I recently returned from a life-affirming trip back to Uganda, the country of my birth. It was my seventh visit since leaving over 30 years ago, and each visit has become more than a homecoming—it's a poignant reminder of my roots and of the people who shaped my early life. It is in a way, a pilgrimage of the heart, where past and present converge in humbling ways.
This year’s trip, however, carried a unique sense of purpose. Many Chiswick residents may remember that back in May 2024, I shared a dream: to raise funds to transform a hazardous dirt road up to my childhood village, into a reliable gravel pathway. This road is a vital artery connecting our village of Bukirimwa to a larger trading market just five kilometres away. Without it, farmers and traders must often struggle on foot or by motorbikes (commonly known as Boda-Boda), navigating treacherous 6% inclines on wet slippery soil in the foothills of Mount Elgon.
What moved me to act, was that the villagers had already shown initiative long before I stepped in. The elders had formed a committee and created a community support network dedicated to helping one another through crises and raising funds for urgent collective initiatives. The road improvement was one of their key missions, a grassroots effort born from necessity to boost their local economy and improve livelihoods. Their vision was not something imposed from the outside but rather a locally driven project.
In asking for support, they hoped to reach across international borders to supplement and accelerate their fundraising efforts to repair the road up to the village centre. Their plea was far from the traditional model of seeking aid through NGOs or a large, top-down organisation with overheads. Instead, this initiative took the form of direct collaboration—built from the ground up, mirroring the types of initiatives we have come to cherish right here in Chiswick.
The mission was ambitious, with timelines uncertain. But in just four months, we exceeded the fundraising goal of £2,000, thanks to the generosity of Chiswick residents and those in neighbouring Ealing and Barnes.
After some initial planning, it took two just weeks of hard work on the ground to transform the landscape. As I said goodbye to the villagers of Bukirimwa, cars, lorries, Boda-Bodas, and people on foot were now able to traverse the road safely, their faces lit with gratitude. The road was beginning to revitalise local trade. This project had a sense of ownership by the villagers themselves, supported by a Chiswick-led international community.
Cllr Mushiso working with the United Village Project
The United Village Project, as it became known, embodied values that transcend borders— both communities echo a shared sense of initiative and civic pride. The bustling Sunday markets, our much-loved book festivals, and the tireless efforts of litter-picking volunteers are cases in point. These endeavours, like the road to Bukirimwa, benefit entire communities rather than the individual alone.
This collaboration was deeply personal for me. As a young child, I survived harrowing violence. My grandfather was murdered by intruders armed with machetes in July 1990. Just four months earlier, my mother had succumbed to tuberculosis in the village. My grandfather’s bravery in ensuring I was out of harm’s way saved my life. The memories of that night, and the love of these two extraordinary people, are always with me, guiding my actions.
I found solace in the efforts that bridge two communities living 4,000 miles apart. It reminded me of the old adage: a problem shared is a problem halved. That’s why I will always be an advocate for collective action. To me, Chiswick will always be at the heart of my mission for public duty. It is where I first learned about politics and how a role in public life can improve the life chances of others.
I spent almost two years in foster care in Chiswick Village. I remember my foster mum, Charita Thomas, whisking me off to Trafalgar Square to watch Nelson Mandela on his first state visit since becoming President of South Africa. I learned that adversity was no barrier to success; instead, it builds resilience—especially when surrounded by a community that stands up for its most vulnerable and reaches out to help others.
Cllr Mushiso on a construction vehicle
During my trip, I found myself reading Policy Exchange’s A Portrait of Modern Britain. This report paints a picture of a country increasingly aware of its multi-ethnic fabric and the importance of shared values such as fairness, opportunity, and sustainable development. It highlights how Britain is evolving and how the Commonwealth diaspora continues to shape our national story. There is a wealth of wisdom in these communities—lessons about family, discipline, and the power of education.
The report captures a vision for a cohesive and inclusive society, where people take pride in Britain’s achievements. According to the study, 72% of respondents believe that children should be taught to be proud of British history. The message is clear: we have more in common than what divides us, and we must build on these connections.
This unity is what the United Village Project is all about. It’s not just about a road in Uganda or community initiatives in Chiswick—it’s about recognising the strength of our shared humanity. Whether we are here or in the foothills of Mount Elgon, we thrive when we uplift one another. This is a lesson that transcends borders and reminds us of the best of our global and local communities.
We can all take pride in what we’ve accomplished and use it as a model for future endeavours. Just as Uganda taught me resilience and the importance of community, Chiswick has shown me the power of collective action. Together, we have built a road—and much more.
