How Marco of Gram 256 is Staying Sane and Creative During Quarantine

As Coronavirus wreaks havoc across the globe, many Ugandans are choosing to social distance, as a protective measure against the spread of the deadly virus. The practice involves restricting movement, avoiding large gatherings, barring friends from visiting, working from home, and basically living in isolation. Uganda has so far registered 18 cases of infection, and so no one is taking chances.

We had a chat with Michael Bongole Gideon, commonly known as Marco, the founder and content curator at Gram 256, a social media platform that showcases everything beautiful from Uganda.

How are you handling self isolation?

I can’t say it’s fun, but I’m trying so much to fit in. It’s now that everyone’s home and the introverted me misses the outside because nobody is there any more.

How do you keep your creative spirits up?

Everything is on lockdown. Being a content creator and curator of all things lifestyle, the arts and culture, there’s not much to share at the moment. But, I’m keeping my tabs on social media for inspiration. Despite what’s happening, people are living quite colourful lives indoors, thanks to video apps like tik tok.

What do you miss about your social freedom?

I miss hanging out with my friends. Not being able to hook up at our favorite spots around town, and wilding around Kampala, the nostalgia is real. It is quite hard to cope with this new lifestyle but we know that it’s just a matter of time, we shall regain our social freedom soon.

What’s the biggest lesson you are learning from this experience?

This whole experience is a whole course unit, so there’s quite a lot to learn. What stands out for me is the willingness to trade my freedom for the greater good of everyone else. There’s no doubt that it’s quite difficult being confined at home for days, many people can’t stop complaining about it, but when it comes to the greater good, one should always be willing to get uncomfortable.

Secondly; during this time many of us are learning that it is actually possible to work at home, and effective while at it. Once this is over, the dynamics of what happens in the workplace might change because it’s is now evident that some tasks can be executed even when you are out of the office.

Follow Gram 256 here.

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