Two short ones:

Why do I have to tell the cleaning lady every Saturday morning that I do not like her to clean my apartment on Saturdays. That is the same young lady who asked me for a job claiming she would be a diploma holder from Makerere University (Project Management and other similar challenging courses).

Our in-house restaurant has a new menu and since I was hungry I decided to try their newly added Spaghetti Bolognese this evening. Ordering was again an interesting challenge. The waiter could not understand that there would be no need to select any of the side dishes he suggested for the Spaghetti Bolognese: Neither did I want steamed rice, nor fried rice, nor French fries, nor mashed potatoes and not even vegetables.

Language barriers

Why do Germans prefer foreign languages?

Yesterday, I deliberately choose to speak French – which must have been cruel to the two French in the car – and I did not stop torturing their ears until I realised that it was impolite not to choose a language all in the car could understand, so English was our lingua franca again.

The same happens when an American friend calls or if we meet. He can speak German very well. Once he asked me whether we could communicate - i.e. text each other, exchange emails, talk etc – in German. I did not mind and when he sends emails I reply in German. Sometimes I add “nonsense” just to keep him practising. But when he calls or if we meet, we usually do not exchange more than five sentences in German before I (!) switch to English. Why do I do that?

Okay, I admit that I love the German language and I love to play around with its nuances, the connotations of words and so on. I love reading the Zwiebelfisch column and I also read the columnist’s book “Der Dativ ist dem Genitiv sein Tod”. Funny to read and instructive. I learnt a lot about my mother tongue!

When I was younger and slimmer (ah, those old days), I used to correct shopping list or notes, which were attached to our fridge at home. This made my parents and sisters very angry. I have never intended to insult or offend them. Recently, when I met an American lawyer (Harvard Law School), I found myself correcting him – initially not explicitly but when he turned around I asked my English friend whether I was right… Hm, I admit that there might be another reason why I attempted to correct his English, American, whatsoever. But when I spot mistakes in German texts, I really feel the urge to suggest corrections. Is this okay? Can I send back corrected texts to e.g. my American friend? I will as him.

In the above mentioned book, there is also a funny chapter about German expressions in English. It all starts with a story about some Americans seeing a supermarket advertising for “body bags” – which should actually be rucksacks (or in German: Rucksack (m.), Rucksäcke (plural)). So, as usual the German supermarket managers wanted to be hipper than necessary and possible. But similar to the Germans who use English expressions and do all sorts of terrible things with them: gedownloaded or gedownloadet for downloaded, also the English/Americans disfigure German words like Deutschmarks or Pretzel. However some are kept in its original form:

Angst
Blitzkrieg
kaputt
Kindergarten
Kitsch
Lebensraum
Poltergeist
Rucksack
Schadenfreude
Schnitzel
Sturm und Drang
Wunderkind
Waldsterben
Zeitgeist

Another funny rumour is that of German almost becoming official language in the U.S.A., see http://www.spiegel.de/kultur/zwiebelfisch/0,1518,306711,00.html.

What makes a ball perfect? Nat King Cole's "More" among others

All this new music is nice - sometimes. But let me give you another reason for real ballroom dancing: Nat King Cole's "More". While dancing a Slow Foxtrott on "More" you can enjoy real passion. I just love this song and the Slow Foxtrott - its great understatement and its powerful swings, the smoothness with which you touch or better fonlde the floor with your feet while moving two bodies in synch seemingly weightless through the room. It is just awesome to enjoy the feeling as if you hover. Or if you want to flirt and play, there is the Rumba or ChaChaCha with your feet on the ground.

I guess that is what I always have in mind, when I buy tickets for balls. If I switched on the rational part of my brain it would tell me before that there will be no perfect ball for the lack of an appropriate and trained partner, the lack of appropriate dance music, and the lack of a good floor.

The UN Dinner Ball, rumours, and fundraising auctions

The event was okay for a fundraising/charity event. There were few unknown faces. As usual there were too many speeches. Surprisingly the food was just of average quality and moreover, it was served almost cold. The entertainment part was boring and worst of all they did not play any ballroom dance. I mean, come on, you cannot call it a ball if not even one ballroom dance is played. There were so many members of the diplomatic corps, which I would assume know how to move their bodies accordingly over the floor. Therefore, my worries as regards to my missing dance shoes were unjustified. I had no reason to wear them.

As regards to wearing something: Please correct me, if I am wrong, but when you are invited to a dinner ball and the invitation says formal, what do you expect people to wear? Women - anything which compliments her beauty, while men should stick to a tuxedo or dark blue or black suit, white shirt and a nice (!) tie and since it usually starts past 5.00p.m. only black shoes with leather soles are acceptable. Well, those "rules" seem not to apply in this part of the world, which is good, otherwise it would have been less fun watching people. Ah, and we also saw a new definition of belly dancing – but this is another story…

I am glad that I can still dress up for a ball in less than 30 minutes. While I had been waiting for my taxi (despite notice more than one hour in advance, it was 15 minutes late), I counted the balls I attended. I think it must have been at least 25 plus innumerable ballroom competitions, where I had to change into my tailcoat with all the necessary little accessories, which made the outward appearance perfect and where I always had to help my partner dressing up. But that is also another story...

Later in the night, I went to my favourite bar, where I ran into a nice person whose company – after I was introduced to him – said to: “I’ve heart about you”. What is your first thought in those moments, when the person you are facing at, drops this sentence? One’s reaction is probably a matter of your self-confidence. Then the other person wanted to know about rumours that have been around about her and others – a funny coincidence. Rationally assessed one might have expected her to disclose, what she told him about me, wouldn’t one. However, it was probably due to my gentleman’s/James-Bond-like outfit, that I ignored the statement and did not raise any question in this regard. Admittedly, later on my way home, I had been thinking about it.

By the way: I think about breaking a tradition. Whenever I went through the duty free area at Dubai airport, I looked at the Omega watches… which would then make the James Bond outfit complete

Speaking about spending money: Is it appropriate to behave rationally during a fund raising auction? There was a draw and one price was a return ticket to Paris – business class. What else would you expect at an event organised by the UN Spouse Association. For some reason, the ticket was auctioned later. During the auction, I stopped thinking about raising my hand, when the price reached the level, I would be willing to spend for a regular Y-class return ticket to Paris. That level was reached soon, so I observed three or four ladies competing for the ticket. Finally, it was sold for 1750 EUR - which is probably fair for a business class ticket. However, it was a ticket from SN Brussels, so you never know when they actually depart in Entebbe...

Some questions on discrimination and political correctness

How come that nobody would object if you cite a study saying e.g. that "90% of all criminals are men" or "most kids who do not behave in school are boys"?

Why do we not immediately object statemens (being e.g. based on empirical studies) who do not comply with the political correct expectations?

A day too late...

Yesterday, I found no time to comment on a letter to The New Vision (copied below). The state minister for information and broadcasting complains about the point of view of The New Vision. The daily's major shareholder is the Government (so please ignore the wrong fact, that you may find on their internet site; it is simply outdated...), therefore some natural conflicts of interest arise, although The New Vision says that it "must publish criticism of the government ('without becoming an institutional opponent of government').Nowhere does the act say that The New Vision must publish praise of government." (http://www.newvision.co.ug/V/)

My two most favourite sections of the letter to The New Vision are the following:
"Any responsible government such as ours has a duty to protect the unsuspecting population against immorality sharks, who genuinely believe in practices such as homosexuality and they want to impose these on the population. Our laws abhor homosexuality, pornography and such other vices."

Is there any need to comment on these lines? I doubt it. However, I am curious and tempted to ask the minister how this works. How is the practise of homosexuality imposed on me as part of the population. Or maybe it does not work any more in my case, because I grew up in those regions of the world with are the source of all immorality. Moreover, I have had frequent contacts with homosexuals! So I may have developed some kind of natural resistance against it. Or I am alread doomed. That might be…

"You boldly stated that the Government is hypocritical and has infringed the Constitution. You went further to urge the organisers of the Vagina Monologues to go to the Constitutional Court on account that freedom of expression had been violated. There is something strange about the New Vision’s persistent position on matters such as pornography and homosexuality. the New Vision is urging the public to sue its employer!"
What is the role of the press if not to point out shortcomings. Besides, what is wrong if The New Vision recommends to make use of all legal means available, if a case is doubtful. This is the way it is, or at least, this is the way is should be. However, if the rule of law is underdeveloped… or if someone is afraid of the outcomeof the court ruling, hey that is another issue. In my personal opinion, it not the role of the Minister of state for information and broadcasting to criticise the media. Instead he should have congratulated the media for taking a critical position.
But, I should never forget, where I am. I am in a country, where there is a one page article on pick up lines, another one page article on how and when to break up relationships and where there are still exchange rates for the Austrian shilling, Deutsche Mark (not Deutschmarks, dear Northamericans!!!), and all other currencies which do not exist any more. But who cares.

