“….language barrier, with English being a major mode of communication, (in Uganda) made me feel somewhat inferior. In Tanzania, English proficiency wasn’t widespread, leading to the stereotype that “Tanzanians don’t know English.” I vividly recall moments when my inability to express myself in English hindered simple tasks, compelling me to embark on a journey to master the language…”
My name is Mbalilaki Emelda K, and I hail from Tanzania. Currently enrolled at the University of Dar es Salaam, I’m pursuing a degree in Arts with Education. However, my journey to this point has been shaped by a unique experience as an immigrant in Uganda, where I spent several transformative years as a student.
The genesis of my immigration story lies in my family’s aspirations to broaden my horizons and expose me to diverse cultures. Motivated by the belief that individuals thrive when distanced from their comfort zones, my parents sent me to Uganda after completing my ordinary level education in Tanzania. Hana Mixed School in Uganda became my new academic home, marking my first venture beyond Tanzanian borders.
Initially, adapting to this unfamiliar environment posed numerous challenges. The language barrier, with English being the primary mode of communication, made me feel somewhat inferior. In Tanzania, English proficiency wasn’t widespread, leading to the stereotype that “Tanzanians don’t know English.” I vividly recall moments when my inability to express myself in English hindered simple tasks, compelling me to embark on a journey to master the language.
My resilience paid off, as I engaged extensively with Ugandan peers, discovering the warmth and friendliness that characterized their interactions. Despite struggling with the contrasting weather, I overcame the initial discomfort and forged connections that enriched my understanding of different cultures.
Crossing the Tanzanian-Ugandan border, especially by bus, presented its own set of challenges. Rigorous checks and stringent protocols added complexity to the journey, although the camaraderie among fellow Tanzanian travelers injected a sense of excitement and unity. Enduring a 40-hour bus ride from Dar es Salaam to Kampala, I navigated through immigration hassles, finding solace in the collective experience shared with fellow Tanzanians.
Upon completing high school, I fulfilled another dream by gaining admission to Makerere University. Pursuing a Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, my life at Makerere was marked by a pleasant hostel stay outside the campus. My roommate from Sudan added a delightful dynamic to my experience, fostering an exchange of ideas on survival and adapting to university life as migrant students.
Participating in the Makerere University Tanzanian Students Association (MUTASA) provided a sense of community. Interacting with Tanzanian peers, sharing experiences, and conversing in our native language fostered comforting sense of home away from home. The enriching experiences in Uganda not only contributed to my academic growth but also broadened my worldview.
Life in Uganda took an unexpected turn with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting my return to Tanzania. Navigating the challenges of remote learning, I decided to reestablish my academic journey in Tanzania. The motivation behind choosing Arts with Education stemmed from my desire to teach students with diverse linguistic backgrounds. My proficiency in English, honed during my time in Uganda, became a valuable asset in this pursuit.
Reflecting on my Ugandan experience, I am proud of the strides I made in language skills and cultural understanding. The friendships formed and the exposure to different ways of life have left an indelible mark on my character. As I look ahead, my aspirations include revisiting Uganda and exploring other countries to further enrich my understanding of diverse cultures.
In essence, my journey from Tanzania to Uganda and back has been a tapestry of challenges, triumphs, and personal growth—a narrative that continues to shape my pursuit of education and cultural exploration.
