Caked in Red Mud

Some of Kampala’s city streets are paved, many have had some gravel put down, but more still are dirt/sand. Even the ones that are paved are covered in a layer of the red, gritty dirt.

And when it rains, that dry dust turns into the stickiest red goop imaginable. It is at its worst in the New Taxi Park, which sits at the bottom of Namirembe Hill. It rains, the mud can be ankle deep, but worse still when it rains it seems to put to much pressure on the drainage so systems back up and add to the water. The best practice is to not think about what you are walking through.

Every time I go though with flip-flops and finding mud, not only all over my feet, but up the back of my pants also. And this mud only streaks when you try to rub it away.

A trip to town just after (or if you are unfortunate during) a rainstorm guarantees at least one load of laundry.

If you decide taxi parks after the rain are not for you, and a boda-boda is a better option be prepared for equally dirty clothes. Not all bodas have fenders, so the back wheels kick up dirt. If your bike doesn’t make you dirty, one of the many passing you will.

Maybe walking on the sidewalk is a better option. Many of the sidewalks especially around Kampala road are pavement, with a few pieces missing. If you can avoid the places were overflowing storm drains are causing small waterfalls, and rapids, it is not a bad plan. However, trucks and taxis don’t slow down before hitting the rain-filled potholes, sending a cascade of muddy water over the unsuspecting pedestrian.

The dust is preferable to being caked in red mud.