Chylah Akello Navigates Identity Between Uganda Roots and UK Life

Chylah Akello, born in the UK in 1997, moved to Uganda at age three where she spent her formative years shaping her sense of identity and culture. At 25, she returned to London, her birthplace, hoping for new prospects, but found it felt like an alien world despite the familiarity.

Upon arrival four years ago, Akello grappled with stark differences: harsh winters, fast-paced living, non-organic foods, and a more individualistic society lacking Uganda’s tight-knit community vibe. Social norms, like addressing adults by first names, also shocked her, contrasting Uganda’s respect for hierarchy.

Homesickness hit hard, leading to depression and illness as she adjusted. Job hunting took time, but she now thrives remotely as a customer advisor and personal assistant, valuing the UK’s structured work culture with hourly pay versus Uganda’s more relaxed monthly systems.

While London offers professional growth and global exposure, Akello misses Uganda’s weather, organic food, and communal bonds. She visits once or twice yearly, cooks traditional Acholi dishes like those with ‘Odii’ peanut paste, and stays linked via calls and local Ugandan events.

Reflecting on her path, she regrets not tailoring her CV to UK standards or lining up jobs and housing beforehand. Her tips for Ugandans abroad: research thoroughly, learn practical skills like braiding or painting for quick income, join communities via church or online to combat loneliness, and temper expectations—‘no place like home.’

Akello’s story captures life straddling opportunity in England and roots in Uganda, forever seeking that elusive sense of belonging.

Source: Daily Monitor