Who wouldn't wish to laugh?

IT’S one of the most vital aspects of human beings, yet easily evasive. It’s part of human behaviour. More often, it occurs impulsively. Rarely will one think of its implications or why they do it. It is considered to be the best medicine. Laughter.

It’s said, unless it is sad laughter, or one which is graced by resignation or bitterness, it keeps you happy, young and healthy. If everyone discovered such a medicine that comes at no cost, laughter would be the order of every day.

What is laughter? What makes people laugh?

According to The New Oxford English Dictionary, 'Laugh' means: Make sounds or movements of the face and body that are the instinctive expressions of a lively amusement and sometimes of contempt and derision. 'Laughter' is 'the action or sound of laughing'.

Laughter can be equated to the opium of happiness and social creations. Three theories exist to explain the aspect of laughter.

The relief theory suggests that laughter occurs to relieve tension. The crack of a joke will yield to laughter. It’s hard to resist laughing at a nice joke, humorous occurrence or a funny issue.

Any attempt to suppress laughter that’s instigated by something one considers humorous mounts pressure and tension within the person. Laughter is an invaluable avenue to releasing such pressure.

The superiority theory points out that people laugh because they are in a higher position as opposed to the victim of the laughter: the one being laughed at. This might be a sign of mockery or ridicule. Most people who are propelled by the superiority theory to laugh are sadists. Often, their laughter is derived from black humour. This is a situation that, rather than evoking sympathy, evokes laughter.

The incongruity theory advances the view that people laugh at the opposite of what is expected or at some absurd situation. Definitely, one might expect an errant child to cry after being subjected to punishment. On the contrary, if such a child laughs after punishment, this might cause on to laugh.

Nevertheless, laughter is not tied down to the three theories. There are occasions when a person bursts out laughing hysterically for no reason. Another person might burst out laughing when in actual sense, they are supposed to cry.

Why do people laugh anyway?

Macharia Muriuki, a journalism student says that laughter is like a path towards impending communication between people.

"People laugh to set the tempo of communication," he says after succumbing to a few seconds of laughter. "When you laugh, you create rapport with someone. The person feels free to talk to you about anything."

From this point of view, laughter can be likened to the kola nut which is chewed in many West African cultures, individually or in a social setting (wikipedia.org). It was used as a gesture of peace, friendship and hospitality. It promotes social bonding between two or more people.

21 year old Scola points out that people laugh because it is natural. Since laughter is natural, it occurs spontaneously.

"People laugh because laughter is part of human nature," she remarks. "Sometimes, people laugh because others, especially those in the same social group laugh. So, laughter is contagious."

Deborah Nalongo, a librarian puts curtly, "It’s because of fun that people laugh." Something funny is able to elicit laughter.

However, laughter on the basis of something funny is relative. There are as many laughters as there are funny bits that evoke such laughters. What one considers funny might seem ordinary to another person.

Generally, most laughter does not follow jokes or what some people might regard funny. Most laughter occur impulsively. It’s not planned. It just happens without much consideration of how one should laugh, how long the laughter should last or what people would perceive of one who laughs in a weird way.

Prof. Austin Bukenya is known to encourage his students to laugh any time he teaches. Whenever he cracks jokes, some of which would be devoid of the ‘laughter material’ he’ll often tell them to laugh. After all, he has told them a funny story or joke and he expects them to laugh.

To many, this might sound inconsequential. On the contrary, it’s a powerful tool used to command attention in a persuasive mode. Students tend to be more attentive to instructors who create such a rapport like cracking jokes to get them to laugh.

Laughter is a self-defined medication. It’s an inexpensive remedy to stress, distress, contracted muscles, boredom and sickness.

William Fry (1971), Associate Professor at Stanford University acknowledges, "Laughter increases heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen consumption and works muscles in the face and stomach. Shortly after, these levels drop, providing a relaxation response… Laughter is an antidote to stress."

Notably, laughter relieves one of anger, fear, sadness and nervousness. Moreover, who wouldn’t wish to increase their intelligence and ability to process and retain information courtesy of laughter? Laughter is an element inherent in human beings. People who laugh a lot are said to be a happy lot.
Joshua Masinde.

Cold Drinks warning

For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.
Once this "sludge" reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster thanthe solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

A serious note about heart attacks - You should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive.

KLN team & Agencies

The horror of insurgence

The rebels struck again. It was sudden and unexpected. The temporary dwellings within the vicinity were shattered. The grass thatched huts were set ablaze. The residents lost most of their treasured belongings.

It was around midnight when the rebels came. Wailings of women and children prevailed the scene. Incessant shots of guns rend the air sharply. It was all a dramatic fray of terror and fear.

Yakubu took his three little boys and his expectant wife and rushed them through the darkness. His major concern was their safety. Though, his only daughter had been abducted by stray rebels, there was no use crying over spilt milk. He only contemplated how they would find their way to a safe hiding without confronting the rebels.

He hurried his wife and kids down the terrain to the jungle. He prayed earnestly to the God he knew to camouflage them from the vigilance, terror and defiance of the rebels.

Few months ago, when they struck again, they slit open the womb of the chief’s expectant wife. They forced the chief to consume the foetus. When he disrespected their orders, they struck a bullet into his head. It was terrible.

Many other displaced families joined them on the way. The horror was felt in their uneasy breathing and sobbing. Children's cries prevailed the atmosphere. Their peace had totally been disgruntled.

The night was haunted by the terror that ruined their lives.

Government troops had done very little to arrest the unrest. They too, feared the insurgents for they were not only inadequately equipped militarily, but they were also poorly paid. The rebels thus reigned supreme. They abducted many children and took them to fight for their cause. They killed those who attempted to escape. They took the little girls and and beflowered them.

The horrified families wound their way into the jungle. That’s where they would stay-with wild animals and birds till the day the rebels would be wiped from their lives.

The following day, the government troops emerged from their hiding place. Three military helicopters hovered over the jungle. A fourth helicopter roared before the rest. It belonged to a Humanitarian Organisation. At last, some hope was restored to the hearts of the dejected families.

As usual, they would be taken to stay in camps where there were no schools, no food, no houses and other vital necessities of life. It was a sad relief, though. They had no option. Their safety lay in the hands of the troops and the Humanitarian Organisation.

At the camp, they were met by more horrified faces of the victims of the rebel insurgence. ‘What were they thinking of?’ Peace would never be restored in their land. For more than two decades now, they have seen no other kind of fate apart from this which ate their lives.

Nevertheless, the camps offered some relief. Some families found their loved ones. Yakubu was a victim of such luck. A broad smile spread on his face when he caught sight of his only daughter. He knew she had been abducted. Fate had abducted her to safety. He embraced her gorgeously and waited to hear her story. His family had at last regained their peace after finding their loved one.

Joshua Masinde

Commonwealth Short Story Prize goes to Zambian

The winner of the 2007 commonwealth short story competition has been announced. Ellen Banda-Aaku from Zambia was pronounced both the overall and regional winner (Africa) for her story, Sozi's Box. She takes home 2000 pounds.

Her winning entry was selected from more than two thousand submissions.

Twenty five other writers from across the Commonwealth have also won prizes in the 2007 competition.


The prize was established 11 years ago with the aim of increasing appreciation between different Commonwealth cultures. The competition is sponsored by the Commonwealth Foundation and administered by the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association (CBA).

EllenBanda-Aaku was, on Monday 19 Nov in Kampala and on Wednesday 21 Nov at Makerere University Main Hall, announced as the overall winner of the Commonwealth Short Story Competition by the CBA.

Sozi's Box, her winning entry, examines the themes of loss and disability as seen through the eyes of a child at her brother's funeral.

Ellen was born in the UK. She grew up and went to University in Zambia. She has BA in Public Administration and an MA in Finance and Social policy. Currently, she is doing an MA in Creative Writing at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. Her children's book entitled, "Wandi's Little Voice", published by Macmillan UK, won the 2004 Macmillan Writers prize for Africa in the New Writer Award category. She was one of the panel judges for the 2006 Macmillan Writer's Prize for Africa competition.

