Africa Up Close: Study Tour to Uganda

Johanna reports on inspiring encounters and impressive moments

At the beginning of February, the 2023 cohort of the master’s program in Industrial Engineering & Management had the unique opportunity to travel to Uganda as part of a short-term study trip. The varied program offered a mix of cultural insights, professional exchange and unforgettable nature experiences. From getting to know the country and its people for the first time – through sightseeing, visiting a church and talking to locals – to company visits and an intercultural think tank with students from Makerere University, to boat trips on the Nile and a final safari – it was a trip full of impressions, experiences and a change of perspective.

First our journey took us to the vibrant capital, Kampala, where we spent the first five days. Right at the beginning, we explored the chaotic and lively city on a sightseeing bus tour. A unique experience was the visit to Watoto Church, where we were able to experience the energy and spirituality of the community at first hand. Afterwards, we visited a large mosque and enjoyed the impressive view of Kampala from the minaret – a moment of peace above the hustle and bustle of the city.

The next day we continued with a full program. We visited the Watoto Suubi Children's Village, where orphaned or neglected children are allowed to grow up in small residential groups, each with a mother – with access to schooling and a family environment. For lunch, we were hosted in small groups by these families, where we were warmly welcomed and treated to delicious, home-cooked, typical Ugandan dishes. The day ended with an exciting guided tour of the innovative agribusiness “Urban Greens”.

The following three days at the intercultural think tank “Building Bridges” at Makerere University's Innovation & Incubation Centre were particularly formative. In mixed teams with Ugandan students, we developed business ideas on current challenges, which we presented on the last day as part of a business pitch. In addition to the intensive group work, we enjoyed a campus tour, inspiring presentations – among the German ambassador and representatives of the Ugandan Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation – as well as exciting insights into local entrepreneurial thinking.

The exchange during the Think Tank was not only professionally enriching but also personally very moving. The different perspectives in our teams led to in-depth discussions – we had to realize how strongly our view of problems is shaped by our Western lifestyle. At the same time, the approaches of our Ugandan colleagues opened up new ways of thinking, which inspired us to reflect. The crowning finale was a gala dinner at our hotel with all the participants and coaches of the think tank – an exuberant evening with karaoke, a chess tournament and a great atmosphere.

We then continued on to Jinja, a relaxed small town on the shores of Lake Victoria. Our idyllic accommodation right on the Nile – with the sound of monkeys in the morning included – provided the perfect backdrop to slow down and let the intense days in Kampala sink in. In Jinja, we visited Kiira Motors, the state-owned manufacturer of electric vehicles, met local entrepreneurs and acted as external consultants at a round table to jointly analyze challenges and develop solutions. A special experience was the sunset boat trip on Victoria Lake, where we were able to marvel at the source of the White Nile with a Nile Beer in our hands.

Following the study tour, a three-day safari in Murchison Falls National Park was the crowning glory of our trip – a nature experience that left a deep impression on us. Whether in a jeep through the vast savannah or on a boat along the Nile, we were able to observe elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, monkeys and even lions in the wild. These direct encounters with wildlife and the African landscape will definitely remain in our memories for a long time to come.

The study trip was an experience that moved us on many levels – but above all, it was eye-opening. We met people who get by with so many fewer material things than we do and yet radiate joie de vivre and gratitude that is often lacking in our Western meritocracy. While we constantly long for more, higher and bigger, they live in the here and now, appreciate what they have and radiate an inner contentment that makes us think. How often do we think: “If I achieve this goal, then I will finally be happy” - only to realize that we hardly feel any better and are already striving for the next level? Instead of enjoying what we have achieved, we compare ourselves with those who have more and let this influence our well-being.

Uganda has shown us that true happiness does not lie in striving for more and more but in the ability to appreciate what we have. A lesson that we should take with us into our everyday lives.

We are very grateful for these great experiences and would like to take this opportunity to mention our organizers and coaches who made this trip possible and so unique: Calvin, Matthijs, Gerhard, Tobi, Lester, Allan and Sunet - thank you so much!