Freedom City!

Our children have just enjoyed a week of school holiday. We took the opportunity to explore more of Kampala's fun attractions - and discovered the delights of "Freedom City".

Freedom City is a play centre for children located on the Entebbe-Kampala highway. At just £1 per child for the entrance fee, it was excellent value for money!

We were greeted by loud, slightly distorted rap and dance music blasting from the centre's loudspeakers and the enticement of garishly painted fairground rides- all free of charge once the entrance fee is paid!

With over seven different (freezing cold) swimming pools, giant bouncy castles, a concert stage for dancing, soft play areas, a foam pit to launch oneself into, trampolines galore and swing, slide and roundabout sets dotted liberally over the huge indoor space, it was a marvellous place for wearing out energetic children!

With 4 MAF mums and 11 kids, it was a fun and busy day, at the end of which we were all happily exhausted!

My favourite attraction was the huge trampoline that allowed us all to bounce straight into the foam pit. The mums could not resist... soon we were all bouncing high into the air, then into the foam blocks! The wonderful thing about these centres in East Africa is the absence of pesky Health and Safety rules. It really is "Freedom City", as we are given the liberty to enjoy facilities using our own common sense, instead of being bound by over-cautious regulations. Fabulous!

Esther in particular appreciates this freedom that we have in Uganda. Through her young eyes, she is shocked on visits to the UK when she encounters tight rules and regulations and compulsory "safety awareness" videos at play centres, swimming pools and entertainment venues.

 The downside is that lack of funding means maintenance is not always as tip top as it could be. Here's a little example. One of the massive advertisement boards outside "Freedom City" promises children the joy of playing in a colourful ball pool.

• The advertisement:

The reality is a little different. Here is a photo of the actual ball pool- with every single ball popped to a pulp of its former self!!!

• The reality:

The popped balls didn't stop the children from having fun, but I'm not sure it was quite as comfortable as a ball pool with real balls, instead of these plastic shells! But when we've only paid 5,000 Ugandan shillings and had a fabulous day, no-one was complaining! Freedom City is FUN!