Four regional winners are:
Catherine Palmer (New Zealand), Australia and the Pacific Region for "Bushwoman", Emily Pedder (UK), Europe for "Days Are Long", Hema S. Raman (India), Asia for "Where Do I Belong?", Sarah Totton (Canada), Canada and the Caribbean for "The Man With the Sea Horse head".

The winners of Highly Commended stories are:
Molara Wood (Nigeria) for "Trial By Water", Wame Molefhe (Botswana) for "Six Pack", Linda C. Saunders (South Africa) for "Never Put Your Hand in a Dog's Mouth", Eunice Tan (Australia) for "In Transit", Robert Carter (Australia) for "Heaven", Bruce Riddell (Australia) for "Do Not Disturb", David Campbell (Australia) for "Zuka's Gift", Paddy O'Reilly (Australia) for "The Passion Fruit", Ash Rehn (Australia) for "The Hook-Up", Ditta Sylvester (Jamaica) for "The Last Ride", Katherine Atkinson (St. Lucia) for "The Village Voice", Darryl Berger (Canada) for "Scissors", Stewart Boston (Canada) for "Melnyk Comes Home", Carin Makuz (Canada) for "Kick", Donna Tremblay (Canada) for "Leaving", Manasi Subramaniam (India) for "Arranged Marriage", Aniruddha Sen (India) for "A Win-Win Game", Ashwini Gowariker (India) for "A Good Night's Work", Rayika Choudri (Pakistan) for "Underneath the Sky", Faye Davies (UK) for "The Flying Carpet", Juliet O'Callaghan (UK) for "In Arms."

Women should boldly march into the hunting woods

What do women really want? Do they want everything that the men have? Perhaps, it is true they admire and wish to have much of what the hoarse-voiced species have, save the elongated glands in between their counterparts’ legs. But, some would boldly wish to share in this prerogative.
The affirmative action is a typical example of women’s protracted urge to want to have what we men have. Let’s talk from a realistic point of view. The affirmative action was a little known animal until the time the women realised they could as well eat chicken like the male folks. It took them to Beijing just in pursuit of some of the copies of prerogative that men have.
There came the kimansulo. This was perhaps propelled by immoralistic instincts. It was a ‘negative’ step towards women deliverance movement. I don’t know nor care whether or not kimansulo still does exist.
Then there was one of the most daring moves towards feminine liberation. The outset of the vagina monologue comes to mind. What do we call this? Should the young ones grow up while knowing that vagina monologue is or was the sweet and honey with which to woo emancipation out of the woods? Then, where does our fate lie? As your reminder, the V collapsed empires. It buried and continues to bury careers at the wake of each day. Though, it could be the one of the most powerful tools that could be used to pave way for the success of the affirmative action, it seems to have been grounded already. I no longer hear rumours about the V monologue.
From a conservative’s point of view, most of such prospects are unrealistic. The affirmative action cannot be fully realised by staging such weird revolutions amongst our womenfolk every other day, be it in the August House, through activism etc. The revolution must come from the angle of love. The love revolution is a better option. And perhaps, as the women know, it is easily attainable through the man’s stomach (not the only avenue). Feed him well and he’ll give you the little space you’ve always yearned for. Love him like a child and he will lose his mind.
It might be hard for the conservative to give away such little freedom they have in the guise of affirmative action. But, it can be done in a strategic and gradual process by imparting the reason for liberty in their psyche.
From a liberalist point of view, for which I am, it is easy. Let’s make bows, arrows, spears, and machete for the women and sent them to the forest to hunt. Let them continue fighting for their rights. That is the initial step towards attaining the concepts of affirmative action. Isn’t that right? Let them have their pick from within the woods of freedom. That is where the struggle begins.
From the same point of view, I am yet to see a woman, real African lady, come to me boldly and emit the sweet and lovely venom: “I have a crush on you. I want to be your woman.” Or it could be more lethal or healthier when the assertion becomes bolder: “I want to marry you.” Perhaps, wait shall I. I hope I won’t be in bad mood. I pray the assertion won’t be in bad faith.
Since most men wish to be treated like kids, then who should do it? It is the pro-affirmative action activists. Let them treat their bearded partners like kids and they shall indeed gain access to the prerogatives they have envisaged for times historical. They will walk like their counterparts and there will be no problem with that.
On a ‘serious’ note now, for those on whose heads many cows have been paid, they should be courageous enough to return them. What a bold move to our women’s liberation movement that will be? We shall throw all care to the wind and play the same fiddle with them. The men folk will continue allowing them in drinking joints. They will let them sip the mental poison together as the children and the homes take care of themselves.
However, this will not really work. They can’t really have their cake and eat it at the same time. From time immemorial, our societies have borne patriarchal colours. But, it seems at the end of the day, women would wish to see to it that the society becomes matriarchal.
They have followed their men to the gym and are seriously earning strong muscles. When they come back home, they train blows on their men as if those are the best punching bags they could ever have.
Do we men really think we are strong? We lost the battle. Those who rule us are our women, not we men. Past media reports revealed that China’s Chongqing’s city plans to build a town dedicated to women at its Shuangqiao District. While in "Women's Town," men will have to obey their wives or girlfriends' orders, satisfy their every demand. If not, they should anticipate punishment without mercy.
The slogan "women are never wrong; men can never refuse their needs" will be put at the gate, to greet men as they enter. Any man who tries to argue and oppose this rule will be punished by kneeling on a hard board or washing plates for local restaurants.
According to the plan, justices and a court will be set up in the town to "lash" male tourists who do something to make women unhappy. For instance, if men can't quickly satisfy their partner's desire for a particular food or cosmetic, they may be sentenced to be lashed by the justice. The lash, however, is specially-made and described as "soft" enough not to hurt them. We men are already at their mercy.
That is not enough. Our women need to realise that they are already dominant. The first is that the masculine species desire them a lot. They bear insatiable thirst for these feminine species. So, if they run away, the bearded creatures become a miserable lot.
The women are the ‘dominant sex.’ They can endure long without men. There are cases of single mothers who have no problem with remaining the way they are. On the contrary, a bloke whose better half passes away will marry forthwith.
In another situation, if a bloke and a woman are subjected to similar hostile conditions like starvation, no water, no shelter and tough climatic conditions, the bloke will succumb to the harsh conditions first as opposed to the woman. Thanks to nature, the woman will still be alive and kicking to bury the bloke. Who’s stronger now?
The strength of a woman…. Shaggy sang the same... is the strength that most men overlook. Such strength is eminent in the likes of Wolfwitz saga, Clinton-Lewinsky saga, the Biblical Samson and Delilah etc.
Soon, the women folk have strapped themselves in the jalopy to seek for the political cake. They are ever asking for special seats in the August House. Let them go to the people and seek their mandate. Since they are ‘stronger’ than us, no silver platter goodies are available at the moment. Not anymore.

Joshua Masinde

Is this relationship for adventure or for convenience?