"Why does New Vision promote homosexuals? TO many Ugandans, the play, which the New Vision has ferociously defended, promotes lesbianism and homosexuality. Far from the huge deception the organisers and promoters have portrayed, the play is not about violence that is regrettably meted upon our women. It is not even about any collective action society should take to stamp it out. Our laws are clear about the obnoxious practice we know as homosexuality. The Penal Code outlaws it. Besides, it is repulsive to our culture and traditions. That is why the Media Council, in its own wisdom, banned the play’s performance at Ndere Theatre and the Government supported the council’s decision. What has been The New Vision response following the ban? In the New Vision of February 18, you doubted whether the council’s decision and Cabinet’s support were constitutional. You boldly stated that the Government is hypocritical and has infringed the Constitution. You went further to urge the organisers of the Vagina Monologues to go to the Constitutional Court on account that freedom of expression had been violated. There is something strange about the New Vision’s persistent position on matters such as pornography and homosexuality. the New Vision is urging the public to sue its employer! As your position is that in spite of what the law says about homosexuality, the right to freedom of expression must disregard that law! Where in the world is there unfettered freedom of the kind you want to see in Uganda? Any responsible government such as ours has a duty to protect the unsuspecting population against immorality sharks, who genuinely believe in practices such as homosexuality and they want to impose these on the population. Our laws abhor homosexuality, pornography and such other vices. In United Kingdom, for example, the story is different. I agree that there have been inconsistencies in the way the Media Council treats the pandemic of immorality in our country. This should stop. However, such reported inconsistencies should not provide an excuse for the likes of the New Vision to advocate that because application of the law is inconsistent, nothing against public immorality should be done. Increasingly, the New Vision is articulating the rights of homosexuals. This practice has increased over the last few months. Increasingly, too, the paper in which the Movement Government has majority shares, is promoting illegality presumably under pressure from its rivals in the print media. Progressively, one is witnessing an organised campaign in the media and schools to ‘soften’ Ugandans’ revulsion against vices such as homosexuality. As long as the Constitution’s stand is that homosexuality is a criminal practice, the New Vision should not advocate a contrary view through use of orchestrated tactics designed to undermine Ugandan’s social as well as moral order. Finally, the Movement Government is the author of the freedom we are all enjoying: Freedom of expression, association, etc. The Government will jealously guard against any attempt to erode these freedoms. However, it believes that freedom a la carte is dangerous and it does not exist anywhere, including in the more established democracies. If Government were to follow the New Vision’s line, people would soon clamour that it is their right to go naked on the streets of Kampala. Would the New Visionn defend their rights to do so? Freedom with responsibility is the issue here. Responsibility entails observance of Uganda’s and not other countries’ laws. " By NSABA BUTURO The writer is minister of state for information and broadcasting Published on: Thursday, 24th February, 2005 in The New Vision SOURCE: http://www.newvision.co.ug/detail.php?mainNewsCategoryId=&newsCategoryId=459&newsId=419805

Do not be confused, it is not about Suruma's magnificient strategy...

Although the headline might suggest that the folllwing article in the New Vision might only deal with the recently published new and surprising economic strategy, it does not. It captures two completely different topics. It is a two-for-one! It is a great deal!

I could not resist to insert all line breaks. Sometimes they are breaks in the rule "one sentence one paragraph". I think I should drop a line to the editor...


"Suruma states strategy

FINANCE minister Dr. Ezra Suruma yesterday said decisive government intervention was needed to fight poverty.

Suruma told a government weekly press briefing that 3.8 million households (74% of all households), which cover over 20 million people, were engaged in agriculture and their standard of living was the lowest.

He said the economic policy would also address the rest of the population who live in urban areas.

Suruma said government zeal to uplift the poor would not disregard the importance of macroeconomic stability or the role of the private sector. “Our credentials and historical role in the struggle to establish macroeconomic stability should not be ignored by our critics,” he said.

Suruma said the government’s economic policy was intended to increase household production so that the population can have more to eat and sell. He said the economic policy also aimed at helping households to find markets.

Security minister Betty Aketch said a foreign country backed the People's Redemption Army (PRA). She dismissed reports that the PRA was created by the Government to harass political opponents.

Aketch said in November and December 2004, the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force apprehended PRA operatives and captured ammunition and other items from the West Nile.

She said she could not talk about personalities involved in PRA activities because the matter was in court. Army spokesman Maj. Shaban Bantariza said arrested PRA operatives named Col. Kiiza Besigye as their leader. "

By Hamis Kaheru
Published on: Friday, 25th February, 2005 in The New Vision
SOURCE: http://www.newvision.co.ug/detail.php?newsCategoryId=13&newsId=420018

Baker who has never baked a bread

Would you ever ask an alleged baker who has never baked a bread how to bake a bread? No, you would probably prefer an experienced baker, right? So why do people who know me, consider my advise when it comes to relationships?

Maybe, I am a good pretender or I just do not stop talking and commenting ;-)

Fact is however that women tend to ask for my advise when they have to overcome troublesome periods in their relationships.

Pragmatically assessed there is nothing wrong with this as long as it ends up favorable for their relationships. So far it has been successful.

A wonderful evening...

Today, a loving couple found together after a short crisis! I am glad that everything worked out so fine.

Then I went to the ballroom dacing class. I have known about it for more than a year but for some strange reasons I had decided not to go dancing any more. Well, but on Saturday, I decided differently. I just could remember the reason why I did not want to dance any more. And indeed it was a stupid decision. I enjoyed dancing so much. Actually, it was not so much the dancing but the chance to teach dancing angain.

When I arrived, the trainer asked me to dance Slow Waltz with him. When he tried to direct me, my ambitions were woken up and I could not resist showing him that I knew how to dance Slow Waltz. I stopped when I realised that was pointing out his mistakes. He cannot really dance... Some could even dance well. did not go. By that time the other students were slowly arriving. It became every (normal) men's paradise. Four young and attractive ladies, the old (very old) Ugandan trainer and me. I could therefore not refuse to dance, which I initially thought about.

First I wanted to watch the trainer and then behave as a usual man in a dancing course. Fortunately, I did not have my shoes - but on tiles they would have made so much of a difference at all - isn't it funny: Dancers have always issues with the floor or with the shoes :-)
Anyway, so I started dancing and I could not resist starting to teach. First Slow Waltz, then Cha Cha, then Rock n' Roll, which I actually never appreciated and learnt, then Jive (which I prefer...), then Salsa and finally Rumba. All in all too much for beginners and everything without any concept.

I think, if I stay here for longer, I am going to propose the management of the Rouge to teach dancing. Probably not only Salsa but more the Latin American style (Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Jive - I guess I can leave out Paso Doble) as it is danced in Europe. To prepare myself, I will take the ballroom dacing bible (Michael Moore's "Ballroom Dancing") with me, when I fly come over the Easter holiday.

Oh, I wished my former dancing partner would be here and I had the chance to dance with her. I know, that my performance would be terrible, but just to enjoy this special kind of familiarit, when both know, where to move and how, when you think that you are hoovering over the floor, when room, movement and music are in a perfect harmonic balance. This is the state I am looking forward to reach once again. And this is the reason, I never wanted to start dancing on a regular basis again. I had been addicted to it. I had loved it. NO. I love it. Whenever I see it someone dancing, I feel the urge to do it, too. If someone dances well, I want to compete. When I go to a ball, I always pretend that I would not go alone (being a notorious bachelor, it is usually a well accepted excuse), but the actual reason has been that I did not want to be disappointed because I could imagine that I would find someone with whom I could dance satisfactorily. I feel like being detoxed and being tempted to start dancing again. Okay, if I switched on my mind, I would realise that there is no one who would like to dance with me and who could dance well enough to make me soo addicted to dancing again as I used to be some seven years ago.

N.Y.Times: "The Secret Genocide Archive"

I suggest reading the following column by Nicholas D. Kristof:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/23/opinion/23kristof.html?th

You might sign up at www.nytimes.com for free to get access to the text. But it is worth doing it anyway.

My tuxedo...

... will be worn again on Saturday!
Finally, the investment in the tuxedo is paying off. But apart from the financial aspect: I am looking forward to it. Maybe, I will dare to make one or two steps on the on dance floor... Why did I forget my dance shoes at home?

Honesty

Is there any limit to honesty? Is it allowed to disclose a secret just for the sake of honesty?
What if you knew some details which could affect another relationship: Are you allowed to disclose the details just because one within the relationship might need to known it in order to be able to assess the depth of the relationship? What if you might be considered to be biased? How can you exclude that you are beliefed to be biased if you disclose facts only?

So many questions and I had decided before I asked and I believe I made the right choice... Hopefully ;-)

For the sake of honesty.

Today's Women's Vision (pp. 17 of The New Vision)

I am surprised that the articel on female genital circumcision is published including a figure with three drawings of vaginas in colour.

Unfortunately, the webpage of The New Vision is still not accessible, otherwise I would have posted a link and cited the text. But it can easily summarised: Anyboday who follows "usual" news "in the west" learns nothing new but is just surprised about the almost indifferent way this ferocity is described and the shyness of how it is criticised.

It is still a cultural event in this part of the world, which girls and young women have to suffer their rest of their lifes from. To avoid that the girls "run into the anti-FGM crusaders" (I would love to join those crusaders.), they are dragged into the torture chambers without the usual merry-making. In addition to the statement that this cruelty is a common problem, which is said to affect 28 African countries, a former minister for disaster preparedness provides the solution of how this society's cruel streak could be minimised: education.

Although I recently suggested some Kant, in this case the Old Testament's "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" might be more appropriate. Or in order to attract suspicion from the Media Council or the Ministry of Information: "An Penis for a Vagina, a Glans for a Clitoris" - oh this might also raise some Christian fundamentals' eyebrows.

How shall I interpret this? Am I banned from reading The New Vision?

It says:

"Forbidden
You don't have permission to access/ on this server.
________________________________________________________
Apache-AdvancedExtranetServer/1.3.22 Server at newvision.co.ug Port 80 "

UTV

Have you ever voluntarily watched those terrible local TV stations? Here we have one of those: UTV. Usually I just switch to their channel to watch DW-TV (which is not much better, but they show Auto, Motor, Sport TV…). So today there was no channel from DSTV available and I watched UTV. I could not watch it for more than ten minutes. I mean it was like being tortured and I am no masochist at all.

The speakers a…r…e……s…o……s…l…o…w……t…h…a…t……I…...h…a… d……t…o……f…o…r…c…e……a…g…a…i…n…s…t……t…h…e……u…r…g…e……t…o……f…a…l…l……a…s…l…e…e…p

What is worse than the slow speakers is the nonsense news they broadcast. They are full of meaningless buzzwords. The news is so shallow and I think mostly bought. It is more an ongoing commercial. Speaking about commercials – indeed they are as bad as the news.

I should buy a VCR and tape an hour of UTV, submit it a human rights commission. It is close to torture, in my opinion. Okay, I admit ten minutes are not enough to be allowed to make general statements, but I watched it for some minutes ago and it has never been better

OH NO! I am wrong I also watched M7’s speech at the Meeting of the African Development Bank. That was great. He covered everything, exhaustively, without commercial breaks.

