The visit to the grand Mosque gave us our first perspective on this city and how it fits together. Our tour guide, Mohammed, deliberately explained Amin’s goal of creating a gathering space for Muslims on par with their presence in Ugandan society. The project, initiated by Amin during his eight year rule, sat unfinished for years
when he was driven from power. It came back to life in 2001 with the support of Khaddafi of Libya and other wealthy contributors and became the largest mosque from South Sudan to the tip of Cape Horn. We climbed 300 steps up the tower to look out upon the sites we had visited in the first two days, Makerere University, with storks nested on treetops and buildings, Katanga, squatting in the lowlands, the other religious monuments for Catholics and Anglicans and Greek Orthodox, the palace of the Bugunda kingdom. The staff and guide gave us the warmest welcome, eager to share the history and meaning of this sacred place.
Profe Kee 
We’re enjoying your thoughtful and colorful commentaries, Kee. Your descriptions of the people remind me that all human beings have the basic need for connection to others — even those who are different from them — once the invitation for connection is offered. Thanks to your group for being a warm group of American ambassadors trying to make a difference in the world by making connections with individuals in Uganda.