A normal human being (man or woman) has their own perfect partner somewhere. It is the same reason why we were created. The saying, every dog has its own day, cannot be more correct.
But, since most of us are not prophets, we always more often envision short term prospects or indulgences that we feel will give a bit of colour to our life. This is common in the manner of how most relationships are conducted.
You might find a young lad or lady seriously soliciting for a relationship that (s)he knows won’t stand the test of time. They simply aim to express their commitment to a short term target while bearing in mind long term targets with someone they’ve perhaps never met or seen. They indulge in relationships of (in)convenience. At the back of their mind, they know it is not really necessary since their dream partner hangs somewhere in the paradise of their imagination.
It is for this reason that most of such culprits will solicit for ‘serious’ advice before they resort to commit in such short term relationships.
The most abused advice they are told is: ‘If you want to eat a pig (sorry to our Muslim brothers and sisters), pick the fattest one. Reason, if you are the ever-hungry type and there seems to be no other alternative meal for the rest of your life, you will crunch this one and one only.
What does this mean? In some cases, especially where the lad or lady can’t just stand the test of his or her desires, they are often told to hook the lovely type. They should hang out with one who suits their dream partner. Whenever the craving strikes, they quell it with such dream partner while knowing there will not be any regrets in case the lady conceives out of wedlock. Does this really make sense?
This is for that young man out there. You might be doing all sorts of crazy things behind the scenes, for which sleeping around is one of them. But, will you really account for and boldly assume responsibility for your actions when your dealings come to the broad daylight? Will you courageously take that madam that you have impregnated before your parents and claim that the growing seed in the womb is your making? Will you accept the responsibility without second thoughts or without pressure or force? On the contrary, will you be the Shaggy type: ‘it wasn’t me.’
Since you feel that the victim of your desires does not suit your taste after she becomes pregnant, you think it is none of your business. Then, if you can’t mind this business, it is illogical to indulge in such relationships of convenience.
If you know you aren’t ready to take responsibility of your secret mis-dealings, then don’t simply commit to short term relationships. Don’t simply be a betrayer to your partner, unborn baby, or some other actions you must have engineered.
If you can’t really persevere the flame, then marry. Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians asserts that if you burn with passion, it is fitting for you to marry. But, this reason should be accompanied by rational thinking. You could as well remain single for which most of you dread. If you can’t just like most of you are, you could have a healthy relationship that will build you for the future.
If you already made a mistake in the process of your short term relationship for convenience’s sake, don’t worry. Soldier on. Be proud that your pig is fat. Though you have already slipped, you will still have the haunt track you wherever you go or whatever you think. Keep it. Don’t go out looking for that other Mr. or Miss Right. It won’t just work out. Keep the one you started out with. You are the one who either used or misused that person. Don’t bury your head in deep waters.
Another bolder question comes into focus about indulging in an adventurous relationship for convenience’s sake. It encompasses short term gain, long term loss. It is as bold as it is. Such a phenomenon has mutated into the cross-generational sex. It is absurd. It is rather senseless if the young lad or lady allows herself or himself to be the material for which the recycling of old materials is conducted. It is so senseless for a lady or lad worth their beauty, tender age, charm and brain to go for someone as old as their uncle/aunt, father/mother or grandfather/grandmother for reasons that comply with their materialistic instincts. Old wine should not be put in new bottles. Neither should new wine be put in old wine skins. The Son of Man was very clear on this.
The older generations should be the caretakers of the younger generations. They should not look down at the young generations as consumable commodities. For sure, the young generations should be let to explore and discover each other. Such is the experience that the sugar daddies or sugar mummies have already undergone. It makes not sense when such creatures defy their common senses in order to vent their desires and lust for the young ones.
It is absurd to indulge in such short term relationships just for the sake of it: be it financial, convenience or for experience’s sake. It makes no sense. It is tantamount to consuming ones own offspring. Shame on such perpetrators. I highly condemn their transgressions.

Joshua Masinde

Is internet dating a myth to believe in?

The fast-paced, busy and highly demanding lifestyles have altered much of the conventional order of dating. The conventional art and magic of dating is facing the axe of technology and the changing times.
Can you contend with the demystifying lose of beauty of words that characterised conventional dating and courtship? A young man would take time to compose the sweet love lullabies he never before knew. Armed with courage, confidence, and pride, he would waylay a lady on her way to the river. From there, he would use the magic of words to woo her to love him. Such was a fine art of creativity and imagination that thrived on mutual appeal and consent.
But, today is not yesterday. When the neo-technology reared its startling head into our lives, things have turned upside down. Well in Africa, we could be the adversely affected since we are always on the receiving end.
A mere click of the mouse will unleash numerous windows before you. It is your democracy to take your pick.
The allure of internet dating is not an elusive intoxication. It is compulsive and tempting at the same time. Often, you will find people of all ages trying out numerous dating sites. Some do this out of fun, others out of curiosity. Others are in it because they’d like to meet that Mr. or Ms. Right. As usual, there are those who use it as a money minting venture.
Credit goes to the creative and tireless minds that keep on designing numerous sites for the anonymous consumers. They come in handy: lovepot.com, friendfinder.com, letsdate.co.ca, penbuddies.com, passion.com, dating.com. The list is endless. Even different media outlets have joined the trade to give their consumers a taste of such type of dating. Flipping through the pages of newspapers, magazines just like clicking on the mouse for your ideal match, the catch-line will lay bare before you such anecdotes:
I am a 27 year old loving, caring, passionate Caucasian lady. I neither smoke nor drink. I’d like to get in touch with a man who possesses similar attributes with whom to share fun and the world ahead.
On such a by line, whether or not accompanied by a photo, the click of the mice will reign supreme. Guys will try their best to get in touch with such a prospective lover. However, most of them are out to enjoy a brief session of passion.
Tony, a student at MUK, will not let such a by-line to pass un-clicked. He seems to be obsessed with dating on the net. He’ll do anything to ensure he secures space in front of a computer in the cyber café to communicate with his net lovers. He believes in dating as many women as possible. If chance comes his way, he will get to meet some of them and have fun. That is what he has sacrificed much of his time to do.
Onex(pictured right), a student and a part time Literature teacher, is pessimistic about internet dating.
“You don’t know whom you date. You could date a devil worshiper and you will regret,” that is what has kept him off internet dating.
How effective and fulfilling is internet dating? More often, the myth of pessimism is always demystified when once upon a time total strangers get to see each other after dating on the net. Success stories will role of the tongues of the new love encounters who started it all on the net.
Such a success story from the likes of Alan on matchfinder.com.au could appeal to a lonely lad to try out their luck:
Thank you very much for your service. I have met a very lovely lady and she has agreed to be my girl-friend. So we have had some fantastic dates.
But, in most cases, those who date on the internet are usually geared towards romance with whichever match they’d like to date. It is hard to sustain such types of relationships especially after the first encounter. The two new ‘lovers’ are nervous to experience more of each after several more encounters. And, the relationship could be headed to the dogs when the goal of romance has been achieved.
Internet dating has a brand of its own risks. In the first place, you don’t know whom you are dating. It could be the most wanted criminal who would like to be your associate. It could be internet fraudsters who’d like to gain access to your bank account and empty it.
There are those ‘dates’ who would rather claim your life and keep theirs safely. The case of Raymond Merrill (www.wildxangel.com) is testimony to this. He is said to have the attractive attributes by a woman’s standards.
“He was financially well off, self-sufficient, good looking and ripe for the picking. So what went so horribly wrong? Raymond Merrill is dead. Drugged, Robbed and murdered for his money by his online lover and her real life boyfriend.”
However much internet dating seems to be a modern allure and to some, a better past time, it has its own risks involved. That is why, a warning or a precautionary note will always be availed for your consumption before you take a step to the tragedy. You will often be warned to meet in public with the stranger date of yours. You will be asked to inform your family members or close friend with whom you will hang out with and the venue. You should be suspicious of your date unless you don’t have to. Perhaps, don’t stay out late into the night. It might just be unhealthy for you.

Joshua Masinde

Revised Version: Uganda will burst with 130 million people by 2050

September 11, 2007
TODAY'S PICK

Our population is anticipated to be 130 million by 2050. The ongoing debate on the current population growth rate of 3.2% has elicited mixed reactions. The President and some religious leaders have been heard encouraging parents to produce more children. A positive argument here is that this will translate into a wider market for goods and services. The President believes this.

However, this raises some questions. How will a population of 130 million people be taken care of? The current dependant population, which is 50.4% of the total population, is in itself enough burden. The population explosion as seen in the current growth rate forewarns an over-dependence burden on the incomes of the households and the government.

