Uganda
Uganda: The Pearl of Africa Under Museveni's Yoke
Uganda is the Pearl of Africa — as Winston Churchill described it, marvelling at the country's beauty. Mountain gorillas, the source of the Nile, Lake Victoria — Uganda's nature is spectacular. But this pearl is under the yoke of Yoweri Museveni since 1986. Nearly 40 years in power, growing repression, and one of the world's harshest anti-homosexuality laws.
Museveni's Endless Reign
Museveni seized power by force in 1986, promising not to overstay. Nearly 40 years later, he is still there, amending the constitution to remove age and term limits. The opposition is repressed — Bobi Wine, a singer turned politician, has been arrested, tortured and harassed. The economy is growing (oil coming into production), but so are inequalities.
The Ubuntu Strength: Diversity and Resilience
Uganda has more than 50 ethnic groups that coexist relatively well — tribalism is less politicised than in neighbouring Kenya. Family solidarity is strong. The Church (Anglican, Catholic, Pentecostal) plays a major social role — but also, regrettably, in promoting anti-LGBT laws. Kidandali music makes Kampala dance. Ugandans have a resilience forged by decades of dictatorships (Idi Amin) and wars.
« Abantu bali mu mbeera eno bagumira pamoja »
People in this situation hold together
— Proverb luganda
Uganda reminds us that a country's beauty does not guarantee its people's freedom, and that pearls can be prisons.