We are independent - so be it.
For a Kampala politician assuming what he does or does not do matters a lot with rural and urban dwellers- who bye the way see earthly matters as an act of GOD.
I admire Africans resilience and goodwill.
Uganda and Ugandans are phenomenal - I hear DP, NRM, Reform Agenda and their irks are ready to transform a nation that Uganda IS.
Welcome to Uganda !
The day is the 8 th October 2003 and the spectacle unfolds.
The previous day the 7 th October 2003 some tens of soldiers have been poured in the city, that Kampala slum is - that is Naguru to be precious.
Independence day is on with all pomp.
Yes Naguru - a once shriving police barracks now in tatters - will make hardcore colonialist drop a tear.
Naguru has fallen to pieces, a symbol of the African mind structure and only spiders and rabid dogs will prefer the place to a decent home.
Trust the African - Ugandans STILL reside and sleep in those homes as nothing ever happened- what come may.
next time you're here take a stalk down town Kololo and Naguru there about and see the wonders of creation!
I get a note from a friend at night that in exactly this spot I COULD WATCH UGANDA INDEPENDENCE first hand - he refers to soldiers mentioned above.
The following day is independence - so the soldier were in place in time to stage an all matching drill for the dignitaries and high level officers, the cream of our society and of course on lookers.
I waited with the article till today lest our ever BRILLIANT UGANDA MEDIA house saw what I witnessed.
The soldiers SLEPT IN THE OPEN SKYS some in polythene black bags going for tents to protect themselves from the elements. UHURU
Naguru is in Kampala and most of all near Kololo bye the way - where most army generals reside or choose to set base.
On that very day as NRA soldiers have done in the past early in the morning- the soldiers head for a NEARBY SPRING WELL -
in OVER size army uniforms and boots FOR AN EARLY MORNING shower
some strip NAKED- and the common watch in amazement with kids giggling at the acare free soldier of fortune!
these are boys and young men between 25 - 35 years of age as I examine them closely MAY BE NOT HAVING HAD A SHOWER in many are days
WHAT TO DO - order is order irrespective HUMAN NEEDS.
Trust MODERNISATION OF THE ARMY - NOT even the commanders EVER imagine how cheap it could BE with WATER TANKER TO supply water to these human beings for their hygienic needs.
I get a thought to look close IF AT LEAST BUCKETS WERE provided for other latrine needs - NONE.
IN EXACTLY THE SAME MANNER - so is the way Bombo army soldiers move to a small river stream (LUBIGI) crossing the road to NDEJJE for occasional showers
To THE AMAZEMENT OF NOW USED VILLAGERS !
a distance of not less 5 kilometers from their official residence- Bombo barracks.
I first this NRM/A fit in Nakasongola soldiers bathing is water logged ponds some 20 years ago. SO BE IT WE ARE INDEPENDENT.
LONG LIVE UGANDA INDEPENDENCE , LONG LIVE UPDF.
