The other day I went out to Kawuku with my Ffumbe folks from Ntinda. Every once in a while we get an opportunity to see those who can come together in this family at a single event. Last year it was about 100 people, and today is about the same. At one point, I think about trying to count the grandchildren and great grandchildren of Jjajja Mukyala (Grandma) Rose and Jjajja Omwami (Grandpa) Kaweesa. Then it occurs to me that at least half of them live elsewhere in the world.
I’ve only ever been to one other 100th birthday party, and that was for my great-grandmother Anna. It’s always an interesting experience to consider the changes that someone that old has seen in a lifetime that long. At this point it’s enough just to consider that this family takes such good care of their grandparents. It’s inspiring. I’ve included a few of the photos below just for fun.
The Bajjajja at Kawuku: Jjajja Omwami at 100 and Jjajja Omukyala at 88.
The bazuukulu (grandchildren). Spot the muzungu?
Sister Francis was also celebrating 50 years as a nun!
Some aspiring drummers of the next generation…
A few beers and some roasted chicken on this sunny afternoon really hit the spot. Jjajja Kaweesa went to sleep early in the comfort of knowing that his next three generations were enjoying the lawn.
Peter Hoesing 
Incidentally, my biological maternal grandmother would have turned 100 today!
Also, as long as we’re talkin’ landmark birthdays, Mukyala Hoesing turned 30 yesterday! (Head on over to Facebook for more on that one…)
gosh pete, i can’t find you in that crowd. just kiddin. thanks for posting! 🙂
s