Uganda Perspective

Graduation Day at 12 Years Old

It is a simple fact of life in Uganda that not all children go to high school.  It is something of a miracle that they go to primary school thanks to a program put into place in the mid-1990s called Universal Public Education.  Funded by a one billion dollar grant (1.7 trillion Uganda shillings), the program ensured schools would be built and staffed throughout the country.  That was done, yet today, there is a shortage of qualified teachers and class sizes are huge, up to 150 kids per class.

To go beyond primary school requires fees which are often not available, and qualified test scores from the students.  Even if parents can come up with the fees, with such large class sizes, the learning level is low and most children do not qualify.  Therefore, the end of Primary School is a celebration.  It is a day when parents say, “Yay, you made it!  Good luck; you’re on your own now– go tend the goats.”

Yet, in the hills of Kishanje Highlands in the far southwest corner of the country, something of a phenomenon occurs at the end of the term.  Kids in the New Times
Primary School kids almost ALL qualify for secondary school.  Why is this?  Classes are small, teachers are better than average and there are mentors to help kids with homework.  These kids can all realistically look forward to earning an “A” (advanced) level placement in secondary school (See Ritah in her new maroon A-sweater).  Many will go to university on a government scholarship. 

So here are the kids of Kishanje, proud to parade down the hill in their miniature caps and gowns.  Primary school is behind.  Now the hard work begins.

Traveling to Uganda? Make it Easier with Yotel

It used to be traveling to Uganda through London required an overnight stay on the return trip.  Until recently, the only accommodations near Heathrow Airport were the Park Hotel or the Holiday Inn.  Those choices cost $300-400 / night plus about $50 in taxis, and though it was a delight to find hot water showers and soft sheets, the price was steep.  Connections through Amsterdam were not much better in a recliner chair in the airport – cheaper but not very comfortable.

Two years ago in Amsterdam I discovered an in-airport hotel called Yotel.  While I was reading hotel literature, I got to talking to a guy who seemed to know what he was doing.  It turned out he was it was Simon Woodroffe, the founder of the enterprise, a former Hyatt Hotels executive, who just had this idea – hotel compartments built inside the airport – and rentable by the hour.  I checked in.

The hotel looks like railroad compartments off a hallway.  Inside a single, there is not a lot of floor space but there is a hot shower, clean facilities, a deliciously comfortable bed with TV and WIFI.  What more could one want?  I got eight hours sleep during my layover, showered, shaved and walked to my flight refreshed.  The cost?  About $60.00.

This year I led a team to Uganda and planned the return trip to include Yotel.  At Heathrow there were accommodations for traveling singles, roommates and couples. It took some effort to find the Yotel in Terminal 4 but it was next to a delightful pub-style restaurant that served meals in the evening and the following morning as well.  I have to tell you the team raved about Yotel.   Just opened in New York as well.

Being in Uganda is great.  Now getting there is easier.  Go Yotel!

The Battle Over Homosexuality in Uganda Deepens

Many have forgotten the flap a couple of years ago when a Member of Parliament in Uganda proposed severe penalties for homosexual acts.   You can read that background HERE.

While the subject has been back burner in the world media, those who push the gay agenda have been persistent.  This week’s survey of local news in Uganda tells the story.

In October, Mr David Cameron U.K Prime Minister said publicly that “infringement on gay rights is one of the things that determine the country’s aid policy…” clearly threatening that foreign aid from the U.K. to Uganda is to be tied to the latter’s gay policies.

Previously, the UK delegates to the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) had urged Uganda to resist a gay push.  In November, Zanzibar President Ali Mohammed Shein said in Tanzania, ““We have our own culture and it should be known and understood that we shall not receive any command from anywhere using whatever sanctions to undermine our way of living. UK should understand this.” 

Kenya said ditto.

A few days later, Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe chimed in:  “Cameron’s gay talk is diabolical,” he said.  The President has threatened to mete severe punishment against gays for their behaviour, which he said is inconsistent with African and Christian values.  He attacked British Prime Minister David Cameron for threatening to withdraw aid to African countries that did not embrace homosexuality, calling him ‘Satanic’.

And just a few days ago, Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala, the retired Catholic Archbishop of Kampala, asked African leaders not to accept overtures from the United Kingdom or any other foreign nation in exchange for embracing gay rights.

Anglican bishops attending an all-Bishops Conference in Entebbe reiterated their unanimously firm stand against homosexuality. President Yoweri Museveni commended the Church for its strong stand against homosexuality. He asked the clergy and African leaders to guard against Western culture, warning that the continent will end up eaten by homosexuality if they relax.

Homosexuality is a serious issue in East Africa.  It is not acceptable on any level.  When will the West leave those countries alone to deal with it on their own terms?... wait, I know, when they become economically independent and are not tempted to take aid with gay strings attached.