A Book of Rememberance

Was rather thrilled when the New Vision presented to Rebecca De Mabior
its 50 year commemoration book in which some of Uganda's most
influential figures were featured.

While some were a little weary of its color (the thought of a black
book), i think that idea of preservation matters in our day as it did in
Egypt of old.

I am keen to see if the New Vision will partner with Community of
Scribes in Southern Sudan to create a book which documents some of this
new nations key figures. Maybe a mentoring program will take place in
order to help transfer some useful skills to our neighbor in the north.

In one of my previous posts, i argued that South Sudan must be seen in
light of a much broader history. Even if this runs counter to the
concept of states, i think it will create a much more useful
picture.
In addition to this, and in the same post i made the case for a grace
period (shutting of borders) to come right after the creation of new
states. The purpose was simple, to help consolidate change in the heart
of citizens first so as to prevent the rapid inward flow of expatriates
which inevitably causes exhaustion and weariness. South Africa is a good
example. In its earlier days, nationals were not given the chance to
enjoy their new found freedom. Instead, foreigners rushed in and took
key positions in their universities and shops resulting in
resentment.

Students of history will also recall that at critical times of a nations
reawakening it is not uncommon to see a corresponding emergence of
epidemics or diseases which seem to be designed to impede the progress
of new nations.

In Uganda, we had a time when some members of the business community
expressed concern over the influx of 'investors' many of whom were often
found dealing in 'ordinary' tasks (with very limited skill levels).
The argument was that, these jobs belonged to locals and that investors
were meant to engage in bigger projects. Soon however though, Ugandans
found themselves in a similar dilemma when Motor cycle operators in
South Sudan asked Ugandan operators to leave those jobs for South
Sudanese Citizens.
While these concerns are genuine, i think that they point to a much
broader concern which deals with a large group of locals who seem to
prefer to live right of the fringes. Those who at this point are not
able or maybe not willing to engage with the system as its stands and
the possibilities of advancing further with their education.