Ugandan Hope and Help: Trip #9

Friday, May 20th

Meet Jonathan (see the picture). Mike and I met Jonathan at the lodge we stayed at between finishing our teaching and heading back for graduation. Born to American parents in Brazil, they currently reside in Lakeland (not THE Lakeland, the one in FL). He has seen a lot in his life. He works in the oil and gas industry and mentioned that huge reserves had been found very close by. We have become very aware in our relationship with this country that a significant part of infrastructure improvements come through the nation of China-with strings attached (not that they are the only country that does so). There is a huge hydroelectric plant on the Nile that we pass on our every trip here that were the result of Chinese leadership and money. My concern is that a dependence is being created that will result in anti-freedom challenges in this country I have come to love. 

I assumed somehow this move was somehow another example of Chinese influence. When I asked Jonathan, he answered “No” quickly and loudly. His role in the company is to train Ugandans to do the work related to the gas and oil discovery. His goal is 80% of the workers to be Ugandans in three years, including his job. To be sure, his company is going to make some money. Their hope is that in the long run the Ugandan economy and this region will flourish as they secure and deliver needed resources for their people and nearby nations. This common grace of businesses moving in to help local economies in the long run is a gift. 

Jonathan spoke of their commitment to sustainability, both for the environment and the people of Uganda. I simply wanted to pass along this hopeful story to you. Every trip we meet some interesting folk-there is more to come!

Larry Szyman

Pastor for Missional Life