The endless stream of night visitors

I'm not sure what someone would do if they got an endless stream of night visitors. It seems like someone comes every night or several people come some nights. Last night I laid down and tried to sleep, we had one window glass open so the cool breeze could come through but I bolted upright when I heard a metal object hit the pavement. I went to the open window to investigate and heard footsteps hurry away. So, we slept in a hot stuffy room last night.

So, we don't sleep with the windows open much. Even though it has bars, it is too easy for someone to cut through the screens and work a desired object towards the window and then out.

When I say theft is bad here, it is pretty bad. The car doors have been hanging open in the morning at least 5 times in the last month. Our house was broken into and electronics stolen. We have since bought one padlock and have been using kitchen utensils to secure the other 2-3 spaces on the metal doors which one would also place a padlock. Three spots on a door to place 3 padlocks. Seems excessive but usually there is a provision for the thing that is necessary. Most people have curtains. Our curtains are at least 20 years old and they aren't the right size to cover the windows.

This morning I got up and saw someone had opened the back door key hole door in order to reach inside and test the locks.

A number of people I've met who have had some small encounters with Ugandans have at times talked about the theft problem. They sort of excuse these people, wave their hands and say, "Oh but they are so poor, that is why they steal."

I watched that theory out for a while. Certainly, there are many poor peasants who don't own their own land and they steal their neighbors fruit or matoke. However, the most serious robberies are performed by those who have purchased weapons. This is not a poor suffering individual. Additionally, the neighbor who likely stole our electronics has a very nice car, beautiful curtains which cover every corner of every window in his and his mother's home. Light bulbs in every outdoor socket which burn all night. (Most people with limited funds do not do this because of the energy costs.) They cook indoors which means they likely have a gas stove, while everyone else cooks outside on the charcoal bucket.

This is one among many instances. And I have come to dis-believe the theory that it is the poor who steal. It is actually the educated and the well off who make theft into a career. What would a poor illiterate person do with a laptop? If a poor person actually stole a laptop, it would only be through a knowledgeable handler. In that case, who is the one who is really stealing?

Every day multiple times a day, someone tries to steal something from me. I look at tracking devices int he states which help you "find your misplaced items" and I laugh. Here these would sell like hotcakes.

Accompanied Home

In light of recent events, I am sorry to assume the 30 something man with hippish looking attire was anything but well intentioned when he walked me home from the market today.

I went to the market to get charcoal to cook breakfast this morning. It's a short walk and the girls always love to accompany me. But walking single file with two toddlers is a learned process. Of course I get the usual fan-fare. People wanting to say hi to the twins etc. Up till recently, they have screamed at people and wanted to hide or run away. Because recently I have been bribing them, telling them that I would give them a treat if they shake people's hands. This morning however, I really didn't want them to shake this guy's hand. I guess he was working close by and came to try to get the girls' attention. Gracie gave it to him but Glory refused. Before I knew it he was holding Gracie on his shoulder--Gracie's favorite spot. I scratched my brain on how to get rid of this guy and couldn't think of much as I don't expect any young men to offer to carry my child home for me.

On the walk home I chatted with him a bit and looked him over as he did me I am sure.

He had sort of hip long shorts and a scarf like item around his neck to use as a sweat towel. It had a gaudy gold medallion on it the size of my fist. He had shades and hip shoes. A smallish beard that came down in a point. Smartly dressed for this culture and taste. He asked me if the girls had breakfast. I answered truthfully of course, saying, "No... I am getting charcoal so I can cook breakfast."

"You cook with charcoal? You don't use gas?!" he queried. "You don't have a maid to help with the kids?"

"Yes, I cook with charcoal and I take care of the kids myself."

"I don't believe you. This girl is telling me you are lying," he counters.

Here we go again, I thought. And I was even carrying the 3 handfuls of charcoal in a sack for all to see.

I began trying to figure out where I should lead him to pretend I live there. I can't walk past my house, as the girls will protest and give me away. I could cross the street and go past the store they like going to because they will willingly do that. So, that is what I did. Meanwhile, those who actually lived in the area peered at me oddly. But I shook him and he went back to where he came from.

My mind is spinning wondering what this is all about. Obviously, he is finding out where I live for a potential unannounced visit. He seems to be a vain guy, so I am sure he has to support that lifestyle somehow. He believes he has encountered someone with enough money for a hired maid and gas cooking. This doesn't look good. I am glad I am going to be moving out of this hotbed of thieves in a short week or two. I wonder if he is after my stuff or after the kids, since he tried and succeeded in establishing a connection with them?

Of note here: Preconceived conceptions are so strong that even if presented with evidence to the contrary, no one is convinced. This is how iron tight social status constructs are. You will fulfill your duties no matter what.