OBONGI BY FERRY

The silver sedan pulls up at the river side, as I disembark it, I stroll close to the river edge, I can feel the cool breeze blowing against my face. The air is fresh and crisp, with a hint of moisture in it, and I can hear the gentle sound of the water flowing by. In March the weather was typically warm and sunny, with occasional scattered clouds providing some relief from the heat. The sun's rays reflected off the water, creating a dazzling display of light and color. Like many places on the peripherals of river basins, the weather at a river side is always unpredictable. The clouds can roll in suddenly, casting shadows over the water and creating a foreboding atmosphere. Thunderstorms can also appear out of nowhere, bringing with them flashes of lightning and claps of thunder that echo down the river valley. However, despite the unpredictability of the weather, there is a certain tranquility and peace that can be found at the river side. Whether it's the sound of the water gently lapping against the shore, the rustling of leaves in the wind, or the chirping of birds in the trees, there is always something soothing about being near a flowing river, and this was the experience I found myself in on 24th March 2023.

I had emphatically jumped on an opportunity to travel to Kampala from Yumbe, via Obongi Ferry, then Adjumani, Gulu, and straight to Kampala, crossing the river Nile proper, two times, one here and the other at Karuma.

Obongi is a town located in the northern region of Uganda, specifically in the district of Obongi. It is a small town that was carved out of Moyo District, the population is largely floating and it is divided over five sub-counties of Palorinya, Gimara, Itula, Aliba, Ewafa and one town council. The town of Obongi is known for its natural beauty, with lush green landscapes and rolling hills surrounding the town. The nearby Obongi Hills is a popular destination for hiking and sightseeing, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.it is a charming and peaceful town that offers visitors a glimpse into the natural beauty and rich culture of northern Uganda. With its friendly people, stunning landscapes, and unique attractions, Obongi is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to this part of the world.

When the ferry turned up at the docking station, some 20 minutes after we arrived, I hurriedly took a seat next to the queue of vehicles lined in the middle of the vessel. The landing site in Obongi is Laropi, named after the landing sites of Laropi, the ferry connects Adjumani District to Moyo District and according to information obtained from the UNRA website, it carries an average of 1,500 to 1,800 people per day at the crossing with a minimum of 12 trips and a maximum of 22 trips. It takes 30 minutes for loading and offloading while the time to cross is between 10 to 15 minutes.

Using a ferry can be an exciting and unique way to travel. The experience of riding on a ferry is quite different from driving or flying. As the ferry glides across the water, passengers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the tranquil waters beneath them. The sound of the engine revving up was loud.  

As the ferry continued on its journey, the scenery changed, and we could see a variety of sights, including isolated fishing boats, floating hyacinths, and distant fishing villages.

The journey on a ferry was a peaceful and relaxing experience, giving me a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. If it were not for the many travelers, it was easy for me to sit back and enjoy the ride, letting the sound of the waves and the breeze on their face soothe their senses.

As we disembarked from the docking station, the side of Adjumani district, I couldn’t help but add this to one of my favorite and unforgettable traveling experiences. a perfect way to travel and explore new places while enjoying the beauty of nature.

 

THE DAY I SAW THE LIGHT I

For you have been born again [that is, reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose] not of seed which is perishable but [from that which is] imperishable and immortal, that is, through the living and everlasting word of God. 1 Peter 1:23 AMP

Doreen is arguably the most important ex-girlfriend I have ever had and one of the greatest friends in my life. One hot afternoon, sometime in March 2012, a tall straight out of campus church girl, with a proverbial diastema hurriedly slipped an invitation letter into my hands.

Dorine and I were dating, she was nice, crispy and had good vibes. We meet on Facebook at the time when surfing the Internet cost an arm and a leg!

She had arranged with her cell to get me an invite for the amazingly famous Heavens Gate & Hells Flame show at Watoto Church Down Town.

She was an usher, so she sent me to the balcony and told me she would be right back, "she's very inconsiderate" I thought to myself, "Why would she abandon her boyfriend like that" but I patiently sat through the drama. Boy! was it powerful.

"Heaven's Gate and Hell's Flame" is a metaphorical reference to the concept of heaven and hell in Christian theology, heaven is often described as a place of eternal peace and joy, where believers go after they die to be with God and enjoy the rewards of a life lived in faith. On the other hand, hell is often described as a place of eternal punishment and suffering, reserved for those who have rejected God and lived a life of sin.

The metaphor of "Heaven's Gate" refers to the idea that entrance to heaven is through a narrow gate or door, and only those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their savior and lived a life of faith will be granted entry. The metaphor of "Hell's Flame" refers to the idea that hell is a place of torment and suffering, often depicted as a fiery inferno, where those who have rejected God will spend eternity.

As the actors and actresses which included the celebrated comedian Kenneth Kimuli a.k.a Pablo transformed themselves into completely different personalities, some like the devil incarnate while others like angels, they shed their own personalities and took on the characteristics of others.

As the clock ticked, Pastor Gary Skinner, did the altar call, and as fear gripped me on the heaven and hell escapades, I gave my life to Christ, Hallelujah. Dorine caught up with me, on my way out, she had kept an eye on me, the way village aunts eavesdrop their teenage nieces boyfriend tales.

She saw me off as I sauntered to Kikoni. I was now a new creature.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV.

Years later, when I realised what she did for me, I have never stopped thanking her for bringing me to light, She led me to Christ.