Generally one gives contributions to those one already agrees with. Whether one individual or company gives tit-for-tat, the end result is that everybody expects something for their money. This is not like charitable giving where, generally, it is virtuous to give anonymously. This is hard-nosed calculated political giving and, in a democracy, it is in the public interest to make it public knowledge.
So, when some village ignoramous castigated me for making public my contributions to a couple of his party candidates, I was taken aback. I understand how he felt it was improper and amounted to disrespecting his men. He would rather keep it hush-hush, the way his party functioned when it was in power in Uganda. We are working towards transparency and good governance in Uganda. The nightmares of UPC of yesteryears will never be allowed to re-emerge.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Kenya Elections
I stayed up most of Thurday 12/27/2007 to Sunday 12/30/2007. The Kenya elections were fascinating: How Odinga could lead by a wide margin throughout only to lose in the end. I am reminded of a Kenyan Kikuyu friend who passionately swore in 2002 that they (the Kikuyu)would never let a muJaluo rule in Kenya. Was it surprising that Central Province voted close to 98% for Kibaki.
I spoke to a Ugandan politician at the MP Alaso's contraversal wedding. He expressed concern about the machinations in Kenya which seem to resemble that of our own country, Uganda. I concur. Kenya is the anchor for the East African economy. Any instability will certainly affect Uganda the most.
I offer my prayers for Kenya.
I spoke to a Ugandan politician at the MP Alaso's contraversal wedding. He expressed concern about the machinations in Kenya which seem to resemble that of our own country, Uganda. I concur. Kenya is the anchor for the East African economy. Any instability will certainly affect Uganda the most.
I offer my prayers for Kenya.
Acoli and UPC: An Unholy Relationship that should be buried
What is it about UPC that still has some diehard Acoli acolytes swearing allegiance, even on their mothers' grave?
Acoli has always served dutifully any foreign powers--beginning from the British colonials. Thus it was Acoli soldiers who were part of the vanguard that stormed Kabaka's Bulange and chased him away to die as a council tenant in the UK--far from the life of privilege and adoration of his subjects. This single act earned the Acoli hatred and resentment from the Baganda, who already regarded themselves as culturally superior.
At the height of the UPC dictatorship many Acoli had been co-opted into the UPC hegemony. Many young bright and ambitious Acoli saw UPC as the natural avenues to realize their fortunes.
When many Acoli were slaughtered in the Amin's takeover, one school mate laughed mockingly, depicting the general Schadenfreude among many Baganda. Unfortunately for them, many Baganda were not spared either in later years.
Come Obote and his UPC the second time around and the Museveni insurgency, the acts and/or excesses of keeping the law earned the Acoli more hatred and resentments. And Acoli are paying for it to this day.
The answer to the question is: I DON'T KNOW
Acoli has always served dutifully any foreign powers--beginning from the British colonials. Thus it was Acoli soldiers who were part of the vanguard that stormed Kabaka's Bulange and chased him away to die as a council tenant in the UK--far from the life of privilege and adoration of his subjects. This single act earned the Acoli hatred and resentment from the Baganda, who already regarded themselves as culturally superior.
At the height of the UPC dictatorship many Acoli had been co-opted into the UPC hegemony. Many young bright and ambitious Acoli saw UPC as the natural avenues to realize their fortunes.
When many Acoli were slaughtered in the Amin's takeover, one school mate laughed mockingly, depicting the general Schadenfreude among many Baganda. Unfortunately for them, many Baganda were not spared either in later years.
Come Obote and his UPC the second time around and the Museveni insurgency, the acts and/or excesses of keeping the law earned the Acoli more hatred and resentments. And Acoli are paying for it to this day.
The answer to the question is: I DON'T KNOW
What does the Federal government of Uganda mean to the Acoli?
For all intent and purposes Uganda government is a de facto federal government. All that remains is a legalization of that truism so that each federal state can concentrate on its development and taking care of its people.
To the Acoli the present government is a desguised military government. The real power is in the hands of a few men in uniform. Organized demonstrations by dissenters are often squashed by a militarized police or quasi-military goons. Parliament is a rubber stamp for the president's wishes. The treasury is a the pocket book for the president and a few honchos. The state of the national infrastructures is deporable.
Therefore, the present state of the Uganda government does not serve the interests of the Acoli people. We therefore support and look forward to those who work to bring about true democracy where Acoli Nation will prosper.
To the Acoli the present government is a desguised military government. The real power is in the hands of a few men in uniform. Organized demonstrations by dissenters are often squashed by a militarized police or quasi-military goons. Parliament is a rubber stamp for the president's wishes. The treasury is a the pocket book for the president and a few honchos. The state of the national infrastructures is deporable.
Therefore, the present state of the Uganda government does not serve the interests of the Acoli people. We therefore support and look forward to those who work to bring about true democracy where Acoli Nation will prosper.
What are the big issues for Acoli today?
1. Ending the LRA war and bringing about peace
2. Return of those who have lived in the squalor of the camps created by the Museveni governemnt
3. Equitable use of Acoli land for industry and economic development
4. The leadership structure and values of the Acoli such that all work in consert in the survival of the Acoli Nation in a hostile world
2. Return of those who have lived in the squalor of the camps created by the Museveni governemnt
3. Equitable use of Acoli land for industry and economic development
4. The leadership structure and values of the Acoli such that all work in consert in the survival of the Acoli Nation in a hostile world
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