Households with bigger numbers of children to cater for will no doubt be relegated to more impoverishment. Their capacity to save and invest will be depleted due to the huge strain on their incomes. Heavy government expenditure on social needs like education, health care and social infrastructure will be overstretched, putting the national resources at a risk of rapid depletion.

With the 3.2% population growth, the Millennium Development Goals will be far from realisation. With 130 million people in 2050, how will the government provide and sustain Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education?

The current trend in economic development and growth shows that reduced population growth complements sustainable development. The developed countries with the most minimal or relatively negative population growth and sounding economies have their dependent population at about 25%. This reflects minimal dependency syndrome. So where is the logic of encouraging people to produce more children?

The government must reinforce education of the masses about family planning and economic empowerment of women. People driven laws and policies need to be made to set the highest number of children a family should have.

The President and religious leaders especially the Catholic Church, which opposes birth control, should stop encouraging parents to produce more children.

Joshua Masinde

ODM’s liberation agenda for the youth?

ODM national treasurer Hon. Omingo Magara is a young turk to beat in South Mugirango constituency. He said this at Mitchel Hall in Makerere University on a Saturday evening on 8th. He was presenting a public lecture on ‘ Kenya at cross-roads’ to Kenyan students and ODM supporters at Makerere University, Kampala-Uganda.
He stated his unwavering commitment to the party and its major concern to integrate the youth in the country’s leadership.
His assertion can be founded way back in 2005 after the infamous plebiscite in which the pro-banana camp lost to the orange camp. He was approached by the powers that be to join its ranks. It was an offer worth grabbing. However, he declined, stating that he was in ODM to stay.
The MP attributed the bedrocks bedevilling the Kenyan youth on, “Lack of accountability, democracy and good governance.”
With the old guard still tightly clenched in leadership positions, the youth have remained as the wretched of the earth. He pointed out that he found it difficult to contest and eventually win the South Mugirango parliamentary seat in 2002. Because of the challenge-phobic, degrading and retrogressive status quo of old turks, for which his mentor represented, he almost lost his life. He was considered as a youth and therefore was expected to take a back seat from politics for a little longer.
The status quo, established and maintained by the old guard is allergic to facing challenge from the younger generation that has ventured into the political field.
“Most leadership (of the old guard) refused to accept desired change,” he said. “Their history is tainted. Minus power, they can’t manage it.”
“They must be plugged” from their stations by the youth who are the strong, committed and patient lot. “Till when are the youths going to wait? We’ve had elderly leaders but no tangible change.”
On the much publicised talk of 6% economic growth, he dismisses this as a hoax. Real economic development should be felt by the poor, which the 6% failed to address. The rich have instead grown richer. The poor, thanks to the ugly ghosts of Anglo-leasing, Goldenberg and other forms of corruption, have degenerated into deeper graves of poverty. No wonder, he decried that, “Corruption is a highly rewarding business (sic!). It has higher returns with zero risks involved. That explains why Kenya is 40 times behind the Asian tigers like South Korea in development. Incidentally, at independence, Kenya was South Korea’s contemporary on an economic development platform. It is such corruption that has lain a debt of Ksh. 780 billion, which the current generation and posterity will continue servicing.
While selling ODM’s agenda to the youth (read today’s leaders’), he urged them to go out and challenge the status quo whatever the circumstances. He proffers his own example as someone who defied all threats to fight for the South Mugirango seat in 2002. Despite being looked down upon by the opponents as a youth, he still emerged victorious.
The spirit of change in Kenya is ripe. It is time for the young people to get their fair share of leadership positions. There is no going back. No wonder, he noted that if a calf is being born, even when you tie it with a rope, it will still come out.
“Our future is today. We must grab it,” he added.
However, he warns, that such change from old guard to the youth won’t come that easily. He feels ashamed with the current whims of ‘Vijana na Kibaki’ (the youth for Kibaki). When it is eating time, it is ‘Wazee na Kibaki’ (the elderly with Kibaki). The tune turns sour ‘Vijana na Kibaki’ when it is time to lobby for support to enable them to make it back to power.
Hon. Magara urged the Kenyan electorate to use their leaders’ performance CVs as a voting measure.
“They should vote for ODM team, and not for individuals.” He reiterated that ODM is a team with a captain. This team is committed to let go and leave when their time comes. It is a team that wants to set a positive historical precedent to be emulated by future leaders. Such a team can’t stand with a black history to taint and haunt them unlike the predecessors.
He added that ODM as a team is steadfast to devolve power from state house. There will be no more going to the house on the hill to “beg for a district.”
ODM is also determined to see to it that women get into positions of leadership and business. Women are responsible and hardworking and should not be sidelined from the leadership arena. The party will empower the youth by formulating practical policies that will positively impact on them.
On another note, he discarded the perception that ODM lacks backing from Central Kenya.
“ODM is going to get votes from Central Kenya , especially from the youth.”
On a lighter level, he commended Kenyans for their patience.
“Kenyans are very patient people. God has heard us.”
The meeting, which ended at 11: 40 pm, was organised by ODM Makerere University Chapter.

Joshua Masinde

The essence of inspiration

It is quite telling to notice the impact a preacher or priest exudes upon his congregation. The impact is always noticeable when the preacher brings himself into the position of calling upon the Holy Ghost to prevail upon the congregation. You might have the misconception the he and the Holy Spirit are long term comrades.

When his preaching is powered by spiritual enthusiasm, the impact it digs into the hearts of the congregation is always immense.

After the sermon, many hearts seem conspicuously transformed. Most of them are now ‘clean’ and the members of the congregation are ‘new creatures.’

More often, you hear talks of “I will never go over-boozing again” or “I will begin paying my tithe on a very strict notice.” One can even say, “I should aim at being a preacher like this pastor.” Many of these resolutions, however, usually go unfulfilled. They simply lose meaning after a few hours or after a day.

Come next Sunday, the preacher with his spiritual charisma instils spiritual inspiration into his congregation. As usual, they feel they are never the same again. They become the humblest of creatures, softest at hearts and most generous in offering.

To inspire somebody positively is a noble thing. The one who instils the inspiration becomes a potent figure. That is how leaders are made in many cases. They create their path towards the crown by exuding their charismatic impact through deed or speech.

If you are such a charismatic person, many people will look to you as a convenient propeller of their destiny. To lose such charisma does not call for any effort because it never lasts for long. If one loses it, it means someone more charismatic has risen in his or her place. His inspiration bears more impact to the people and is perceived as the right candidate to steer the people into the land of milk and honey.

How many times have you inspired somebody? You could inspire somebody who has an all-round negative attitude towards life to redefine such reflection and think positively. You could inspire a kid to work hard at school and achieve their childhood dream.

Lack of inspiration buries a dream that would otherwise come true! And, inspiration is just motivation or mental stimulation.

For a good reason, you could consider sitting back to reflect on how many people have felt your impact and stimulated a change in their life. How many of them have you inspired to undertake the noble task or innovation? How many of them have you inspired to come out of their idleness and realise that even 24 hours a day is insufficient for them? How many have you inspired to get the urge to take on writing, singing, dancing or even reading as their hobby?

Numerous talents only need the spark of an inspiration to activate them. With this, they’ll surely crawl out of the invisible to the tangible world. Such inspiration could otherwise create a fundamental landmark in someone’s life. The landmark could in turn propel the society into better heights than was hitherto. You could inspire someone and see what a noble thing you did!

Joshua Masinde

The little stumbling blocks for failing to commit: Who causes it all?