But except from those single journalistic masterpieces: Could someone please provide funding for hiring some good journalists! Anyone who has passed Journalism 101 would be appreciated.

The funding of the new economic strategy

Now, we know, how the Government plans to fund its ne economic strategy. It will limit the donor funding at 200m USD or 25% (of the total budget, I assume) - but nobody is really sure. Nobody? No, the State Minister for Finance in charge Planning, Mr Isaac Musumba, knows what the Government will do: "local resources would be raised through local borrowing, mobilisation of savings, increased wealth, and increased taxes among others."

Please correct me, if I am overcritical: Borrowing locally (by the Government) crowds out private savings (i.e. private investments), so there is a trade-off and both compete and try to attract investor by offering favourable interest rate, which raise. This will contradict the ne strategy. Wealth, if measured in nominal terms, will raise, if however measured in real terms will not increase because inflation must be taken into account. Moreover, if tax income shall increase, the wealth will be negatively affected and because of the higher interest rates, which are to be paid for the local borrowings, the net effect will at least decrease. Well, there is however still the option of forced savings in government securities at a certain fixed (low) rate. But this would be never taken into consideration in a market oriented economy.

gov. borrowing - up -> private saving - down => competition via interest rates => interest rate - up
gov. borrowing - up -> interest payments - up => possibly no positive effect on the budget


Didn't they also mention that they would still like to attract more FDI - foreig direct investments? I am sure, the foreign investors will love the idea of state guaranteed break-even cost coverage. I would invest. Hey, I would not lose anything, if I can keep my acutal costs below the costs set by the government.



"Govt to limit donor funding to $200m
By Gerald Walulya & Mwanguhya Charles Mpagi
Feb 21, 2005

KAMPALA - The government has proposed to limit donor funding to $200 million annually in its new economic reforms.
The reforms are contained in a policy paper drafted by the Minister of Finance, Dr Ezra Suruma. In a one-day secret conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo last Friday, which was chaired by President Museveni, the government resolved to adopt new economic strategies that will enhance job creation, rural transformation and increasing the local revenue base as suggested by Suruma.Donor-support to the Uganda's budget currently stands at 48 percent.
The government spokesman, Dr James Nsaba Buturo, told The Monitor that it is government's deliberate plan to reduce reliance on donor funds.
"It's our desire to reduce reliance on donor funding. It is not healthy to continue depending on donors," Buturo said.
The State Minister for Finance in charge Planning, Mr Isaac Musumba, could not confirm the $200 million figure but added that the strategy was to gradually reduce donor dependence.
He said ideally government hoped to have reduced donor budget funding to atleast 25 percent in a period of 10 years.
President Museveni has consistently called for reduction of donor funding to Uganda's budget. Ministers and all Permanent Secretaries attended the conference.
Musumba said on telephone yesterday that local resources would be raised through local borrowing, mobilisation of savings, increased wealth, and increased taxes among others.
Dr. Suruma proposed a return to the interventionist model of macro-economic management. He described the current economic strategy as, "Laissez faire model based on the belief that the government should limit itself to ensuring a stable economic framework and providing public goods like feeder roads, while leaving the peasants to fend for themselves by reacting to market incentives".
He said Uganda has been following this model and the productivity figures remain at the bottom of the world scale. He proposed that the current free-market economy needs to be revisited."
SOURCE: http://www.monitor.co.ug/news/news02214.php

Comment on The Suruma Strategy

Dr. Ezra Suruam is the new Minister of Finance and as good leaders do he also came with his ideas of how to manage things. Since he is the Minister of Finance, he came up with some ideas of how to improve the peoples lives namely their livelihood. This is beyond any doubt a noble but not very uncommon idea of a Minister of Finance.

But is I assume that the Sunday Vision cites his ideas and argumentation correctly. At least he instead of M7 argues in real terms. I mean otherwise it would be too simple to achieve the goal to increase the nominal annual income of households, which according to M7 “should be measured in terms of cash earned instead of quantity produced per year”. Suruma instead argues in real terms: “He said it was better to maintain 200 cows rather than have 500 cows that are hard to feed during drought. He suggested that any extra cattle should be sold in order to raise household incomes” – I am baffled by so much insightful thoughts!

But let us turn to “The Suruma strategy”. I could have stopped reading when I reached the sentence “The new Minister of Finance, Dr. Ezra Suruma, has proposed radical economic changes that would see greater government intervention in the economy.” My immediate thought was: “Isn’t is another way of redistributing government funds to the political elite class?” But since I did not want to remain biased towards his thoughts, I ordered my lunch and continued reading.

First of all, I am not sure whether I should appreciate its shallowness and its lack of concrete ideas or whether it should raise suspicion. It is basically an enumeration of things that should be “determined”, “assessed”, “reviewed”. Of course, it is always easier to let readers unaware of the real plans:

1) Plan
2) Car
3) Insurance

What do these three nouns stand for? You can add any verb and thereby give it a meaning. That is exactly the way the strategy was written. It is therefore hard to criticise the arguments.

However, there are some ideas, which can be analysed.
Although I am a fan of co-operatives, I do not believe that the institutional environment is mature enough to rely on co-operatives. Uganda has had its experience with co-operatives and set prices. I thought that lesson was learnt. Apparently, one has not. This is sad. I mean, how shall you interpret such suggestions like “train the cooperative society members in the management of credit repayments”? This is a no-brainer. But against the background of the lessons learnt from the UCB, it is advisable to mention that loans must be paid back and that they are no other form of state subsidies. But wait maybe that is on the agenda, too …

The writer has no clue about microfinance. Microfinance is not appropriate for rural finance. Fortunately there will be a big conference on this issue and maybe someone from the Ministry will attend and understand this. By the way, microfinance has nothing to do with charity. Just to avoid any misunderstandings.

Okay, then there is again the wish to influence interest rates and the foreign exchange rates… Who came up with these ideas? Hey, wait, it is topped by this: “we will be estimating the minimum break-even prices for each crop for farmers to cover their cost of production and assessing the policy implications of this.” This reeks of self-service shops around the country. But why not, if they can overcome all practical challenges, it will definitely increase the number of loyal supporters of the Government. Peasants will love it and they will find their ways to proof astronomically high input costs.

Oh, I almost forget about one aspect: The article or strategy paper starts with a definition of the Government Budget: “The government Budget is essentially a statement of the revenues and expenditures of the government during the fiscal year.” (essentially – what else?). A significant share of the Republic of Uganda’s budget has been funded by donors for years. Are they going to continue doing so? Just look at the tough stance, foreign government took in the case of Kenya in recent days. And personally I would not say that the donors supporting the Republic of Uganda are amused in these days either…


SOURCES: http://www.sundayvision.co.ug/detail.php?mainNewsCategoryId=7&newsCategoryId=123&newsId=419166
http://www.sundayvision.co.ug/detail.php?mainNewsCategoryId=7&newsCategoryI$d=132&newsId=419156
Published on: Sunday, 20th February, 2005 in the Sunday Vision

Sorry for commenting again on the V-Monologues as they are now being referred to in the news...

What shall I say? The way certain people argue against the play is just so diametrial to my mindset, that it really annoys me when I read their comments. Of course, it is every person's right to publish her or his opinion on anything. And of course, the society's values etc must be taken into consideration, when you argue. But please, come on, when it comes to those exaggerated reasoning (international complot to destroy the moral of the Ugandan people...) or whenever certain groups are pointed at and their peaceful way of living is critised and criminalised, I become angry.

Come on, take a step back, cool down, clear up your mind and look at it again. It is only a play. People deliberately decide to watch it. Nobody is forced to watch it. It is everybody's own decision. And this is another issue, which annoys me. How come that this is such a big deal. Is it part of a greater deal? I honestly hope that they are not intending to trace down homosexuals and arrest them or do worse things.

What I also cannot understand are the Christian fundamentalists. It seems as if they and me do not interpret God's word similarly. I was raised according to Christian values, I went to Sunday school, religion was always one of my best subjects - but what I was told is: Respect others! Behave! And our God is a forgiving God! Well I am a protestant - if this matters - so I also believe that you have to help yourself first and that you should not rely on others. Maybe it is because of this that I believe in the liberal thoughts.

So obviously this is different in this country. I suggest some Immanuel Kant, to understand elightment: "Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-incurred immaturity. Immaturity is the inability to use one's own understanding without the guidance of another. This immaturity is self-incurred if its cause is not lack of understanding, but lack of resolution and courage to use it without the guidance of another. The motto of enlightenment is therefore: Sapere aude! Have courage to use your own understanding!"

Here people even shy at movies like "American Pie". Everybody with a usual mind, will come to the conclusion that this just hilarious and stupid college nonsense. I got a kick out of is and was almost thrown out of the movie theatre/cinema for laughing too much and too loud. I never saw myself and my moral standards in danger?

What would happen if WBS or UTV would consider broadcasting the eight or nine episodes of "Lemon Popsicle" (Eis am Stil).

Ah, yes the first paragraph of this article was the reason for this posting:

"The unintended consequence of the dialogue on the Vagina Monologues (which for decency's sake I will refer to as V-Monologues) has been the exposure of the great moral division within the women's movement in Uganda. During a talk show on Kfm last week, I confirmed what I had long suspected; Uganda's women movement is hijacked by a bunch of fundamentalist extremists who are moonstruck with the promotion of lesbianism, abortion, cultic worship of a female pagan goddess and an incessant contempt and hatred for men! These very vocal extremists are often products of western feminists whose values are at dissonance with the average Ugandan woman who has a more traditional family outlook, strong religious leanings, a healthy respect both for her husband and son, as well as a reverence for the rights of her unborn child. (...)"

The writer is a pastor, broadcaster and HIV/Aids activists He can be reached at ssempa@aol.com or 077-641028
SOURCE: http://www.monitor.co.ug/perspectives/pers02203.php

Living in a village - Part III

There are three types of new relationships in Uganda apart from those that I already ruled out.

Second hand relationships - adultery. No way.
Advantageous relationship - hm, let's phrase it like this: The other person has local experiences.
Lucky relationship - perfect match: seen, met, case closed.

