Unexpected Friendships on My Evening Walk
As the sun dipped gently behind the hills of Kabale, casting a golden glow over the sky, I laced up my shoes and set out for my usual evening walk. These peaceful strolls have become more than just moments of reflection but a window into nature, community, and often, a chance for surprise encounters.
That evening, the air was crisp, filled with the soothing sounds of crickets and the occasional distant laughter from nearby homes. I had barely walked ten minutes when I came across a small group of children playing near the roadside. Curious and wide-eyed, they paused their game to wave at me. One of the boys recognized me from a recent village photography session and excitedly told the others, “That’s the man who takes pictures of birds and animals!”
We ended up talking for a while. They asked questions about my camera, my travels, and the animals I’ve seen. I was inspired by their curiosity that reminded of the very same spark that lit my passion for wildlife photography years back.
Further along, I met an elderly man sitting beneath a tree, enjoying the sunset. He wasn't fine with taking photos but we exchanged greetings, and soon we were deep in conversation. He shared stories of how the landscape has changed over decades, of animals that once roamed freely, and of traditional ways of coexisting with nature. It was a humbling reminder of how much wisdom lies within our own communities, waiting to be tapped into if we simply take time to listen.
By the time I returned home, I realized that what began as a solo walk had transformed into a journey of connection. It reminded me that friendship isn’t always found in expected places. Sometimes, it's found in the laughter of children, in the memories of elders, and in the simple act of being present.
As someone who spends much of his time behind a camera or guiding guests through Uganda’s wild corners, moments like these ground me. They remind me why I do what I do not just for the love of wildlife, but for the people and stories that breathe life into every photograph.
I look forward to more evening walks and the friendships they may bring