We hit the road to Nyaka. None of the five-man team had been to the venue itself. Our driver, Ronald Muvinyi, a tour operator with BIC Tours had only traveled to the side of the country through Kanungu to Kihiihi on his way to Queen Elizabeth.
Here we all were on an adventure trip to learn more of a project I personally I had only read of online.
A selfie with Team Lead Kiiza Kimbugwe before hitting the #RoadToNyaka

This was my first time to do a travelogue with a team of other persons. I usually pursue the course on my own. I was so eager.
At 8 am, we were already on the road to Nyaka, we were to stop at the Uganda Equator for breakfast but thanks to our mindful tour guide. To beat the distance, he had stalked a lot to eat in the van that none needed anything breakfast. We only stopped to have a photo shoot and off we went.

A stop over at the Equator
Three hours later at 2pm, we were in Ntungamo to have a sumptuous meal that was so simple a buffet. At Ariho hotel where we stopped over, their food is so fresh that it makes eating an enjoyable process that needs no rushing.
By 5pm, we had torn through the rugged terrain of the rounding hills of Kisiizi but not before we could get  a flat tyre. Thanks to the supportive people of that place.
The moment you reach Kisiizi, then you are safe. People there know about Nyaka. You only need to be mindful. When one says, “It’s just behind the hill.” That  may also mean 20 KM away.
What strikes you though at Kisiizi are the many teenage boys running around in the trading centre doing business. Unfortunately, we had a flat tyre at the trading centre and the garage we were directed to only had boys, school going age, repairing cars.

Walking through Nyaka community, sitting in conversation with the people there, seeing the children play without worry or concern and seeing teenage girls sitting in class is a story of hope, a renewed life and a dare to look beyond the hills.

The head teacher at Kutamba, another school by Nyaka Foundation started in 2007, told me that one of the challenges they have is the competition with children’s time. There seem to be more priorities for boys to be in trade like tree harvesting than staying in school.
For girls, their parents easily give them away into marriage should a willing husband show face.
These are not challenges of Nyaka schools alone but the entire Kanungu.

The Joyous smiles of the children at Nyaka School
Nyaka Foundation establishing a public library and vocational institute is an answer to this ailment. It may take time, but at least there is an alternative. With a health centre in place, there is hope of improved health care. As of now, it is a health care facility (level 2) but with time it may be the answer to reduce on the distance patients especially young mothers and the elderly that they have to cover to Kambuga Hospital.
The Health Centre that serves the people of Nyaka Community
Walking through Nyaka community, sitting in conversation with the people there, seeing the children play without worry or concern and seeing teenage girls sitting in class is a story of hope, a renewed life and a dare to look beyond the hills.
Nyaka is alive today. This has been made possible by the generosity of people who offer their time to serve or resources to help in the service. Helping people who at a point did not know they needed it, raising them to where they can stop and appreciate is a tale that will stand the taste of time. This story has been told through a movie by Debi Lang, it is called Cornerstone.
#Cornerstonethemovie will be premiered in Kampala on the 1st December at Cinemax Cinema, Acacia Mall, Kampala.

Be part of the cause, tickets are on sale at UGX 100,000. See you there.