By Solomon W. Jagwe | www.unaatimes.com | Journeys and Reflection Series | Every now and then I encounter something unexpected that leaves me smiling with a desire to share. During a recent trip to Uganda, I was tasked to do a photoshoot for one of my clients. Enroute to the location, I passed a string of shops that sold all kinds of implements from garden hoes to radios. Amongst the various shops, One store front sign stood out from all the others. It was painted a familiar blue and upon closer inspection, I realised that the name was familiar too. The sign read “Wal-mart” the clever twist being an inconspicuous little dash between the Wal and Mart to read Wal-Mart.

I was beside myself with laughter. I wondered if Walmart, the retail super giant, even knew they had a branch in Uganda. Could this have been a strategic marketing ploy on their part? My gut instint echoes a resounding yes. The better question is, is it working? Well let’s just say it certainly got my attention. And based on the customers streaming in and out of their doors, I’d say they are finding some degree of success.

Today I received a phone call from my mother-in-law, and the subject was none other than Walmart. For those who know me well, I am not fond of speaking too long on the phone, but her excited voice on the other end of the line drew me in. “Son, you have to go to Walmart,” she said. “They have an amazing product from Uganda. This Chocolate is the best I have ever tasted,” she went on to explain. I was really curious now and found myself drawn into the conversation.

Before I knew it, we are were both exchanging wows over the phone. I could tell she was giggling with delight. She loves me, and always takes pleasure in chatting with me whenever she is able to get my attention away from the computer. I could hardly wait to head out and hunt for the subject of our conversation.

So, I grabbed my camera and off I went in search of some visual proof of this new product my mother-in-law was gushing over. The film maker in me was eager to take a shot and do a mini film out of it, but I knew I had to hurry before Uganda’s mysterious delectable treat ran out – I had this impression that it must be really good for Walmart to consider placing it on its shelves. I grabbed my wife and kids and off to Walmart we went. Upon our arrival, I ran into a familiar and worthwhile delay. I gave in to my son’s heart rending pleas to take him to see the toys and check out the Lighting McQueen must-haves.

Eventually, I made my way to the candy isle. There were chocolates of all kinds all around; from Madagascar, Costa Rica, Caracas and …. Uganda! There it was, with a nice afrocentric mask head set against a black background. The word “Uganda” stood out in a bold and dynamic way! WoW!!! Words eluded me for a moment. My wife giggled next to me and playfully bumped me to bring me back to reality. My mother-in-law was right after all. There was Ugandan Chocolate in Walmart.

I proceeded to pick up a bar and head to the nearest check out counter. On the way home, I couldn’t help but ponder about these two encounters. Modern technolgy has shrunk the chasms created by distance and time yet broadend the possibilities for all.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering how the chocolate tasted, I have yet to sample this dark sweet piece of  Ugandan commerce. If you find yourself in Walmart in the near future, head to the candy isle, grab a bar and let’s experience our motherland one sweet bite at a time.

Here are some more pictures of Ugandan Chocolate and the Wal-mart I saw in Uganda. Enjoy.

[View with PicLens]

Solomon W. Jagwe
Director of Galiwango, Obulamu Bw’ekisodde | vFX
www.galiwango.com | www.sowl.com | www.soreel-mayas.com

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