๐จ๐ฆโ๏ธ๐ฎ๐ช๐บ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐งUn esprit ouvert. Open mind. Active heart. Learning as I go. Communications research & strategy pro. Contact: anne
@whiteheadcommunications
.com
@LydiaTarReal
Hmm I have hired many young women, continued working with them for years, and some are even leaders and shareholders in my businesses now.
If I had a bad turnover, I might start looking inward rather than blaming their generation.
Invest in so many meaningful relationships that you can solve problems just by saying "contact this person and tell them I sent you."
That is being rich in social currency.
My friends in Kampala almost all have a "village" - the place they come from, where their identity is rooted. I love that.
Today I visited my own "village" - the birthplace of my father & our ancestors - Oxford!๐๐ฌ๐ง
Nobody knows me here, but nevertheless it's good to be "home."
I can never do enough for UGANDANS. They have always done the most for me.
Who gave me a home and employment these past years in Kampala? Ugandans.
Who's helping me find my footing in England now? Ugandans.
Whom will I always love and support forever? Ugandans!!!
โค๐๐คโค๐๐ค
I've intentionally been staying out of Ugandan politics on this app, cuz I respect the argument that it's not my place as a foreigner.
But I also have so many loved ones in UG, my friends are being targeted & it's not ok!
Is it more ethical for bazungu to
#KeepQuiet
or speak up?
Celebration Announcement:
Today, finally I PAID OFF MY STUDENT LOANS from my Master's degree!!!
๐ ๐ธ๐๐๐
Also, I've enrolled in a data analysis course at the London School of Economics.
๐๐ค๐
My 94 year old grandmother: a short story.
After supporting her brothers, husband & children to earn 23 university degrees, granny went back to school to earn a B.A. in History & Women's Studies.
She fought off uterine cancer during her studies, survived and graduated at age 70.
Let me tell you something: if one place no longer welcomes you, thereโs another place/people that will see your value. Keep it moving. ๐ Youโre needed somewhere. ๐
On this day in 1986, I came out of "the bush." (๐๐ Only I can make that joke fam.)
33 years feels like a long time. I've lived my life on a bridge between peoples: Ireland and the UK, Ontario and Quรฉbec, and then Uganda...
GRATEFUL for another day to love and learn! ๐
Made a pilgrimage
#OwinoSupermarket
in London, England today! ๐
These prices though... Banange, it's not the same, innit?
#Owino
๐ฌ๐ง๐ค๐โค๐บ๐ฌ
A few years ago, I was trying to sleep in the Karamoja heat &
@NubianBukenAli
was in the hotel room next to me. He sang to himself late into the night & that private concert through the wall was a privilege!๐๐
I think of Nubian often. How is his spirit now? Does he still sing?
Does
@Snduhukire
look Ethiopian to you? ๐
Outside the Museum of London ๐ฌ๐งthe young man who took this pic with
@Snduhukire
tried to greet her in Amharic (?) then asked if she is from Ethiopia. ๐ช๐น
For the record, Ms. Nduhukire is Ugandan. ๐บ๐ฌ
When I started working properly in the music industry, managing a studio in Kampala, Gyptian's Hold You was hitting that summer. Radio and Weasel were riding high on Bread and Butter and Swangz Ave was bringing the sweetness with Mr DJ, if you know what I mean. 2010 was sweet! โบ๏ธ
In 35 years, I've learned to walk & read, got 2 degrees, built 3 companies, lived in 5 countries (si Quรฉbec n'est pas le Canada); I've loved, lost & grown so much.
Sometimes I feel old, then I remember there are people who've held the same office longer than I've been alive!๐ ๐
Itโs now been 3 years since I left Kampala, but the business I built there is still running and employing people - credit to my incredibly resilient, clever, hard working, kind and honest Ugandan team. Itโs the integrity for me! ๐ Grateful. ๐
Crazy how your 20s can influence your life.
I just happened to spend much of my 20s in Uganda and now Iโm ๐ฏ committed to that country forever. I ventured into entrepreneurship in my 20s, so now Iโm a hustler for life. Iโm addicted to Afrobeat, sunshine & avocado. What to do?
