Team Priscilla: Pushing limits and building bonds during the walk
BY GLORIA IRANKUNDA
Team Priscilla, named after Priscilla Kataaha, one of its members, embarked on the Joe Walker Remembrance Walk with a unique sense of togetherness. The team, consisting of Priscilla, Jeremiah Naloda, and Victor Akena, was formed out of necessity when Priscilla found herself without a partner after her teammate dropped out.
The trio bonded over the course of the event walking. Akena shares their experience.
Q: How did you prepare for the Joe Walk Remembrance walk as Team Priscilla?
A: We were prepared for it because we’ve walked before. We regularly walk and have participated in marathons. I’m a sports person, I play football, swim, and also jog.
Q: Can you walk us through how Team Priscilla planned and coordinated your individual segments during the walk?
A: Jeremiah and I had prepared to walk 60km but when we got there, they told us it was a relay of 20km for our group of three. So we walked the first 20km with Priscilla, but she was tired, so Jeremiah and I continued and finished 60km.
Q: Did you support each other in any way during your individual 20km walks, or did each person tackle their part independently?
A: We walked the first 20 kilometers as three people, but Priscilla dropped off. For the remaining distance, we continued together, although at different paces. Sometimes one of us would go ahead, and we’d challenge each other to catch up and pass. Though we were teammates, we competed, pushing each other to keep going.
As for supporting each other, the first act of support was telling Priscilla to rest after her part. We made sure she hydrated, then we agreed to meet at Sheraton Hotel later. During the walk, we always helped each other with water and fruits, and we made it a bit of a competition to reach the watering points first. Priscilla joined us at Sheraton after the event.
Q: Why did you decide to walk as Team Priscilla?
A: I was friends with Jeremiah, but not with Priscilla. I think her teammate had dropped out, so she didn’t have a team, and they paired us. During our time together, I realised she’s a very interesting person who created a WhatsApp group. She was really devoted.
Q: What were the biggest challenges you faced during your stretch of the walk?
A: One of the biggest challenges we faced was the traffic in areas like Kalerwe and Busega. The congestion, with boda bodas and other vehicles, made it difficult to maintain our pace. It was frustrating because we wanted to keep moving, but the traffic slowed us down. We also faced security issues, one person from the general team got robbed on the way, which was unfortunate and concerning.
L-R Joseph Beyanga aka Joe Walker, Victor Akena, Jeremiah Naloda and Carol Beyanga. Akena, Naloda and their counterpart Priscilla Kataaha were the winners of the 20*3 relay group.
Q: How did you manage physical and mental fatigue during your portion of the walk?
A: During the walk, we hydrated with glucose, and fruits. Afterward, I relaxed my muscles by going for a swim, as the walk lasted around eight to nine hours, which is a lot of time on your feet. My body definitely needed rest, and after that, I had the longest sleep I’d had in a long time.
Q: Were there any surprises during the walk?
A: I didn’t expect hydration points after every 10 km; I thought they’d be only halfway or after 30km. Having them every 10km was really thoughtful, and I truly appreciated it.
Q: What motivated you to keep going especially when fatigue set in?
A: My teammates. We kept pushing each other as a team. If I was ahead, I knew they had to catch up and pass me, and when they did, I had to reach them and pass them back. This constant challenge kept us going.
Q: Was there a particular moment during the walk when you felt especially proud or motivated to push forward?
A: As we walked, we met people who were curious about our reflective jackets and asked what was happening. We explained that we were walking for road safety and to remember road accident victims. As someone who aspires to be a human rights lawyer, I felt proud to be part of such a meaningful cause.
Q: How did it feel knowing you were part of a team, even though you were walking individually? Did that team spirit help you push through?
A: Yes, being part of a team made a big difference. Even though we were walking individually, the encouragement and constant push from each other helped a lot. If I had been walking alone, I probably would have given up. But seeing my teammates ahead gave me energy. We had already challenged ourselves, telling each other that we had to win and push ourselves to the limit.
Q: What was the most memorable moment from the event for you as part of Team Priscilla?
A: The most memorable moment was realising we had won, especially since we thought we hadn’t. When we got close to Sheraton Hotel and didn’t see many people, we assumed we were late. So, being told we were the winners of the 20km category was a pleasant surprise.
Q: What was the most rewarding aspect of being part of Team Priscilla and finishing the 60km?
A: The most rewarding part was not just winning, but also the relationships we built as a team. I met Priscilla through this event, and now we stay in touch.
Q: What lessons have you learnt from being part of a team that completed such a long-distance walk?
A: One of the most important lessons I learnt is resilience. We kept pushing even when we were exhausted. By the time we reached Makerere Hill, we thought we wouldn’t make it. At the start, we were joking and talking, but by the time we reached there, we could barely speak.
Q: What would you do differently if you were to participate in a similar event again?
A: I don’t think there’s anything I would do differently. I did my best, and whatever I did worked out.
