You Bazungu overrate yourselves! You think I want to go to your country and stay in it? Me? Why would I want to stay in that freezing cold place where the sun only peeps for a few hours a day? We do not need you! You need us, the bald headed elderly man shouted at the Visa Officer through the glass wall separating them. His fury was so intense that little bits of saliva popped out of his mouth as he shouted. I was seated in queue with a woman who had introduced herself to me as a project manager working in Rwanda. Nationals of Rwanda and Burundi requiring this specific Schengen visa have to travel to the embassy in Kampala. As the man ahead of us shouted his fury, we shifted uncomfortably in our seats. You came to serve us here. You must do this with wisdom - not foolishness. That is why your embassy posted you here as a clerk. In fact you are just a mere clerk, without qualifications! Me I have my Bachelors and Masters degrees from your country. I am not like you - a mere clerk! Speak to me with respect, the man said as he pointed a shaking long index finger at the lady on the other side of the glass wall. Listen to me, she responded calmly. No. I will not listen to you. I tell you that I do not need your visa. Your country benefits from my visit much more than I will. That is why you have recalled me to this place after you turned down my application. I was going to sign a MOU with your country. I have no patience for fools. In fact you are a fool, the man shouted. Then go away, the Visa Officer said as she stood up. Her face was all red. How dare you ask me to go away. Why should I go away? Who are you to tell me to go away? Where shall I go yet your embassy called me back this morning? Go away? You are rude, you Muzungu! This man was now flexing his arms and rolling up his shirt sleeves. The grey hairs peeping from his nostrils seemed hot, from where I was sitting. I will ask the Security Guard to escort you out immediately, the young lady stated. I have a vast experience of humbly waiting for visas at embassies, high commissions, and consulates. I have experienced all sorts of drama during these processes. BUT yesterdays episode takes the cake! I was left totally undecided which side I was on. Usually, I am on the side of the less powerful person in any scuffle, but this mans fiery attack of the Muzungu Visa Officer left me stunned. For all my worth, I felt very sorry that one was exposed to this sort of harassment during their routine work. I was also kind of glad that a visa applicant had the muscle to tell off the powers that be. BUT this mans show, ayiii!
Posted on: Thu, 08 Jan 2015 05:47:50 +0000
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