The first one is no option. The remaining alternatives are no alternatives because the third one is highly unlikely. Which remains me to consider the second one. But is that first choice in a town like Kampala? At least it would fulfil the socio-cultural expectation that a man is supposed to have company. But it would indeed be advantageous. One faces medical risks, social risks and personal risk: STDs, rumours, exclusion from established social circles, disappointing experiences when it ends. Some people say: No risk, no fun... Really?

I am writing this because I ran into a former colleague of mine yesterday. She had been living here for quite some time and she is still very well known in this city. And from what people told me about her, I understand, why she still spends so much time in Uganda.

This small village and especially its expatriate community is full of rumours about anybody and anything, so I also heart stories about her. I prefer not to spread rumours and not to comment on it. I do listen to them and I may take them into account because they always have some trustworthy parts, i.e. they carry some facts - the challenge is to filter them out.

Me personally, I am very eager to be esteemed and I hate embarrassing situations. Therefore, I prefer being a dark horse/an unknown quantity (I do not know which translation fits best) rather than being a "celebrity" and thus automatically reason for rumours.
(I copied the previous sentences from an email, so some readers might recognise it, but since I wrote it I do not put quotation marks.)

So, the remaining option is the third, whose probability estimate is low, but not equal to zero ;-) Ah, yes, as a good economist, I excluded any combination of the three options, just to make the "model" easier... Apropos easier, my suitcases will be lighter than last time on my way back from Germany. I am not bringing sweets for anyone. At least there is no reason for it - yet ;-)

Does M7 has a son?

I am not familiar with the family of the great President. I know that his daughters prefer to give birth to their children in Germany (I thought Mulago Hospital is first class, isn't it?). One of the daughter was even a neighbour of a German colleague from GTZ. She regrets that she never met the President in Germany. Though he is said to be a polite man, wouldn't it be strange to meet the most powerful man from an African country on the stairways of an ordinary apartment house? But this is off the topic.

So, the N.Y. Times writes (http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/19/international/africa/19togo.html) that there will be elections in Togo within 60 days. Congratulations. But why would anybody want that country to waste their remaining few financial resources by organising elections? Ah, maybe to keep the illusion that it is indeed considering to become a democracy. This would be okay, right?

Months ago, I found myself arguing that democracy might not always be the best solution. Can you believe it? Let's assume a country which is well established democracy and where there are some parties who would prefer to abolish the democratic system. Is it okay to ban this party? Wouldn't it violate the foundations of the democratic ideas? What if it would be the will of the people? Wouldn't a country ruled by honest well educated and experienced statesmen, who do everything for the good of the people, be better?

I hope, I will continue following the development of Uganda when I am back in Germany. The transition process, which has started is probably becoming increasingly "interesting" in the coming months. I had the chance to read some confidential documents written by some donors...

Things you should not even think about...

On my usual running track there is - among others - the diplomatic mission of the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea. Well and since that country had such a prominent role in the dailys, I thought, I should throw in my two pennies worth and illustrate my thoughts with a certain picture. The North Koreans have these strange pictures on their wall and today I wanted to take a picture of them. But I could not. I do not how they managed to get out of their premises to fast - but man they were fast and they immediately forced me to leave. So, there will not be a picture of their strange pictures.

Not only their guards but also North Korea's leaders know their business. Claiming to have nuclear weapons is a powerful statement. It puts the rest of the world in a bad position regardless whether they actually have them or not. Of course, if we were in a movie's world, we would send James Bond, he would flirt around with some nice North Koreans (I just say PDA), he would find the weapons of mass destruction, destroy them and we could live happily ever after.

What would I or you do as a country's leader?
I would treat them as a threatening country as long as it is not proven that there are no nuclear weapons. But wht would I do next? Take preemptive measures? In the worst case it would probably boil down to the question, whether it is "worth" killing people to "save" more people. I shy at those tough decisions. See, I could not become a country's leader - fortunately I do not want to become one.

Socialistic tendencies...

I had to wait and calm down before posting this: The new minister of finance is considering a more socialistic approach to support the economic development of the Republic of Uganda.

I do not condemn socialism at all... but I am a confessing liberal and I doubt whether the suggestions will lead into the right direction and whether Uganda can establish sustainable development with them.

Readers might wonder why I copy the whole text instead of just posting the links. Honestly, I do not know how long the links work... But anyway, I post the whole article of The New Vision below - did I ever mention that The New Vision is listed at the Uganda Securities Exchange? It is but whether anybody trades in it, I do not know. But I think the major shareholder is still the Government.

HIGHLIGHT 1:
"The laissez faire model is based on the belief that the Government should limit itself to ensuring a stable economic framework and public goods such as feeder roads, while leaving the peasants to fend for themselves by reacting to market incentives. By and large this is the model that we have been following and the productivity figures remain at the bottom of the world scale,”

Well, Dr. Suruma have you assessed all reasons why there is no significant economic development? What productivity figures are you assessing? It is probably not the market oriented approach, which was initiated by among others the present Governor of the Bank of Uganda, who causes the poor development of this country. Besides, it is not developing poorly. Unfortunately the positive effects are not as soon visible as the devastating results of the ages of terror and suppression Uganda went through.

HIGHLIGHT 2:
“In order to reach the vast number of households today, the cooperative model is the correct approach.”

I agree. But the co-operative is a based on liberal beliefs and it assumes that members take repsonsibility for themselves. Members must be active!

HIGHLIGHT 3:
"we will be estimating the minimum breakeven prices for each crop for farmers to cover their cost of production and assessing policy implications,”

Oh, my Gosh. Do not even think about it. That is something you learn in Economics 101. There are only negative welfare effects if prices cannot move freely and achieve only artificial balances.

HIGHLIGHT 4:
“efforts will be made to rationalise use of foreign exchange” as well as “promoting a favourable exchange rate”. He says that “the Bank of Uganda will be encouraged to work towards an exchange rate that is consistent with maximization of exports of Uganda”."

That would actually be funny, if they would try to "manipulate" the foreign exchange rate or if they re-establish fixed exchange rates. Really funny. Then our currency crisis model (http://www.hfb.de/Dateien/Arbeits59e.pdf) could be tested ... We could not conduct the final test for it because luckily Uganda has never experienced a currency crisis (yet):

All in all: A big joke. I count on the influence of IMF, World Bank and the donors. This just another attempt to manipulate the people who appreciates socialistic ideas - especially in a community where everybody is just striving for her/his own advantages.


"Suruma calls for radical economic shift

The policy paper appears to propose a return to a more interventionist model of macro-economic management. The paper is under discussion at a high level. However, for the new proposals to be effectively implemented, the Government would need to jettison the Three Year Budget Plan passed by Parliament last year. Suruma said existing economic policy needed revisiting. “The laissez faire model is based on the belief that the Government should limit itself to ensuring a stable economic framework and public goods such as feeder roads, while leaving the peasants to fend for themselves by reacting to market incentives. By and large this is the model that we have been following and the productivity figures remain at the bottom of the world scale,” he writes. Suruma is supportive of private outgrowers’ schemes but wants the next Budget to focus primarily on kick-starting the agricultural sector by revitalising the cooperative sector. He said, “In order to reach the vast number of households today, the cooperative model is the correct approach.” He proposed a major government drive in the next financial year to support cooperatives. He wants a farmers’ cooperative society formed at every sub-county and later at every parish; micro-finance institutions at every sub-country to finance inputs and seeds for these cooperatives; business training for them and construction by government of cooperative stories in all sub-counties. The paper states that the ministries of agriculture and finance have been asked to calculate the cost of assistance to the Cooperative Movement. Suruma also argues that it is necessary to provide broader macro-economic support to cooperatives by ensuring that they have markets and a fair price for their produce. The paper says the government should ensure a stable market for farmers but does not specify how. “A market must exist or be created to absorb the extra produce. It is also essential that prices do not collapse leaving them either the same or worse off,” he said. “In consultation with relevant line ministries, we will be estimating the minimum breakeven prices for each crop for farmers to cover their cost of production and assessing policy implications,” he said. Suruma indicates that transformation of agriculture will be his initial focus but he also proposes to tackle industrial and public sector development. Government will provide funding for research, development and pilot plants in key industrial sectors while the infrastructure needs to be developed, especially in the energy sector where Bujagali and Karuma dams need to be built. “Ugandans will be asked to supplement both equity and debt financing towards these key infrastructures”, he states. He also recommends that more competition should be introduced to the communication sector to reduce the cost of data transmission. Suruma also proposedstrategies for “maintaining price stability”. He says that “efforts will be made to rationalise use of foreign exchange” as well as “promoting a favourable exchange rate”. He says that “the Bank of Uganda will be encouraged to work towards an exchange rate that is consistent with maximization of exports of Uganda”. It is not clear whether this means a higher or lower exchange rate than presently. Government will also seek to reduce “High interest rates (that) continue to stifle investment in Uganda and to render Ugandan products less competitive”. This will be achieved partly by promoting competition in the financial sector, channeling local borrowing and foreign aid into productive priorities, and limiting government borrowing to productive areas. Suruma also proposed government investment in the services sector to “provide additional employment opportunities and also provide a market fort the expanded production of agriculture and industry.” To do this, government will organise construction projects in slum areas, sewage systems in mushrooming trade centres and increased tourism infrastructure."

Published on: Friday, 18th February, 2005 in The New Vision
SOURCE: http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/12/418885

Scary News about the Power Supply Situation

I have been lucky. The area I live in is not affected by the regular load shedding, which the rest of the country has to suffer from. Furthermore, the apartement house I live in has its own generator. Thus, I only experience power cuts for seconds. However, I know that the power supply is not guaranteed at all. I had already read terrifying reports on the increasing demand and the impossibilty to raise the power supply. But when they have to close the dam, then the shit hits the fan...

I do not understand why nobody does something to significantly improve the situation. Without power, no industrialisation is possible. Sorry to say, but in this case, I would put economic requirements before ecological concerns...


