Ugandan Memories

Ugandan Memories

In 1953, we had moved from Dar-es-Salaam to Kampala, the capital of Uganda, and my Mum worked for Sir Charles Westlake; he was an English engineer and Chairman of the Uganda Electricity Board, and he was instrumental in the creation of the Owen Falls Dam hydro-electric scheme at Jinja. Following her Coronation in 1953, in April 1954 the Queen and Prince Philip came out to Uganda, and one of her engagements was officially to open the Dam, and set the turbines in operation. We were invited to be present, and took our seats a couple of hours before the Queen arrived in her car from Entebbe; she was going to be driven across the top of the dam to the dais, where she would press the button to open the sluice gates; after that, she went to the power station, to start the first turbine, setting the hydro-electric scheme in action. 

The engineers had closed the gates some hours before, and of course the River Nile began building up behind the dam, as the water was slowly draining away below it - and I remember sitting and watching this with dread: What would happen if the Queen was delayed, and ALL the water drained away downstream in the meantime?! You could see the level dropping very steadily - and to my eyes, very quickly! I was so relieved when her motorcade hove into view, and this petite figure was welcomed with all the joy and excitement the new Queen generated. She made a short speech and then pressed the button - and to my great relief, the sluice gates opened as planned, and the water poured through in magnificent cascades, droplets flying everywhere, with miniature rainbows forming in the spray. That’s one sight I’ll never forget. 

At that time, I don't think anyone realised how keen I was to create photograph albums and scrap books with which to remember special occasions, and how I wish I had been given some pictures, or mementos, such as invitations, perhaps, of that special day to hold as a keepsake; instead, the "Mark One" brain and memory will have to do the job! 

As our longest serving Monarch, her remarkable service and devotion to duty for over 70 years, not only to our country, but also to the Commonwealth nations and others across the world, ensured the Queen huge affection and respect for her unique wisdom and leadership. The Queen will be sorely missed by all her subjects; she will never be forgotten, but live on in our hearts and minds for ever. We pray for God’s blessing upon her, and that she may rest in eternal peace.

We also pray for our new King, Charles III; I am certain he will also be strengthened and supported by this same love and respect from all his people.

We are so proud and happy to be British!