Have you ever fallen in love? For what reason did you decide to do so? What was your optimal point of excitement? What was your greatest fear? I’ve in the past heard it said that, “I’d rather fall from a tree and break my back than fall in love and break the heart.” This might be the motive why most of the young people fear to commit themselves in a lasting relationship.
Although, love is known or said to be the strongest element that can break any desire to smithereens, most young people are always reluctant to make a permanent love commitment for fear of making mistakes. Such mistakes more often evolve into heartbreaks they don’t wish to harbour frequently. And just to show you how disastrous heartbreaks can be, show me someone who is heart broken and I will show you someone who is emotionally dead.
Many young men complain of this new generation of over-nagging femme fatales. In the face of cut throat competition for beauty and bid to create an impression, our dear lovely sisters always seem to forget that some of us are their broke brothers and can’t afford to make up to their abysmal demands. To mention but a few: make-up, bling bling, latest phone, airtime, chips, chicken and more chicken etc. Since a brother can’t deliver all these, the sugar daddy bug bites the sister. No choice? No commitment.
Perhaps, to balance the eco-relationship, the brother also decides to advertise for a sugar mummy who’s ready to provide for his financial needs in return for passion. Some might opt for the twilight zones. The end justifies the means: attachment of value to short term relationships. The young people indulge in such relationships with the aim to quell their passions. Their intentions are geared towards a sudden flight to genital experience. That’s all that seem to matter to them.
I have some friends who value short term relationships. They call them ‘friendlies’. One such guy is ever requesting for ‘friendly’ matches, be it at home or away as long as the cockerel returns home to sleep. He has had so many ‘friendlies’ and has inspired a few others to follow suit. They can’t just commit to one and only relationship that might bear value to them.
The players’ syndrome seems to have taken a notch in the minds of many guys. Most of such guys are out to hit and delete. It’s no longer hit and run. It does not matter whom they hit. Be it a stranger or an acquaintance. Be it a slut or a virgin. Their prospect of a one night stand will not make them commit. They will hit and delete today. Tomorrow they meet as total strangers.
This never bothers them at all until they realise they’ll never make do with a single partner. Most of them will still be bachelors and spinsters in their late thirties or forties. Since they’ve bonded their souls with multiple sexual partners, they’ll never seem satisfied with one partner.
The prospect of education and more education will earn them a place in the ‘non-commitment club’. Many young people have opted to bury their heads in education. They seem to have lost sight of their social-cultural obligations, especially one that pertains to family life. This is personal choice. I have no objection to it after all, democracy is still a sweet sounding word.
Freelance commitments have not spared most others yet. But, is this especially common with our sisters? She will have a boyfriend(s) whom she keeps. On the other hand (in secrecy), she entertains a working class guy with whom she has a freelance indulgence. She can’t risk losing her boyfriend, for her future’s sake. She can’t risk losing her working guy for her financial demand’s sake. This double playing is as dangerous as a double edged sword. Breaking two hearts at the same time equals tantalising two sound minds. And a mind that thinks not right is dangerous to its owner.
Is it worth it? In the face of HIV/AIDS and still playing dangerous cards with our lives. Potential freelance partners are many, many say. But what is beneath many of them might scare your blood to freeze if you cared to know. If you care to live, don't fear to commit. The earlier generations have done so and have come a long way. Commitment, love, trust, faithfulness and knowledge are better remedies to the crises of our generations.

Joshua Masinde

Laziness, I Scorn Thee

Taking important things for granted is a sign of laziness. Assumption on serious issues is a show of laziness. Procrastination too, passes for laziness.

I have experience that many lecturers wish their students to pass. Some of them will try to make things easy to pave way for possible success of most of their students. They will come to the lecture room and bore you (sic) with their lectures. But, they know where the recipe of the tests and exams will originate from. Often times, they will give you an assignment. It is up to you to do it or leave it. They don't explicitly tell whether it is gradable or not. Some will but you will not care much.

"Do your part," they will tell you severally. "Do your research." And, for your information, some will allege that it is a crime for lecturers to give notes. Their work is to give you tips. Whether or not you like it, they will drag you into reading what they want you to read. If you don’t, that is part of the chronic laziness that yields half baked graduates. They will give you a test and tell you to watch out.

"I will recycle some of the questions in the end of semester exam," one will say on one or two occasions. It is up to you to take it or leave it. Leave it to the credit of your laziness. Take for granted the various research topics (s)he has asked you to undertake. This is just a honey pot of success. But, you will not put these bona fide tips in mind They will give you a coursework. If you fail en masse, one or two consider a make up for you.

"Fail it at your own risk... Blame yourself if you get a retake," one of them confided in us in one of his lectures.

"If you get a retake and it happens that you are in my class next academic year, you will have a hard time. I want all of you to pass."

You take his talk for granted. You procrastinate the research work and assignment (s)he gave you. You assume you will pass since (s)he has already tipped you on the possible areas of examination. This is a time to relax. You wait to concentrate and read during the last two weeks prior to the exam. Come that time, you have forgotten everything you thought was useful for your success story. Fellow course mates have come up with their version of possible questions and exam areas.

When the day of reckoning finally comes, you open the examination paper. The first question is an exact replica of the coursework he gave you. And, it is worth 40 marks. You try hard to remember his tips but? But, a frown takes charge of your forehead. Ripples of blood(sic) ensue on your brow. You set onto writing nothing vital on the blank page. Whom do you blame?

"Laziness, I condemn thee."

Joshua Masinde

Campus Law Of Common Sense

There is a natural law here in campus. The law executes itself without the need for a custodian. This law is embedded in the mind and works in alliance with the law of conscience. This is the law of common sense. Some of the most conspicuous signs one could encounter while moving around campus was, 'Use Your Common Sense. Do Not Litre.' This law is applicable in other numerous situations. There are times when it needs reminding that one should use ones common sense. But on various other occasions, this law will come into play intrinsically.

One of the commonest scenes you will come across in high school is outright display of ruthlessness, whenever the situation calls for it. One area which is always haunted by incivility (common nonsense) is the Dining Hall. Leave alone the play ground on sports days when rival teams are playing. An excuse can always be availed at the display of hooliganism whenever the hosts attack the rival team after losing in a match.

In the DH, this cannot be easily excused. This is the area where the concept of survival for the fittest suits when a student in the senior class endeavours to get a lion's share of the meal at the earliest opportunity. He always has room to come for a second share before a form one misses food, right when he is getting the second or third share.

The cafeteria system is merely a hissing snake that does not poison. It dos not favourably apply in the wake of the senior students, who under the scapegoat of a lot of work, and exams around the corner, will jump queue. Nonetheless, this applies suitably in campus. It is absurd and rather weird to notice a mature student, with enough beards to earn maximum respect, jump over tables to get to the serving table before the rest. This is despite his coming to the mess thirty minutes before the rest. The law of first come first serve does apply here.

In circumstances of feuds, the high scholars will most likely arbitrate issues with the exchange of blows. However, this would not end there. Revenge would always be reserved for another day.

It looks funny for campus students to engage in a brawl in the wake of an argument. However much one is annoyed, you can't easily expect a fight to ensue. There will always be talks of, "You are a grown up... We are intellectuals... You should behave like one... We should behave like diplomats." They create intellectual scenes of brains at fight. Whoever wins becomes a celeb for a few seconds. The law of common sense strongly condemns fighting. Even the ones who do not wholly trust this law will be reluctant to engage in a fight. It is not a question of muscular might determines right.

If anyone engaged in a fight, they would be assured of losing their place at the university. It is just unsafe to fight within campus gates. Perhaps, this can be tolerated in the pubs! But be warned. The law will always be on your neck.

Joshua Masinde

Cultivating reading culture is key to reviving passion and interest for Literature

There is this question, which has severally been asked, in agony. Why is literature lessening in popularity as a subject for students? In my A-level, I happened to come from a class of more than 90 Arts students. Out of this, only about 15 of us had Literature in our combination. While subjects like History, Geography, Economics and Divinity boasted of colossal numbers, mostly over 80 students, Literature class, as has always been self-made History in the school, reeked from scarcity of students. Despite this, we only had one consistent teacher to handle us on most of the books, including poetry. A few others were hired, but the administration blamed the situation on the dearth of Literature teachers.

