suffered a severe plague. The colonial administrators discovered that rats were spreading the disease. In a rather unusual attempt to control the outbreak, they introduced a unique tax system. Instead of paying with money or livestock, men could pay their tax by presenting a rat’s tail at the administration office.
As unbelievable as it may sound today, this story reflects the resilience and resourcefulness of communities during difficult times. Listening to Mungech share this story after our discussion about crafts and tourism added a deeper layer of meaning to our work. It reminded us that the people, their history, and their stories are just as important as the places we map or the services we onboard onto Frenzo Africa.
Every encounter on this journey reinforces why our mission matters: promoting tourism, supporting local communities, and preserving the rich stories that make Uganda truly unique.