With over 70,000 Ugandans serving in the King’s African Rifles in World War II, serving in Abyssinian, Madagascar and Burma, Uganda’s contribution to England has been big and significant. This contribution continues with our local Ugandan community now ‘taking over’ Burgess parkrun on the Saturday after Ugandan Independence Day, which was achieved on 09/10/1962. This is one of the best parkuns in London, it's like being at a festival!
We were all introduced to many words in Swahili including ‘Jambo’ (hi), Asante (thank you) and Haraka (fast). We set off on our familiar route with stickers and flags like a procession at a carnival. The good vibes were infectious around the course with many people wearing Ugandan football shirts and others in matching colours, shouting Jambo and Asante to the marshalls, runners and other park users. After we finished and had our barcodes scanned, there was mandazi, (Ugandan donuts) cake and water for all. With music playing, and the sun shining good vibes
were enjoyed by an attendance season record of 718 participants and 56 volunteers.
Asante to our Ugandan community, may your homeland enjoy independence and prosperity and may you continue to celebrate it with us.
Amani na baraka nyingi
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