"Dam faces closure

NALUBALE (Owen Falls Dam) in Jinja faces closure following intensive cracks developing at the power generation plant. Uganda Electricity Generation Company civil engineer Moses Kayizzi said the cracks caused by a reaction between water and cement had rendered the power generation plant weaker. “The phenomenon cannot be reversed as water continues to react with cement. The resultant pressure is so big that it forces the machines to move upwards creating cracks. If this continues, we might have to shut down,” he said. Kayizzi told the Parliament natural resources committee and state minister for energy Michael Werikhe that the dam might collapse in future. The MPs were touring Nalubale dam and Kiira power station on Thursday. Kayizzi said another power station was urgently needed or else the country would face a blackout. The tour followed allegations that the extension of Kiira power station was draining water from Lake Victoria. The MPs also wanted to assess the urgency of the need of building another station."

By Esther Mukyala
Published on: Friday, 18th February, 2005 in The New Vision
SOURCE: http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/13/418896

Vagina Monologues in Uganda - Part VIII

End of story - case closed.
The play will not be shown. The organisers surrendered. But as they mentioned in their statement: they achieved their goal partly. People were talking about the play. I hope that they not only talked about the title and the author's biography...

But what shall I do tomorrow evening?

Great Commercial

"We are for dogs!" - Pedigree

Ever seen it? I could barely await which company/organisation would be for dogs.
Well done!

Aximsite Minor League

I've just become proud member of the Aximsite Minor League with my 101st posting...

The German word for weather...

... is Wetter. I've never realised it before. It is true. The weather is wetter. Okay, one needs to have a special sense of humour to find this funny. I do!

Christmas Nightmare / Alptraum zu Weihnachten

Haha! Today, I received a belated Christmas gift!
The Postbank in Germany credited my account again with the amount, which was debited from my account on 23rd December although the ATM did not disburse any money.

Maybe, it was because of the nice letter I sent some weeks ago. The story itself sound too stupid to not to be true.

"Ihr Zeichen ...

Sehr geehrte Frau M.,
sehr geehrte Frau R.,

Anbei schicke ich Ihnen meine ausgefüllte „Schadenmeldung ohne Kartenverlust“, die ich in Kopie auch an die Filiale der Deutschen Bank in Bielefeld schicke. Entschuldigen Sie bitte die späte Reaktion von mir. Ich wohne und arbeite in Kampala, Uganda, und meine Mutter erhält meine Post nur mit einer gewissen Verzögerung von meinen Vermietern zugesandt.

Erlauben Sie mir bitte, Ihnen den Vorfall zu schildern, den ich mit Ihrer Hilfe hoffentlich lösen kann:
Ich habe am 23. Dezember vergeblich versucht, am Außenautomaten der Deutschen Bank an der Herforder Straße 23 in Bielefeld Geld von meinem „Spar Card direk“- Konto bei der Postbank abzuheben. Das Geldabheben habe ich gegen 0:30 Uhr begonnen. Die Geheimzahl als auch der Betrag (... EUR) wurden sofort anstandslos akzeptiert und die Karte wurde mir innerhalb der normalen Reaktionszeit des Geldautomaten wieder ausgegeben. Dann begann der Geldautomat die Geldfächer zu durchsuchen. Nach einer Weile öffnete sich der Geldausgabeschlitz, der aber zu meiner großen Verwunderung keinen einzigen Geldscheine enthielt. Er war komplett leer!

Dieser enttäuschende Vorgang wiederholte sich zahlreiche Male, bis ich schließlich um 1:15 Uhr aufgab und ein Taxi nach Hause nahm. Nach ca. 45 Minuten angespannten Wartens in der Kälte war ich zum Schluß gekommen, daß wohl ein mechanischer Defekt vorliegen mußte. Zahlreiche Male durchsuchte der Automat die verschiedenen Geldfächer und auch der Geldausgabeschlitz öffnete sich mehrmals, ohne jedoch Geldscheine auszugeben.

Aus meiner Zeit als Auszubildender weiß ich noch, wie Geldausgabeautomaten funktionieren, und ich war ratlos. Das Verhalten des Automaten war ziemlich merkwürdig. Daher rief ich beide auf dem Automaten angegeben Notfallnummern in der Hoffnung an, daß man mir dort einen Tip geben könnte. Doch weder die automatische Kartensperrnummer der Deutschen Bank die Kreditkartensperrzentrale in Frankfurt konnte mir weiterhelfen. Leider war die im innenliegenden Automatenbereich der Deutschen Bank Filiale angegebene Servicenummer zu diesem Zeitpunkt auch nicht besetzt.

Nach einer ziemlich kurzen Nacht, in der ich ziemlich kaum geschlafen hatte, ging ich zunächst zur Postbank, um am Automaten nachzusehen, ob der vermeintliche Betrag abgebucht worden war. Das war der Fall. Sofort zu Beginn der Schalteröffnung um 9:00 Uhr war ich dann in der Deutschen Bank Filiale, um dort Fall zu schildern. Nachdem man dort meiner „Geschichte“ zunächst nicht ganz glauben wollte, schaute eine Angestellte netterweise in die Log-Datei des Geldautomaten und stellte fest, daß der Vorfall entsprechend meinen Schilderungen statt gefunden hatte und der Geldausgabevorgang, kurz nachdem ich ins Taxi gestiegen war, mit dem Hinweis vom GAA abgebrochen wurde, daß das Geld nicht entnommen wurde. Das freute mich natürlich sehr. Die Dame wies mich aber auch darauf hin, daß es eine Weile dauern könne, bis die Rückbuchung auf mein Konto bei der Postbank erfolge.

Da die Rückbuchung auf mein Konto bei der Postbank kurz vor meiner Abreise nach Uganda am 6. Januar noch immer nicht erfolgt war, rief ich vorsorglich beim Kundenservice der Postbank an, der mir zusicherte, sich weiter mit dem Fall befassen zu wollen. Ihrem Schreiben vom 18. Januar 2005 zufolge ist das ja auch netterweise geschehen. Ich habe heute noch einmal die Deutsche Bank in Bielefeld kontaktiert, und dort riet man mir, daß Sie sich am besten noch einmal mit der Deutschen Bank in Verbindung setzen sollten, da man Ihnen dann die entsprechenden Informationen zur Verfügung stellen könne, die für die Rückbuchung notwendig seien.

Ich hoffe, Ihnen mit meiner Schilderung des Falls geholfen zu haben und hoffe natürlich noch viel mehr, daß sich die fehlerhafte Belastung bald zu meinen Gunsten klärt.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen"

Vagina Monologues in Uganda - Part VII

What I like about Uganda is (among others) that usually nothing is final... the controversial discussion and the censorship of the play "Vagina Monologues" is ongoing. The second citation from The New Vision reports on it.

The first cited article highlights the importance of the need to sensitise the Ugandan poeple of the physical and mental pain, which a lot of girls and young women experience by rapes, defilements and all other horrible things.

Every other day I come across an artical which deals with defilements. In Germany, you would just read about it once or twice a year, but in a lot of African communities it is still a common practise - a terribly cruel practise indeed.



"Defilement rises in Kumi district

KUMI police last year registered 127 defilement cases, indicating an increase of 27 compared to 2003. A report compiled by the police family welfare department said 500 crimes were registered. The district welfare officer, Florence Adong, who presented a report on gender-based violence in schools during a dialogue at Green Top hotel in Kumi recently, said an average of eight girls in the district had been defiled monthly. She added that in a period of two years 227 girls had been defiled. She said 40 people had been charged for defilement in 2003, registering an 8% increase. The acting country representative for Action Aid International, Christine Achieng, told participants that gender-based violence in schools had partly contributed to the high dropout rate of girls countrywide. According to a study initiated by Action Aid International-Uganda and carried out in the districts of Bundibugyo, Apac, Kyenjojo, Pallisa and Kampala, 84% of the girls had experienced some kind of physical or sexual violence. The data revealed that different forms of violence affected children and their performance in school. “In a school setting, girls suffer from sexual and psychological violence more than the boys,” the Action Aid report on Uganda read. Ends"

By Richard Otim
Published on: Thursday, 17th February, 2005
SOURCE: http://www.newvision.co.ug/detail.php?newsCategoryId=17&newsId=418553



"Vagina Monologues rejects Media Council terms

THE Media Council yesterday set a stiff condition for the organisers of The Vagina Monologues, demanding that some parts be struck from the script before it goes on stage. The council said in a ruling that alongside issues of violence and abuse of women, the play “prominently promotes and glorifies acts of unnatural sex, masturbation, lesbianism or homosexuality.” “To the extent that the play promotes illegal, unnatural sexual acts, homosexuality and prostitution, it should be and is hereby banned. This will not be the case if the organisers expunge all the offending parts to the satisfaction of the council,” the ruling said. It said the play offends and corrupts public morals and should be restricted to adults. “They must inform the public that the play contains scenes and language of a graphic nature that may be offensive to sections of the public. The organisers should make prominent advertisements in the media, on the tickets as well as the venue that there are age restrictions,” it said. The play, which was to be at Ndere Centre in Kampala on Saturday, became the first to receive a blow from the Media Council in many years. However, sources said the organisers said on Tuesday that “the title, content, as well as the dates on which the play is to be staged are non-negotiable.” “The Council was informed by the organisers that the title could not be changed due to restrictions of intellectual property rights dictated by the author of the play, Eve Ensler,” the sources said. “The council finds that the play addresses several cases of violence against women. It describes unimaginable and unacceptable forms of mutilation, violence and pain suffered across the world. The council is unequivocal on the urgent need to address these cases with a view to stop the inhumane, degrading, abusive and cruel treatment of women,” it said. Ethics and integrity state minister Tim Lwanga yesterday told Parliament, “The Vagina Monologues is not going to be shown.” Council chief Fr. John Mary Waliggo said yesterday that the fate of the play lay with the council. Kefa Ssempangi (Ntenjeru South), who raised the issue in the house, said “The Play is obscene and pornographic although it was under the guise of women liberation.” He called for an injunction. By press time, the organisers were still locked in a meeting, plotting their next move. Meanwhile, Steven Candia reports that churches and civil society organisations yesterday backed the council to block the play. Eighteen church leaders and the Coalition for Morality, Ethics and Integrity-Uganda petitioned the Presidency to stop the play, which they said touched on morals. They said the play was a smokescreen for graphic lesbian pornography and it demeaned women. They said the play was viciously anti-male and it was obscene. They said the title of the play was likely to “open a can of worms” and it reduced women to their sexual organs. The Church of Uganda, Seventh Day Adventist, the Orthodox Church and Kampala Pentecostal Church signed the memorandum. They accused the author of being “obsessed and fixated with the female sexual organ to the extent that the word “vagina” is repeated more than 100 times in the play.” They said the play contains graphic descriptions of masturbation, rape, and genital mutilation in manner that is “abhorrent, outrageous and disgusting.” Ends"