Have you ever imagined leaving your life behind to start over in another country?
I did that in 2019.
Moved with only enough money for 2 months rent, jumped on the hustle & I've made it work.
New friends, new clients, new home, new everything.
It's not crazy.
It's achievable.
A word for women in their 20s whoโre told that by 35 youโll be sad & desperate for marriage:
Iโm 35 & turning away men as much as ever. Iโm happy, financially self-sufficient & blessed with great relationships. Iโm more selective than ever & donโt regret saying โnoโ in the past!
Got a call from an old friend who's on the run in Uganda. I thought they might have been taken by security already, but no. Ditched the phone. Been moving from place to place. No sleep for days. Grieving & afraid. Now fallen sick. They're one reason why I can't keep quiet. ๐ค๐โค
#UgandaHealthExhibition
Diagnosis by some Ugandan doctors is so careless or even wrong on purpose.
Some just want to sell unneeded treatment.
Once a UG doc faked a +HIV result for my partner & advised I leave him then pursued me romantically.๐คฏ(We got real results elsewhere)๐ฎ
My friends who support Uganda's government are complaining about how their social media platforms have disappeared.
Meanwhile, my friends who support Uganda's opposition - actual human beings in real life - are being disappeared!! ๐
At 35 years old, Iโm now director level in 4 companies (3 of which Iโm also a shareholder) & Iโm finally making enough money to save for grownup assets like a farm & kids.
Yet I still feel far from where I want to be in my career. We humans really just always want more eh?๐
My
#1
goal for 2018 was to create jobs for Ugandan youth, and I did that.
Whitehead Comm created dozens of jobs, plus we trained people, connected them to opportunities.
By mid 2018, jobs were created just to attack us!
Pretty amazing.
Rent paid. Food on the table.
Gratitude. ๐
Now, a new life.
I have settled into South London, England, which is still part of the European Union for now. I've been offered a couple consultancies to start with and I AM LOOKING FOR GREAT MENTORS.
๐ Positive energy. Good people. Great challenges. I am ready.
Trying to move Ugandan shillings in Canada can be a problem.
So far: two forex bureaus and neither took the currency.
Instead I bought my friend's leftover USD on her way back to Kampala.
I can't just mail 1Mshs cash in a package to Uganda Post Office, right?
ICT help us please.
Kampala friends: my Ugandan baby girl is 13 now & she wants a MacBook for her studies. ๐
I told her she needs to work for it. By 13, I was bussing tables & cleaning at a cafรฉ, acting, gardening & babysitting for money.
So, what can a pre-teen do for a first job in Kampala?
I worked hard today and I'm so hungry. The commute was an Odyssey. I miss home in Kampala when at least you can depend on some posho and beans, maybe nakati, matooke and soup with meat if clients have been paying. All made by Teddy. Bambi I miss her... Now I have to cook.
Reading The Greedy Barbarian & itโs exceptional! Not only am I learning English words I didnโt know๐ Iโm so riveted by the bachwezi magic & cultural history woven in.
@KakwenzaRukira
is a great story teller! โFictionโ isnโt easy. If only Uganda๐บ๐ฌembraced & promoted such talent!
Visiting this Ugandan restaurant in London, I was so excited! I ordered nyama choma, naye banange, the waitress came back saying it is finished; I should pick something else. ๐๐ญ This place is the real deal, I tell you.
Iโve been so lucky.
I was born into privileges, then given a series of serious challenges - including many near death experiences - but I was always able to bounce back stronger, wiser & more empathetic.
Very grateful for a wonderful life. ๐๐ฅฐ
Somebody please tell whoever does marketing for Bessa bushera that I want to be a brand ambassador!
The way I had friends smuggle cans from Uganda into Kenya for my blissful consumption, eh! It tastes like a lover Iโve been pining for so long, the flavour is orgasmic! ๐๐คค
Him: How are you?
Me: I've got mad cramps, plus nausea, headache, bloating, fever; it kinda feels like I'm coming down with malaria, plus I'm bleeding heavily from my vagina.
