My best and worst memories of the season

Dec 18, 2009

Christmas is a day of expressing love to family and friends. We all pray for a merry time but wishes are not always horses.

Christmas is a day of expressing love to family and friends. We all pray for a merry time but wishes are not always horses.

REHEMA AANYU asked readers their best and worst memories of the Christian festival

Moses Mungono, civil servant

My best Christmas was in 1984, when I moved into my own house. I also bought my first car on Christmas day.
The worst was in 2007 when I lost my sister and best friend. There was no Christmas because we were arranging their burial.

Bonny Katatumba, the Pakistani Honorary Counsel to Uganda

Christmas is a time of festivity at home. Fifty years ago, my father would slaughter a cow and invite the neighbours for a feast. I would help my mother prepare tonto, a local brew made from matooke and sorghum. Up to now, when my family gathers for Christmas, I cook although my wife is not comfortable with that. Back then, sodas were scarce and we drank bushera.

The worst bit is the accidents! Because a number of people travel during Christmas, it saddens me to hear a number of people involved in accidents. Fortunately, I have not lost anyone close on Christmas day.

Grace Namara, Woman MP Lyantonde

My best Christmas was last year when my family and I went to Zanzibar. We had fun at the beach. We were entertained at the hotel and their food was delicious. It was a lovely treat away from home.

My worst Christmas was in 1990 when I lost my dad. He died on December 16. Apart from eating and going for prayers, it was very sorrowful and hopeless at home. We did not even decorate for Christmas.

Bobi Wine, musician

As a child, Christmas was the best time of the year. As a family we always had fun. On this day too, those who were promoted to the next class took pictures with our parents near the Christmas tree, which we decorated with toilet paper. Taking pictures was magical because it was a once in a year opportunity. Looking at them brings fond memories.

The Christmas of 1997 was my worst. My mother had just died. That year, we did not get a Christmas tree nor come together as a family.

Abedi Bwanika, former presidential candidate

I don’t have worst Christmas memories, because, right from childhood, Christmas has been a time of celebration. My family and I go to church and then make merry. I also use the time to reflect on the fact that Jesus Christ paid a price for my salvation.

Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire, minister of education

Since childhood, Christmas was a time when our family would do things together like eating and going to church. It is also a tradition to sing carols. My mommy was a good person. After eating the food she prepared, I would listen to her and dad tell stories.

Today, I take pride in preparing special food for my family on Christmas because this is the legacy I want to leave for them. We do not hang out on Christmas day. This is a culture I have instilled in my children.

Matthew Bukenya, secretary Uganda National Examinations Board

I always spend Christmas in Masaka with my parents. I also visit other relatives and chat with them because they have always been there for me. After mass, I usually help in the preparation of matooke and luwombo. Talking to my parents also reminds me of my childhood days and how it felt like being a young boy.

Pastor Wilson Bugembe, Gospel artiste of the Kani fame

My best Christmas was the one before my parents died. I always ate up to the point of crying because I would be too satisfied.

My worst Christmas was in 2002. I had only sh200. I bought a sugarcane and ate that for lunch and supper. I feared to go to the village because I had nothing to take to my folks.

Raymond Okoth, civil servant

My worst Christmas was in 1995, the year I got married. I bought rice, meat, and slaughtered chicken, but my wife did not cook. When I confronted her about it, she responded irresponsibly and we fought. I then took the stuff I had bought to my mother to cook. So rather than spending Christmas at my own home, I spent it at my parents’ home.

My best Christmases were those before I got married and when my dad was alive. It was special because I had fun with my dad.

Salaamu Musumba, Deputy President Forum for Democratic Change

My best Christmas was 40 years ago. There was jubilation in the whole village. Families came together and we used to move from house to house singing carols. I drank Pepsi Cola and it came out through my nose. Soda and pilao were not an everyday experience.

Everything was scarce and the thrill of indulging in food was unforgettable.
My worst Christmas was last year when I travelled to Bushenyi to bury a friend, Jack Bigirwa, who was the husband to my late friend. The road was bad and I feared to travel but I had to.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});