From my experience at the time, Literature students used to be held in high esteem as they were thought to have one of the heaviest reading schedules. The argument of many other students on why they could not take Literature is because of the numerous books, some of which, like Jane Eyre and The Grapes of Wrath were too voluminous. The Beautiful Ones Are Not yet Born was termed, even by Literature students themselves as complex and myriad of imagery and symbolism. Poetry on the other hand is regarded as complex. They fail to understand that reading does not merely require passion. It requires a positive attitude towards whatever genre one wants to read. The fact that many students have a negative attitude towards Literature, which though they admire, they fear to take on as part of their subject combination.

Reading culture is lacking in this case. This should begin right from the time child begins to read. While I was still in primary, reading used to be a routine, there was time, purely dedicated to reading. The school would buy the necessary story (some of the most popular ones used to be the Moses Series, by Barbara Kimenye, an East African Author) books and make it a point that each pupil has something to read, besides the usual textbooks. I hardly notice the same culture in progress nowadays.

This is what has continued to make Literature a less popular subject by the wake of everyday. Reading culture has not been cultivated from the elementary stage of schooling. The pupils and students are not encouraged to read. They over dwell on textbook reading, and in most cases, they rely on mere 'spoon feeding' geared solely to excelling. That is why the universities and other institutions of higher learning keep receiving a bunch of half-baked high school students who can hardly do research on their own. For their 'good' grades, they get matriculated to the institutions of higher learning, but can hardly construct a sentence. Most of them are heavily handicapped by mother tongue pronunciation of English.

For the lack of reading, the children grow up knowing it is not a big deal to read story books or literature genres. It is a big deal! No wonder, in the 1960's Taban Lo Liyong' decried that East Africa is a literary desert. This ‘desert’ does not grow from nowhere. It begins with the lose of interest in reading. This trend needs to change once and for all. The education system should first and foremost encourage the reading culture amongst the students. Students should be encouraged to take up Literature en masse. More teachers need be trained to specialise in teaching Literature. More genres especially by local authors should be emphasised in order to revive the spirit and passion in the subject.

Joshua Masinde

Economic case of defilement is mere juvenile prostitution

'Defilement commercialised’ is a thorn in the flesh of good morals. The story, carried out in the Daily Monitor, 27th June, shows how our society is becoming a man eat offspring society. It’s an abuse of fundamental human rights, in this case, the rights of the girl child being used as a commodity of promiscuity for money. Why should guardians or whatever parties involved, use their young girls as investment in juvenile prostitution? Is it a failure on the part of the laws, law enforcers, the guardians of such innocent victims or lack of laws to curb this trend once and for all?

Definitely, this is a failure, first on the part of the guardians who would rather get cash out of the defiler other than take the matter beyond their irrational heads. Such guardians have lost both morals and concern for their children. They have adorned the garb of greed and ignorance. However greedy or hungry a dog is, it cannot feast on its offspring. But, in the face of a civilised society, defilers are getting away with it. The defiled remain in the hands of fate, nursing their trauma and demoralised innocence. In most cases, they live which such trauma into their adulthood and this affects their relationship with the opposite gender.

For defilement to take on such a commercialised course, the guardians and the defilers, just like entrepreneurs, take risks and seem to engage in healthy business. They bury their heads in the sand to the penalty that defilement carries, ‘sentence to death’ verses the lucrative part of defilement: some cash to shove the defiler into freedom. The defiler gets away with it regardless the number of minors he defiles.

It might be the case of morals becoming so cheap that they can be sleazed with a little money.

Some of the legislatures’ argument on enabling easier conditions for bail to decongest overcrowded courts and prison systems is irrational. It is merely used as a scapegoat to condone ‘commercialisation of defilement.’ Such escapist approaches in dealing with the issue account for the acceleration in defilement and rape cases reported. Any sound minded person cannot even give this consideration a thought other than dismissing it for sadism. If not, just like the law on adultery which was scrapped, the law on defilement might also be headed for the same fate.

Stiffer penalties should be enforced and executed by the courts of law. However big the number of defilers is, they all need to face true justice that reflects their offences. In any case, there is big enough land for construction of prisons to accommodate the defilers. But, if rational heads together with the laws are buried in the sand, defilement and rape cases will continue to thrive. It will even be economically than criminally sounding and viable.

Joshua Masinde

Challenges of Current Population Upswing

'Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth…” seems to have been taken very seriously as Ugandan population is estimated to be at 30.9 million. The United Nations Population Fund report in the New Vision on the 27th June, got me thinking how fertile the Ugandan population is. The said 7.1 births per woman is an explosive figure in a contemporary society. Though, this is a good sign of a healthy population, some issues need be addressed.

How will an estimated population of 130 million people by the year 2030 be taken care of? The dependent population, which accounts for the 50.4% of the total population is in itself a dependency burden. The population explosion as seen in the current growth rate of 3.6%, the world’s second largest after Burundi's 3.7%, will yield over-dependence burden on the economic muscle of the households and the government. The land, natural resources, infrastructure, social institutions like schools and hospitals will surely reek from the overweight of over-dependence and exploitation by the colossal population.

Households with bigger numbers of children cater for will no doubt be relegated to more impoverished status. Their capacity to save and invest will be constrained due to over-strain on their incomes. Heavy government expenditure on the needs of its colossal population, for instance, education, health care, infrastructure and security is limited. This puts the national resources at the risk of quick depletion, with the numerous needs of the population still unmet. The government capacity to save and invest in the economy is also hampered.

With the 3.6% population growth, the Millennium Development Goals will be far from reach. The immense needs of the big population become a pipe dream on which our development aspirations face their death.

With the population of 130 million people at 2030, how is the government going to provide and sustain the Universal Primary Education and the Universal Secondary Education?

The current and obvious trend in economic development and growth shows that reduced population growth complements sustainable development. The developed countries boast of the most minimal or relatively negative population growth and sounding economies. The dependent population is about 25% of the total population. The economically active and productive population constitutes the largest portion of the population. This reflects minimal dependency syndrome.

In order to address the challenges of population upswing, the government needs to reinforce mechanisms like education of the masses on the importance of population regulation, education and economic empowerment of women. People driven laws and policies need be formulated to set the maximum number of children a family should have. Raising the minimum matrimony age for girls from sixteen should be considered. Family planning methods should be encouraged. Religious leaders should have a stake in this in the case of Catholicism which does not condone birth control methods. The high costs incurred in family planning should be addressed. Above all, cultural practices like polygamy should be discouraged.

With all these in place, come 2030, the Ugandan population might still be 31 million rather than the projected 130 million!

Joshua Masinde

Burying our heads in the sand

While watching "Miss HIV", a documentary on HIV prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa, I felt sympathetic. It's not for the reason that the scourge is at its best to inflict its wrath on our generations. My sympathy arose from the colossal exit of my fellow campusers from the auditorium where the documentary was being shown.

In this era of HIV AIDS, it is sad many students fear to know the truth about the scourge. This rules out their capacity to be better equipped to take on the challenge in the fight the AIDS scourge.

I stayed put. In mind, there lay my sympathy as the fellows, either pricked by the reality on the ground or afraid to face the grim reality passed on to them, marched out like a flock of sheep. It is universal truth that knowledge is power. The documentary, which highlighted HIV AIDS as a crisis to our existence, should have been regarded as the best of opportunities to show-case our yearning for more knowledge on how to fight this scourge. No wonder, it is common knowledge that a large number of campus students are victims of the scourge. They live in fear...afraid of the reality before themselves. No wonder, many more are falling prey to the scourge and the numbers are soaring each day.

This arises from ignorance and lack of knowledge. In the library of Books, God says that 'My people' perish for lack of knowledge.

During my orientation days as a fresher, the head of our department disclosed that most of us had come to campus with fresh blood. But, by the end of our course, more than 40% of us will certainly be HIV+. Many students in campus dread the disclosure of such knowledge about HIV AIDS to them. In addition, a majority of them end up falling victims courtesy of their ignorance.