Him: That's too much information.
Me: Na bro, time u face women's reality.
#WorldMenstrualHygieneDay
Hi
@BobRae48
, you came to speak once
@mcgillu
where I was bartending at Gerts after class; I got you water & you tipped me $5. Merci!๐
I see you're Canada's ambassador to the UN now. I have Qs about how we account for the use of our taxes going through
@UN
to Ugandan security??
I want to go back to school.
I'm 33, feeling adulted already, but my grandmother went back for her B.A. when she was 60 & now she's 94 still enjoying all that knowledge.
There's this one course I've got my eye on... So don't ask me for money fam cuz I'm saving for school fees!
Yesterday, my neighbour (in Canada) asked me: "What did they do about that boat that sank and killed people in Uganda? Was anyone charged or convicted? Was there a lawsuit? I haven't read any more news."
I didn't know what to tell her.
Ugandans, bambi, what did you do about it?
On a call with 2 Ugandans: 1 who moved to Europe & the other wishing to do the same.
The 1st warned the 2nd: enjoy your life in Uganda. Here they work you 12 hour days, 7 days a week, looking down on & exhausting you, then all the money you make is spent on bills immediately. ๐คฆ๐ปโโ๏ธ
Please excuse a little weekend banter, but my neighbours have been having sex for 3 hours straight and my flatmate is complaining about the noise, but honestly I am really happy for them. ๐
The avocado on the left was brought by a friend from Uganda. ๐ฅ๐บ๐ฌ
The avocado on the right was bought at Tescoโs (cheaper shop) in London for ยฃ0.80 (or about 4,000 UGX). ๐ฅ๐ฌ๐ง
These are the typical ๐ฅ sizes in ๐บ๐ฌ and ๐ฌ๐ง
How much does the avocado on the left sell for in Uganda?
Searching for an avocado in shops near me in ๐ฌ๐ง for 2 weeks now with no luck! Finally came across one selling for ยฃ1.49 ($2.60 CAD or 7,200 UGX) & I bought it!๐ Missing when I had avocado trees on my compound in Kampala.
Weโre all advantaged & disadvantaged in different ways.
Congrats Nataliey Bitature on being named among
@Forbes
30 Under 30!
๐๐๐
One of the hardest working young women I know, Nataliey is the Founder of Musana, Chief of Staff at Simba Group, a tireless social entrepreneur & a Ugandan businesses mind on the rise.
Well deserved.๐บ๐ฌ
Don't make your GOALS so big that you do nothing then feel worse.
If you're not going to go to the gym, do a lil' exercise routine at home.
So you won't be a vegan; at least eat a vegetable.
Reading 1 instructive article is better than not reading at all.
Small wins add up.๐
Happy birthday to my Mzee!๐
I met his daughter at a concert back in 2009; she ended up becoming my sister when they โadoptedโ me & insisted I stay rent-free in their home in Muyenga for many years.
Without them, I wouldnโt have had the capacity to grow my business.
Bless. ๐
My car has been stolen from outside the Rotaract Club of Kololo (Hesketh Bell Rd.) Between 5:30pm - 9pm this evening. A black Rav4 license UAQ 527N. The case has been reported to
@metpoliceug
. Please let the
@PoliceUg
or me know if you happen to spot this vehicle. Thank you.
It's been a long time since I attended a concert at One Love Beach (mainly because I fear crowds).
I must give thanks to the Firebase security team, especially Eddie Mutwe, who would always make sure I was safe and comfortable.
All the best with
#KyarengaConcert
today. โ๐ป๐
I've officially registered my 2nd company! ๐๐
(Never thought I'd be an international entrepreneur, yet here we are.)
Exciting news coming soon from the Whitehead Communications Kampala Office... Watch this space.
At his show in London๐ฌ๐ง
@Trevornoah
said he was invited to perform in Uganda๐บ๐ฌ but the promotor warned him that he CANNOT:
1. Joke about Pres. Museveni
2. โBe gayโ (even seem,in any wayโฆ)
Either would = jail!
