The value of money

Even in three weeks here it has become all too clear how differently money is valued here. Going from one week working in a London law firm to the next sitting in a school class room where parents can barely scrap together £10 for school fees is probably one of the more extreme changes I will ever witness.

Wages in Uganda are low, even when compared to other Eastern African nations. According to the power of google a primary teacher at a private school might earn,100,000 shillings a month. Additional deductions are sometimes made for food and accommodation often provided by schools. 100,000 shillings is the equivalent of approximately £25. I find it difficult to believe how people survive on such low salaries.

It is almost impossible to leave the house in London without spending £25. In fact I used to think nothing of spending £250 on flights for a long weekend away.

As a result of the low salaries, teachers often have other jobs (it is common for women to sew garments in their spare time). People also take a short term view of money. For example most families will buy rice by the cupful rather than stockpiling it at home. There are shops everywhere where staples such as rice and beans can be purchased in this way. Vegetables and fruit are sold at roadside stalls. Another example is airtime top up. Mobile phones rule supreme here and every adult I have met had one. However rather than topping up, say monthly, people top up 1000 shillings at a time (~25p/50 NZ cents). Yes, top up cards can be purchased for 1000 shillings!

As a westerner, money goes a long way. I have been going to a weekly pork night with other volunteers and Ugandans involved in some of the local NGOs (who as middle class Ugandans are a relatively rare breed). A 500ml beer and pork meal costs less than £2. A coke in a local restaurant is usually less than 50p. Of course Kampala itself is more expensive, but still affordable. Transport is also good value. Definitely don't let the price of things stop you from coming here!