It is a pity that some of us will never live for long to enjoy the fruits of our sweat. If we shall be lucky enough to be settled down in matrimony, kids coming along, it is certain that those kids might never embrace the chance to live under our guard. It is not a dream to find the young ones being taken care of by the old generation. The parents, who sired such innocent kids will for the lack of knowledge, perhaps have perished. The kids would be lucky to live under their grandparents' care.

My sympathy lies herein my heart still. However, there is a long way to go. The reality is on the ground. It helps a lot for knowledge seekers to stay put and absorb the knowledge passed onto them. It is sad for them to flock out en masse with the idea that they are escaping bitter reality. The days when we buried our heads in the sand are long gone. Such are times when we showed reality that we can stand the test of fear and let the enemy come in whatever form. Let the enemy come. We shall be well prepared. Assuredly, the so-called HIV AIDS enemy will fling to seven directions.

Joshua Masinde

Trends in the electronic age

The rate at which our world has gone into the electronic age (e-age), is eyebrow raising. The slow times are gradually demystifying out of the way. Life is now fast paced. No wonder, the 24 hours we are blessed for a day seem never enough for our never-ending multiple tasks.

The e-age has unveiled the trend of curiosity and detailed scrutiny into issues and events. Most of the e-age experts use it to rediscover both the past and to predict the future. In the good old days, most fellows explored their past glories, gloomy occasions and events through story-telling.

The future was predicted upon the observation of certain events, weather patterns and certain environmental trends. For instance, the sight of clouds in the high atmosphere or the mass migration of birds from one end of the world to the other denoted that rain would come. This was an invaluable art of indigenous weather forecast, which has sunk into the past. The e-age has phased it out of the way. Now, what can a mass of fog in the high atmosphere suggest in this e-age but massive pollution that exist in our environment?

The e-age presents people with the art of self-discovery. Despite the fact that it has opened the accounts of people’s life to the public in a wide sphere, it has turned the world into a tiny village of myriad complexities.

Coming to think of it, this trend is irreversible. No matter how much tears we shed or how many wars we engage in, to alleviate the effects of the e-age, the water has already flowed under the bridge. It is positive to note that some people can monitor their homes from thousands of miles away. Courtesy of internet search engines like Google Earth and Yahoo, they are updated by each second on what is going on in their homes, compounds et al.

Some spies or detectives can monitor ones’ home and private life without ones’ knowledge. They intrude on the inalienable right to privacy since they are crafting a living out of it, or are up to something sinister.

Nowadays, whenever examination results are released, one thing that someone who knows how to take advantage of the e-age can do is to download the results for their beholding. There are the particular ones whose impulse would propel them to want to know how their friend or foe performed. In the case their foe, if the results are damn awful, they will feel happy and spread the tidings. This is unethical since such should be a private issue.

This is something that some ill-intentioned fellows might use to dig in the back of those guys they have beef with. In the long run, you don’t even know who is losing out. This makes me wonder, but had our good old past been with us, we could have advanced in a very unique perspective. The histo-cultural twists and turns of fate instilled a sense of fear, morals and conviction in the minds of the people of the time. The heritage was a boost to their peaceful co-existence. But that we have let that heritage pass by, the centre can now not hold and things have fallen apart.

Joshua Masinde

Is Uganda's creative writing an endangered species?

For creative writing to undergo exponential growth in Uganda, motivation is key to this. Austin Ejiet, the author of Aida, Hurray for Somo and other stories and a seasoned columnist with the Daily Monitor points out in a rather dispassionate manner. His sombre mood reflects the disheartening state of creative writing in Uganda. He seems rather displeased with this situation.
“Creative writing is an endangered species in Uganda.” He attributes this grave situation to lack of incentives like prizes allotted to creative works to spur many people to venture into creative writing.

He credits Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s literary growth to the international sphere because of the motivation that spurred him into serious creative writing.

“Ngugi wrote Weep Not Child while he was in North Court Hall.” (Currently, Nsibirwa Hall, at Makerere University). The purpose for writing the novel was “to win the Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature,” Ejiet points out. “He won it and that is why he didn’t stop writing.” He notes that Uganda has a poor History of rewarding creative writers. Musicians get better rewards and that is why most of them continue singing and live off music.

The government should come up with incentives to recognise creative works. Corporate like the MTN, Celtel and Mango should also consider setting aside rewards to recognise some of the best creative works in Uganda.

The aspect of survival has also been unfavourable to the growth of creative writing in Uganda. Most people are too busy figuring out ways of surviving rather than sitting down to write say, a poem. He sights his own example when he had a 25-year teaching stint at Makerere University.

He would start work at 8 pm and 5 pm. To him, that was too exhaustive to create any room for creative writing. The 25 years were kind of wasted in terms of his creative output.

The publishing industries also play a role in foreseeing the dying spirit of creative writing. Ninety percent of the proceeds from any creative works go to the publisher, while the author takes away a meagre ten percent.

The lack of a writers’ council or a national writers’ association has similarly foreseen a major slump in creative writing in Uganda. Were there such associations, they would practically encourage the growth of creative writing talent and support such talent to crawl out of the woods into the light of the world. They would act as the mouthpiece of the creative writers in major aspects of their ventures.

Ejiet also sights out the visual arts as a major competitor to creative writing. In the contemporary society, many people are comfortable watching pornography than sitting down to read a 500-page book.

Nevertheless, “creative writing is not a dead force in Uganda.” While he was the head of the Literature Department at Makerere University, he designed a creative writing course in 1991, though it never survived to date. Creative writing, though, has given him name recognition. The name recognition helped him gain some money sent from Japan to honour his creative writing zeal.

“The rewards do not come in ones lifetime,” he says.

He says there has been a concerted and painful progress in African writing. However, much of such writing has been the copycat of the Achebe, p’Bitek, Soyinka and Ngugi classics.

“Creative writers should come up with new and appealing genres to set a unique system of creative works. Most of the earlier African writing dwelt intensively on colonialism. This has been overtaken by events.

“Creative writing is different from writing a historical piece. In creative writing, especially on current issues, one should endeavour to keep in touch with current events. A short story would do better here.” It takes a leisurely pace, a day or a week to write a short story unlike a novel, which takes a long time, even five years!

He gives an example of Nuruddin Farah. His writing focussed on Said Barre and his tyranny while he was Somali president.

“Despite being a very bright fellow, he has nothing to say because Barre is no more.” The events during Barre’s tyrannical regime were overtaken by History.

“If you want to write a novel, look at issues in the fullness of events.”

There is so much to write about, Ejiet hints. “Life is the raw material for all literature.” That explains why most of his writings especially the short stories focus on the varied situations and absurdities in life. He employs satire to unveil the injustices in everyday life. “You can write about the most sacrilegious thing and get away with it.

Not all is lost, though. He still nurses his disappointment on the desperate situation of the Ugandan creative works, which do not retain a hold as set books in the syllabus.

“Why do they keep recycling Western classics?” There are good published writers in Uganda. Some of them have ten titles to their name but none of their books is a set book. He looks forward to the day when Ugandan creative works will be given uniform importance as the Western creative works.

Joshua Masinde

Young Enterpreneurs

I am amused at the level of expertise some of my fellow campusers can exhibit when it comes to innovation and creativity. There is this fellow who has mastered the art of entrepreneurship. I personally have a long-term dream to be a successful entrepreneur but I do not know exactly what I can lay my hands on and be successful as such.

I could not even initially think which kind of business this guy had in mind. I thought he would start up a small kiosk or a video shop for that matter. I thought of this since a course mate has opted to be a part time barber. I don't feel his business will survive the wave of a clique of friends who usually come for free shaves. Has shaved my hair twice free of charge.

