#bossesdayout

Some were up as early as 2am, leaving warm beds for the long bumpy ride to the city.

Bosses had ordered them to ensure that the vehicles were properly fueled as there would be no unnecessary stops.

You see, they would be travelling to Kampala for a very very important meeting. With the Bigi Bigi Man.

Yes. They were also instructed to have a bath, comb their hair and dress smartly because Bosses could not afford to be embarrassed by an unkempt employee.

“No, it doesn’t matter if you don’t have a coat, just ensure that your shoes are brushed and that your trousers are ironed!”

And so the long long drives began, some hundreds of miles from remote Nakapiripirit, Kaabong and Yumbe because the invitation card said the day’s program would begin at 9am.

Along the way, Bosses stopped at the roadside markets for some “breakfast” of grilled chicken, sticks of liver and goat’s muchomo and gonja while Drivers faithfully kept eyes on the road and pretended they were not hungry.

After all, there would be a hefty allowance later, why waste it on food that you can get back home? That chicken that you only have to chase, pin down and cut its throat. Eh, that one.

Driiiveve. Driiive. Driive. Drive.

And so it was that they finally began to spot the high-rise buildings, flyovers, by-passes and the feeling of being Kampala, the city of the Pearl, started to register.

“They said Parliament, do you know where Parliament is? You know for you people, you are only used to driving in Kaseses and Mubendes?”

“Yes Sir!”

But when they arrived at the Ministry's gates, the security personnel shooed them away.

“The parking is full now. Drive to the other side and look for parking near the Serena!”


“Serena, where is Serena?”

“You pass there, and go like that. Up there behind. Go and go then you will see the other cars. UGs, LGs. Not UBD. Move, you are blocking the way!”

The line is already long by the time Bosses and Drivers arrive the other side, up there behind near the Serena and park their cars.

Bosses emerge, stretching, kicking their legs.

The drive has surely been long. Creases in Kaundas are smoothed down. The cap to go with the flowing agbada is lifted from the dashboard and placed deftly on forehead. The angle is important. The color is equally critical.
Garish-colored ties.
Oversized coats.
Briefcases.
No Poroblem bags.
Folders and files in hand.

“You stay here and wait, eh!”

“Okay Sir!”

The question about what time Boss will be out gets stuck in Driver's throat.

It’s too early for a dress down.

He had been silently hoping that he could do a quick dash downtown and get something for his wife. Anyway, we’ll see, we’ll see.

Five hours later.

Drivers had decided to hold their own mini conferences in the backs of some pick-up trucks.

Topics for discussion range from distances driven, the beautiful Kampala and the woman with a good figure who made all this happen. This city of the Pearl of Africa.

Some boast that they have been here before.

There are moans about low salaries, no allowances, stingy big-bellied bad bosses.

Some drivers are beginning to yawn and wonder aloud if there are any cheap eating joints in this neck of the woods.

News flash! None.

Because just across from where they are is the G-R-A-N-D Serena.

Hiding behind it is the Imperial's tiled monstrosity.

Oh, and… wait a minute, the majestic Sheraton is just up the hill.

Eh, so what do people on this side eat? What about down this side?

That is the place where people go to act. Two sumbusas cost 6k. What? Ngula bulamu? Si this bulade thing was supposed to have ended a long time ago?

Seems like lunch will have to be foregone. Is there time for a quick afternoon nap before the long drive home.

Another three hours later and there is no sign that Bosses are done.

There is an unconfirmed rumor that the Bigi Bigi man has not yet made an entrance.

Drat! This is the rio rio kamanyiiro!

The gatherings have disintegrated and participants again retire to the safety of the cars for an afternoon snooze.

And as they sleep and the sun starts to set, Bosses return, guffawing and recounting Bigi Bigi Man’s speech, strong handshake and scrumptious saladizi.

Bosses settle heavily into cars.

“You drive now. We must get back before nightfall.”

Drivers puts pedals to metals.

And Bosses push back seats, fold arms over big bellies and retire to dreamlands.