I rush in a hurry to pack all my belongings (which isn't much) from my room in Hopkins Inn, looking at each item and deciding whether to put it in my carry-on purse for the flight or to leave it with my friend. I sip a cup of coffee for the last time, considering the questionable safety of dairy products there. Though I'm a little nervous about leaving my American comforts behind, I am still overenthusiastic about entering a country filled with a unique political history as well as culture. Furthermore, Uganda is filled with so many opportunities to not only be improved but also to grow as a beautiful country. Just yesterday, on a lecture of history, culture, and politics, the speaker told us about the recent discovery of oil deposits around Lake Albert. In today's world, oil deposits such as those just discovered are highly desired. Though the lecturer indicated that he wasn't quite sure about the future implications of this discovery, I couldn't help but think that this new finding would set up a complex struggle between locals and the government, one in which maybe the youth of Uganda would have an active role in.
Out of all the groups of people I have so far read about, the youth especially seem to catch my eye. Though there are high drop out rates and education there doesn't seem to portray a direct link to employment, the youth have such vigor. Interestingly enough, the majority of youth practice citizenship almost yearly, voting at almost every time elections are held, despite the fact that the votes might even be counted in a way to ensure that the current president stays in power ("In Africa, our presidents overstay"- common saying of politics). This segment of people, regardless of the hardships of finding employment and finding health services that cater to their needs, are out to make a better future. Considering that Uganda, unlike that of the United States, has a young population (majority of the citizens are under 30 years old), this energy and passion of youth shed positive light as to how Uganda can be lifted from its current economic and social status.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPazLbeYKF0
This is a popular Ugandan song that talks about the vigor of a long neglected ethnic group in Uganda, the Acholi.
Until my next post, wish me luck :)
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