That aside, Mr. Desire, the young entrepreneur am talking about has set up, not a small kiosk, but a website (http://www.urdesire.com/). Courtesy of some miserable tycoons in town, he has set up the website in order to facilitate easy access to campus babes. There has been an exponential demand and desire for campus babes by some affluent sugar daddies in town. The only setback to them is they have found it difficult to access their prospective clients.

The photos and addresses of the campus babes willing to have a share of the affluence of the tycoons will be posted on the website.

The sugar daddies have pooled a lot of money for the maintenance of the website. They will also facilitate its launch as soon as everything is put in order.

This entrepreneurship venture has inspired me a great deal. I think I should tread an entrepreneurship path in order to earn recognition and a fat wallet. I am now contemplating seriously of creating another personal web-blog (not a website because I don't know when I will afford it) where sugar mummies can hook up campus boys!

Joshua Masinde,

Appeared in Campo Vibe (BUZZ MAGAZINE, SN 27/5/07)

Prejudices and Divides

The traditional ulcer that lies beneath our diverse differences is labelled out in prejudice. Though, it is characteristic of every society at any given time, it seems to have deepened its existence within us. This was a creation of nature but we complicated its essence and attached a negative perspective to such differences.

We were once born into this world naked and innocent, but our society gave us clothes and taught us wicked ways. The innocence we were born with was stronger than any social, political and economic demarcation.

As we grew up, the process of socialisation opened our eyes wide to the reality of prejudices and divides we live with. A turn about ourselves brought into sight a society deeply cut into segments. We could not resist to assimilate such lesser values since a precedent had already been set before us.

In this Pearl of Africa, just like in most other African countries, deeply rooted cases of ethnicity and separitism are still existant. They span from the political heights to the cultural circles. Cultural and ethnic groups treat each other with suspicion. One group believes they are more significant than their brothers and sisters elsewhere. And so, they think their identity will be more pronounced if they are apportioned a federation to propel their destiny. That is pure fodder for more divides and prejudices.

Lecturer Dixon Kamukama, while presenting a lecture on 'The Ethnic Factor in our Governance and Development in Uganda and the Way Forward' noted: 'There is an unofficial negative attitude towards certain sections of our community in Uganda .' Everywhere you turn, you are met by an eye of suspicion and mistrust. This emanates from the attitude ‘we’ perceive towards certain ethno-cultural orientations. He further noted that '...if these are not tamed (they) could lead one to having a negative attitude or become intolerant to others or have prejudice.

The tradional North-South divide breaks the ranks of such prejudice that has become a norm within us. Those from the South of our pearl of Africa think they are blessed with fertile land, peace, education et al and are different from their ‘less’ fortunate brohters and sisters in the North. This brings about a whole basement of animosity, unrest and political severence.

It was about time we redifined our differences and made use of such privilege for the sake of our wellbeing. Our brotherliness is deeply rooted where we consider to exist diveristy and differences. We are one people. There is more to our differences than the mere prejudices and divides we attach to them. In fact, the world would be a dull place if such differences never existed at all.

The basic thing is to use our rational mind to harmonise our existence with one another. Just imagine having the Pearl of Africa devoid of sharp prejudices and divisions, where would we be today?

Joshua Masinde,
seejmasinde@yahoo.com

A commet on Salim Lone's commentary, 'Beheadings in Kenya much more than security threats' (DN27thMay07)

Hello Mr. Salim Lone! That is a remarkable story! I think the government, especially the security minister is kind of 'delaying' to deal with them since they happen to exist in a homogenous socio-political and cultural setting. This is an issue they need to address with acute intolerence.

I think the blame game between the security minister (executive) and the judiciary is a sort of scapegoat that offers a better and more fertile nursery bed for the growth of 'Mungiki' into a tyrannical empire within a lawful government. If they are allowed to advance their terror, archaic persecutions of innocent Kenyans, they will gain the mentality complex that they can even execute their terror on the leaders. After the innocent man on the street, who next?


With time (if they are allowed to 'grow') they will tend be more organised with complex networks and will be bleeding hungry to lead a nation. But, how can this come to pass, they will feel so superior as to attempt to stage a rebellion against the powers that be.


Mr. Salim, I think you should tell them how rebel groups, some of which have led to collapsed governments by taking power themselves, can be formented! This situation should be contained without fear or favour.

Good day


JM.

Torn Between Hostilities

I witnessed the case of the fall out between a boda boda man with his wife, who had stayed out of the home for three days without permission. She had not even bothered to go back home and breast-feed their one-year-old toddler. This prompted the man to put his walk of life aside so he could take care of the toddler and his seven-year-old son.

When his wife went back home, he told her to return where she had been to.

“I’ve come to breast-feed my baby,” the woman said. She was not even bothered by her husband’s seriousness.

“After three days?” Untold dismay could be read on the man’s face. “After three days; then you remember to come and breast-feed your baby? Return to wherever place you’ve come from.”

The woman, determined not to yield to her husband’s threats went into the house to pick up the wailing baby. The irate husband pursued her to the house to teach her a lesson. All of a sudden, there came out the woman’s shrill cry. Some struggles ensued. After some time, the woman sped out of the house while holding the baby tightly in her bosom. The two were weeping loudly.

Their ten-year-old son, who had just come from school, arrived in time to witness the on-going curfew between his father and mother.

“Bring the child and return where you came from,” the man hollered insistently as he drew towards her in haste. He caught her and punched her in the face. Succeeding punches landed on the little toddler whom the woman had resolved to use as her shield.

“How can you stay out for three days without my knowledge unless you don’t want to care for the children? Unless you are a slut!” the man continued exuding his venom. He landed a grip on the toddler and snatched her from the mother. But for the mother’s speedy kneeling, the toddler could have landed head-on to the ground. The man held the toddler by the arm while with his other hand, continued administering his justice on the woman.

A few on lookers urged the woman to run for her life. She did. She took hold of their ten-year-old son and sought for refuge from her fuming husband. Thick blood oozed from her badly fractured nose. Her ten-year-old boy had joined her in the wailing.

“Let me never see you in this house again,” the boda boda fellow kept on thundering as he held the toddler in his arms. “As for this child, forget. I will breast feed her.”

I glared at the man and his critically wounded wife and pitied them. In fact, I pitied the two kids so much for the terror that had been inflicted in their tender innocent hearts and minds. The mere fall out between their parents the two kids from each other. And, since the boda boda man kept on proclaiming that he would bring in another woman in his wife’s place, the more serious trauma lay in their children. More so, I was greatly concerned about the fate of the toddler.

The two kids are the ones who shoulder immense suffering, both physically and psychologically. Young as they are, they are not mentally prepared to host such shame, bitterness, violence and trauma that results from their parents’ fall out. This engenders untold suffering to them. They end up thinking everybody in the world hates them; hence they reserve and resign into themselves.

Apart from being subject to the violence and horrific scenes of the tussle between their parents, such children countenance stigma and abuse from other children within their social spectrum. In schools, they become the favourite talk of other children: “Your father beat your mother and dumped her… You do not have a father or a mother… and the like.” They fall prey to such abuse that should otherwise have been eschewed.

This relegates them to self-rejection, stress and trauma. Sometimes, when the going becomes unbearable, they mete out violence on the offenders in a bid to silence them. The situation, more often that not, aggravates. In the long run, the child’s academic performance faces a bottleneck.

Why should this happen? Why do parents of such calibre resort to act on impulse? Fighting is never always the problem-arbiter. In any case the parents should attach immediate resolve to dialogue rather than irrational action through fist throwing and exchange of abuses. There’s more to dialogue than meets the eye. Sensitive domestic issues, which need not spill to the public ear end up being solved amicably where dialogue is initiated.

Most of the problems that we witness nowadays like family break-ups would be rare phenomena. My advice to such parents is, think before you leap. If you must leap, do it rationally in case you want to save the future life of your children. Otherwise, what’s the use of destroying the future life of your kids? Please, let’s save the kids for a healthy future.

Joshua Masinde