Author Archives: Phil

I’m a changed man

By | 8 Jun 25

I’m really into my Crossfit at the moment, though actually that’s with a small “c”.  I wanted to lose a little bit of weight and get fitter and stronger.  So when a Crossfit gym opened just a couple of hundred yards from the front door, I couldn’t pass it up.  So Crossfit with a small… Read More »

Michelin Star cooking

By | 7 Jun 25

So there are no Michelin star restaurants in Uganda, or South Sudan for that matter.  In the settlement, food is survival, not pleasure.  And I take this challenging reality seriously.  But that doesn’t mean I can’t try and have a little fun.  Last time I was here I made jelly.  No-one had any idea what… Read More »

Not my problem!

By | 3 Jun 25

On Thursday I headed over to our clinic in South Sudan.  It’s a long as it takes about 3 hours to get there, allowing for faff at the border.  So Wednesday night I asked the others what time should we leave.  “Early”, I was told.  “Let us say 8… no 8.30, we shall leave at… Read More »

You’re welcome

By | 30 May 25

So Day 1 was a bit of a nightmare, to be honest. It was great, really great to see old friends again, and I was greeted with genuine warmth – so thrilling. And to meet some people in person for the first time was good too. But of course my bubble was burst. My good… Read More »

Is there a Doctor in the house?

By | 23 May 25

The journey in was fine(ish).  A bit of VISA faff, after my ‘deferred’ outcome from the first application, so I asked our Uganda Lawyer to intervene (because there is no email / tel no).  But that was fruitless, so another application for a different class was made, and despite an offer (request?) for a bribe… Read More »

Back at it

By | 21 May 25

So, ‘it’s been a minute’ as they say in America.  I have to confess to skipping a couple of episodes; I have been to Haiti for a pretty intense 5 month trip May-Aug 24, and then back there again for a few short weeks in Mar 25, too busy to get to the blog.  But… Read More »

FFS #2

By | 16 Jan 24

Whilst in Juba, I am getting western style food (in a sort of fusion way).  I had ‘lasagne’ but that was basically a layer of spaghetti, a layer of meat, another of spaghetti, and some ‘parmesan’.  Its fine though, the menu is extensive and everything on it is actually available.  I’m with a colleague who… Read More »

FFS #1

By | 8 Jan 24

So I am in Juba, capital of South Sudan for the week.  Mixing it with the big boys; UNHCR, WHO, British Embassy, Ministry of Health, National Health Cluster (this last one means a lot in NGO-speak).  On the hunt for funds, as always.  Though not exclusively; collaboration, information sharing and building support networks is also… Read More »

operational challenges

By | 8 Jan 24

Stayed up at the border last night, a small little hotel, with great rooftop bar.  Awoken early by the roar of their generator and the room light coming on super bright.  I think nothing of it, until arriving at my hotel in Juba and try to charge my phone.  I try a different socket, and… Read More »

double edged sword

By | 30 Dec 23

Back to the Centre, the power was already off.  Really off,.  Gonna be a long, hot, sweaty night when I got back to the compound last night around 8, the power was already off. And I mean properly off, even the Solar Controller had used up its little internal battery and was no longer alarming,… Read More »