Trevor said this was impossible & so the UG show canโt happen.
๐ ๐คฃ
SOME GOOD NEWS: One of my most vicious trolls of 2018 reached out in the DM, saying that after following me a while, he realized that I am not a nefarious foreign agent but actually 'a sweet soul'. He apologized for his abuse and I forgave him with an open heart.
โ๐ป๐
Iโm SO looking forward to NEVER having a big wedding!๐For real, Iโd LOVE to never organise or spend money on a wedding at all!๐คฉ
Yeah, Iโm happy for other people who enjoy these things, but me, itโd rather spend on a farm house & kids.๐กGod please let my partner understand!๐๐
Dear friends in Kampala, if you or someone you know has been seriously traumatized by recent events, here are some contacts of therapists. Please add more in the replies!
If you need
#mentalhealth
support but are unable to afford it, I may be able to arrange covering the cost.
Eight years ago, I came to
#Uganda
mbu "for 3 months." ๐ Then the Pearl of Africa stole my heart! ๐บ๐ฌ๐
Photo credit
@KreativADIKT
๐ธ
#KoiKoiNW
May this week's hustle bring you a sense of ease and favour, as if a higher power is clearing the path for you to reach whatever you desire.
May you receive even more blessings than you've asked for.
๐
#MondayMotivation
I love how the IT guy at the college Iโm working with in London ๐ฌ๐ง is Ugandan. Mbu weโve been passing secret messages in Luganda, mpola mpola changing the system from within. ๐๐
I keep getting well-paid job offers, but they require full time in office, which I canโt do because Iโm already stretched with, you know, all the hustles. ๐ ๐
I think, in most cases, full time in office is unnecessary. Hire efficient people and give them flexibility. It works!
Sex is great, but have you ever had a man volunteer to step in and cover your workload while youโre on your period? ๐ This is the practical feminism we need, thank you.
5 years ago, I left my Kampala๐บ๐ฌ business ๐ผ in the hands of the most reliable, honest, kind, conscientious, smart, talented, incredible womanโฆ
Sheโs majority shareholder now - from Intern to Officer, Manager to CEO - what an absolute gem! โจ
Happy birthday, Michelle Namata!๐
I don't know who needs to hear this right now, but if you're called to do something exceptional, then it's going take an exceptional struggle to get there!
Whew let me share a ka win.๐ฅฐ
My bestie, Muyenga๐บ๐ฌhousemate & the woman who made me a co-mama has FINALLY made it back to the UK.
3rd visa application was a charm.๐ The amount of paperwork to make this reunion happen, eh!
#Migration
systems need CHANGE!
But weโre here. ๐พ๐ฅณ
TWโ ๏ธ๐ข
Late 2021, a young man in Kampala emailed me asking for help with his trauma & depression following 2 yrs of social isolation, poverty & the mass murder of civilians by Ugandan security forces. I helped get him therapy.
His therapist informed me tomorrow heโll be buried.
It sucks being short on cash when the people who depend on me are also short on cash.
Really, the most joy I get from having money is taking care of my people when they need it for essentials. I donโt desire any luxuries. But I want to make hard times easier for those I love! ๐ซ
The older I get, the less I want to get married.
My home is peaceful, tidy & full of joy.
My bills are paid (by me).
I have no shortage of love & community in my life.
My lifestyle is healthy & perfect for me.
Iโm respected.
I have a full, happy & deeply satisfying life! ๐๐คธ๐ปโโ๏ธ
I had such a terrible 34th year, eish! Struggled with finances, my health, lost someone I loved with all my heart, isolation, friends disappeared, jailed & hurt in so many ways. On macro & micro levels, this year broke me.๐
But grateful for my work, loving friends & survival!
It's been 9 years since I was named Nakayima and taught how to wash my clothing by hand.
"You were so clumsy back then," said Bobi Wine last time we met. Short hair and lacking in female graces, all I had was the curiosity and guts to travel alone to Uganda and make friends.๐บ๐ฌ
Between age 23-28 I moved to Uganda, managed a music studio, then got a tumour & went back to Canada for surgery/chemo, beat that & went to grad school, got my Masterโs, worked in Toronto then went back to Kampala & started my own PR firmโฆ
Yeah hustle can get you places!