By Fortunate Ahimbisibwe
Published on: Thursday, 17th February, 2005
SOURCE: http://www.newvision.co.ug/detail.php?newsCategoryId=12&newsId=418630


And a Christian letter to The New Vision:


GUEST WRITER

"The V. Monologues has certainly stirred up controversy and I wish to add my voice to the debate. I salute Robby Muhumuza for his well-researched contribution to this debate. However, I find Robert Kabushenga’s question “What is wrong with V*****s?” disturbing. I also wonder how Miss Lilliane Barenzi can have no problem concerning a play that glorifies the V***** (Sunday Vision, Feb 13. My argument, which is unashamedly Christian, is as follows (I assume Kabushenga and Barenzi are “Christians!”). God created us sexual beings with our respective sex organs. He looked at everything He made as a Master Artist and said, “Very good!” (Gen 1:31). Yet God is certainly saddened when we misuse or glorify particular parts of our body (such as the private part) and worship it as a god. I believe only God should be worshipped. So worshipping any other person or object as the VM’s a hidden agenda seems to be, is unacceptable to God (Exodus 20:1, 2). The Christian view is that the human body is one, but has many members. Some of these members are presentable in public while others are not. These are “private parts”. As such, “We carefully protect from the eyes of others those parts that should not be seen, while the parts that may be seen do not require this special care.” (1Cor 12:23, 24 LB). The text guide us on what we see. It does not mention private parts by name. Paul mentions the head, hand, foot, eye and ear, but not private parts. Such should also be our approach. The guiding word seems to be “modesty”1Cor 12:23 NKJV. That is also the case in many societies where euphemisms are employed when talking about such delicate matters like private parts. There is a place for proper sex education for our children and for those preparing for marriage. In such cases, private parts may be referred to in a non vulgar way. Chanting the name of a private (as the author of the V. Monologues does), does not ring proper sex education tone. With due respect to the cause of abused women in our society, I find no justification for these dubious monologues. I would hesitate to subject an audience inquisitive to know more about private parts to such a play. This is because the author is unchristian (and unAfrican) in her morality as a lesbian. I want to ask whether we want another lesbian/homosexual impartation to our society. We have enough of it to be busy fighting it! I wonder if Kabushenga and Barenzi would be happy taking their children and elderly parents to watch such a the play; and also to explain it to them, including the special lesbian background of the author. In the global village, we need to understand what is permissible for our moral, mental and physical health. Not all things from the west are not gold. This play and the spirit behind it falls in that category."

THE WRITER: Rev Stephen Achilla
The writer is the principal reformed theological College, Kampala
Published on: Thursday, 17th February, 2005
SOURCE: http://www.newvision.co.ug/detail.php?newsCategoryId=459&newsId=418532

Homeland Security takes care - even at your home

I found this link on www.aximsite.com:

http://www.imgag.com/product/preview/flash/wsShell.swf?ihost=http://www.imgag.com&brand=/product/preview/
flash/wsag&cardNum=/product/full/ap/3066708/
graphic1&mtype=0&&NameFirstFrom=&NameFirstTo

Mzungus in full Adventure Gear

It is always amusing to eat out and to watch tourists. Especially, when they are in groups, they usually show up in full (khaki) adventure gear, sandals, rucksacks and if they are Americans or Canadians, they carry a bottle of water, which is attached to the rucksack or any other bag.

Why do they do that? What is the point in having a bottle of (warm) water with you? At least in Kampala there is a small shop at every corner where you can purchase cold or warm drinks and usually some snacks, too. So, why are they carrying a bottle? And why do they carry a bottle if they go to a restaurant?

Vagina Monologues in Uganda - Part VI

That is the end of a play, which was never shown on stage in Uganda...

I am sad to experience censorship and at the same time, I am wondering, wondering
- where the public (!) outcry was
- why certain pictures can be published in certain dailys without being censored
- why the Government and thereby also the Minister for Ethics and Integrity has to be asked by the UN to stop polygamy
- what will happen to all the other great plays, which are to be shown
- why there is such institution like the Media Council
- when the channels provided by DSTv will be censored
- when the movies in the cinema/movie theatre will be censored
- when the internet will be censored

Well, I should never forget where I am.


"Media Council stops Vagina Monologues

THE Media Council has stopped the controversial play, The Vagina Monologues, that was due on stage in Kampala on Saturday. Sarah Mukasa, one of the organisers, said late last evening that the council chief, Fr. John Mary Waliggo, had said the play would not be staged and a formal communication to that effect would be issued today. Mukasa said they would contact their lawyers over the matter. Earlier, state minister for ethics and integrity Tim Lwanga said he would brief the Cabinet on the play today. State minister for information Nsaba Buturo had said the fate of the play would be determined by the Media Council. “The Minister for Ethics and Integrity will brief the Cabinet about the play because of the public outcry. But the Media Council has been asked to make a decision on the play,” he said. The organisers yesterday presented to the council a script of the play and the background of the playwright, Eve Ensler. The four representatives from the Non-Governmental Organisations promoting the play in Uganda held a three-hour meeting with the council board members at Radio Uganda. The representatives were Solome Nakaweesi Kimbugwe of Uganda Women’s Network, Sarah Mukasa of Akina Mama wa Afrika, Jessica Nkuuhe of ISIS-WICCE, Amanda Sserumaga of ActionAid and Rita Aciro. Sources said the council had to read the entire script and examine the content. Mukasa said after the meeting, “Nobody should deny Ugandans a chance to listen to the testimonies of violence against women simply because of the word vagina. This word is in our biology books. Are we going to delete it?” Ends"

By Fortunate Ahimbisibwe
Published on: Wednesday, 16th February, 2005 in The New Vision
SOURCE: http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/12/418411

Vagina Monologues in Uganda - Part V

Now, there is a commission which is going to assess the play...

"Media Council checks Vagina Monologues

THE Media Council has summoned organisers of the controversial play, The Vagina Monologues, which is scheduled for Saturday in Kampala. Sources said yesterday that the council wants to evaluate the content of the play and get the background of the playwright, Eve Ensler. “They have called us at the Media Council to provide some details about the play and the playwright,” one of the organisers said on condition of anonymity. The play, to be staged at Ndere Cultural Centre, Ntinda, has been shown in 40 countries. Representatives from NGOs promoting the play in Uganda, meet council officials today at 2:30pm at Radio Uganda. The NGOs are Akina Mama wa Afrika, a non-profit NGO, that advocates women development, ISIS-WICCE, Uganda Womens’ Network and ActionAid. Efforts to get the council’s executive secretary, Corny Byabagambi, were futile. Fr. Joseph Waligo was reported out of the country. The organisers said Ensler intends to raise awareness of violence against women in a shocking and unique way. Information minister Nsaba Buturo last week said the title of the play was part of an international plot to corrupt the morals of Ugandans. Ends"

By Fortunate Ahimbisibwe
Published on: Tuesday, 15th February, 2005 in The New Vision
SOURCE: http://www.newvision.co.ug/detail.php?newsCategoryId=12&newsId=418262


I think I am not entiteld to disillusion the information minister but come on let's face the facts: Who cares about Uganda at all? An international plot - he must be kidding! Of course, there is this international organisation, which would like to corrupt the moral of Ugandans and thus it employs the play writer. And in order to hide the original intent (to corrupt the morale of Ugandans), they play it around the world first and then they are going to show the play one time in a remote place of the capital thereby reaching and destroying the high morale standards of Ugandans.... Sure!!!

Valentine's Day - Part III

Okay, after the generator stopped (i.e. power is back in this part of the town), there was the night train, which made this terrible noise - how can the engine-driver of that freight train stand this insane noise??? - I could hear the music of a bar close to my apartment.

Who thinks that techno music is romantic? Although I am probably no big dating expert but I would definitely consider some other music styles as more appropriate for an evening in a restaurant on Valentine's Day.

Oh, forget what I just said. They play the usual (tiresome) Ugandan music mix. So, I will go to bed and will sleep well and tight (until the bed bugs bite)

Valentine's Day - Part II

We have another evening with a powercut - so what might be more romantic than a dinner with diesel generators running in the neighbourhood ;-)

What do you do with anonymous SMS? I delete them. I even think about getting a new phone number. I receive too many annoying calls and SMS in just inhumane times. Okay, usually I do not receive Valentine's Day wishes. But come on, an SMS? So I treated them as all others. In my opinion, this is bad style - As it would be to go to the Kabira Country Club to pick up some dozens of roses for free - however, my Bolivian colleague appreciated this tip ;-)

My Day at a Mickey Mouse-Bank

Today, I had my exposure to a financial institution, which offers microfinance services. I was happily surprised when I saw the desk of the CEO. He had more technical toys on his desk than me (HP iPaq, Nokia Communicator, Nokia cell phone, Toshiba laptop) and also the other computers looked pretty new (all with flat screens).

But then the show begon. If it were not an onsite examination, I would have laughed the whole day. It was just too funny what they did and told us.

Well, what made me laugh first was the CEO's statement that group lending should not be done in Africa, because the underlying assumptions would not hold in Africa. This could be interpreted as "Africans show no social responsibility and are selfish".

