A Call for Accountability: Two Stories From the Pearl of Africa
Ugandan singer turned presidential candidate Bobi Wine (via Africa News)
The atrocities befalling the Ugandan people persisted in the shadows. These stories - from two perspectives deeply rooted in the Ugandan experience - aim to shine a new light.
By Aprili and Rayyah
Eleven years ago, I promised my family that I would share my story of a beautiful community known as New Hope Ministries of Busia, Uganda. Here is a glimpse into that story. It has galvanized so much personal relatability and solidarity with young Ugandans facing the current dictatorship in Uganda.
As I was met at the airport by a welcoming committee to the Pearl of Africa, Uganda, I was warmed by Brenda's sisterly shy smile. She was tall and slender for her adolescent age, eager to help me adjust and make friendships.
Brenda became nauseous during our five-hour ride across the greenest fields and rainforest I've ever seen from the view of an interstate road — Entebbe to Busia town. Busia town is one town in two countries like Kansas City is one city in two states. Uganda's eastern border ends, and Kenya begins and extends eastward. It reminds me of Kansas City in the States — one city, two states.
We ate Matooke together, only to see it resurface across Brenda's shirt. Sitting in the front passenger seat was the only thing that protected me from joining her in vomiting. Having known the feeling, I panicked, searching for my wipes. My host and driver steered through. Brenda protested she was okay.
Upon our arrival at the children's home, Brenda jumped up to lead the most melodious, energetic, engaging, and endearing choir of beautiful children in a Volunteer Welcoming Performance.
I trust the youth fighting for Bobi Wine as their rightful President of Uganda. I witness resilience across the African Diaspora each day. I was raised "tired of being poor," like Tupac said, and proud to be Black in the U.S.. Having extensively visited 8 African countries and lived in East Africa for 4 years, I adore my people's strength. I don't shy away from it in the name of new age self-care.
This is not a call for toxic productivity. It is a wake-up call, a push to open our worldview and share in solidarity, the quest to remove a dictator who haunts his citizens.
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Aprili (we/she) is a family-oriented globetrotter, and differently-abled, full-sized goddess — patiently writing her memoir entitled Be, aka @realestmemoirever.
Rayyah's Story I was born and raised in Uganda all my life and moved to Canada later in my life. Uganda being politically turbulent as it were, meant many who were raised in Uganda can remember significant times in our nation's history that rocked its very foundation.