The Gomesi
Occasionally Ugandan mothers or grandmothers of students in CARITAS' child sponsorship programs are seen wearing the traditional dress of Uganda, called the gomesi.
This woman was celebrating a special occasion when she was encountered at the markets by Lake Victoria. Often when parents come to present their children for sponsorship they will wear their very best clothing and dress their children similarly although they have very little. The same dress will be changed into and worn by many different girls from different families in need of sponsorship as their parents or guardians want their children to look their best. The gomesi is worn for special occasions or when visiting someone they respect or wish to honor.
The gomesi was originally made out of bark cloth. The fabric changed to cotton when Christian missionaries commissioned tailors to produce the dress for the girls attending their schools. The sash is said to have been added by an Indian tailor.
