In 2023 we shall start work on our plot of land to build a “forever” Rwenzori Sustainable
Trade Centre. Last week, after more than two years without gathering, leaders of the coops,
women’s craft associations and headteachers and children from community schools
came again at the 4th RSTC Annual Stakeholder Forum. It was joyous and uplifting.
We blessed the land we have purchased for the forever Trade Centre, and were thankful for
the good prospects ahead. For many meeting together on this land was a sign of hope and
confidence-inspiring: “Now we know you will be here to stay and not gone in the night. Land
is forever.”
We planted two African Tulip Trees on the front two corners of our plot, dedicated to those
who gave a part of their lives to building the RSTC.
African Tulip Trees grow fast and have astonishing orange flowers. Also, they have recognised
health and medicinal properties. At the moment they are little treelets - purchased from the
Torro Botanical Gardens Nursery - a place that Elaine loved- but will be nice and tall within 5
years the experts there told us! This is what we hope for!
There was a service of thanks and recommitment to our goals. Alongside Abaine and Elaine’s
names, other names of people on this journey, whom we have lost, were put forward by the
communities and were read out and commemorated. Later we shall commission more lasting
plaques.
