By THE journey began on Friday, January 16, 2026. It was a determined trip to Uganda, the luscious and resplendent Pearl of Africa. Visa issued, tickets purchased for both departure and return. Some dollars exchanged hands with officials in charge. This reporter was headed to Uganda for the first time. I had always heard of sharp practices among some officials at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
New departure lounge of MMIA, Lagos
I arrived at the new departure lounge at about 11:30 p.m. to prepare for the flight scheduled for 4:50 a.m. on January 17, 2026—barely three days after Uganda’s presidential election, which saw the internet completely shut down. Residents of Uganda were cut off from the global village.
Those people, their government get mind o. Can any government successfully attempt such a thing in Nigeria during an election or for any other reason? I doubt it. Though something similar, or close, once happened during the inglorious and ill-advised reign of late “lifeless” Bubu and his propaganda megaphone, Lai. They nearly muzzled social media, but trust Nigerians—they showed them well.
Arrival lounge of Entebbe airport
Back to my trip to Uganda. Why are some Nigerians now so enmeshed in the pastime of begging? Besides, it is diehard hustling at the airport. From dawn till dusk, na hustle. You pay for a trolley to convey your luggage to the check-in lounge. The begging culture comes in different forms. Some officials ask for data before confirming your visa. Others collect N3,000 to wrap a bag rejected as saggy. They make brisk money from travellers afraid of missing their flights. They fleece their fellow Nigerians…. I could go on and on.
In contrast, these pitiable practices did not play out when we touched down at Entebbe Airport in Uganda. Upon arrival, we had direct access to trolleys at no cost. With these, you push your luggage straight to a waiting taxi that takes you to your destination. The taxi drivers were well behaved—no struggling for passengers’ luggage. You could sense the level of organisation and decorum.
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And the weather? Despite arriving around midday, it was slightly hazy, dust-free and cool—almost like a harmattan chill—yet with fresh air devoid of pollution.
At the time, ballots were still being counted to declare the eventual winner, so the streets of Kampala were less busy. Soldiers were stationed at strategic points—not blocking roads—calm, disciplined, yet alert. It was learnt that no fewer than eight people lost their lives in the election-related violence that accompanied the January 15 presidential election.
Oga Chairman, the eternal caresser and custodian of the Pearl, was declared the winner on Saturday, January 17. Ugandans are peaceful people. Over the years, they have learned to accept their fate and wait to see what God has in store over another five years under the custodian of the Pearl.
Headed to Kampala
Uganda may not be the so-called Giant of Africa, but its pearlish mien is gracious and grand. It is not by size, nor by gra-gra—no wonder it is Africa’s Pearl. The people appear calm and better organised in public conduct and disposition. I see a society that lives by the mantra: “No hurry in life,” marked by a measure of contentment and quiet satisfaction.
To be continued…
EBENEZER ADUROKIYA writes from Kampala, Uganda — the Pearl of Africa.