๐ ๐๐ค
To my 23-28 year olds, youโve reached the age where people around you are starting to give up on themselves because they think itโs too late. Donโt let that energy rub off on you. This moment is critical. Push through.
Dear tweeps, there is a fake news story going around about myself and a woman named Wolfson, whom I've never met. Please disregard it.
May the week be good to you all. ๐
My dear friend millet flour has just arrived from Uganda ๐บ๐ฌ and I had to bring it out to one of Londonโs ๐ฌ๐ง lovely public parks ๐ณ for a photoshoot on the way home before I eat it. ๐คฃ๐ฅฐ
Thanks
@movewiththeflo
for nourishing my body, heart and soul. ๐ค
๐คค
#Bushera
๐ค๐โค๏ธ
I used to be an IDIOT who rode bodas without a helmet. One day, my boda was hit by a car, I was thrown off & my head hit the pavement. By the grace of God, all I got was a concussion, but I could have died right there. The risk isn't worth it. If a helmet is on offer - USE IT!
You know that feeling when you follow your gut, take a big risk and then everything aligns perfectly as if God is carrying you toward achieving your vision?
That's the path I'm on right now. It's all falling into place and my
#Gratitude
is beyond measure! ๐
I finally got COVID.๐ฅบ Seems I caught it while labouring to survive capitalism.
I do have underlying conditions & am symptomatic, but also 3x vaxxed & hoping for the best. Today was worse than yesterday, but tomorrow could be better.๐๐
Accepting prayers, love & kindness. ๐๐ท
Somebody please show these ones posho & beans. ๐
My first job in Uganda, I volunteered as an English & French teacher at a local school on Mityana Road & the way I ate posho & beans twice a day for 3 months, eh! โTwas a riyo down to earth introduction to UG I canโt forget.๐ฅด
What does your kidโs school-provided lunch look like?
Weโre gathering photos for an upcoming AJ+ video. Send us a photo with a location โ international entries are also encouraged!
Sometimes I randomly remember my uni๐days when I was a bartender & my roommate was a sex worker & weโd come home at 4am, count our ๐ฐ& talk of the men whoโd pay just to talk to us cuz they were so starved for female mental/emotional intimacy after messing up their relationships.
Sunday is a good day to give up the phone for a few hours. Let a couple people know what your plans are, then release yourself from the screen. Go outside. Enjoy a hobby or give somebody all your focus. Live in the present moment. It's good for you. ๐
Made the mistake of letting my father know that I'm going to Kidepo. He Googled it and is now worried that the border of South Sudan is not safe. Bambi, the man has suffered. Let me go defy expectations and show him that Northern Uganda is peaceful. And beautiful! ๐ธ
#KoiKoiNE
That time when my British-Canadian dad (Professor Whitehead) and my adoptive Ugandan dad (Mzee Mayengo) sat at the same table. ๐ Legends!
Happy Fatherโs Day!
When my grandmother was a young Catholic girl, she'd help her Jewish neighbours do things they couldn't on sabbath days.
I hear now Uganda is allowing tourists to move, but not locals.
Suggestion: Everyone on tourist visas should do errands to serve locals for these 42 days.๐
Being famous is stressful. Personally, I can only tolerate it a few minutes at a time.
Iโve worked with many public figures & my advice is: donโt be famous, if you can avoid it.
Work behind the scenes. Savour your privacy. Relish your life being your own. Anonymity is freedom.
Dear
@Canada
,
How dare you take people's money then reject their visa application like: "I am not satisfied that you will leave Canada" ?!
As if you wouldn't be lucky to have this person contribute to your economy? Bienvenue BS.
Is Canada heaven? SMH.
Enjoy winter, b*&ches.
@TimKalyegira
What is a "normal relationship"? I can only speak for myself, but I'm a feminist who has a great relationship with my dad. He's a feminist too.