Actually, I wanted to cite some other funny things but I just realised that this might not be advisable because someone might find out which institution I visited today.

By the way, my CEO came up with the expression Mickey Mouse-Banks for microfinance institutions. I like it and I must stress, that I do no marginalise the services rendered by those institutions. In fact, I think they are as important as "usual" banks and since they conduct financial intermediation they should be regulated and supervised.

What most microfinance experts could not explain to me is the big difference of microfinance from "usual" banking? It is mass lending of small amounts with an emphasis on personal relationship management to enforce repayments in time. So what?

Soccer / Football

I think it is common knowledge that I do not fancy soccer/football. I like playing but I just watch respectively follow it when there is an international championship. However, from time to time I am interested in the Bundesliga and this is whenever Arminia Bielefeld is in the 1st Bundesliga. When this is the case, I even check (unregularly) their position on the league table.

This morning I was even more positively surprised, when I read the headline "3:1 - Bielefeld düpiert die Bayern" in Germany's leading daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Congratulations!

Getting a simple Pizza...

... can become a complicated endeavors.

I had been trying o reach the pizza delivery service, which I usually call, for hours. Three landlines and nobody picked up. Hm, maybe they had earned enough by the time I started calling them and left the place already ;-)

Anyway, then I tried to get a simple Tortellini alla Panna from this Italian restaurant. I called and asked whether "meat tortellini" with "ham and cream sauce" would be available. After asking for confirmation from the chef, the person who was talking to me confirmed that they could deliver the dish. After exchanging my address, phone number and price, I was looking forward to some "okay" Tortellini alla Panna. It has never been close to the delicious ones, I used to prepare but better than nothing.

After I hang up I realised that I forgot to mention that the person who delivers the meal should have change. So, I called again to make sure, he would have sufficient change. It was the same person who picked up the phone and he confirmed again that the Tortellini would be delivered shortly.

Indeed it was delivered shortly later. However, it was not Tortellini alla Panna. It was Ravioli with minced meat tomatoe sauce. I could not believe it. I called the restaurant and complained. The man just replied: "Oh, we did not have meat tortellini and cream sauce any more, so I thought, you would like Ravioli". - I have no clue, how it came up with this idea and why he did not call. I was not happy with his decision and asked him to pick the Ravioli up and demanded my money back. Minutes later the delivery boy was back. He gave me my money back and I handed over the Ravioli.

I have no clue, why ordering simple meals can become so complicated.

Vagina Monologues in Uganda - Part IV

Today's paper was full of discussion on whether the play should be shown. Finally, the content and not only the title is considered. I think it is a step forward.

One issue was that viewers might not be prepared for the play's message. My fear is that those are but the play will not reach out to those, who should be sensitised. But this is probably a generic problem.

PDA - An abbreviation with more than one meaning

Did you know that PDA does not only stand for personal digital assistant but also for public display of affection? I did not know that, so I was very surprised. Anyway, it also applies. I like this cute little thing ;-)

Brötchen!!!

There are little nice tasting Brötchen (rolls) in Kampala! I could not believe it.

I went to Rancher's Grill for lunch today. They have nice steaks and they serve it with salad from a salad bar. So, I was selecting lettuce, potatoe salad etc, when I saw the rolls. As usual I took one. But when I realised that they were crispier than usual I took a second. This was no bad choice at all. They tasted great!

Another reason to get lunch at that place!

Unrtunately, you cannot watch the other expatriates like one floor above in the food court.

Valentine's Day

My esteemed Amercian colleague is going to be the women's hero on Monday. He is going to buy one red rose for each woman on our floor. He can do it. He is 63 so nobody will misinterpret it.

It was not until yesterday that people started asking where I would take out my special Valentine respectively what my special treat for my Valentine would be. It goes on my nerves. There is no need for this "special day". Who came up with this strange idea that the flower industry needs a boost on one day per year? Every woman - because it is focussed on woman only, right? - should be happy if her significant other(s) (I do not want to exclude lesbians and those who love more than one being) saves the money which would usually be spent on Valentine's Day and spend on another day, where restaurants, flower shops etc have their usual rates. That would be wise.

MTN, a regional telecommunication giant, came up with this amazing idea that you can send anonymous messages to your admired one(s) - being liberal I keep it as open as possible. Who does not know the function which turns the caller id on or off?

Vagina Monologues in Uganda - Part III

As expected...


"Govt opposes ‘Vagina Monologues’

THE Government has condemned the title of the play, “Vagina Monologues,” saying it is part of an international plot to corrupt the moral fabric of Uganda and other countries. The play that is to be staged at Ndere Cultural Centre, Ntinda next Saturday, has been shown in 40 countries. The state minister for information, James Nsaba Buturo denied media reports that the Government had considered banning it. “The title of the film in question is undoubtedly indecent and tasteless. The author of the film is a known lesbian who lives with another woman. She worships the female sexual organ, seeing it as her god,” Buturo said during the Government’s weekly press briefing yesterday. Ministers Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire for education and Grace Akello for northern Uganda rehabilitation also briefed the media. Buturo said, “The Ugandan backers who support the title of the film claim that in order to shock society about the injustices that women suffer, it is appropriate to come up with a shocking title. This is to be deplored.” “Government appeals to civil society organisations not to stoop low in their search for financial support from individuals, foreign organisations and governments that have resources and an agenda that promotes values that are a threat to our country,” he said. He said regardless of its assumed objectives, the play was part of a global agenda to undermine the moral foundation of countries that cherish their moral values. “Slowly but surely, the moral foundation of our country is being eroded and worst of all by our own people who knowingly or unknowingly act as agents or collaborators with external interests that have little interest in our society,” he said. Buturo stressed that Ugandans must not sell their souls in the name of soliciting for funds. “This is why the decision by the Church of Uganda to reject aid which was tied to their accepting to embrace homosexuality has to be commended as a great relief and a pointer of our country’s resolve not to pander to other values if they are inimical to ours,” he added. On Uganda’s political road map he said, “Cabinet is working round the clock to finalise discussions about the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2005. This is before it is tabled for debate.” “The Government wishes to assure the public that the transition process will be smooth and successful. It appeals to all stakeholders in the political process to exercise maximum restraint and put the country’s interests before theirs,” he said. He denied media reports that President Museveni did not want to end the conflict because the UPDF feared the changes that peace would bring and that Museveni was determined never to sit down with Kony since doing so would give the latter credibility. He also denied claims that the Government had marginalised northern Uganda and called for accuracy in reporting. He said it was the Movement Government that had offered the rebels the olive branch by the several extended truces that the LRA keep violating. "

By Alfred Wasike and Emma Wafula
Published on: Friday, 11th February, 2005 in The New Vision
SOURCE: http://www.newvision.co.ug/detail.php?newsCategoryId=12&newsId=417545

Relationships with Expiration Date

This is actually copied from the last "Sex and the City" episode. However, I guess most relationships, which start here are kind of relationships with expiration date. What is the probability of a long-term relationship for let's say consultants like me? I mean not with locals, but with something serious. I doubt whether it is high.

Actually, I do not believe that relationships with locals are serious and thus long-term oriented. Of course, there may be exemptions, but in general there is a generic problem of asymmetric informations which cannot be solved with the standard solution set. Therefore, I envy those, who enjoy their relationships which started abroad, continued on different continents and ended in one place.

One Lesson learnt...

I do not know, how I managed to say "No", but I did it. I will not pay the school fees for that janitor's sister. I felt very miserable. But I did say "No". I think I was on a good track.

Later that evening I had the chance to dance Salsa with the former Miss Bolivia. But then this lady came, who was invited by one of the bouncers. He thought, I should meet her. And although I told him that I am not interested in meeting anybody, she showed up. I saw her and did not like her and she did not go although I ignored her. Instead she even went on the dance floor and decided to dance Salsa with me. She never danced before and it was terrible. But it was my fault. I should have said "No"...., so I just did not dance well - ahhh I can be such an asshole... After the lesson, I turned her down, when she asked me, whether I want to get married or whether I look for a girl friend, I told her "NO" (just to practise saying it...). She was disappointed then but hey, what did she expect???

By the way the former Miss Bolivia showed me pictures from that beauty peagant, which she won. I did not dare to say that but I think, she is more beautiful today than she had been in those days. I understand why her husband is so happy with her. She is intelligent, beautiful, she can dance - perfect. Like Sandra Bullock in "Miss Congeniality" - but can Sandra dance, too?

A good one!

A guy rings tech support to report that his computer is faulty.

Tech: "What's the problems?"
User: "There is smoke coming out of the power supply."
Tech: "You'll need a new power supply."
User: "No I don't! I just need to change the startup files."
Tech: "Sir, the power supply is faulty. You'll need to replace it."
User: "No way! Someone told me that I just needed to change the startup and it will fix the problem! All I need is for you to tell me the command."
10 minutes later, the User is still adamant that they are right. The Tech is frustrated and fed up.
Tech: "Sorry, Sir. We don't normally tell our customers this, but there is an undocumented DOS command that will fix the problem."
User: "I knew it!"
Tech: "Just add the line LOAD NOSMOKE.COM at the end of the CONFIG.SYS. Let me know how it goes."

10 minutes later.

User: "It didn't work. The power supply is still smoking."
Tech: "Well, what version of DOS are you using?"
User: "MS-DOS 6.22."
Tech: "That's your problem there. That version of DOS didn't come with NOSMOKE. Contact Microsoft and ask them for a patch that will give you the file. Let me know how it goes."

1 hour later.
User: "I need a new power supply."
Tech: "How did you come to that conclusion?"
User: "Well, I rang Microsoft and told him all about what you said, and he started asking questions about the make of power supply."
Tech: "Then what did he say?"
User: "He told me that my power supply isn't compatible with NOSMOKE."

Edelsalami und Milka Schokolade

So, nun einmal auf Deutsch.

Es überkam mich eben das Verlangen, Salami zu essen. Wie gut, daß davon drei in meinem Kühlschrank liegen. Und zum Nachtisch einen Riegel Milka (auch aus dem Kühlschrank). Sehr ausgewogen und gesund.

