Bob’s Story
Human rights violation
Bob moves to a new country
This is a story about a person who fled from Uganda to Kenya because of the current rights of sexual minorities in Uganda are violating human rights. Let me call him Bob.
Why people want to move another country? Some want to go outside of their comfort zone and for others moving is mandatory. Moving to a new country takes a lot of courage, and it would be advisable to familiarize yourself with the local culture in advance.
Moving to a new country is a significant life transition that involves various challenges and opportunities. Whether it’s for work, study, family reasons, or seeking new experiences, the process of relocation requires careful planning and adaptation.
Bob started his move with planning. He had to plan where to move, what the budget would be and what the expectations for the future were. He had heard about this LGBTQ organization in Kenya that offers a place in a safe house for those in need. He sent an application, got accepted and started to plan his move.
Adapting to a new way of life, customs, traditions, and even daily routines can be a daunting experience. This can lead to feelings of disorientation, frustration, and even isolation.
For Bob moving from Kampala to Nairobi meant hectic traffic, which he hadn’t used to in Kampala.
Also, housing was quite different, especially since Bob moved in with more people. First when he arrived at Nairobi, he was staying in a safe house, with other people, who had to leave their families or country, because of insecurity (they belong to a sexual minority).
Challenges and doubts
It also meant that Bob had to deal with different people from different backgrounds. And learn how to live in the LGBTQ community in a different environment. First it was hard to adapt, and some drama could not be avoided. They fought a lot with other roommates, and some of his items were stolen. After six months of staying in a safe house, he moved to his own place.
Leaving everything familiar, friends and family behind can lead to homesickness. Especially if the distance is long, it can be challenging to stay connected with the loved ones. Bob felt loneliness at first, and he doubted whether he had made the right decision. Especially after every issue or challenge he was facing.
At times lonely and homesick
Bob felt lonely and homesick whenever something unpleasant happened. Then he started to think that maybe it would be better for him to move back to Uganda. Same goes for Christmas and other family gatherings. But the biggest reason why he can’t travel back is the lack of money. Bob says that lucky for him, those feelings disappear the next day.
Language challenges
Language can be a huge barrier when moving to a foreign country, especially if it differs from your native tongue. Day to day activities, like grocery shopping can be isolating and hard to perform. For Bob, language barrier wasn’t entirely different. Luganda and Kiswahili are a bit similar, so it is a bit easier to follow. Harder part was to understand the language what each tribe was speaking. It was like he was facing many different languages at the same time.
Catching up
With time Bob got used to the language and began to understand which tribe languages were spoken and when. He was catching up with the different words.
It takes time and effort to integrate to a new place. You must step out of your comfort zone and show genuine interest in the local culture. To do this, you must set the right mindset.
Learning to navigate
For Bob it was hope for a better future. Knowing that you must catch up with the people and culture to get a job kept his mind positive. Learning to navigate these cultural differences takes time and patience, and it’s crucial to remain open-minded and curious.
Now Bob has been living in Kenya for two years, and he doesn’t want to go back to Uganda.
Successful integration
He sees that his integration has been successful, he has learned the local language, he understands the culture and has adapted it, he has built relationships with local people and communities, he understands the local laws and regulations, and nowadays he lives together with his girlfriend in secure and stable housing.
Bob’s only challenge at the moment is the lack of a job or place to study. In Kenya you have to have connections to get a good job, now Bob is hustling to get some kind of income.
Community support
Bob felt that social interaction was the key to integration. Through that organization he was able to meet new people and through them get new opportunities. Organization was guiding him what he could do and how to keep himself safe.
Nairobi isn’t the safest place to transman. The LGBTQ community is strong, and members take care of each other, and the community helped Bob a lot at first. Kenyans are welcoming. No matter whether you are from Uganda, Tanzania or Rwanda, Kenyans don’t treat you like an outsider.
JeS Story by Liisa L.
Bob’s interview conducted in Nairobi 30.11.2023.