Our Uganda Friday: 28th January 2011

by Darlyne Komukama

The purpose of the 'Our Uganda' posts every Friday is to show Uganda in a positive light, to show that despite what the media portrays there is a lot of joy in living here and that people mostly go on with their lives here as anyone anywhere else. We enjoy art, theatre, music and film.

The events of the past week, however, can not be ignored. The murder of David Kato, a prominent Gay rights activist, on Wednesday in his home is a sad and terrible thing that shows a state of affairs that has come to a head in this country, my country, which I felt was populated with even-headed people who live and let live. There are unsavoury characters who are encouraging this hate for anything different in Ugandans that grieves my heart.

David Kato.© 2009 AP Images

David, you lived a brave life and paved the way for liberties and freedoms that you won't be able to enjoy yourself but that will surely, one day, be accorded to every Ugandan whatever their sexual orientation.

Our Uganda Friday: Voices of Uganda

by Hanna Schwing

The National Theater is hosting a photo exhibit by Andy Kristian Agaba, titled "Voices of Uganda". People from different areas of Uganda were asked to write signs in their local languages expressing their desires for a free and fair election and what they want in elected officials. They were then photographed in their everyday setting holding signs displaying such messages as, "We need leaders who will ensure equal distribution of resources irrespective of sex, tribe or religion."

"I adjure the youths/students to stay away from bad groups that might influence them into violence during the elections period."

Any Kampalans who want to get into the democratic spirit before the elections on 18th February should make time this weekend to stop by the National Theater between 11am and 7pm to view the exhibit. See more photos here.

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Our Uganda Friday 17th December, 2010

by Darlyne Komukama.

*Apologies for the late posting.

Kyadondo Rugby Club has not been the most popular place to hang out since the July bombings but that all changed when the first annual 'This Is Uganda' festival took place on Saturday 18th December.

Born of a shared love of cultural pursuits by the patrons at Iguana, 'This Is Uganda' put on a really good show and reminded the people who were there why we all love this country as much as we do.

With performances from huge names in rap (Navio), rock (The Uneven Band), RnB (Jamal) and DJ (DJ Tumz), the variety of entertainment catered for everyone. But that wasn't it. Entertainment is fun but there was also a message that was being passed on, this year's focus being the emancipation of women with an HIV/AIDS heavy theme.

All in all, the festival was a big hit and we can not wait for the next one.

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Our Uganda Friday: BASKETS!

Ten Thousand Villages, a fair trade retailer which Awava deeply respects, put together a very nice video about their Ugandan baskets a few months ago. The video features Betty Kinene, the amazing founder of Uganda Crafts 2000, Ltd., one of Awava's partners, AND shows our Musoke Basket for a split second in the intro!

On this Uganda Friday, please enjoy learning about how and why these beautiful baskets are made!