Ich muß nun nur noch einmal das Abenteuer "Fahrt zum Shoprite in Lugogo" auf mich nehmen. Dort soll es angeblich fast richtiges Graubrot geben - hm. "Fast richtig". Ist das wie ein bißchen schwanger? Ich werde es am Wochenende ausprobieren.

Living in a village - Part II

I became a victim of this nice village life.

Last Saturday, I met someone from the Italian embassy who saw me at the Bank of Uganda swimming competition and allegedly at a meeting in the Italian embassy. Whereas I competed in the swimming competition, I have never been at the Italian embassy. I do not even know, where it is. I also met a German last Saturday and she told me that she had seen me with a Ugandan woman going to a ice cream shop hand in hand... I have been at this ice cream shop once, and decided never to go there again. I would never take someone out to that terrible place and besides, I have never dated a Ugandan! The only person, whom I would consider to date is of Canadian origin but this is another story.

The point is: Rumours are quickly spread and, even worse, there seem to be another mzungu who looks similar to me...

Well but colleagues at the bank think I would look like one of my collegues. You may decide, whether we look similar...

Vagina Monologues in Uganda - Part II

I would have been naive to expect this issue to be over already:


"Buturo opposes ‘Vagina Monologues’

The Government intends to stop the play titled ‘Vagina Monologues’, which is slated for February 19, at the Ndere Cultural Centre at Kisaasi in Kampala. Information state minister Dr. Nsaba Buturo yesterday said he was meeting some ministers over the play and they would jointly write to the organisers not to stage it. “It seems there are some people who are determined to re-direct our country and it is unfortunate,” Buturo said. Over 20 Ugandan women are to take part in the play, said Kenyan director Mumbi Kaigwa, who recently directed it in Kenya. The play, organised by a coalition of four NGOs, is aimed at raising funds for the war-torn north, said the organisers. Media reports said the organisers include, Akina Mama wa Africa, Action Aid International uganda, ISSIS Women’s International Cross-Cultural Exchange and the Uganda Women’s Network. The play was written in 1998 by a self-acclaimed feminist, Eve Ensler, as a campaign to stop violence against women. She wrote it after she talked with different women about their lives, including sex, orgasms, birth, menstrual periods, rape and vaginas. When the play was first staged in Kenya in 2001, it also caused shock in society, Musarait Kashmiri who is in charge of the publicity for the Kampala performance, said."

By Anne Mugisa and Fred Ouma
Published on: Tuesday, 8th February, 2005
SOURCE: http://www.newvision.co.ug/detail.php?newsCategoryId=13&newsId=416847

Homosexuality reaches Makerere University...

Wenn die hier keine anderen Probleme haben... Mannomann, wenn ich das lese, kriege ich das Kotzen.

Okay, now again in English: I wonder whether there are no other problems in Uganda. When I read this bullshit, I could start to puke.


"Makerere University homos worry Nsibambi

Makerere University Chancellor Prof. Apolo Nsibambi has castigated homosexuality, saying it had rocked the university. “I am saddened that homosexuality has reached the university. As the chancellor, I condemn such acts but such people must be prayed for so that they see the light and change their behaviour,” Nsibambi said. He said this at a thanks-giving ceremony for Matayo Kibanda, the new priest of Makerere East parish at Bunamwaya Church on Sunday. Nsibambi asked the public to develop a culture of gratitude. He was responding to remarks by the Archbishop, Henry Orombi, that one of the challenges facing the church was homosexuality. Orombi said the church cut its relationship with the US Episcopal Church over homosexuality. He expressed concern over the deteriorating relationships between Christians and their church leaders. Orombi decried the spiritual shrinking of the church in western countries where churches have been bought by Muslims and turned into mosques."

By Apollo Mubiru
Published on: Tuesday, 8th February, 2005 in The New Vision
SOURCE: http://www.newvision.co.ug/detail.php?newsCategoryId=13&newsId=416851

Valentine's Day

I cannot and will not forget the Valentine's Day. How could I? It is my grandfather's brithday. So I went to look for a nice card for him. But each year this process just pisses me off. Wherever I went, there were only those red Valentine's Day cards, mostly covered with roses or hearts.

You may assume that it would be different in this wonderful country close to the Equator. It is not! You will find such a broad selection of various types of cards for this single day. It is overwhelming. Just too much to cope with for an average male who just wants to buy a birthday card. Bit I found one.

So, next Monday, all restaurants will be packed with loving couples or (based on some recent experiences I should not exclude this motivation) women who like to have a decent dinner with someone who pays the bill. Sorry, it might be unfair, I know.

By the way: I thought we would be emanzipated, aren't we?
Where are those cards that men like? I ain't seen any of those in any shop in Kampala. Or are there chaps out there who fancy red roses or hearts on cards? Those ain't real chaps...

What does "now" mean in Uganda?

Let me give you an example:

07:25 Call 145 to order a taxi, make sure they come immediately, have change and as usual give them all your contact details (why don't they set up a client database?)
07:26 Be dressed because you know that the taxi will be there "immediately, now"....
07:30 Pack your bananas, fruit juices etc
07:31 Rething the selection
07:34 Finally tie selected and bound
07:35 Sort the ties in the wardrobe
07:40 Sort shirts in the wardrobe
07:45 Bored of resorting a sorted wardrobe, so decide to hand over the music CD now instead of in the evening
07:48 Convince the guard that you do not need a visa for the UK but that you just want to hand over a CD to an employee of the Visa Handling Service
07:49 Hand over the CD with the music to a colleague of the acutal recipient, realising that there are a lot of beautiful employees, get angry that as a German you need no visa for the UK, smile, while the guard closes the gate...
07:51 Start waiting outside for the taxi, realising that you should have walked...
08:05 The taxi arrives at the apartment house
08:10 Taxi arrives at the bank and the driver realises that he has no change...

30 minutes = immediately / now ...

Vagina Monologues in Uganda

I acknowledged one comment in today's daily. Its headline was "Should Ugandans listen to Vagina Monologues". I immediately thought: "Yes!!!"

The play's title might be misleading and cause troubles in this country. However, I hope that people might become more sensitive regarding the topic of the play. Every other day I read about defilements, I read about abused girls (or children in general) and I feel so helpless. Knowing that plays cannot cause anything more than raising awareness and make people think - I hope that this will happen. Maybe there will be not only Mzungus going to the play.


"Should Ugandans listen to Vagina Monologues?

Catherine Watson A play called Vagina Monologues is coming to town. The first I hear of it is from Katie Richardson, actor with Kampala Amateur Dramatics Society and wife to the British High Commissioner. Katie and I gaze at each other. In Uganda? “Yes, I’m doubtful,” says Katie. I say: “The word vagina is going to cause problems.” Then I get a call from Anne Akia, my co-director at Straight Talk Foundation. Her friends Mumbi Kaigwa and Keith Pearson are bringing a play called Vagina Monologues. They want to see me and my husband. OK, I say. Then I ask: “What do you think, Anne? Vagina Monologues in Uganda at this time? Should we get involved?” She laughs, then sighs: “Haaa. I don’t know...” We can read each other’s minds. Do we need the controversy? Our instinct for self-preservation is kicking in. We want to protect our work, to lie low. But William (my husband) and I meet Keith and Mumbi. I haven’t seen Keith since 1989. He’s grown into a distinguished man: drama teacher, builder of state-of-the art theatres in Kenya. Then there’s Mumbi, his wife, a famous Kenya actor and producer: measured, poised, softly-spoken, eyes radiating thoughtfulness. We fence around a little. Check each other out. Long time no see... Then we start: What exactly is this play? They explain. The author was raped repeatedly by her dad. The play grew out of that. Worldwide Vagina Monologues has raised $25m for groups against violence against women. Here it will raise money for women in the north. Basically, it seems, the play is about all the things that happen because girls and women have vaginas. “But the title,” I say. “You don’t understand the climate here. Couldn’t we just change it? It’s the word vagina...” No, there are strict conditions for performing the play, says Keith. “We had the same problem in Kenya. There was outcry. The actresses got death threats. But thousands and thousands of people came.” Mumbi starts: “Once we performed it, people understood. Now, in Nairobi, men and women come up to me. That play changed my life, they say.” Suddenly I get it. “We need the play here,” I say firmly. “How do you know?” asks William. “I just do,” I say. I go to the office and prepare a Straight Talk statement on early marriage and other violence against girls for the Vagina Monologue programme. I read a letter on my desk from a girl, 13, in Kapchorwa: “I stay with my sister. Her husband asks me for sex. What can I do to avoid him?” I look at a letter from a girl, 16, in Kasese: “My brother asks for sex. I refuse. He says he will kill me...” I look at a third, from a girl, 14, no district: “My teacher wants to love me but I don’t want.” A week later we are interviewing a university student, 21, for a job. We ask: How does she feel about abstinence? (We can’t have people at Straight Talk who think abstinence is a joke.) We ask about condoms. They are OK but she prefers abstinence. I ask her about her life. Her mum died when she was in P4. Her dad vanished. I ask her if she has stayed safe. She gazes at me hard. Our eyes lock. The clock ticks quietly for seconds. I wait. She says nothing. I leave it. Afterwards she slides back into my office and stands next to me. She starts to talk: “I was forced. I was 11. I had to share a room with my cousin. He was 18. It was every night for a month. He bound my mouth.” “Who have you told?” I ask. “Just you,” she says. “Have you tested?” “Yes. I am OK.” Then she adds: “I never got pregnant. I was young. I had not had my periods.” I take her hand and try not to say too much, too fast. Then I say: “You’re a good girl. Sorry. Try to forget it. Yes?” That evening I say to William: “I heard a vagina monologue today.” Vagina Monologues is on February 18. Tickets can be bought from National Theatre, Akina Mama wa Africa and Ndere Cultural Centre.

The writer is co-director, Straight Talk Foundation"

Published on: Monday, 7th February, 2005 in The New Vision
SOURCE: http://www.newvision.co.ug/detail.php?newsCategoryId=459&newsId=416503