CHOGM redux

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will take place in Uganda on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend.  In these weeks immediately prior to CHOGM, preparations have taken on a frenzied pace.  Construction around the clock.  Digging crews lining every main road, patching potholes, creating sidewalks and busting pipes.  Road closures for "convoy rehearsals."  (Heaven forbid the visitors should wait in traffic!)  "Are you ready for CHOGM?" has become an acceptable greeting. 

 

Just when I had abandoned all hope that CHOGM would bring any benefit to Kampala residents, Parliament declares two CHOGM public holidays - on Thanksgiving day and Friday!  I will join some other Americans in town for a Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, then a Thanksgiving potluck on Saturday.  Thanksgiving is not an official holiday in Uganda, but a long weekend of no work and overeating?  That's the true spirit of Thanksgiving!

 

So thanks, CHOGM and Parliament, for these extra holidays.  More sincerely, thank you, friends and family, for your care and support, for emails and packages. 

 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.