When Precious Bindeeba left Lyantonde for Moroto, he had no idea how his journey would unfold.
With a walkie-talkie in hand, safety gear on, and a shy but confident smile, he now serves as a Chinese-English translator at the West International Holding Cement factory.
“I did a short Chinese language course. Now, I'm a translator at the Chinese cement factory,” he begins his story.
"I think I'm leaving my dream.This huge gamble is paying off, he adds."
His supervisors speak of him in glowing terms. Growing up in Nakasongola, before going to Lyantonde, he showed great promise that saw him join Makerere University to study a rather peculiar subject: Mandarin.
He hardly knew what he would become. Many of his contemporaries took on other languages that seemed to be popular at the time.
Bindeeba committed himself to mastering Chinese. He began with basic phrases like "xièxiè" (pronounced as "shi shi"), meaning thank you, and "zǎoshang hǎo," which translates to "good morning.'
As he progressed, Bindeeba learned to introduce himself in Mandarin: “Nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào Preciois Bindeeba. Hěn gāoxìng rènshí nǐ,” meaning "Hello, my name is Precious. Pleased to meet you."
Soon enough, his dedication paid off and within a year, he was speaking the language fluently enough to leave the native Chinese in envy.
When asked about his career choices, Bindeeba believes that significant opportunities lie within the Global South. Like the proverbial man who takes the road less travelled, he embraces his unique path with grace and determination.
Currently, he works at West International Holding Cement factory in Moroto, where he holds multiple roles, including that of an interpreter/translator.
His fluency in Mandarin not only aids his work but also helps his colleagues learn the language. In his spare time, he teaches Ugandan workers Chinese while also instructing the Chinese staff in English.
This cultural exchange has led some Chinese employees to take an interest in local languages. Stacy—a graduate in English from the University of Shanghai— is learning the local languages too especially Luganda and Swahili. She has mastered the local Karimojong greeting already.
The cement plant in Moroto represents more than just an infrastructural project; it serves as a melting pot where cultures converge and coexist.
With tons of cement and steel bars being utilized to construct the factory, diverse languages and cultural practices intermingle. It’s fascinating to observe how these two groups communicate effectively while maintaining a high standard of work.
One of the most compelling aspects is the cultural exchange it fosters. On any given day, Ugandan workers teach their Chinese counterparts how to say “Webale” (thank you in Luganda), while their Chinese colleagues share in English phrases.
The culinary exchange is equally enriching, as the Chinese team treats their Ugandan colleagues to authentic dishes.
The Ugandan counterparts not to be outdone are introducing the Chinese to rolex that has nothing to do with the famous watch brand.
Instead, it refers to a beloved street food consisting of a chapati (Indian flatbread) wrapped around a vegetable omelette. The name "Rolex" comes from the method of preparation—rolling eggs into chapati.
Traditionally, this dish includes ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and cabbage. However, over time, Ugandans have creatively adapted it by adding various fillings such as chicken and meat.
Perhaps one day, we'll see a "Chinese Rolex," featuring peppered fish or other Asian-inspired flavours blended with traditional Ugandan ingredients.