When Fish Eaters Descended Again on Mpata Island

At the end of October last year I told you about our discovery of Nalubaale, the stone from which Lake Victoria derives its name, according to the locals of Mpata Island. Our exploration of Mpata continues. 

This month we visited the Island through a different route, sailing southwards. We entered the waters through Senyi landing site, Buikwe district. This time instead of a speed boat we used a locally made wooden commercial vessel. We had one engine of 15hp as compared to last time when we used two engines of 115hp each. In other words our travel conditions this time were in stark contrast to those last time.

 

It was early in the afternoon and the currents were starting to increase their temple when our boat, laden with cement, metal bars and other construction materials, set off. Four of those who made the previous trip returned this time along with new comers including Ronnie, Chati, Ben, Ali and Baker. 

At the beginning the journey was quite smooth. Mid way through it turned bumpy. A regular water traveller wouldn’t pray for God’s mercy just yet, but the waves were just enough to send shivers into some of our colleagues on a hot afternoon.  

While some were cheering each wave as they saw it approach the boat, a third of the boat went silent. Approximate travel time was one hour. With a larger engine of about 25hp the journey would have been more comfortable and shorter by over 20 minutes. Nonetheless it didn’t feel unsafe, except for some people with hydrophobia.

 

One of us blubbered about his wealth on the mainland, afraid not to see it again in case the lake got angrier. He was really scared.  Another had been quiet for over 20 minutes and when someone called his name as we docked he responded: “leave me alone. I am virtually dead.”

The island simply smiled at us. “The Nile perch eaters have arrived,” it seemed to say to itself. We disembarked one by one into the warm sands, took some pictures and climbed into the woods. 

 

Our exploration of Mpata continues this December with a four-day long camp. We will have a few slots for new explorers. Let me hope you will be one of those lucky few as participation is by invitation.