If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.  My life had circulated around probable stories of the rich liquid gem in Uganda located in East Africa and it was not until I visited the picturesque town of Buliisa, nestled amidst the lush green landscapes in the Mid-Western Region that my ignorance was wiped away with a piece of cloth.

Therein in the remote district lies a gem that I have always been curious about and read in magazines. I have always been fascinated by the mysteries hidden beneath the Earth’s surface, and I longed to explore the depths of the oil fields at Tilenga located in Buliisa District and operated by Total Energies, in partnership with CNOOC and UNOC. For your information, the name Tilenga is derived from the local names for Kobs which are predominant animals in Bunyoro and West Nile Regions in Uganda. In the West Nile region of Uganda, the Kob is called Til while in Bunyoro, it is called Engabi. The two names were merged to create the name Tilenga.

Now on the D- Day,armed with my trusty backpack filled with essentials, I embarked on my journey to the oil fields with a group of interested friends, ready to immerse myself in a world I had only read about. As I arrived at Tilenga, I was greeted by towering derricks and the rhythmic hum of machinery, a testament to the bustling activity beneath the ground.

My first stop was at the entrance of Tilenga oil fields where I had to be taken through the safety procedures, then had a tour around the marvelous campsite. From a distance, I noted the mighty oil rigs which I imagined would bring me closer to unlocking the treasure beneath.

My heart ventured into and drew images of the intricate network of pipes and valves that transport the crude oil from the wells to the storage tanks. The facility hummed with activity as workers meticulously ensured the smooth flow of this precious resource. I couldn’t help but be amazed as I dreamt of the operations and the dedication of the workers who made it all possible.

I reflected on the incredible journey I had experienced, the wonderful people and oh my God, the hot weather!!!  I cannot explain how many bottles of mineral water I swallowed thanks to my guide who ensured they were in plenty.

The visit to Tilenga not only provided me with a glimpse into the world of oil production but also reminded me of the importance of responsible and sustainable resource management.

With a newfound appreciation for the complex processes and the people behind them, I bid farewell to the oil fields of Tilenga and as I left, I carried with me the memories of an extraordinary adventure, a story I would share with others, inspire them to explore the wonders that lie beneath the surface and to cherish the Earth’s precious resources.

I imagine my tale of the visit to one of Uganda’s oil fields would capture the imaginations of many, igniting a thirst for knowledge and a passion for discovery.  I am grateful to God for such a wonderful treasure and also to the trip organizers for an unfathomable experience and I will eternally be grateful to them.

Nestled in the district of Kayunga in Central Uganda is Martha’s Farm House located 12 kilometers from Mukono town near places called Mpooma and Kisowera.

I was privileged to visit this place last month and as I set off from Kampala, my mind was uncertain on what I would come across.
As we approached, I started imagining all sorts of farm houses and as
our car went through the tarmac then on the muddy road through a forest, I wondered what was going on until I saw some beautiful buildings swamped within the wilderness. This place can only be explained as follows’ “Beauty and serenity coupled with quietness.” 

What met my eyes was more than I expected.  It is indeed a home away from home with a blend of the traditional and modernity
mixed together. Privacy is of utmost importance in this place which has all amenities a home can have. We were welcomed by the farm staff who carried our belongings inside the home to the sitting room then we decided on the bedrooms we wanted to sleep in and the programme for the day was discussed coupled with fun.

Our meals were prepared by the farm staff and we had a variety of activities which included physical exercises led by one of us, played indoor games which were availed to us and had a talk about personal development. What amused me was finding a record player some call a turntable I had last seen in the 90’s at home; I can’t even remember where it disappeared to.  I was really fascinated.  I also had a
chance to utilize a swing as the pictures will tell you reminding myself of them good olden days.

The farm house is not only a holiday home but also educative in nature.  During the farm tour, we were introduced to the aspect of regenerative agriculture which I request you to read about if you
have never come across it.  The farm has coffee and bananas (Matooke) a local delicacy which are a sight to behold.  I commend the farm management for ensuring that products like farm manure is generated from the farm.  With not more than 6 employees, the work at the farm is commendable. I believe most of the items we fed on were got from the farm.

I left without wanting to but I promise I will be back to my second home, Martha’s farm.

 KUDO’S MARTHA’S FARM

Giving thanks is not a natural phenomenon for many people however it is a very important cycle in anyone’s life. Imagine having a child who you always give everything they ask for and then they ran off and never thank. How many times do we thank God, our leaders, parents, spouses et all.

I have learnt in life due to some difficult circumstances I will not enumerate not to take anything or anyone for granted irrespective of age. In this always goes the thanksgiving bit because I did not cause God or that individual to think about offering me that service.

Most importantly lets learn to thank God for everything whether good or bad and accept things we can not change. I was recently shocked in church when my church leader asked us to write down one hundred (100) things we need to thank God for. At first I thought it was a very difficult task and could not come up with ten (10), however as I prayed today in the morning, I decided to give thanks and lo and behold, I spent an hour which I think may add up to a hundred times; oh how we rate ourselves so low at times!!

Try it and you will be surprised on top of being a blessing to your life.

Passion it is said is the expression or strong desire for something. It could be an individual, career, global travel, food, beliefs or anything that someone feels a strong desire for. I have always yearned for clean organized spaces hence the desire to study a course in interior design. This passion I have had from childhood and hence a desire I have been putting off for a long time.

One of my desires this year is to ensure that I embark on this and also network with like minded people; if you are out there in the same field, know that am your candidate. Au revoir

For anyone of us on earth, we have beliefs and faith in supreme beings above us more especially for a person like me who confesses belief in Jesus Christ. There are circumstances we go through in life which make us pause to reflect on the strength of our faith in God and the power of his grace towards us. Sometimes we succumb to situations that pause a threat to us, but God is always in control for the Holy Bible tells us in Provers 3 and verse 5 to 6 to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding, in all our ways we should acknowledge him and he will direct our paths. Take heart and believe that God is in control but the ultimate answer is having faith and believing in Him

I am always puzzled by the essence of life in that we always desire for something good or for answers that are always in front of us. Take for instance the need for a car mechanic; that neighbor down the road who may not even own a car may know someone who can help fix yours; your house manager may know who plaits hair very well; imagine that office assistant may save you from embarrassment before a board meeting by providing minutes you long kept somewhere you can’t remember. Better still, your child may know what keys to tap into your laptop or phone to get the solutions you are looking for. It is right there in front of you. Lets learn to appreciate people of whatever status in society, you never know who may save your day. The answer lies before you.

The essence of life is living life to fulfilment, is it your career, family, beliefs or contributing to a social cause. Make a difference in your life and that of someone else.

People always remember the bad and good things other people do to them however the good surpass the ugly. 

Soul to soul is here to promote good causes and uplifting messages to make your day bright. To find endurance in life as you thank God for that BREATH OF LIFE.

Enjoy life and it will replicate the same